# The Baha'i Centenary, 1844-1944 *Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.* --- > Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, The Baha'i Centenary, 1844-1944, Wilmette: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1944, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > The House in Shiraz in which the Báb declared His mission, May 23, 1844. > The Baháí Centenary > 1844-1944 > > A RECORD OF AMERICA’S RESPONSE > TO BAHA’U’LLAH’S CALL TO THE REALIZATION > OF THE ONENESS OF MANKIND > > TO COMMEMORATE > > THE ONE H U N D R E D T H ANNIVERSARY OF THE > BIRTH OF TH E BAHA I FA ITH > > Compiled by > > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the > United States and Canada > > Baha’i Publishing Committee > Wilmette, Illinois > 1944 > Copyright 1944 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the > Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada > > P R I N T E D I N U . S. A. > cs > > 3 *17.89 > Foreword .................................................................................................................................. ix > f O N T E NTS > Introduction: The Bahá’í Faith— Principles and Teachings of a W orld Religion xi > > PART ONE > The Dawn of the Bahá’í Revelation .................................................................................. 1 > Martyrdom of the B áb.......................................................................................................... 6 > BaháVllálťs Tribute to the B áb ......................................................................................... 13 > The Báb and the Revelation of Bahá’u ’lláh ..................................................................... 15 > > PART TWO > America’s Spiritual Destiny: References to N orth America in the Bahá’í W ritings 19 > > PART THREE > History of the American Bahá’í Com m unity 65 > The Bahá’í Faith Comes to A m erica..................................................................................... 78 > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in A m erica...................................................................................................... 82 > Cities of North America Visited by ‘A bdu’l-Bahá in 1912 90 > > PART FOUR > American Bahá’í Chronology................................................................................................ 93 > The Formation of an Organic ReligiousC om m unity......................................................... 96 > Bahá’í Headquarters ................................................................................................................. 110 > Bahá’í Properties .................................................................................................. Ill > > PART FIVE > The Bahá’í House of W orship................................................................................................ 114 > History of Temple C onstruction......................................................................................... 122 > The Temple Superstructure .................................................................................................. 135 > Exterior Ornamentation ........................................................................................................ 136 > > PART SI X > Early Bahá’í Pilgrimages to ‘Akká and H a ifa ................................................................... 139 > Teachers Sent to America by ‘Abdu’l-B ahá....................................................................... 143 > The Development of Bahá’í Publications................................................................ 145 > Bahá’í Teaching in N orth A m erica.................................................................................... 154 > > 930480 > VI CONTENTS > > Bahd’i Teachers Go to Europe, Asia and A frica............................................................. 179 > Baha’i Teaching in Latin America.................................................................................... 195 > American Bahá’í Teachers Who Served in Other Lands.............................................. 200 > Teaching Activity Serving Race U nity................................................................... 202 > The Bahd’i Faith in the Colleges....................................................................................... 206 > Teaching at the House of Worship................................................................................ 209 > > PART SEVEN > Bahd’i Schools ..................................................................................................................... 211 > > PART EIGHT > The American Bahd’i Community.................................................................................. 222 > Bahá’i Sacred Relics in National Archives............ : .................. 234 > Baha’i Literature .............................................................................................................. 239 > > PART NINE > Appreciations of the Baha’i F aith.................................................................................... . 248 > References to the Bahd’i Faith in Books and Pamphlets................... 251 > Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. 253 > VI CONTENTS > > Bahá’í Teachers Go to Europe, Asia and A frica............................................................. 179 > Bahá’í Teaching in Latin America.................................................................................... 195 > American Bahd’i Teachers Who Served in Other Lands.............................................. 200 > Teaching Activity Serving Race U nity................................................................. . . . 202 > The Baha’i Faith in the Colleges....................................................................................... 206 > Teaching at the House of Worship................................................................................ 209 > > PART SEVEN > Bahá’í Schools ..................................................................................................................... 211 > > PART EIGHT > The American Bahd’i Community.................................................................................. 222 > Bahd’i Sacred Relics in National Archives........ . : ................. 234 > Baha’i Literature .............................................................................................................. 239 > > PART NINE > Appreciations of the Bahá’i F aith.......................................................................... ? . 248 > References to the Bahd’i Faith in Books and Pamphlets.............................................. 251 > Acknowledgments .............................................................................................................. 253 > ILLUSTRATIONS > Frontispiece: The House in Which the Báb Declared His Mission........................... ii > The Town and Castle of Máh-Kú Where the Báb Was Confined................................ 7 > Shrine of the Báb and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Palestine ............... 14 > The Interior of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel............................................. 17 > Garden of Ridván, Baghdád, Where Bahi’u’lUh Declared His Mission 32 > Barracks at ‘Akká Where Bahá’u’lláh Was Incarcerated in 1868................................ 38 > House Where Bahá’uTláh Passed Away at Bahjí, ‘Akká, Palestine.............................. 42 > Views of the Outer Shrine of Bahá’uTláh...................................................................... 49 > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ............................................................................................. 81 > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá On Grounds of the House of Worship ................................................... 84 > Map of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Travel in America ................................................. 91 > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Unity Feast, West Englewood, New Jersey, 1912 92 > Tablet Revealed by ‘AbduJ-Bahá to Bahá’í Body of Believers of Chicago 95 > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Leland Stanford University, October 8, 1912.................................... 103 > The Interior of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Mount Carmel.................................... 108 > Central Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States > and Canada, at Wilmette, Illinois.............................................................................. 110 > The Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, Illinois......................................................... 114 > Detail of Exterior Ornamentation, Bahá’í House of Worship...................................... 120 > The Seal of First American Bahá’í Assembly of the United States and Canada . 127 > Delegates to the First Bahá’í Convention, March 1909 ............................................... 132 > Group of Early American Believers of about 1900, Chicago...................................... 138 > Federal Certificate of Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly. . 146 > Certificate of Palestine Government................................................................................... 152 > Program, First BaháT Race Amity Convention, Washington, D. C., May 1921 168 > Race Amity Conference, Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, August 1929 ........................... 204 > Fellowship House, Green Acre Bahá’í School, Eliot, Maine........................................ 210 > Interior of Fellowship Flouse, Green Acre BaháT School, Eliot, Maine........ .............. 210 > Dormitory and Dining Rooms, Green Acre Bahá’í School........................................... 213 > vii > V lil > > Bahá’i Hall, Green Acre Bahd’i School............................................................................ 213 > Dormitory, Geyserville Baha’i School............................................................................ 216 > Interior of Baha’i Hall, Geyserville Bahd’i School....................................................... 216 > Louhelen Bahá’í School, Davison, Michigan ............................................................... 219 > International Baha’i School, Colorado Springs, Colorado............................................ 221 > Bahd’i Book Exhibit............................. 242 > FOREWORD > T h e Declaration of His mission made by ‘All-Muhammad, the Báb, on May 23, 1844 > in the city of Shiraz, Persia, inaugurated the era of spiritual knowledge and world civil­ > ization. In Him the Persons of the Prophets, the Manifestations of God who had guided > the races and peoples along the paths of their destiny and renewed the Promise of God > to every darkened and soulless age, united in one transcendent mystery of Being, and > their Voices, the trumpet calls of history, became at last one Voice, their messages one v > Message, their purpose one Purpose. > > In this creation of oneness where the world had always before realized only difference > and diversity, divine Providence employed the Báb as its instrument to establish the > spiritual condition from which should emanate the evolution of human nature and the > development of human society revealing the heavenly kingdom brought to and pre­ > dominating over the substances and inertias of the human world. Inevitably His physical > being was slain, His followers martyred, His purpose resisted, His divine commission > denied, for in that implacable rage of the spiritually dead has the life of the spirit ever > been rekindled and released. > > His Declaration brought all the calendars to an end. A new cycle began; and there­ > fore to the Bahá’ís of East and West the date of May 23, 1844 possesses infinite sig­ > nificance, for it is the first date and event affecting the entire world and all mankind > as one unit and one whole. > > Now in this year of 1944 the Bahá’ís reverently celebrate this Anniversary, this > Festival of the inauguration of the oneness of humanity, the year 100 to those who > have become conscious of the spiritual miracle which God wrought a century ago. There > is one reverence, one gratitude, one adoration and one sacrifice filling with the same > spirit every community of Bahá’ís now existing in sixty or more countries. Though > they are outwardly and physically separated by wars, revolutions, differences of language > and all the divisive forces of the historic past, the Bahá’ís exemplify the conscious and > passionate inwardness of union transcending race, class, nation and creed. > > This spiritual oneness is the true celebration of the Centenary, for it is the direct > and unique result of the inspiration which the Báb’s message breathed into our modern > world. Nothing else can claim to have been the source and cause of the recognition of > the oneness of God which has been the pivot around which all things revolve in this > age. But the Bahá’ís of all lands have each their particular contribution to make to the > public observance of the supreme event. Each community has had its particular history > to unfold and its special achievements to record. > > The Bahá’ís of North America have compiled this work in order to afford to others > some glimpse of how one continent responded to the call of God. It is a Memorial which > all have combined to build during fifty years of continuous Bahá’í activity: those who > sacrificed for the construction of the noble House of Worship in the very heart of the > IX > X FOREWORD > > country; those who traveled overseas to carry the Message to other lands; those who > entered into the founding of the Baha’i communities in hundreds of cities, towns and > villages here at home; those who assisted in the development of the administrative order; > those who taught, lectured, wrote and in their lives reflected the light of faith; those > who upraised the schools and other institutions which have become such powerful organs > of service—men and women representing whites and colored, Christian and Jew, artisan > and scientist, artist and business man, nucleus of the pattern traced by love and truth > upon the luminous surfaces of human hearts. > These are they who have found the path and entered the portals of security and > peace. What they have accomplished seems infinitely little in comparison to the surging > ocean of spiritual power vouchsafed to all who accept His message today; but they have > been as those settlers in new lands who have broken the soil, raised their homes and > fabricated tools and utensils as first step toward a higher order of human relations whose > proof for generations is a faith and a hope and not a visible civilization. What the > blessed century has accomplished has been the laying of a firm foundation. Others will > come with greater power, skill and resources to construct the temple of unity and peace > in which the spirit of men will dwell. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is > of the United States and Canada > > 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. > January 11, 1944 > INTRODUCTION > > T H E B AHA’I F A I T H > Principles and Teachings of a World Religion > > AY 23, 1944 will signalize the ending and from races to mankind. The direction > of the first century of the Bahd’i Era. That of events has been seized from human will > date marks an event of transcendent impor­ and exercised through its own channels and > tance in the evolution of religion and civ­ instruments by the will of God. > ilization. Therefore the sects and creeds, reflecting > From the dawn of the new era one hun­ the religious experience of an era that has > dred years ago, religion, reborn and re­ departed, attached to and dependent on the > vitalized, has been a spirit encompassing all principle of social isolation and self-suffi­ > mankind. It has penetrated into every de­ ciency, have been deprived of divine guid­ > partment of human activity, creating in­ ance. Hence too the political and economic > fluences capable of destroying old, outworn policies representing the material activity of > ideas and their instruments and of disciplin­ that same disavowed principle have become > ing and training the masses of human beings ineffective and impotent except in their ca­ > for unified association in an ordered and pacity to undermine the order on which they > peaceful, world. The rise of science, the themselves depend. > spread of invention, the revolution in indus­ Destiny has moved outside and beyond the > try, the movement of peoples, the clash of ancient law of struggle and conflict to be > nations and the implacable struggle of social the guardian of a new Dispensation of jus­ > philosophies, alike disclose the motivation of tice and order. The Bahd’i Faith, fulfilling > one spiritual impulse and energy which, lay­ the hope and vindicating the truth of for­ > ing hold on humanity, has been shaping its mer Revelations, is the conscious expression > life in conformity with the possibilities of a of the new, world-unifying spirit in its > new, a greater age. source, its purpose and its power to regen­ > Denied, even resisted by the prevalent atti­ erate the life of mankind. > tude of materialism, this force of transmu­ > tation has, while the century closes, mani­ T he Source of Faith > fested its irresistible power, by gathering up > the peoples of East and West and plunging The source of religion is sacred and in­ > them into the crucible of a common agQny violate. Every Faith has come into this > and trial. world from a higher realm. Every Revela­ > Such an outcome can no longer be at­ tion has conveyed light from the Sun of > tributed to controllable human wills, acts truth to the darkness of human hearts and > and social trends. The groups and organiza­ minds. In each Dispensation the life of the > tions, great and small, which so long have soul has been rekindled, releasing capacity > maintained the principle of independence for moral conduct, ethical truth and social > and self-sufficiency, even nations and em­ cooperation. The life and teaching of the > pires, find themselves confronted by menac­ Founder of a religion is the essence and re­ > ing conditions both within and without. ality of that Dispensation, not the catalogue > The universal upheaval is unprecedented. Its of dogmas and creeds which afterward reg­ > implications can not be grasped except by isters the progress of disputation among His > recognition of this spirit from God and the followers and enthrones the arbitrary au­ > working of His divine intention. Sovereignty thority of a few official religionists over the > has been transferred from nations to world people. > xi > THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Bahá’u’lláh has given the fworld today a words, their messages, their acts and man­ > fuller measure of spiritual truth, befitting ners, hath indeed disbelieved in God, hath > the mature development of humanity and repudiated His signs, and betrayed the Cause > the larger responsibility laid upqn men called of His Messengers.” > to establish a world civilization Imbued with Thus we may realize today that the suc­ > the spirit of divine law. cessive Faiths have been different stages > "The door of the knowledge of the along the same path of revealed truth. Their > Ancient Being,” He declares, f"hath ever relationship is that of one religion in con­ > been and will continue for ever to be, closed tinuity, each later Faith fulfilling all those > in the face of men. No man’s understand­ that preceded it and preparing the way for > ing shall ever gain access unto His holy the future Faith to appear in its destined > court. As a token of His mercy,' however, time. To conceive of many religions and > and as a proof of His loving-kindness, He different faiths existing simultaneously, their > hath manifested unto men the Day Stars of mutual tolerance sharing only their separate­ > His divine guidance, the Symbols of His di­ ness of inner purpose, is to identify men’s > vine unity, and hath ordained the knowledge repeated denials of God with obedience to > of these sanctified Beings to be identical with God and their imitations of His merciful > the knowledge of His own S e l f W h o s o Revelations with divine truth itself. It is > recognizeth them hath recognized God. when this identification has become com­ > Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath heark­ plete, and the name of religion connotes > ened to the Voice of God, and whoso testi- some divisive sect, some militant creed or > fieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath some impotent affirmation of already ac­ > testified to the truth of God 'Jiimself. cepted general ideals, that the Manifestation > Whoso turneth away from them, hath of God returns to earth with power to de­ > turned away from God, and whoso disbe- stroy error and establish teachings for a new > lieveth in them, hath disbelieved in God. cycle. > Every one of them is the Way of <§1^d that The oneness of revealed religion emerges > connecteth this world with the realms above, also when we consider the connection be­ > and the Standard of His Truth unto every tween each Faith and its corresponding civil­ > one in the kingdoms of earth and heaven. ization and culture. In its primitive purity, > They are the Manifestations of God amidst religion comes as a creative spirit inspiring > men, the evidences of His Truth, and the human beings to establish a community for > signs of His glory.” the expression of their union in devotion to > In these words the touchstone of religious newly revealed laws. They feel that their > truth and sincerity, the mainspring of faith, faith opens for them a greater possibility of > has been set up by which the attitude of the ordered life than man has ever before > individual and the worth of the religious achieved. Out of this common experience > group are being tested in this age as they a great civilization arises, runs its course of > were divinely tested by the words of Jesus development, and decays with the lapse of > in His Dispensation or by the commands of the motivating sacrifice and loyalty. Once > Moses in that Dispensation which Christ the process of dissolution has set in, the > brought to an end. civilization can never regain its unity of > The Founders of revealed religion, Abra­ purpose or restore the vital life of its faith. > ham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad, the Báb and The disintegration of a civilization reveals > Baha’u’llah, "are all but one person, one soul, a prevalent sickness of soul, for the cycle of > one spirit, one being, one revelation,” and religion coincides with the cycle of the civil > Baha’u’llah warns the people "lest ye be ization it came to found. Until the spirit is > tempted to make any distinction between renewed by the divine will, the world has no > any of the Manifestations of His Cause, or power to heal its own disease. Attempts to > to discriminate against the signs that have reestablish the old order, or found a new so­ > accompanied and proclaimed their Revela­ ciety, by revivals, adaptations and experi­ > tion . . . Whoso maketh the slightest pos­ ments, are vain. Effort to seize the new > sible difference between their persons, their spirit and render it servant to the mainte- > INTRODUCTION xiii > > nance of old ideas, old standards, old forms progressive. Indeed, the measure of Divine > and old authorities is fruitless. The con­ Revelation, in every age, has been adapted > tinued existence of mankind depends upon to, and commensurate with, the degree of > the return of the Holy Spirit, and this de­ social progress achieved in that age by a > pendence is the basis of true faith. constantly-evolving humanity. . . . The > Revelation associated with the Faith of Jesus > T he D ivine Purpose Christ focussed attention primarily on the > redemption of the individual and the mold­ > The second illuminating truth conveyed ing of his conduct, and stressed, as its cen­ > by Baha’u’llah is that revealed religion is not tral theme, the necessity of inculcating a > only continuous but progressive. The race of high standard of morality and discipline > man, under the manifest law of the universe, into man, as the fundamental unit in hu­ > grows and develops. Humanity passes man society. Nowhere in the Gospels do > through stages of development and en­ we find any reference to the unity of na­ > counters greater opportunity and respon­ tions or the unification of mankind as a > sibility as the stage of childhood recedes. H u­ whole. . . . The Faith of Islam, the succeed­ > man capacity emerges and new faculties and ing link in the chain of Divine Revelation, > talents unfold. This organic process, the introduced, . . . the conception of the na­ > divine purpose for mankind, moves forward tion as a unit and a vital stage in the or­ > by successive and enlarging spiritual im­ ganization of human society, and embodied > pulses. At each stage, the soul and mind it in its teaching.” > of the race receives a new influx of inspira­ W ith the creation of independent nations, > tion, human consciousness deepens, and replacing the tribal units of earlier faiths, > when the direction and possibility of the the cycle of world order was Providentially > new cycle has become established in the prepared. The divine purpose has mani­ > realm of faith, men express their enlarged fested itself anew, the law of the oneness of > capacity by forming a greater civilization. mankind has been revealed, and the spiritual > "The All-Knowing Physician,” in Ba- impulse by which the race can achieve world > hd’u’llah’s statement, "hath His finger on unification has been communicated through > the pulse of mankind. He perceiveth the dis­ the agency of a new World Faith. > ease, and prescribeth, in His unerring wis­ "No sooner had He revealed Himself,” > dom, the remedy. Every age hath its own Baha’u’llah wrote concerning the appearance > problem, and every soul its particular aspi­ of the Báb in 1844, "than the foundations > ration. The remedy the world needeth in of the kindreds of the earth shook and > its present-day afflictions can never be the trembled, and the learned swooned away, > same as that which a subsequent age may and the wise were bewildered, except such > require. Be anxiously concerned with the as have, through the power of Thy might, > needs of the age ye live in, and center your drawn nigh unto Thee. . . . ” "Through > deliberations on its exigencies and require­ that Word,” He wrote concerning His own > ments.” appearance, "the realities of all created > In his capacity of interpreter of Bahd’u’l- things were shaken, were divided, separated, > ldh’s Writings, Shoghi Effendi, first Guard­ scattered, combined and reunited, disclosing, > ian of the Baha’i Faith, has definitely traced in both the contingent world and the > the operation of this principle from stage heavenly kingdom, entities of a new crea­ > to stage. tion, and revealing, in the unseen realms, > "Just as the organic evolution of man­ the signs and tokens of Thy unity and one­ > kind has been slow and gradual and involved ness. Through that Call Thou didst an­ > successively the unification of the family, nounce unto all Thy servants the advent of > the tribe, the city-state, and the nation, so Thy most great Revelation and the ap­ > has the light vouchsafed by the Revelation pearance of Thy most perfect Cause.” > of God, at various stages in the evolution ‘Abdu’l-Baha, the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s > of religion, and reflected in the successive Covenant, who promulgated His Faith > Dispensations of the past, been slow and through the East and West, exemplified the > XIV THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > perfect type of human character, intel­ whatever its class, creed, race or nation. > ligence and soul expressive of th^ laws and In one of His public addresses in America > principles of this World Era. "Humanity He presented the following summary:— > has emerged,” He said, "from its former "The oneness of the world of humanity. > state of limitation and preliminary train­ "The protection and guidance of the Holy > ing. Man must now become imbued with Spirit. > new virtues and powers, new moral stand­ "The foundation of all religion is one. > ards, new capacities. New bounties, perfect "Religion must be the cause of unity. > bestowals, are awaiting and already descend­ "Religion must accord with science and > ing upon him. The gifts and blessings of thd reason. > period of youth, although timely and suf­ "Independent investigation of truth. > ficient during the adolescence of mankind, are "Equality between men and women. > now incapable of meeting the requirements "The abandoning of all prejudices among > of its maturity. . . . All nations and kin­ mankind. > dreds . . . will become a single nation. Re­ "Universal peace. > ligious and sectarian antagonism, the hos­ "Universal education. > tility of races and peoples, and differences "A universal language. > among nations, will be eliminated. All "Solution of the economic problem. > men will adhere to one religion, will have "An international tribunal.” > one common faith, will be blended into one Of the source and meaning of these teach­ > race, and will become a single people. All ings He said: "His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh has > will dwell in one common fatherland, which dawned from the horizon of, the Orient, > is the planet itself.” flooding all regions with light and life which > will never pass away. His teachings . . . . > Laws, Principles, T eachings embody the divine spirit of the age and > are applicable to this period of maturity in > Religion is the depository of spiritual the life of the human world................ > truth. Its laws and principles revealed by "Every one who truly seeks and justly > the Manifestations of God constitute the reflects will admit that the teachings of the > reality of man’s relations to God, to himself present day emanating from mere human > and to other men. What science is to the sources and authority are the cause of dif­ > natural universe religion is to mankind in ficulty and disagreement amongst mankind, > all that pertains to its spiritual, its super­ the very destroyers of humanity, whereas > natural endowment and aim. There is no the teachings of BaháVlláh are the very > chaos nor void where truth ceases to exist healing of the sick world, the remedy for > nor laws to operate, but there is in man a every need and condition. In them may be > realm of ignorance where he attempts to found the realization of every desire and > deny a divine law by substituting human aspiration, the cause of the happiness of > desire and human opinion. The appearance the world of humanity, the stimulus and il­ > of the new Manifestation brings all spiritual lumination of mentality, the impulse for ad­ > evasion and subterfuge to an end. He cre­ vancement and uplift, the basis of unity for > ates a condition in which only truth can all nations, the fountain-source of love > survive. amongst mankind, the center of agreement, > In the Bahd’i Dispensation we find laws, the means of peace and harmony, the one > principles and teachings, all reflecting the bond which will unite the East and the > spirit of the new World Era. In this Dis­ West.” > pensation religion brings fulfilment to feel­ Those, who sought no further than this > ing, will and reason in balance and har­ preliminary discussion, conceived of the > mony. Faith as a leaven gradually penetrating the > The western world first learned of the masses of mankind, urged and promoted by > Faith through its principles. ‘Abdu’l-Baha the enlightened and the idealistic in and > expounded them in the form of general through the reformation of the traditional > truths acceptable to the enlightened mind movements and organizations. ‘Abdu’l- > INTRODUCTION xv > > Bahá, however, plainly set forth the sov­ Man’s first duty is to know his own > ereign quality of revealed religion, as, for self and the conditions of progress and abase­ > example, in the following Tablet addressed ment. After maturity has been attained, > to American Baha’is. wealth is needed for the attainment of so­ > "In the contingent world there are many cial personality, and this is to be earned > collective centers which are conducive to through the practice of a profession, art, > association and unity between the children trade or craft. Associate in a joyous spirit > of men. For example patriotism is a col­ with the followers of all religions and the > lective center; nationalism is a collective members of all. races and nations. The su­ > center, identity of interests is a collective preme obligation is to attain a good char­ > center; political alliance is a collective cen­ acter. Through trustworthiness mankind > ter; the union of ideals is a collective center, will obtain security and tranquillity. Re­ > and the prosperity of the world of humanity spect possessors of talent. Meet all obliga­ > is dependent upon the organization and pro­ tions due to others. Refrain from slander > motion of the collective centers. Neverthe­ and backbiting. To acquire knowledge is > less, all the above institutions are, in reality, incumbent on all, but knowledge must be > the matter and not the substance, accidental of matters useful to mankind. Agriculture > and not eternal— temporary and not ever­ is of first importance. Human existence > lasting. With the appearance of great revo­ rests upon the two pillars of reward (for > lutions and upheavals, all these collective obedience to divine command) and punish­ > centers are swept away. But the collective ment (for disobedience to it). Kings and > center of the Kingdom, embodying the In­ rulers are to uphold religion as the means > stitutes and Divine Teachings, is the eternal to world order and peace. Schools must > collective center........ The real Collective train children in the principles of religion. > Center is the body of the Divine Teachings, Celibacy and seclusion from the world are > which include all the degrees and embrace not approved. Warfare for religious reasons > all the universal relations and necessary is prohibited. Kings and rulers are exhorted > laws of humanity.” to protect and assist the Bahá’í community. > Behind the principles of rational truth, Governments must appoint or elect to of­ > therefore, we look for the deeper implica­ fice only such persons as have character and > tions of law and ordinance. capacity. The repentant sinner must turn > In studying Bahá’u’lláh’s laws and or­ to God for forgiveness and not to any hu­ > dinances, we note that He revealed nothing man being. > in the form of a code or constitution. His The realm of law and ordinance is de­ > teachings represent virtues and attitudes, or fined and given a firm basis in the establish­ > deal with matters which He did not intend ment of social institutions with definite > to be altered during this cycle. The Baha’i functions for the Bahá’í community, and > code will come into existence through the the conveyance of specific authority to be > legislative institutions which Bahá’u’lláh effective after Bahá’u’lláh’s ascension. "The > created, and whose enactments are subject affairs of the people are placed in charge of > to revision from time to time as conditions the men of the House of Justice of God. > change. They are the trustees of God among His > The laws of Bahá’u’lláh include: the obli­ servants and the daysprings of command in > gation of daily prayer; an annual fasting His countries. > period of nineteen days; prohibition of use "O people of God! The trainer of the > of alcoholic liquor or drugs; monogamy; world is justice, for it consists of two pil­ > marriage contingent upon the consent of all lars: reward and retribution. These two > four parents, or those living; obedience to pillars are two fountains for the life of > civil government; obligation to engage in the people of the world. Inasmuch as for > a useful trade, art or profession; prohibi­ each time and day a particular decree and > tion of a clergy in the Bahd’i Faith. order is expedient, affairs are therefore en­ > Other ordinances and directions found in trusted to the ministers of the House of > His writings can be summarized as follows: Justice, so that they may execute that which > XVI THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > they deem advisable at the time. Those lamation of the reign of righteousness and > souls who arise to please God will be in­ justice upon the earth.” > spired by the divine, invisible inspirations. > It is incumbent upon all to obey.” B irt h of a W orld F a it h > The relation of this function to the spirit­ > ual realm of the Faith has been placed be­ The inmost soul of religion is its reflec­ > yond the possibility of doubt and disagree­ tion of the divine light and love. The Be­ > ment. “Administrative affairs,” Bahá’u’l- ing men call prophet, messenger or messiah, > láh declared, “are all in charge of the House outwardly a physical man, is inwardly a > of Justice; but acts of worship must be ob­ flame enkindled from a higher world. By > served according as they are revealed in the Him men are born from their physical self > Book.” to their spiritual reality. By His summons > The aim of this term of social and a mighty tempest is unloosed which de- % > spiritual evolution has been firmly fixed. stroys evil attitudes, habits and patterns. > “The ministers of the House of Justice must To recognize Him is man’s supreme blessing, > promote the Most Great Peace.” to serve Him is the essence of existence. > As ‘Abdu’l-Bahd explained in His Will and Through Him God destroys and creates, > Testament, this House of Justice is an inter­ punishes and rewards, darkens and illumines > national body whose members are to be all things on earth. He sends an ocean of > elected by national representatives of the truth to confound men’s limited conceptions > Baha’is. and lights a sun of love to replace their > In the Person of ťAbdu’l-Bahá, Bahá’u’lláh flickering candles of personal affection. > established authority as Interpreter of His Aside from Him there is no path to God. > Revelation and Exemplar of the Faith. The The cherished mystery of true faith has > Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh in reality is to been the sacred teaching of the Covenant > be viewed as more than an initial spiritual which the Creator made with man, that > impulse breathed into the human heart and He would not abandon the human race > left to humanity’s own devices to direct and but send His messenger to redeem them > apply throughout an historical epoch. His from age to age for evermore. But the > Dispensation is an organism created to func­ Covenant laid upon human beings the con­ > tion in and through the entire epoch, for dition that they would remain firm in the > divine guidance has been promised to man­ Promise and recognize and obey the Lord > kind henceforth, the day of God’s Kingdom of the Covenant whenever, wherever, how­ > having dawned. ever He might appear. > Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, has The proclamation uttered by Mírzá ‘Alidisclosed this new dimension which religion Muhammad (the Báb) in Shi ráz, Írán, one > in its fulfillment has attained. “For Bahá’u’1- hundred years ago, restored to the world in > láh, we should readily recognize, has not its night of darkness the power of the Holy > only imbued mankind with a new and re­ Spirit. His manifestation offered to the > generating Spirit, He has not merely enunci­ people of Islám the fulfillment of their hope; > ated certain universal principles, or pro­ to Christians He was the return of Christ; > pounded a particular philosophy, however and to Jews their assured Messiah. Against > potent, sound and universal these may be. Him the inveterate forces of fanaticism, > In addition to these He, as well as ‘Abdu’l- materialism and ruthless intolerance inflicted > Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensa­ martyrdom six years after He undertook > tions of the past, clearly and specifically laid His mission to herald the imminent appear­ > down a set of laws, established definite insti­ ance of Bahá’u’lláh. He left behind Him > tutions, and provided for the essentials of a among the Persian people such intense de­ > Divine Economy. These are destined to be votion and faith that thousands underwent > a pattern for the future society, a supreme torture and death rather than forsake their > instrument for the establishment of the love for Him. But during that six years the > Most Great Peace, and the one agency for Báb invoked the measure of faith and new > the unification of the world, and the proc­ spiritual life that was required to prepare > INTRODUCTION XVII > > the world for the greater Manifestation to many countries through the early stages of > follow. the local and national Bahá’í communities > The Báb was martyred in Tabriz on July upon which the future international Bahá’í > 9, 18 50. After cruel imprisonment in order is to rest. For He, in addition to His > Tihrán, the seizure of His wealth, and exile station as Interpreter, was also appointed > to Baghdad. Bahá’u’lláh declared His mis­ by Bahá’u’lláh to be the Center of His > sion in the year 1863, surrounded by a Covenant with mankind. Through Him > small company of believers who had suc­ the formative and evolutionary spirit of this > ceeded in accompanying Him. From Dispensation carried forward the work of > Baghdád, Bahá’u’lláh was exiled succes­ Bahá’u’lláh without interruption for thirty > sively to Constantinople, Adrianople and years, assuring the preservation of the funda­ > ‘Akká, in the Holy Land, where He remained mental aim and character of the new Faith. > a prisoner until His ascension in 1892. Un­ Concerning the nature of the mission > der such conditions Bahá’u’lláh revealed the bestowed upon Him by Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’lspiritual and social teachings for the world Bahá declared: "In former cycles no dis­ > .civilization and divine order with which His tinct Covenant was made in writing by > Dispensation is identified. the Supreme Pen (i.e., the Manifesta­ > A prisoner and an exile, Bahá’u’lláh ad­ tion) ; no distinct personage was appointed > dressed letters to kings and rulers, to heads to be the standard differentiating falsehood > of religion, expounding the laws of peace from truth . . . . But in this Dispensation of > and calling upon them to heed the counsels the Blessed Beauty (i.e., Bahá’u’lláh), among > revealed in the Greatest Name of God. The its distinctions is that He did not leave > mystery of worship, the realities of faith, the people in perplexity. He entered into a > the principles of conduct and the evolution Covenant and Testament with the people. > of justice and order were given the world He appointed a Center of the Covenant.” > in innumerable tablets and books at a time "One of the enemies of the Cause,” > when in the countries of Islam it was a ‘Abdu’l-Bahá warned, "is he who endeavors > capital offense to even possess a copy of His to interpret the Words of Bahá’u’lláh > sacred Word. and thereby colors the meaning according > From 1892 until 1921, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá led to his capacity, and collects around him a > the Baha’i community, guided its develop­ following, forming a different sect, promot­ > ment, inspired its efforts,tclarified its teach­ ing his own station and making division in > ings, unified its members, and preserved its the Cause.” Acting on this truth, for the > spiritual integrity. Released from prison by protection of the unity of the Faith, and to > the revolution in Turkey which overthrew symbolize forever the fundamental dif­ > the Sultán, Caliph of Islám, ťAbdu’l-Bahá ference between superficial tolerance and > traveled from 1911 to 1913 in Egypt, Eu­ oneness of faith, ‘Abdu’l-Báhá Himself ex­ > rope, the United States and Canada. D ur­ pelled treacherous persons, including mem­ > ing this journey He established the Faith bers of Bahá’u’lláh’s own family, from the > of Bahá’u’lláh in the West and brought it Cause. > into contact with innumerable public lead­ "He is,” the Guardian has written, "and > ers and organizations. The result of this should for all time be regarded, first and > unique teaching mission was the enrich­ foremost, as the Center and Pivot of Bahá’- > ment of Bahá’í literature by the recorded u’lláh’s peerless and all-enfolding Covenant, > addresses He delivered in Paris, London and His most exalted handiwork, the stainless > many cities of North America. Upon the Mirror of His light, the perfect Exemplar > American Bahá’ís, ťAbdu’l-Bahá laid the of His teachings, the unerring Interpreter of > great responsibility for carrying the Faith His Word . . . . the Ensign of the Most Great > to the ends of the world after His earthly Peace.” > work had come to an end. Since 1921 the Bahá’í community > It was ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, likewise, who de­ throughout the world has been unified and > veloped the administrative order of the directed by the Guardian, within the ad­ > Faith, guiding the progress of the Bahá’ís in ministrative order set forth and established > xviii THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s written Testament. ‘Ab- power of the Faith to assimilate and unify > du’l-Bahá provided details for the forma­ diverse peoples has been demonstrated with > tion of local, national and Universal Houses ever-increasing might. Nowhere else in the > of Justice. He created the Guardianship in world today does there exist any social body > a line of succession through His eldest grand­ similar to the unique community which has > son, Shoghi Effendi; endowed this office with arisen in response to His call. Spread in > sole authority to interpret the Baha’i w rit­ many parts of the world, separated by dif­ > ings after His own departure; made the ference of language, custom, tradition and > Guardian the presiding officer of the future outlook as well as by the operation of con­ > International House of Justice; attributed flicting political and economic policies in > to him the payment of the special donation their environment, this community of be­ > known as Huquq, and authorized the Guard­ lievers could not be held together by per­ > ian to appoint a body to be known as the sonal agreement but by a power which sur­ > Hands of the Cause. "The creative energies rounds them and combines them through a > released by the Law of Baha’u’lldh, permeat­ superhuman force. > ing and evolving within the mind of *Ab- The Bahá’í community feels itself im­ > du’l-Bahá, have . . . given birth to an In­ mersed in a spiritual reality which encom­ > strument which may be viewed as the passes it as by an invisible but potent atmos­ > Charter of the New World Order which is phere or sea. The influence of that sur­ > at once the glory and the promise of this rounding spirit makes itself continuously > most great Dispensation,” the Guardian ex­ felt, like the virtue of health in a physical > plains. organism which adjusts it to pontinuous > During the present formative period, growth and development. > sacred writings of the Faith have been trans­ The believers think of the teachings of > lated into some thirty-five languages, com­ Baha’u’llah not as doctrines but as truths > prehensive selections made by the Guardian which come to life in their application to > from words of Bahá’u’lláh have been pub­ problems of conduct and human association. > lished, works of Baha’i history made avail­ The concept of foreignness or the alien in > able, the institutions developed, and the Faith mankind has been replaced by the ideal of > carried into thirty or more countries where fellowship. Bahá’u’lláh has given assurance > the light had not penetrated in ‘Abdu’l- that the process of destruction now operat­ > Bahá’s ministry. In North America, prop­ ing is but the necessary preliminary to the > erties have been transferred to Bahd’i trus­ process of construction which will even­ > tees for educational activities in Eliot, Maine, tually produce the harmonious coordination > Geyserville, California and Pine Valley, of the views and feelings, the interests and > Colorado Springs, Colorado, in addition to the institutions, the activities and the aims > properties dedicated as memorials to ‘Abdu’l- of all mankind. > Bahá in West Englewood, New Jersey and On the foundation of spiritual equality > Malden, Massachusetts. A vigorous publish­ before the law and the authority of their > ing activity has long been maintained, and Faith, the Baha’is maintain their community > local communities founded in more than one worship and activity through local, national > hundred cities. The spiritual and administra­ and international institutions which distrib­ > tive activities of the American Baha’i com­ ute power and authority in accordance with > munity revolve around the impressive House the natural duties and functions of an or­ > of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois, the super­ dered society. All that pertains to daily > structure of which was constructed in 1930 action is assigned to the local Spiritual As­ > and 1931, and the exterior ornamentation sembly under the principle of decentraliza­ > completed in January, 1943. tion of administrative control. The local > communities are coordinated by a National > A dm in istra tive O rder > Spiritual Assembly elected by delegates > The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh expresses itself chosen on the basis of proportionate repre­ > through a community and not through a sentation. These National Assemblies in > church. Since this Dispensation began, the turn will be the electoral bodies by whom > INTRODUCTION XIX > > the members of an International Assembly, His wholesome medicine can ever restore it.” > or House of Justice, will be selected. In —Bahá’u’lláh. > the delegation of authority, the source or > reservoir of power lies at the Center of the The Writings of Baha’u’llah available in > world community, and duties and functions the English language include the following > are assigned downward to the progressively titles, with a brief description for the in­ > smaller national and local units. This order formation of the seeker: > follows inevitably from the fact that the Hidden Words: sayings which summarize > whole body of authority was created in and the spiritual truths revealed in past Revela­ > through Baha’u’llah and by Him assigned to tions. > His ministers and institutions as servants of Seven Valleys and Four Valleys: treatises > mankind. Historically, the Bahd’i World on the journey of the soul through the stages > Order originated at the Center, unlike those of experience and unfoldment to its recog­ > social bodies which develop from local units nition of the divine Friend. > and whose central institutions reflect a Kitáb-i-íqán: The "Book of Certitude,” > secondary and imperfectly delegated power. interpreting the theme of the oneness of > The Baha’i thus realizes himself as part of the revealed Faiths and the station of the > a newly-created world, a world raised up by Manifestation of God. > God above the tumults of the past, and en­ Epistle to the Son of the Wolf: ad­ > dowed with a new destiny which the forces dressed to an implacable enemy of the Faith, > of disunity can assail but never destroy. The setting forth Bahá’u’lláh’s suffering and re­ > believer need no longer be partisan to the capitulating many of His teachings. > titanic struggles of competitive social values, Gleanings From the Writings of Bahá’u’1- > whether capitalism, communism or state láh: the Guardian’s selection and trans­ > socialism, because such conflicts can never lation of one hundred and sixty-five pas­ > be resolved. What the world needs, He sages from the body of Bahá’u’lláh’s W rit­ > has learned, is a new mind and a new heart. ings. > "This Administrative Order,” Shoghi Ef- Prayers and Meditations by Baha’u’lldh: > fendi points out, "is fundamentally dif­ the Guardian’s selection and translation of > ferent from anything that any Prophet has one hundred and eighty-four passages from > previously established, inasmuch as Baha’u’l­ Baha’u’lldh’s Writings pertaining to prayer, > lah has flimself revealed its principles, estab­ supplication and the spiritual life. > lished its institutions, appointed the person Of works revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the > to interpret His Word and conferred the American Bahd’is have available: > necessary authority on the body designed Some Answered Questions: His exposi­ > to supplement and apply His legislative or­ tion of religious and philosophic questions > dinances. Therein lies the secret of its submitted to Him by an American believer > strength, its fundamental distinction, and at ‘Akka in 1907. > the guarantee against disintegration and The Promulgation of Universal Peace: > schism ............. Alone of all the Revelations the text of the public addresses delivered at > gone before it, this Faith has, through the Bahá’í gatherings and at public meetings > explicit directions, the repeated warnings, in the United States and Canada during His > the authenticated safeguards incorporated visit from April to December, 1912. > and elaborated in its teachings, succeeded Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: three volumes > in raising a structure which the bewildered of collected letters (Tablets) revealed to > followers of bankrupt and broken creeds Baha’i Assemblies, groups and individual be­ > might well approach and critically examine, lievers during the early years of the Faith > and seek, ere it is too late, the invulnerable in America. > security of its world-embracing shelter.” The Bahd’i Peace Program: combining the > text of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet to the Com­ > Sacred W ritings > mittee on Durable Peace, The Hague, and > "The vitality of men’s belief in God is His Tablet to the late Dr. Auguste Forel > dying out in every land; nothing short of of Switzerland. > XX THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > A one-volume collection of the Writings peoples, races, nations and religions of the > of BaháVlláh and ‘AbduJ-Bahá has been is­ modern world; war and revolution realized > sued under the title of: Bahá’í World Faith. as punishment of human sins and purifica­ > The published works of the first Guardian, tion for the blessings of the Day of Justice > Shoghi Effendi, include: and Peace. > Bahá’í Administration: letters to the The most comprehensive presentation of > American Bahá’í community, annual Con­ the activities and progress of the world > vention, and National Spiritual Assembly community of Bahá’ís will be found in the > outlining the administrative order. successive volumes of The Bahá’í World, > The World Order of BaháVlláh: state­ the International Bahá’i biennial record > ments on the Faith in relation to the cur­ edited under the Guardian’s supervision. > rent period of international struggle and > war. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY > The Advent of Divine Justice: the signi­ OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF THE > ficance of the teaching mission entrusted to UNITED STATES AND CANADA > the American Bahd’is. > The Promised Day Is Come: the impact 536 Sheridan Road, > of the Revelation of BaháVlláh upon the Wilmette, Illinois. > PART ONE > > D A W N OF T H E BAHA' I > REVELATION > From N a b i l ’s N a r r a t i v e "' > > I m m e d i a t e l y after the completion of Mullá Husayn recount to the early believers > his forty days’ retirement, Mullá Husayn, the story of the latter’s moving and historic > together with his two companions, departed interview with the Báb, has related to me > for Najaf. He left Karbilá at night, vis­ the following: “I have heard Mullá Husayn > ited the holy shrine at Najaf, and proceeded describe graphically and repeatedly the fol­ > directly to Búshihr, on the Persian Gulf. lowing account: The Youth Who met me, > There he started on his holy quest after the outside the gates of Shiráz, overwhelmed > Beloved of his heart’s desire. There, for me with expressions of affection and loving­ > the first time, he inhaled the fragrance of kindness. He extended to me a warm in­ > his concealed Beloved, Who for years had vitation to visit His home, and there seek > led in that city the life of an ordinary citi­ to refresh myself from the fatigues óf my > zen and of a humble merchant. There he journey. I prayed to be excused, pleading > perceived the sweet savors of holiness with that my two companions were already ar­ > which that Beloved’s countless invocations ranging for my stay in that city, and were > and pious worship had so richly impregnated now awaiting my return. He refused to > the atmosphere of that city. consider my request, however, and observed > He could not, however, tarry any longer saying: ‘Do thou commit them to the care > in Búshihr. Drawn as if by a magnet which of God. He will verily protect and watch > seemed to attract him irresistibly towards over them.’ He spoke these words, and bade > the North, he proceeded to Shiráz. Arriv­ me follow Him. I was profoundly im­ > ing at the gates of that city, he instructed pressed by that gentle and yet compelling > his brother and his nephew to proceed di­ manner in which that strange Youth spoke > rectly to the Masjid of ílMiáni and there to me. As I followed Him, His gait, the > to await his coming. He expressed the hope charm of His voice, the dignity of His > that, God willing, he would arrive in time bearing, served to enhance my first impres­ > to join them in their evening prayer. sions of this unexpected encounter. > On that very day, a few hours before “We were soon standing at the gate of > sunset, whilst walking outside the gates of a house of modest appearance. He knocked > that city, his eyes fell suddenly upon a at the door, which was soon opened by an > Youth, wearing a green turban, and of ra­ Ethiopian servant. Entering the house, and > diant countenance, Who, advancing towards turning to me He said: ‘Enter therein in > him and smilingly gazing at his face, ex­ peace, secure.’ These significant words, u t­ > tended to him a most loving welcome. He tered with power and majesty, penetrated > embraced Mullá Husayn with tenderness my very soul. I thought it a good augury > and affection, and greeted him as if he were to be addressed with such words standing as > an intimate and lifelong friend. Mullá I did on the threshold of the first house I > Husayn thought Him at first to be a disciple was entering in Shiráz, a city whose very > of Siyyid Kázim, who had been informed atmosphere had produced already an in­ > of his approach to Shiráz, and who had describable impression upon me. ‘Might not > come out to welcome him. * The Dawn-Breakers: N ab il’s Narrative of the > Mirzá Ahmad-i-Qazvini, a martyr of the Early Days of the Baha’i Revelation, Translated and > Faith, who had on several occasions heard Edited by Shoghi Effendi. > > 2 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > my visit to this house,’ I thought to myself, wide, in quest of the promised Beloved. I > ‘enable me to draw nearer to the Object have accordingly journeyed to Persia, have > of my quest? Might it not hasten the ter­ arisen* to accomplish his will, and am still > mination of a period of intense longing, of engaged in my quest.’ Thereupon He in­ > strenuous search, of increasing anxiety, quired: ‘Has your teacher given you any > which such a quest involves’? As I entered detailed indications as to the distinguishing > the house, and followed my Host to His features of the promised One?’ ‘Yes,’ I > chamber, a feeling of unutterable joy in­ replied. 'He is of a pure lineage, is of illus­ > vaded my being. Immediately we wrere trious descent, and of the seed of Fátimih. > seated, He ordered a ewer of water to be As to His age, He is more than twenty and > brought, and bade me wash away from my less than thirty. He is endowed with innate > hands and feet the stains of travel. I knowledge. He is of medium height, ab­ > pleaded permission to retire from His pres­ stains from smoking, and is free from bodily > ence, and perform my ablutions in an ad­ deficiency.’ He paused for awhile, and then > joining room. He refused to grant my re­ with vibrant voice declared: ‘Behold! all > quest, and proceeded to pour water over my these signs are manifested in Me!’ He then > hands. He then gave me to drink of a considered each of the above-mentioned > refreshing beverage. Soon after He asked signs separately, and conclusively demon­ > for the samovar and Himself prepared the strated that each and all were applicable to > tea which He offered to me. His person. I was greatly surprised, and > “Overwhelmed with His acts of extreme politely observed: ‘He Whose advent we > kindness, I arose to depart. ‘The time for await is a Man of unsurpassed, holiness, and > evening prayer is approaching,’ I ventured the Cause He is to reveal a Cause of tre­ > to observe. ‘I have promised my friends to mendous power. Many and divers are the > join them at that hour in the Masjid of requirements which He Who claimeth to be > Ílldiání.’ With infinite courtesy and calm, its visible embodiment must needs fulfill. > He replied: ‘Thou must have surely made How often has Siyyid Kázim referred to > thy return at the appointed hour dependent the vastness of the knowledge of the prom­ > upon the will and pleasure of God. It seem- ised One, saying: "My own knowledge is > eth that His will hath decreed otherwise! but a drop compared with that with which > Thou needest have no fear of having broken He has been endowed. All my attainments > thy pledge.’ His dignity and self-assurance are but a speck of dust in the face of the > silenced me. I renewed my ablutions, and immensity of His knowledge. Nay, immeas­ > prepared for prayer. He, too, stood beside urable is the difference!” No sooner had I > me, and prayed. Whilst praying, I unbur­ uttered these words, than I found myself > dened my soul, which was much oppressed seized with fear and remorse such as I could > both with the mystery of this interview and neither conceal nor explain. I bitterly re­ > the strain and stress of my search. I proved myself, and resolved at that very > breathed this prayer: ‘I have striven, with moment to alter my attitude and to soften > all my soul, O my God! and until now have my tone. I vowed that should my Host > failed to find Thy promised Messenger. I again refer to the subject, I would, with > testify that Thy Word faileth not, and that the utmost humility, answer and say: > Thy promise is sure.’ 'Shouldst Thou substantiate Thy claim, > “That night, that memorable night, was Thou wouldst most assuredly deliver me > the eve of the fifth day of Jamadiyu’l- from the state of anxiety and suspense > ‘Avval, of the year 1260 A.H. It was about which so heavily oppress my soul. I shall > an hour after sunset, when my youthful truly be indebted to Thee for such deliver­ > Host began to converse with me. He first ance.’ When I first started upon my quest, > questioned me saying: ‘Who, after Siyyid I determined to regard the following as the > Kázim, regard you as his successor and your sole standards whereby I could ascertain > leader?’ ‘At the hour of his death,’ I replied, the truth of Whoever might claim to be the > ‘our departed teacher insistently exhorted us promised Qa’im. The first was a treatise > to forsake our homes, to scatter far and which I had myself composed, bearing upon > THE DAWN OF THE B A H A ’I R E V E L A T I O N 3 > > the abstruse and hidden teachings pro­ standards. Were I to fail to resolve thy per­ > pounded by Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Ká­ plexities, could the Reality that shines > zim. Whoever seemed to me capable of un­ within Me be regarded as powerless, or My > raveling the mysterious allusions made in knowledge be accused as faulty? Nay, by > that treatise, to Him I would next submit the righteousness of God! It behoveth in > my second request, and would ask Him to this day the peoples and nations of both the > reveal, without the least hesitation and re­ East and the West to hasten unto this > flection, a commentary on the Súrah of threshold and there to seek to obtain the > Joseph, in a style and language entirely reviving grace of the Merciful. Whoso > different from the prevailing standards of hesitates, will indeed be in grievous loss! > the time. I had previously requested Siyyid Do not the peoples of the earth testify that > Kázim, in private, to write a commentary the fundamental purpose of their creation > on that same Súrah, which he refused, say­ is the knowledge and adoration of God? It > ing: ‘This is verily beyond me. He, that behoveth them to arise, as earnestly and > great One, Who cometh after me, will, un­ spontaneously as thou hast arisen, and to seek, > asked, reveal it for thee. The commentary with determination and constancy, their > which He will write for thee shall constitute promised Beloved.’ He then proceeded to > one of the weightiest testimonies to His say: ‘Now is the time to reveal the com­ > truth, and one of the clearest evidences of mentary on the Súrah of Joseph.’ He took > the loftiness of His position/ up His pen, and with incredible rapidity > “I was revolving these things in my mind, revealed the entire Súrah of Mulk, the first > when my distinguished Host again re­ section of His commentary on the Súrah of > marked: ‘Observe attentively. Might not Joseph. The overpowering effect of the > the Person intended by Siyyid Kázim be manner in which He wrote was heightened > none other than Me?’ I thereupon felt im­ by the gentle intonation of His voice which > pelled to present to Him a copy of the accompanied His writing. Not for one mo­ > treatise which I had with me, and requested ment did He interrupt the flow of the verses > Him saying: 'I pray Thee to read this book which streamed from His pen. Not once > of mine, and to look at its pages with indul­ did He pause till the Súrah of Mulk was > gent eyes. I beg Thee to overlook my finished. I sat enraptured by the magic of > weaknesses and failings.’ He graciously His voice and the sweeping force of His > complied with my wish. He held the book revelation. At last, I reluctantly rose from > in His hands, opened it, glanced at certain my seat, and begged leave to depart. He > passages, closed it, and began to address me. smilingly bade me be seated, and said: ‘If > Within a few minutes He had, with char­ thou leavest in such a state, whosoever shall > acteristic vigor and charm, unraveled all observe thee will assuredly say, "This poor > its mysteries and resolved all its problems! youth hath lost his mind.” ’ At that moment, > Having to my entire satisfaction accom­ the clock registered two hours and eleven > plished, in so short a time, the tasks I had minutes after sunset. That night, the eve > expected Him to perform, He further ex­ of the fifth day of Jámádíyu’l-‘Avval, of > pounded to me certain truths which could the year 1260 A.H., corresponded with the > be found neither in the reported sayings eve of the sixty-sixth day after Naw-rúz, > of the Imams of the Faith nor in the w rit­ which was also the eve of the sixth day of > ing of Shaykh Ahmad and Siyyid Kázim. Khurdád, of the year Nahang. ‘This night,’ > These truths, of which I had never heard He declared, ‘this very hour, will, in the > before, seemed to be endowed with refresh­ days to come, be celebrated as one of the > ing vividness and singular power. He then greatest and most significant of all festivals. > observed: ‘Wert thou not My guest, thy Do tliou render thanks unto God for hav­ > position would indeed be a grievous one. ing graciously assisted thee to attain thine > The all-encompassing grace of God hath heart’s desire, and for having quaffed from > saved thee. It is for God to test His ser­ the sealed wine of His utterance. Well is > vants, and not for His servants to judge it with them that attain thereunto!’ > Him in accordance with their deficient “At the third hour after sunset, my Host > 4 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY > > ordered the dinner to be served. That same what His creatures affirm of Him! And > Ethiopian servant appeared again, and peace be upon His messengers! And praise > spread before us the best and choicest food. be to God, the Lord of all beings!’ > That holy repast refreshed alike my body “He then addressed me these words: ‘O > and soul. In the presence of my Host, at thou who art the first to believe in Me! > that hour, I felt as though I were feeding Verily, I say: I am the Báb, the Gate of > upon fruits of Paradise. I could not but God, and thou art the Bábu’l-Báb, the gate > marvel at the manners, and the devoted of that Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the > attentions of that Ethiopian servant, whose beginning, spontaneously and of their own > very life seemed to have been transformed by accord, accept Me and recognize the truth > the regenerating influence of his Master. I of My Revelation. Unwarned and unin­ > then, for the first time, recognized the secret vited, each of these must seek independently > and significance of this well-known and to find me. And when their number is > sacred tradition ascribed to Muhammad: completed, one of them must needs be > 'I have prepared for the godly and righteous chosen by Me, who will accompany Me > among My servants what eye hath seen not, on My pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina. > ear heard not, nor human heart conceived.’ There I shall deliver the Message of God > Had that youthful Host of mine no other to the Sharif of Mecca. I will then return > claim to greatness, this were sufficient— to Kúfih, where again, in the Masjid of that > that He received me with the quality of holy city, I shall manifest His Cause. It is > hospitality and loving-kindness which no incumbent upon thee not to divulge, neither > other human being could show. to thy companions nor to any other soul, > “I sat spell-bound by His utterance, for­ that which thou hast seen and heard. Be > getful of time and of those who awaited thou engaged in the Masjid of ílkháni in > me. Suddenly, the call of the Muadhdhin, prayer and teaching. I too will there join > who was summoning the faithful to their thee in congregational prayer. Beware, lest > morning prayers, awakened me from the thy attitude towards Me betray the secret > state of ecstasy into which I seemed to have of thy faith. Thou shouldst continue in > fallen. All the delights, all the ineffable this occupation and maintain- this attitude, > glories, which the Almighty has recounted until Our departure for Hijáz. Ere we > in His Book as the priceless possessions of depart, We shall appoint unto each of the > the people of Paradise, these I seemed to be eighteen souls their special mission, and will > experiencing that night. Methinks, I was send them forth to accomplish their task. > in a place of which it could be truly said: We will instruct them to teach the Word > ‘Therein no toil shall reach us, and therein of God, and to quicken the souls of men.’ > no weariness shall touch us’; ‘No vain dis­ Having spoken these words to me, He per­ > course shall they hear therein, nor any false­ mitted me to retire. He accompanied me > hood, but only the cry, “Peace! Peace!” ; to the door of the house, and committed > Their cry therein shall be, "Glory be to me to the care of God. > Thee, O God!” and their salutation “This Revelation, so suddenly and im­ > therein, “Peace!” And the close of their petuously thrust upon me, came as a thun­ > cry, “Praise be to God, Lord of all derbolt which, for a time, seemed to be­ > creatures!” ’ numb my faculties. I was blinded by its > “Sleep had departed from me that night. dazzling splendor, and overwhelmed by its > I was enthralled by the music of that voice crushing force. Excitement, joy, awe, and > which rose and fell as He chanted, now wonder, stirred the depths of my soul. Pre­ > swelling forth as He revealed verses of the dominant among them was a sense of glad­ > ‘Qay-yrnnu’l-Asma,’ again acquiring ethe­ ness and strength that seemed to have trans­ > real subtle harmonies as He uttered the figured me. How feeble and impotent, how > prayers which He was revealing. At the dejected and timid, I had previously felt! > end of each of the communes He revealed, Then I could neither write nor walk, so > He would repeat this verse: ‘Far from the tremulous were my hands and feet. Now, > glory of thy Lord, the All-Glorious, be however, the knowledge of His Revelation > THE DAWN OF THE BA H Á ’Í REVELATION 5 > > had galvanized my being. I felt possessed sonified, calling unto all mankind: ‘Awake, > of such courage and power, that were the for lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, > world, all its peoples and its potentates, for His Cause is made manifest. The Por­ > to arise against me, I would, alone and tal of His grace is open wide. > undaunted, resist them! The universe " 'Enter ye therein, O ye people of the > seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp! world! For He, Who is your promised One, > I seemed to be the Voice of Gabriel per­ is come!5” > MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB > From N abil’s Narrative > > T h e tale of the tragedy that marked the Sháh. To do Him to death seemed to that > closing stages of the Nayriz upheaval spread foolish minister the most efficacious means > over the length and breadth of Persia and for the recovery of his country from > kindled a startling enthusiasm in the hearts the shame into which he thought it had > of those who heard it. It plunged the au­ sunk. > thorities of the capital into consternation Bestirred to action, he summoned his > and nerved them to a resolve of despair. counsellors, shared with them his fears and > The Amír-Nizám, the Grand Vazir of his hopes, and acquainted them with the > NásirPd-Dín Sháh, was particularly over­ nature of his plans. "Behold,” he exclaimed, > awed by these recurrent manifestations of an “the storm which the Faith of the Siyyid-iindomitable will, of a fierce and inflexible Báb has provoked in the hearts of my fel­ > tenacity of faith. Though the forces of the low-countrymen! Nothing short of his pub­ > Imperial army had everywhere triumphed, lic execution can, in my mind, enable this > though the companions of Mullá Husayn distracted country to recover its tranquillity > and Vahid had successively been mowed and peace. Who dare compute the forces > down in a ruthless carnage at the hands of that have perished in the course of the en­ > its officers, yet to the shrewd minds of the gagements at Shaykh Tabarsi? Who can es­ > rulers of Tihrán it was clear and evident timate the efforts exerted to secure that > that the spirit responsible for so rare a hero­ victory? No sooner had the mischief that > ism was by no means vanquished, that its convulsed Mázindarán been suppressed, than > might was far from broken. The loyalty the flames of another sedition blazed forth > which the remnants of that scattered band in the province of Fárs, bringing in its wake > bore to their captive Leader still remained so much suffering to my people. We had > unimpaired. Nothing had as yet been suc­ no sooner succeeded in quelling the revolt > cessful, despite the appalling losses they had that had ravaged the south, than another > sustained, in sapping that loyalty or in un­ insurrection breaks out in the north, sweep­ > dermining that faith. Far from being ex­ ing in its vortex Zanján and its surround­ > tinguished that spirit had blazed more in­ ings. If you are able to advise a remedy, > tense and devastating than ever. Galled by acquaint me, for my sole purpose is to > the memory of the indignities they had suf­ insure the peace and honor of my country­ > fered, that persecuted band clung ever more men.” > passionately to its Faith and looked with Not a single voice dared venture a reply, > increasing fervor and hope to its Leader. except Mirzá Áqá |Gián-i-Núrí, the Minis­ > Above all He Who had kindled that flame ter of War, who pleaded that to put to > and nourished that spirit was still alive, and, death a banished Siyyid for the deeds com­ > despite His isolation, was able to exercise mitted by a band of irresponsible agitators > the full measure of His influence. Even a would be an act of manifest cruelty. He > sleepless vigilance had been powerless to stem recalled the example of the late Muhammad > the tide that had swept over the entire face Sháh whose invariable practice was to dis­ > of the land, and which ‘had as its motive regard the base calumnies the enemies of > force the continued existence of the Báb. that Siyyid brought continually to his at­ > Extinguish that light, choke the stream at tention. The Amír-Nizám was sorely dis­ > its very source, and the torrent that had pleased. "Such considerations,” he protested, > brought so much devastation in its way, "are wholly irrelevant to the issue with > would run dry. Such was the thought that which we are faced. The interests of the > swayed the Grand Vazir of Nasiri’d-Din State are in jeopardy, and we can in no > MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB > > Views of the town and ruins of the castle of Máh-Kú, Ádhirbáyján, Persia, where the Báb was confined. > 8 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > wise tolerate these periodic upheavals. Was I was then in Qum, together with a certain > not the Imám Husayn, in view of the para­ Sádiq-i-Tabrízí, whom Mírzá Ahmad had > mount necessity for safeguarding the unity sent to fetch me from Zarand. I was living > of the State, executed by those same per­ in the same house with Mírzá Ahmad, a > sons who had seen him more than once house which he had hired in the Bágh-Panreceive marks of exceptional affection from bih quarter. In those days Shaykh ‘Azim, > Muhammad, his Grandfather? Did they not Siyyid Ismá‘íl and a number of other com­ > in such circumstances refuse to consider the panions likewise were dwelling with us. > rights which his lineage had conferred upon Mullá Báqir delivered the trust into the > him? Nothing short of the remedy I advo­ hands of Mírzá Ahmad who, at the insist­ > cate can uproot this evil and bring us the ence of Shaykh ‘Azim, opened it before > peace for which we long.,, us. We marvelled when we beheld among > Disregarding the advice of his counsellor, the things which that coffer contained a > the Amír-Nizám dispatched his orders to scroll of blue paper, of the most delicate > Navváb Hamzih Mírzá, the governor of texture, on which the Báb, in His own ex­ > Ádhirbáyján, who was distinguished among quisite handwriting, which was a fine > the princes of royal blood for his kind- shikastih script, had penned, in the form of > heartedness and rectitude of conduct, to a pentacle, what numbered about five hun­ > summon the Báb to Tabriz. He was care­ dred verses, all consisting of derivatives > ful not to divulge to the Prince his real from the word Bahá.2 That scroll was in a > purpose. state of perfect preservation, was spotlessly > The Navváb, assuming that the inten­ clean, and gave the impressiqn at first sight > tion of the minister was to enable his of being a printed rather than a written > Captive to return to His home, immedi­ page. So fine and intricate was the penman­ > ately directed one of his trusted officers, to­ ship that viewed from a distance the w rit­ > gether with a mounted escort, to proceed ing appeared as a single wash of ink on the > to Chihriq, where the Báb still lay confined, paper. We were overcome with admiration > and to bring Him back to Tabriz. He rec­ as we gazed upon a masterpiece which no > ommended Him to their care, urging them calligraphist, we believed, could rival. That > to exercise towards Him the utmost con­ scroll was replaced in the coffer and handed > sideration. back to Mírzá Ahmad, who, on the very > Forty days before the arrival of that of­ day he received it, proceeded to Tihrán. Ere > ficer at Chihriq, the Báb collected all the he departed he informed us that all he could > documents and Tablets in His possession divulge of that letter was the instruction > and, placing them with His pen-case, His that the trust was to be delivered into the > seals, and agate rings, into a coffer, en­ hands of Jináb-i-Bahá3 in Tihrán.4 As to > trusted them to the care of Mullá Báqir, one me I was instructed by Mírzá Ahmad to > of the Letters of the Living. To him He > 2 According to "A Traveller’s Narrative” (p. 42), > also delivered a letter addressed to Mírzá the Báb had produced no less than three hundred and > Ahmad, His amanuensis, in which He en­ sixty derivatives from the word "Bahá.” > closed the key of that coffer. He urged him 3 Title by which Bahá’u’lláh was designated in > to take the utmost care of that trust, em­ those days. > 4 "The end of the Báb’s earthly Manifestation is > phasized the sacredness of its character, and now close upon us. He knew it himself before the > bade him conceal its contents from anyone event, and was not displeased at the presentiment. He > except Mírzá Ahmad. had already 'set his house in order,’ as regards the > Mullá Báqir departed forthwith for spiritual affairs of the Bábi community, which he > Qazvin. Within eighteen days he had reached had, if I mistake not, confided to the intuitive wis­ > dom of Bahá’u’lláh . . . It is impossible not to feel > that town and was informed that Mírzá that this is far more probable than the view which > Ahmad had departed for Qum. He left im­ makes Subh-i-Azal the custodian of the sacred w rit­ > mediately for that destination and arrived ings and the arranger of a resting-place for the > toward the middle of the month of Shaťbán.a sacred remains. I much fear that the Azalis have > manipulated tradition in the interest of their party.” > (Dr. T. K. Cheyne’s "The Reconciliation of Races > 1 June 12-July 11, 1850 A.D. and Religions,” p. 656 .) > MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB 9 > > proceed to Zarand and join my father who of the rooms of the barracks. He moreover > was anxiously awaiting my return. directed Sám Khán to despatch ten of his > Faithful to the instructions he had re­ men to guard the entrance of the room in > ceived from Navváb Hamzih Mí rzá, that which He was to be confined. > officer conducted the Báb to Tabriz and Deprived of His turban and sash, the > showed Him the utmost respect and con­ twin emblems of His noble lineage, the Báb, > sideration. The Prince had instructed one of together with Siyyid Husayn His amanuen­ > his friends to accommodate Him in his home sis, was driven to yet another confinement > and to treat Him with extreme deference. which He well knew was but a step further > Three days after the Báb’s arrival, a fresh on the way leading Him to the goal he had > order was received from the Grand Vazir set Himself to attain. That day witnessed > commanding the Prince to carry out the ex­ a tremendous commotion in the city of > ecution of his Prisoner on the very day Tabriz. The great convulsion associated in > the farmán would reach him. Whoever the ideas of its inhabitants with the Day > would profess himself as His follower was of Judgment seemed at last to have come > likewise to be condemned to death. The upon them. Never had that city experienced > Armenian regiment of Urúmíyyih, whose a turmoil so fierce and so mysterious as the > colonel was Sám Khán, was ordered to shoot one which seized its inhabitants on the day > Him, in the courtyard of the barracks of the Báb was led to that place which was > Tabriz, which was situated in the center of to be the scene of His martyrdom. As He > the city. approached the courtyard of the barracks a > The Prince expressed his consternation to youth suddenly leaped forward who, in his > the bearer of the farmán, Mírzá Hasan eagerness to overtake Him, had forced his > íGián, the Vazír-Nizám and brother of the way through the crowd, utterly ignoring > Grand Vazir. "The Amir,” he told him, the risks and perils which such an attempt > "would do better to entrust me with services might involve. His face was haggard, his > of greater merit than the one with which feet were bare, and his hair dishevelled. > he has now commissioned me. The task I Breathless with excitement and exhausted > am called upon to perform is a task that with fatigue, he flung himself at the feet of > only ignoble people would accept. I am the Báb and, seizing the hem of His gar­ > neither Ibn-i-Ziyád nor Ibn-i-Sa'd1 that he ment, passionately implored Him: "Send me > should call upon me to slay an innocent de­ not from Thee, O Master. Wherever Thou > scendant of the Prophet of God.” Mírzá goest, suffer me to follow Thee.” "Muham- > Hasan Khán reported these sayings of the mad-‘Ali,” answered the Báb, "arise, and > Prince to his brother who, thereupon or­ rest assured that you will be with me.2 To­ > dered him to follow himself, without delay morrow you shall witness what God has de­ > and in their entirety, the instructions he creed.” Two other companions, unable to > had already given. "Relieve us,” the Vazir contain themselves, rushed forward and as­ > urged his brother, "from this anxiety that sured Him of their unalterable loyalty. > weighs upon our hearts, and let this affair These together with Mírzá Muhammadbe brought to an end ere the month of ‘Alíy-i-Zunúzí, were seized and placed in > Ramadán breaks upon us, that we may enter the same cell in which the Báb and Siyyid > the period of fasting with undisturbed tran­ Husayn were confined. > quillity.” Mírzá Hasan JGián attempted to I have heard Siyyid Husayn bear witness > acquaint the Prince with these fresh in­ to the following: "That night the face of > structions, but failed in his efforts, as the the Báb was aglow with joy, a joy such as > Prince, pretending to be ill, refused to meet had never shone from His countenance. Inhim. Undeterred by this refusal, he issued > his instructipns for the immediate transfer 2 "It is no doubt a singular coincidence that both > of the Báb and those in His company from *Ali-Muhammad and Jesus Christ are reported to > have addressed these words to a disciple: 'To-day thou > the house in which He was staying to one > shalt be with me in Paradise.’ ” > (Dr. T. K. Cheyne’s "The Reconciliation of Races > 1 Persecutors of the descendants of Muhammad. and Religions,” p. 18 5.) > 10 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > different to the storm that raged about ered into the presence of the mujtahids he > Him, He conversed with us with gaiety and was repeatedly urged, in view of the po­ > cheerfulness. The sorrows that had weighed sition which his stepfather, Siyyid ‘Aliy-iso heavily upon Him seemed to have com­ Zunúzí, occupied, to recant his faith. > pletely vanished. Their weight appeared to "Never,” he exclaimed, "will I renounce my > have dissolved in the consciousness of ap­ Master. He is the essence of my faith, and > proaching victory. 'Tomorrow/ He said to the object of my truest adoration. In Him > us, 'will be the day of my martyrdom. I have found my paradise, and in the ob­ > Would that one of you would now arise servance of His law I recognize the ark of > and, with his own hands, end my life. I my salvation.” "Hold your peace,” thun­ > prefer to be slain by the hand of a friend dered Mullá Muhammad-i-Mámáqání, be­ > rather than that of the enemy/ Tears rained fore whom that youth was brought, "Such > from our eyes as we heard Him express that words betray your madness; I can well ex­ > wish. We shrank, however, at the thought cuse the words for which you are not re­ > of taking away with our own hands so sponsible.” "I am not mad,” he retorted, > precious a life. We refused and remained "Such a charge should rather be brought > silent. Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali suddenly against you who have sentenced to death a > sprang to his feet and announced himself man no less holy than the promised Qá’im. > ready to obey whatever the Báb would de­ He is not a fool who has embraced His > sire. 'This same youth who has risen to Faith and is longing to shed his blood in > comply with my wish/ the Báb declared, as His path.” > soon as we had intervened and forced The Báb was, in His him to abandon that thought, 'will, to­ Mullá Muhammad-i-Mámáqáni. No sooner > gether with me, suffer martyrdom. Him had he recognized Him than he seized the > will I choose to share with me its death-warrant he himself had previously > crown/ 55 written and, handing it to his attendant, > Early in the morning Mírzá Hasan Khán bade him deliver it to the farrásh-báshí. > ordered his farrásh-báshí to conduct the "No need,” he cried, "to bring the Siyyid-i- > Báb to the presence of the leading mujta- Báb into my presence. This death-warrant > hids of the city and to obtain from them I have penned the very day I met him at > the authorization required for His execu­ the gathering presided over by the Valition. As the Báb was leaving the barracks, ‘Ahd. He surely is the same man whom I > Siyyid Husayn asked Him as to what he saw on that occasion and has not, in the > should do. "Confess not your fa ith /’ He meantime, surrendered any of his claims.” > advised him, "thereby you will be enabled, From thence the Báb was conducted to > when the hour comes, to convey to those the house of Mírzá Báqir, the son of Mírzá > who are destined to hear you, the things of Ahmad to whom he had recently succeeded. > which you alone are aware.” He was en­ When they arrived they found his attendant > gaged in a confidential conversation with standing at the gate and holding in his > him when the farrásh-báshí suddenly inter­ hand the Báb’s death warrant. "No need to > rupted and, holding Siyyid Husayn by the enter,” he told them, "My master is already > hand, drew him aside and severely rebuked satisfied that his father was right in pro­ > him. "N ot until I have said to him all those nouncing the sentence of death. He can do > things that I wish to say,” the Báb warned no better than follow his example.” > the farrásh-báshí, "can any earthly power Mullá Murtadá-Qulí, following in the > silence me. Though all the world be armed footsteps of the two other mujtahids, had > against me, yet shall they be powerless to previously issued his own written testimony > deter me from fulfilling, to the last word, and refused to meet face to face his dreaded > my intention.” The farrásh-báshí was opponent. No sooner had the farrásh-báshí > amazed at such a bold assertion. He made, secured the necessary documents than he > however, no reply and bade Siyyid Husayn delivered his Captive into the hands of Sám > to arise and follow him. Khán, assuring him that he could proceed > When Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali was ush­ with his task now that he had obtained the > MARTYRDOM OF THE BÁB 11 > > sanction of the civil and ecclesiastical au­ upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely > thorities of the realm. believe. There, standing before them alive > Siyyid Husayn had remained confined in and unhurt, was the companion of the Báb, > the same room in which he had spent the whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured > previous night with the Báb. They were from their sight. Though the cords with > proceeding to place Mírzá Muhammad-'Ali which they were suspended had been rent in > in that same room, when he burst forth into pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had > tears and entreated them to allow him to miraculously escaped the volleys. Even the > remain with his Master. He was delivered tunic which Mírzá Muhammad-‘Ali was > into the hands of Sám Khán who was or­ wearing had, despite the thickness of the > dered to execute him also, if he persisted in smoke, remained unsullied. "The Siyyid-ihis refusal to deny his faith. Báb has gone from our sight!” rang out the > Sám iGián was in the meantime finding voice of the bewildered multitude. They set > himself increasingly affected by the be­ out in a frenzied search for Him and found > havior of his Captive and the treatment Him, eventually, seated in the same room > that had been meted out to Him. He was which He had occupied the night before, > seized with great fear lest his action should engaged in completing His interrupted con­ > bring upon him the wrath of God. "I pro­ versation with Siyyid Husayn. An expression > fess the Christian Faith,” he explained to of unruffled calm was upon His face. His > the Báb, "and entertain no ill-will against body had emerged unscathed from the > you. If your Cause be the Cause of Truth, shower of bullets which the regiment had > enable me to free myself from the obliga­ directed against Him. "I have finished my > tion of shedding your blood.” "Follow your conversation with Siyyid Husayn,” the Báb > instructions,” the Báb replied, "and if your told the farrásh-báshí, "Now you may pro­ > intention be sincere, the Almighty is surely ceed to fulfill your intention.” The man was > able to relieve you from your perplexity.” too shaken to resume what he had already > Sám Khán ordered his men to drive a attempted. Refusing to accomplish his duty > nail into the pillar that lay between the he, that same moment, left that scene and > door of the room that Siyyid Husayn oc­ resigned his post. He related all that he had > cupied and the entrance to the adjoining seen to his neighbor, Mírzá Siyyid Muhsin, > one, and to make fast two ropes to that nail, one of the notables of Tabriz, who, as soon > from which the Báb and His companion as he heard the story, was converted to the > were to be separately suspended. Mirzi Faith. > Muhammad-‘Ali begged Sám Khán to be I was privileged to meet, subsequently, > placed in such a manner that his own body this same Mírzá Siyyid Muhsin who con­ > would shield that of the Báb. He was ducted me to the scene of the Báb’s m artyr­ > eventually suspended in such a position that dom and showed me the wall where He had > his head reposed on the breast of his Master. been suspended. I was taken to the room > As soon as they were fastened, a regiment in which He had been found conversing > of soldiers ranged itself in three files, each with Siyyid Husayn, and was shown the very > of two hundred and fifty men, each of spot where He had been seated. I saw the > which was ordered to open fire in its turn very nail which His enemies had hammered > until the whole detachment had discharged into the wall and to which the rope which > the volleys of its bullets. The smoke of the had supported His body had been attached. > firing of the seven hundred and fifty rifles Sám Khán was likewise stunned by the > was such as to turn the light of the noon­ force of this tremendous revelation. He or­ > day sun into darkness. About ten thousand dered his men to leave the barracks imme­ > people had crowded onto the roof of the diately and refused to ever again associate > barracks as well as on the top of the adjoin­ himself and his regiment with any act that > ing houses, all of whom were witnesses to involved the least injury to the Báb. He > that sad and moving scene. swore as he left that courtyard never again > As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared to resume that task even though his refusal > away, an astounded multitude were looking should entail the loss of his own life. > 12 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > No sooner had Sám Khán departed than were blended into one mass of mingled flesh > Áqá Ján iGián-i-Khamsih, colonel of the and bone. "Had you believed in me, O > body-guard, known also by the names of wayward generation,” were the last words > iGiamsih and Násirí, volunteered to carry of the Báb to the gazing multitude as the > out the order for execution. On the same regiment was preparing to fire the final vol­ > wall and in the same manner the Báb and ley, "everyone of you would have followed > His companion were again suspended, while the example of this youth, who stood in > the regiment formed into line to open fire rank above most of you, and willingly > upon them. Contrariwise to the previous oc­ would have sacrificed yourselves in my path. > casion, when only the cord with which they The day will come when you will have recog­ > were suspended had been shot into pieces, nized me; that day I shall have ceased to be > this time their bodies were shattered and with you.” > BAHÁ'U'LLÁH’S TRIBUTE TO THE BAB > From Kitáb-i-íqán > > T h o u g h young and tender of age, and And now consider how this Sadrih of the > though the Cause He revealed was contrary Ridván of God hath, in the prime of youth, > to the desire of all the peoples of the earth, risen to proclaim the Cause of God. Be­ > both high and low, rich and poor, exalted hold, what steadfastness He, the Beauty of > and abased, king and subject, yet He arose God, hath revealed! The whole world rose > and steadfastly proclaimed it. All have to hinder Him, yet it utterly failed! The > known and heard this. He feared no one; more severe the persecution they inflicted > He was reckless of consequences. Could on that Sadrih of Blessedness, the more > such a thing be made manifest except His fervor increased, and the brighter > through the power of a Divine Revelation, burned the flame of His love. All this is > and the potency of God’s invincible Will? evident, and none disputeth its truth. Finally, > By the righteousness of God! Were anyone He surrendered His soul, and winged His > to entertain so great a Revelation in his flight unto the realms above. . . . > heart, the thought of such a declaration No sooner had that eternal Beauty re­ > would alone confound him! Were the hearts vealed Himself in Shíráz, in the year sixty > of all men to be crowded into his heart, he (i. e., 1844) and rent asunder the veil of > would still hesitate to venture upon so aw­ concealment, than the signs of the ascen­ > ful an enterprise. He could achieve it only dency, the might, the sovereignty, and > by the permission of God, only if the chan­ power emanating from that Essence of Es­ > nel of his heart were to be linked with sences and Sea of Seas, were manifest in > the Source of Divine grace, and his soul every land. So much so, that from every > be assured of the unfailing sustenance of the city there appeared the signs, the evidences, > Almighty. To what, We wonder, do they the tokens, and testimonies of that Divine > ascribe so great a daring? Do they accuse Luminary. How many were those pure > Him of madness as they accused the Prophets and kindly hearts which faithfully reflected > of old? Or do they maintain that His mo­ the light of that eternal Sun! And how > tive was none other than leadership and the manifold the emanations of knowledge from > acquisition of earthly riches? that Ocean of Divine Wisdom which en­ > Gracious God! In His Book, which He compassed all beings! In every city, all > hath entitled QayyúmuT-Asmá— the first, the divines and nobles rose to hinder and > the greatest, and mightiest of all books—He repress them, and girded up the loins of > prophesied His own martyrdom. In it is malice, of envy, and tyranny for their sup­ > this passage: "O Thou Remnant of God! pression. How great the number of those > I have sacrificed myself wholly for Thee; holy souls, those essences of justice, who, ac­ > I have accepted curses for Thy sake; and cused of tyranny, were put to death! And > have yearned for naught but martyrdom in how many embodiments of purity, who > the path of Thy love. Sufficient Witness unto showed forth naught but true knowledge > me is God, the Exalted, the Protector, the and stainless deeds, suffered an agonizing > Ancient of Days!” . . . death! Notwithstanding all this, each of > Could the Revealer of such utterance be these holy beings, up to his last moment, > regarded as walking in any other way than breathed the name of God and soared in the > the way of God, and as having yearned for realm of submission and resignation. Such > aught else except His good pleasure? In was the potency and transmuting influence > this very verse there lieth concealed a breath which He exercised over them, that they > of detachment for which, if it were breathed ceased to cherish any desire but His Will, > upon the world, all beings would renounce and wedded their souls to His remembrance. > their life, and sacrifice their soul. . . . Reflect: Who in the world is able to > 14 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Shrine of the Báb and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, Mount Carmel, Hai;fa, Palestine. > > manifest such transcendent power, such per­ unto salvation, prosperity, and everlasting > vading influence? All these stainless hearts success. Hath the world, since the days > and sanctified souls have, with absolute resig­ of Adam, witnessed such tumult, such > nation, responded to the summons of His violent commotion? Notwithstanding all > decree. Instead of making complaint, they the torture they suffered, and the mani­ > rendered thanks unto God, and, amidst the fold afflictions they endured, they became > darkness of their anguish, they revealed the object of universal opprobrium and > naught but radiant acquiescence in His Will. execration. > It is well known how relentless was the hate, Methinks, patience was revealed only by > and how bitter the malice and enmity, enter­ virtue of their fortitude, and faithfulness > tained by all the peoples of earth towards itself was begotten by their deeds. > these Companions. Do thou ponder these momentous happen­ > The persecution and pain which they ings in thine heart, so that thou mayest > inflicted on these holy and spiritual apprehend the greatness of this Revelation, > beings were regarded by them as means and perceive its stupendous glory. > THE BAB AND THE REVELATION > OF BAHÁ'U'LLÁH* > D e ARLY-BELOVED friends! That the not in His being the divinely-appointed Fore­ > Báb, the inaugurator of the Bábi Dispensa­ runner of so transcendent a Revelation, but > tion, is fully entitled to rank as one of the rather in His having been invested with the > self-sufficient Manifestations of God, that powers inherent in the inaugurator of a > He has been invested with sovereign power separate religious Dispensation, and in His > and authority, and exercises all the rights wielding, to a degree unrivaled by the Mes­ > and prerogatives of independent Prophet- sengers gone before Him, the sceptre of in­ > hood, is yet another fundamental verity dependent Prophethood. > which the Message of BaháVlláh insistently The short duration of His Dispensation, > proclaims and which its followers must un­ the restricted range within which His laws > compromisingly uphold. That He is not to and ordinances have been made to operate, > be regarded merely as an inspired Precursor supply no criterion whatever wherewith to > of the Bahá’í Revelation, that in His person, judge its Divine origin and to evaluate the > as He Himself bears witness in the Persian potency of its message. “That so brief a > Bayán, the object of all the Prophets gone span,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself explains, “should > before Him has been fulfilled, is a truth have separated this most mighty and won­ > which I feel it my duty to demonstrate and drous Revelation from Mine own previous > emphasize. We would assuredly be failing Manifestation, is a secret that no man can > in our duty to the Faith we profess and unravel and a mystery such as no mind can > would be violating one of its basic and sacred fathom. Its duration had been fore-ordained, > principles if in our words or by our conduct and no man shall ever discover its reason un­ > we hesitate to recognize the implications of less and until he be informed of the contents > this root principle of Bahá’í belief, or refuse of My Hidden Book” ffBehold,” BaháVl- • > to uphold unreservedly its integrity and láh further explains in the Kitáb-i-Badidemonstrate its truth. Indeed the chief mo­ one of His works refuting the arguments of > tive actuating me to undertake the task of the people of the Bayán, “behold, how im­ > editing and translating Nabil’s immortal mediately upon the completion of the ninth > Narrative has been to enable every follower year of this wondrous, this most holy and > of the Faith in the West *to better under­ merciful dispensation, the requisite number > stand and more readily grasp the tremendous of pure, of wholly consecrated and sanctified > implications of His exalted station and to souls had been most secretly consummated.” > more ardently admire and love Him. The marvelous happenings that have > There can be no doubt that the claim heralded the advent of the Founder of > to the twofold station ordained for the the Bábi Dispensation, the dramatic circum­ > Báb by the Almighty, a claim which He stances of His own eventful life, the mirac­ > Himself has sa boldly advanced, which ulous tragedy of His martyrdom, the magic > BaháVlláh has repeatedly affirmed, and to of His influence exerted on the most eminent > which the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l- and powerful among His countrymen, to all > Bahá has finally given the sanction of its tes­ of which every chapter of Nabil’s stirring > timony, constitutes the most distinctive fea­ narrative testifies, should in themselves be > ture of the Bahá’i Dispensation. It is a regarded as sufficient evidence of the validity > further evidence of its uniqueness, a tre­ of His claim to so exalted a station among > mendous accession to the strength, to the the Prophets. > mysterious power and authority with which > thi^ holy cycle has been invested. Indeed * From “The Dispensation of BaháV lláh,” by > the greatness of the Báb consists primarily, Shoghi Effendi. > > 16 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > However graphic the record which the fortitude, and faithfulness itself was be­ > eminent chronicler of His life has trans­ gotten only by their deeds.” t > mitted to posterity, so luminous a narrative Wishing to stress the sublimity of the > must pale before the glowing tribute paid to Báb’s exalted station as compared with that > the Báb by the pen of BaháVlláh. This of the Prophets of the past, BaháVlláh in > tribute the Báb Himself has, by the clear as­ that same epistle asserts: “No understand­ > sertion of His claim, abundantly supported, ing can grasp the nature of His Revelation, > while the written testimonies of 'Abdu’l- nor can any knowledge comprehend the full > Bahá have powerfully reinforced its char­ measure of His Faith.” He then quotes, in > acter and elucidated its meaning. confirmation of His argument, these pro­ > Where else if not in the Kitáb-i-íqán can phetic words: "Knowledge is twenty and > the student of the Bábi Dispensation seek to seven letters. All that the Prophets have re­ > find those affirmations that unmistakably at­ vealed are two letters thereof. No man thus > test the power and spirit which no man, ex­ far hath known more than these two letters. > cept he be a Manifestation of God, can mani­ But when the Qd’im shall arise, He will cause > fest? “Could such a th in g ” exclaims Bahá’- the remaining twenty and five letters to be > uflláh, “be made manifest except through the made manifest ” “Behold ” He adds, “how > power of a Divine Revelation and the po­ great and lofty is His station! His rank extency of Godys invincible Will? By the celleth that of all the Prophets and His Rev­ > righteousness of God! Were anyone to en­ elation transcendeth the comprehension and > tertain so great a Revelation in his heart the understanding of all their chosen ones.” “O f > thought of such a declaration would alone His Revelation,” He further adds, "the > confound him! Were the hearts of all men Prophets of God, His saints and chosen ones > to be crowded into his heart, he would still have either not been informed, or, in pursu­ > hesitate to venture upon so awful an enter­ ance of Godys inscrutable decree, they have > prise” "N o eye” He in another passage af­ not disclosed ” > firms, “hath beheld so great an outpouring of Of all the tributes which BahaVllah’s > bounty, nor hath any ear heard of such a unerring pen has chosen to pay to the > Revelation of loving-kindness . . . The Pro­ memory of the Báb, His “Best-Beloved,” the > phets 'endowed with constancy,y whose lofti­ most memorable and touching is this brief, > ness and glory shine as the sun, were each yet eloquent passage which so greatly en­ > honored with a Book which all have seen and hances the value of the concluding passages > the verses of which have been duly ascer­ of that same epistle. "Amidst them a ll” > tained. Whereas the verses which have He writes, referring to the afflictive trials and > rained from this Cloud of divine mercy have dangers besetting Him in the city of Baghbeen so abundant that none hath yet been dád, "W e stand life in hand wholly resigned > able to estimate their number . . . How to His Will, that perchance through Godys > can they belittle this Revelation? Hath loving kindness and grace, this revealed and > any age witnessed such momentous hap­ manifest Letter (BaháVlláh) may lay down > penings?” His life as a sacrifice in the path of the > Commenting on the character and influ­ Primal Point, the most exalted Word (the > ence of those heroes and martyrs whom the Báb). By Him, at Whose bidding the Spirit > spirit of the Báb had so magically trans­ hath spoken, but for this yearning of Our > formed BaháVlláh reveals the following: soul, We would not, for one moment, have > “If these companions be not the true strivers tarried any longer in this city.” > after God, who else could be called by this Dearly-beloved friends! So resounding a > name? . . . If these companions, with all their praise, so bold an assertion issued by the pen > marvelous testimonies and wondrous works, of BaháVlláh in so weighty a work, are fully > be false, who then is worthy to claim for re-echoed in the language in which the > himself the truth? . . . Has the world since Source of the Bábi Revelation has chosen to > the days of Adam witnessed such tumult, clothe the claims He himself has advanced. > such violent commotion? . . . Me thinks, “I am the Mystic Fane” the Báb thus pro­ > patience was revealed only by virtue of their claims His station in the Qayyúm-i-Asmá’, > THE BÁB AND THE REVELATION OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH 17 > > The Interior of the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel. > > "which the Hand of Omnipotence hath through the power of truth, are the 'Re­ > reared. I am the Lamp which the Finger of membrance of God’ and His Day before > God hath lit within its niche and caused to the eyes of the angels that circle His mercyshine with deathless splendor. I am the seat.” "Should it be Our wish,” He again af­ > Flame of that supernal Light that glowed firms, "it is in Our power to compel, through > upon Sinai in the gladsome Spot, and lay con­ the agency of but one letter of Our Revela­ > cealed in the midst of the Burning Bush.” tion, the world and all that is therein to > "O Qurratu’l- A yn l” He, addressing Himself recognize, in less than the twinkling of an > in that same commentary, exclaims, "I recog­ eye, the truth of Our Cause” > nize in Thee none other except the 'Great "I am the Primal Point ” the Báb thus ad­ > Announcemenť— the Announcement voiced dresses Muhammad Sháh from the prisonby the Concourse on high. By this name, fortress of Máh-Kú, "from which have been > I bear witness, they that circle the Tkrone of generated all created things . . . I am the > Glory have ever known Thee.” "W ith each Countenance of God Whose splendor can > and every Prophet, Whom We have sent never be obscured, the light of God whose > down in the past,” He further adds, "W e radiance can never fade . . . All the keys of > have established a separate Covenant con­ heaven God hath chosen to place on My > cerning the 'Remembrance of Gody and His right hand, and all the keys of hell on My > Day. Manifest, in the realm of glory and left . . . I am one of the sustaining pillars > 18 THE BA H Á ’1 CENTENARY > > of the Primal Word of God. Whosoever hath Xodiac— the sign Aries—which the sun en­ > recognized Me, hath known all that is true ters at the Vernal Equinox. The station of > and right, and hath attained all that is good Bahd’u’lldh’s Revelation, on the other hand, > and seemly . . .The substance wherewith God is represented by the sign Leo, the sun’s mid­ > hath created* Me is not the clay out of which summer and highest station. By this is > others have been formed. He hath con­ meant that this holy Dispensation is il­ > ferred upon Me that which the worldly- lumined with the light of the Sun of Truth > wise can never comprehend, nor the faithful shining from its most exalted station, and in > discover.” "Should a tiny ant,” the Báb, the plenitude of its resplendency, its heat > wishing to stress the limitless potentialities and glory.” > latent in His Dispensation, characteristically "The Bdb, the Exalted One,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahd > affirms, "desire in this day to be possessed of more specifically 'affirms in another Tablet, > such power as to be able to unravel the ab- "is the Morn of Truth, the splendor of Whose > strusest and most bewildering passages of the light shineth throughout all regions. He is > Qur’an, its wish will no doubt be fulfilled, also the Harbinger of the Most Great Light, > inasmuch as the mystery of eternal might the Abhd Luminary. The Blessed Beauty is > vibrates within the innermost being of all the One promised by the sacred books of > created things” "If so helpless a creature,” the past, the revelation of the Source of > is ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s comment on so startling an light that shone upon Mount Sinai, Whose > affirmation, "can be endowed with so subtle fire glowed in the midst of the Burning Bush. > a capacity, hcnv much more efficacious must We are, one and all servants of their thresh­ > be the power released through the liberal ef­ old, and stand each as a lowly keeper at their > fusions of the grace of Bahd’u’lldh!” door.” "Every proof and prophecy,” is His > To these authoritative assertions and still more emphatic warning, “every manner > solemn declarations made by Bahd’u’lldh and of evidence, whether based on reason or on > the Báb mtist be added ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s own the text of the scriptures and traditions, are > incontrovertible testimony. He, the ap­ to be regarded as centered in the persons of > pointed interpreter of the utterances of both Bahd’u’lldh and the Bdb. In them is to be > Bahd’u’lldh and the Báb, corroborates, not found their complete fulfillment.” > by implication but in clear and categorical And finally, in His Will and Testament, > language, both in His Tablets and in His the repository of His last wishes and parting > Testament, the truth of the statements to instructions, He in the following passage, > which I have already referred. specifically designed to set forth the guid­ > In a Tablet addressed to a Bahd’i in Mdzin- ing principles of Bahd’i belief, sets the seal > dardn, in which He unfolds the meaning of of His testimony on the Bdb’s dual and ex­ > a misinterpreted statement attributed to Hin* alted station: "The foundation of the be­ > regarding the rise of the Sun of Truth in lief of the people of Bahd (may my life be > this century, He sets forth, briefly but con­ offered up for them) is this: His holiness > clusively, what should remain for all time the exalted One (the Bdb) is the Manifesta­ > our true conception of the relationship be­ tion of the unity and oneness of God and the > tween the two Manifestations associated Forerunner of the Ancient Beauty (Bahd’u’­ > with the Bahd’i Dispensation. "In making lldh) . His holiness, the Abhd Beauty (Bahd’­ > such a statement,” He explains, “I had in u’lldh) (may my life be offered up as a sacri­ > mind no one else except the Bdb and Bahd’u’l­ fice for His steadfast friends) is the supreme > ldh, the character of whose Revelations it had Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of > been my purpose to elucidate. The Revela­ His most divine Essence/’ "All others,” He > tion of the Bdb may be likened to the sun, its significantly adds, "are servants unto Him > station corresponding to the first sign of the and do His bidding.” > PART TWO > > AMERICAS SPIRITUAL D E S T IN Y > References to N orth America in the Baha’i 'Writings > I > > BAHÁ’U ’LLÁH > > O RULERS of America, and Presidents Station, whereat all creation, both seen and > of the Republics therein! Harken to the unseen, smiled and rejoiced. > strains of the Dove on the Branch of Eternity O people, avail yourselves of the Day of > singing the melody: "There is no God but God. Verily, to meet Him is better for you > Me, the Everlasting, the Forgiver, the than all that upon which the sun rises, were > Generous.” you of those who know! > Adorn the temple of dominion with the O concourse of Statesmen! Harken to > embroidered garment of justice and virtue, that which is raised from the Day-Spring of > and crown its head with the diadem of the Majesty, that: "There is no God but Me, the > celebration of your Lord, the Creator of Speaker, the All-Knowing. Assist with the > heaven and earth. Thus the Day-Spring of hands of justice the broken-hearted, and > the Names commands you on the part of crush the great oppressors with the scourges > the One all-knowing and wise. The of the commands of your Lord, the Power­ > Promised One has appeared in this exalted ful, the Wise!” > > II > > ‘ABDUL-BAHÁ > Public Addresses in the United States and Canada, 1912 > > The body of the human world is sick. has developed powers and capacities greater > Its remedy and healing will be the oneness and more wonderful than other nations. > of the kingdom of humanity. Its life is While it is true that its people have attained > the Most Great Peace. Its illumination and a marvelous material civilization, I hope that > quickening is love. Its happiness is the at­ spiritual forces may animate this great body > tainment of spiritual perfections. It is my and a corresponding spiritual civilization be > wish and hope that in the bounties and favors established. > of the Blessed Perfection (Baha’u’llah) we New York, April 16 > may find a new life, acquire a new power > and attain to a wonderful and supreme I have traveled this long distance, crossed > source of energy so that the Most Great Peace the Atlantic Ocean to this western continent > of divine intention shall be established upon in the desire and hope that the strongest > the foundations of the unity of the world bond of unity may be established between > of men with God. May the love of God America and Persia. I know this to be your > be spread from this city, from this meet­ wish and purpose also and am sure of your > ing, to all the surrounding countries. Nay, cooperation. We shall therefore offer sup­ > may America become the distributing center plication in the divine threshold that a great > of spiritual enlightenment and all the world love may take possession of the hearts of > receive this heavenly blessing. For America men and unite the nations of the world. > 20 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > We will pray that the ensign of international institution of liberty and equality here be­ > peace may be uplifted and that the oneness came the cause of liberating your fellowof the world of humanity may be realized beings elsewhere. . . . > and accomplished. All this is made possible Therefore strive earnestly and put forth > and practicable through your efforts. May your greatest endeavor toward the accom- N > this American democracy be the first nation plishment of this fellowship and the cement­ > to establish the foundation of international ing of this bond of brotherhood between > agreement. May it be the first nation to pro­ you. Such an attainment is not possible > claim the universality of mankind. May it without will and effort on the part of each; > be the first to upraise the standard of the from one, expressions of gratitude and ap­ > "Most Great Peace,” and through this nation preciation; from the other, kindliness and > of democracy may these philanthropic in­ recognition of equality. Each one should > tentions and institutions be spread broadcast endeavor to develop and assist the other to­ > throughout the world. Truly this is a great ward mutual advancement. This is possible > and revered nation. Here liberty has reached only by conjoining of effort and inclination. > its highest degree. The intentions of its Love and unity will be fostered between > people are most praiseworthy. They are in­ you, thereby bringing about the oneness > deed worthy of being the first people to of mankind. For the accomplishment of > build the tabernacle of the great peace and unity between the colored and whites will > proclaim the oneness of the world of human­ be an assurance of the world’s peace. Then > ity. I will supplicate God for assistance racial prejudice, national prejudice, limited > and confirmation in your behalf. patriotism and religious bias will pass away > Washington, D. C., April 20 and remain no longer. , > Washington, D. C., April 23 > Today I am exceedingly glad that both > white and colored people have gathered here O God! O Thou who givest! This con­ > and I hope the time will come when they gregation is turning to Thee, casting their > shall live together in the utmost peace, unity glances toward Thy Kingdom and favor, > and friendship. I wish to say one thing of longing to behold the lights of Thy face. > importance to both in order that the white O God! bless this nation. Confirm this gov­ > race may be just and kind to the colored ernment. Reveal Thy glory unto this people > and that the colored race may in turn be and confer upon them life eternal. O God! > grateful and appreciative toward the white. illumine the faces, render the hearts radiant, > The great proclamation of liberty and eman­ exhilarate the breasts, crown the heads with > cipation from slavery was made upon this the diadem of Thy providence, cause them > continent. A long bloody war was fought to soar in Thy pure atmosphere so they may > by white men for the sake of colored people. reach the highest pinnacles of Thy splendor. > These white men forfeited their possessions Assist them in order that this world may > and sacrificed their lives by thousands in ever find the light and effulgence of Thy > order that colored men might be freed from presence. O God! shelter this congregation > bondage. The colored population of the and admonish this nation. Render them pro­ > United States of America are possibly not gressive in all degrees. May they become > fully informed of the wide-reaching effect leaders in the world of humanity. May they > of this freedom and emancipation upon their be Thy examples among humankind. May > colored brethren in Asia and Africa where they be manifestations of Thy grace. May > even more terrible conditions of slavery ex­ they be filled with the inspiration of Thy > isted. Influenced and impelled by the ex­ Word. Thou art the powerful! Thou art > ample of the United States, the European the mighty! Thou art the giver and thou > powers proclaimed universal liberty to the art the omniscient! > colored race and slavery ceased to exist. This Chicago, May 3 > effort and accomplishment by the white > nations should never be lost sight of. Both In this western world with its stimulat­ > races should rejoice in gratitude, for the ing climate, its capacities for knowledge and > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 21 > > lofty ideals, the message of peace should be this government and nation may spread it > easily spread. The people are not so in­ to all the world. > fluenced by imitations and prejudices, and Chicago, May 3 > through their comprehension of the real and > unreal they should attain the truth. They O thou kind Lord! Thou hast created > should become leaders in the effort to estab­ all humanity from the same original parents. > lish the oneness of humankind. What is Thou hast intended that all belong to the > higher than this responsibility? In the king­ same household. In Thy holy presence they > dom of God no service is greater and in the are Thy servants and all mankind are > estimation of the prophets including Jesus sheltered beneath Thy tabernacle. All have > Christ there is no deed so estimable. gathered at Thy table of bounty and are > Yet even now warfare prevails. Envy and radiant through the light of Thy providence. > hatred have arisen between nations but be­ O God! Thou art kind to all, thou hast > cause I find the American nation so capable provided for all, thou dost shelter all, thou > of achievement and this government the dost confer life upon all. Thou hast en­ > fairest of western governments, its insti­ dowed all with talents and faculties; all are > tutions superior to others, my wish and hope submerged in the ocean of Thy mercy. O > is that the banner of international recon­ thou kind Lord! unite all, let the religions > ciliation may first be raised on this continent agree, make the nations one so that they may > and the standard of the “Most Great Peace” be as one kind and as children of the same > be unfurled here. May the American people fatherland. May they associate in unity and > and their government unite in their efforts in concord. O God! upraise the standard of the > order that this light may dawn from this oneness of humankind. O God! establish the > point and spread to all regions; for this is "Most Great Peace.” Cement the hearts to­ > one of the greatest bestowals of God. In gether, O God! O thou kind father, God! > order that America may avail herself of this exhilarate the hearts through the fragrance > opportunity I beg that you strive and pray of Thy love; brighten the eyes through the > with heart and soul, devoting all your light of Thy guidance; cheer the hearing > energies to this end that the banner of with the melodies of Thy Word and shelter > international peace may be upraised here us in the cave of Thy providence. Thou art > and that this' democracy may be the cause the mighty and powerful! Thou art the > of the cessation of warfare in all other forgiving and thou art the one who overcountries. lookest the shortcomings of humankind. > Observe what is taking place in Tripoli; Chicago, May 5 > men cutting each other into pieces; bom­ > bardment from the sea, attacks from the This revered American nation presents > land and the hail of dynamite from the very evidences of greatness and worth. It is my > heaven itself. The contending armies are hope that this just government will stand for > thirsting for each other’s blood. How they peace so that warfare may be abolished > can do this is inconceivable. They have throughout the world and the standards of > fathers, mothers, children; they are human. national unity and reconciliation be up­ > What of their wives and families? Think of raised. This is the greatest attainment of > their anguish and suffering. How unjust, the world of humanity. This American na­ > how terrible! Human beings should prevent tion is equipped and empowered to accom­ > and forbid this. These kings, rulers and plish that which will adorn the pages of > chieftains should strive for the good of their history, to become the envy of the world > subjects instead of their destruction. These and be blest in the east and the west for the > shepherds should bring their sheep within triumph of its democracy. I pray that this > the fold, comfort them and give them pas­ may come to pass and I ask the blessing of > ture instead of death and slaughter. God in behalf of you all. > I supplicate the divine Kingdom and ask Cleveland, May 6 > that you may be instrumental in establish­ > ing the Great Peace in this country and that All of us know that international peace is > 22 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > good, that it is conducive to human welfare stating that the standard of the "'Most Great > and the glory of man, but volition and action Peace” would surely be upraised in the world. > are necessary before it can be established. This has come to pass. The powers of > Action is the essential. Inasmuch as this earth cannot withstand the privileges and > century is a century of light, capacity for bestowals which God has ordained for this N > action is assured to mankind. Necessarily great and glorious century. It is a need > the divine principles will be spread among and exigency of the time. Man can with­ > men until the time of action arrives. Surely stand anything except that which is divinely > this has been so and truly the time and con­ intended and indicated for the age and its > ditions are ripe for action now. All men requirements. Now, Praise be to God! in all > know that verily, war is a destroyer of countries of the world, lovers of peace are to > human foundations and in every country of be found and these principles are being spread > the world this is admitted and apparent. among mankind, especially in this country. > I find the United States of America an ex­ Praise be to God! this thought is prevailing > ceedingly progressive nation, the govern­ and souls are continually arising as defenders > ment just, the people in a state of readiness of the oneness of humanity, endeavoring to > and the principle of equality established to assist and establish international peace. There > an extraordinary degree. Therefore it is my is no doubt that this wonderful democracy > hope that inasmuch as the standard of inter­ will be able to realize it and the banner of > national peace must be upraised it may be international agreement will be unfurled here > upraised upon this continent, for this nation to spread onward and outward among all > is more deserving and has greater capacity the nations of the world. I give thanks to > for such an initial step than any other. If God that I find you imbued with such sus­ > other nations should attempt to do this the ceptibilities and lofty aspirations and I hope > motive will be misunderstood. . . Your gov­ that you will be the means of spreading this > ernment has, strictly speaking, no colonies light to all men. Thus may the Sun of > to protect. You are not endeavoring to Reality shine upon the east and west. The > extend your domain nor have you need of enveloping clouds shall pass away and the > territorial expansion. Therefore if America heat of the divine rays will dispel the mist. > takes the first step toward the establish­ The reality of man shall develop and come > ment of world peace it is certain to be forth as the image of God his creator. The > ascribed to unselfishness and altruism. . . . thoughts of man shall take such upward > Just now Europe is a battlefield of ammuni­ flight that former accomplishments shall ap­ > tion ready for a spark; and one spark will set pear as the play of children;—for the ideas > aflame the whole world. Before these com­ and beliefs of the past and the prejudices re­ > plications and cataclysmic events happen, garding race and religion have ever been > take the step to prevent it. . . . Let this be lowering and destructive to human evolution. > her mission and undertaking and may its I am most hopeful that in this century these > blessed impetus spread to all countries. lofty thoughts shall be conducive to human > New York, May 12 welfare. Let this century be the sun of > previous centuries the effulgences of which > His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh was imprisoned shall last forever, so that in times to come > and subjected to severe persecutions. Finally they shall glorify the twentieth century, say­ > He was exiled from Persia to Mesopotamia; ing the twentieth century was the century > from Baghdád He was sent to Constantinople of lights, the twentieth century was the cen­ > and Adrianople and from thence to the tury of life, the twentieth century was the > prison of Akka in Syria. Through all these century of international peace, the twentieth > ordeals He strove day and night to proclaim century was the century of divine bestowals > the oneness of humanity and promulgate the and the twentieth century has left traces > message of Universal Peace. From the prison which shall last forever. > of Akka He addressed the kings and rulers of New York, May 13 > the earth in lengthy letters summoning them > to international agreement and explicitly I have come to this country in the ad- > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 23 > > vanced years of my life, undergoing difficul­ and all races of mankind come together in > ties of health and climate because of ex­ unity and love. Fifty years ago His Holi­ > cessive love for the friends of God. It is ness Bahá’u’lláh proclaimed the peace of the > my wish that they may be assisted to become nations and oneness of the divine religions, > servants of the heavenly kingdom, captives addressing His words to all the kings and > in the service of the will of God. This cap­ rulers of the world in specific tablets. There­ > tivity is freedom, this sacrifice is glorifica­ fore my supreme desire is the unity of the > tion, this labor is reward, this need is be­ east and west, Universal Peace, and the one­ > stowal. For service in love for mankind is ness of the world of humanity. > unity with God. He who serves has already Denver, September 2 5 > entered the kingdom and is seated at the right > hand of his Lord. The issue of paramount importance in the > New York, June 11 world today is International Peace. The Eu­ > ropean continent is like an arsenal, a store­ > I desire to make manifest among the house of explosives ready for ignition, and > friends in America a new light that they may one spark will set the whole of Europe aflame, > become a new people, that a new foundation particularly at this time when the Balkan > may be established and complete harmony question is before the world. Even now war > be realized; for the foundation of Bahá’u’lláh is raging furiously in some places, the blood > is love. When you go to Green Acre6you of innocent people is being shed, children are > must have infinite love for each other, each made captive, women are left without sup­ > preferring the other before himself. The port and homes are being destroyed. There­ > people must be so attracted to you that they fore the greatest need in the world today is > will exclaim “What happiness exists among International Peace. The time is ripe. It is > you!” and will see in your faces the lights time for the abolition of warfare, the unifica­ > of the kingdom; then in wonderment they tion of nations and governments. It is the > will turn to you and seek the cause of your time for love. It is time for cementing to­ > happiness. You must give the message gether the east and the west. > through action and deed, not alone by word. Inasmuch as the Californians seem peace- > Word must be conjoined with deed. You loving and possessed of great worthiness and > must love yt>ur friend better than yourself; capacity, I hope that advocates of peace may > yes, be willing to sacrifice yourself. The daily increase among them until the whole > cause of Bahá’u’lláh has not yet appeared in population shall stand for that beneficent > this country. I desire that you be ready to outcome. May the men of affairs in this > sacrifice everything for each other, even life democracy uphold the standard of interna­ > itself; then I will know that the cause of tional conciliation. Then may altruistic aims > Bahá’u’lláh has been established. I will pray and thoughts radiate from this center to­ > for you that you may become the cause of ward all other regions of the earth and may > upraising the lights of God. May everyone the glory of this accomplishment forever > point to you and ask “Why are these people halo the history of this country. May the > so happy?” I want you to be happy in Green first flag of International Peace be upraised > Acre, to laugh, smile and rejoice in order in this State. May the first illumination of > that others may be made happy by you. I reality shine gloriously upon this soil. May > will pray for you. this center and capitol become distinguished > New York, July 1 in all degrees of accomplishment; for the > virtues of humanity and the possibilities of > My highest hope and desire is that the human advancement are boundless. There > strongest and most indissoluble bond shall is no end to them and whatever be the de­ > be established between the American nation gree to which humanity may attain, there are > and the people of the Orient. This is my always degrees beyond. There is no attain­ > prayer to God. May the day come when ment in the contingent realm of which it > through divine and spiritual activity in the may be said “Beyond this state of being and > human world, the religions shall be reconciled perfection there is no other,” or “This has > 24 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > achieved the superlative degree.” No mat­ lláh and are living together in love and > ter how perfect it may appear, there is al­ fellowship without religious, patriotic ori > ways a greater degree of attainment to be racial prejudices: Muhammadans, Jews, > reached. Therefore no matter how much Christians, Buddhists, Zoroastrians, and > humanity may advance there are even higher many others. > stations to be attained because virtues are America has arisen to spread the teach­ > unlimited. There is a consummation for ings of peace, to increase the illumination of > everything except virtues and although this humankind and bestow happiness and pros­ > country has achieved extraordinary progress, perity upon the children of men. These are > I hope that its attainment may be immeasur­ the principles and evidences of divine civiliza­ > ably greater, for the divine bounties are tion. America is a noble nation, the standardinfinite and unlimited. bearer of peace throughout the world, shed­ > Sacramento, October 26 ding light to all regions. Foreign nations are > not untrammelled and free from intrigues > As we are in Cincinnati, the home of and complications like the United States, > President Taft, who has rendered such noble therefore they are not able to bring about uni­ > service to the cause of peace, I will dictate versal harmony, but America—praise be to > a statement for the people of Cincinnati and God!—is at peace with all the world and is > America generally. worthy of raising the flag of brotherhood and > In the Orient I was informed that there international agreement. When this is done, > are many lovers of peace in America. There­ the rest of the world will accept. All na­ > fore I left my native land to associate here tions will join in adopting the teachings of > with those who are the standard-bearers of Bahá’u’lláh revealed more than fifty years > international conciliation and agreement. ago. In His epistles He asked the parliaments > Having traveled from coast to coast, I find of the world to send their wisest and best > the United States of America vast and pro­ men to an international world conference > gressive, the government just and equable, which should decide all questions between > the nation noble and independent. I at­ the peoples and establish Universal Peace. > tended many meetings where International This would be the highest court of appeal > Peace was discussed and am always extremely and the parliament of man so long dreamed > happy to witness the results of such meet­ of by poets and idealists would be realized. > ings, for one of the great principles of Its accomplishment would be more far-reach­ > Bahd’u’lldh’s teachings is the establishment ing than the Hague tribunal. > of agreement among the peoples of the I am most grateful to President Taft for > world. having extended his influence toward the > He founded and taught this principle in establishment of Universal Peace. What he > the Orient fifty years ago. He proclaimed has accomplished in making treaties with > international unity, summoned the religions various nations is very good but when we > of the world to harmony and reconciliation have the inter-parliamentary body composed > and established fellowship among many of delegates from all the nations of the > races, sects and communities. At that time world and devoted to the maintenance of > He wrote Epistles to the kings and rulers agreement and good will, the utopian dream > of the world, calling upon them to arise and of sages and poets, the parliament of man, > cooperate with Him in spreading these prin­ will be realized. > ciples, saying that the stability and advance­ Cincinnati, November 5 > ment of humanity could only be realized > through the unity of the nations. Through Praise be to God! The standard of lib­ > His efforts this principle of universal har­ erty is held aloft in this land. You enjoy > mony and agreement was practically demon­ political liberty; you enjoy liberty of > strated in Persia and other countries. To­ thought and speech, religious liberty, racial > day, in Persia, for instance, there are many and personal liberty. Surely this is worthy > people of various races and religions who of appreciation and thanksgiving. > have followed the exhortations of Bahd’u’- Washington, D. C., November 6 > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 25 > > It is my fond and fervent hope through the reality of the divine religions shall be­ > the favor of God that this present meeting come resplendent and refulgent, indicating > may be instrumental in ushering in the that they were meant to be the cause of > day when the standard of the oneness of unity and love and that through them, > the world of humanity shall be held aloft heavenly bestowals have ever been conferring > in America. May it be the first real foun­ light upon the human world. > dation of International Peace, having for New York, November 18 > its object universal service to man. May > it be divine philanthropy without distinc­ I have been in America nine months and > tions or differentiations in humankind. May have traveled to all the large cities, speak­ > you consider all religions the instruments of ing before various assemblages, proclaiming > God and regard all races as channels of to them the oneness of the world of hu­ > divine manifestation. May you view man­ manity, summoning all to union, harmony, > kind as the sheep of God and know for a and oneness. I have indeed received the > certainty that He is the real shepherd. greatest kindness from the American people. > Washington, D. C., November 9 I look upon them as a noble nation capable > of every perfection. Tomorrow I am going > I consider the American people a highly away to Europe and now I bid farewell > civilized and intelligent nation,— a nation to you all, seeking for you the divine mercy, > investigating truth and reality. It is my the eternal glory and everlasting life; and > hope that through the efforts of this noble I pray that you may attain the highest sta­ > nation the solidarity of humanity may be tion of humanity. I am greatly pleased > continually advanced, that the illumination with this meeting. My happiness is great. > of the human world may become wide­ I shall never forget you. You shall always > spread, that the banner of Universal Peace live in my thought. I shall always pray > may be held aloft, the lamp of the oneness of and supplicate before the Kingdom of God > the human world be ignited and the hearts and seek heavenly blessings for you. > of the east and west be conjoined. Then New York, December 5 > > III > > ‘A B D U ’L - B A H Á > > Tablets of the Divine Plan > > To the Assemblies and Meetings of the Believers of God and the maid-servants of the > Merciful in the United States and Canada. > > Upon them be BaháVlláh El-Abhá! Therefore I direct you to that which is > conducive to your heavenly confirmation and > HE IS GOD! > illumination in the Kingdom of God! > O ye blessed souls! It is this: Alaska is a vast country; al­ > though one of the maid-servants of the Mer­ > I desire for you eternal success and pros­ ciful has hastened to those parts, serving as > perity and beg perfect confirmation for each a librarian in the Public Library, and accord­ > one in the divine world. My hope for you is ing to her ability is not failing in teaching > that each one may shine forth like unto the the Cause; yet the call of the Kingdom of > morning star from the horizon of the world God is not yet raised through that spacious > and in this Garden of God become a blessed territory. > i tree, producing everlasting fruits and re­ His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to > sults. the East and to the West of the world and > 26 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARV > > summon the people to the Kingdom of God. midst, they became so illumined that they > Hence the mercy of God must encompass all brightened the world. Likewise, should these1 > humanity. Therefore do ye not think it per­ Indians and aborigines be educated and ob­ > missible to leave that region deprived of the tain guidance, there is no doubt that through > breezes of the Morn of Guidance. Conse­ the divine teachings, they will become so en­ > quently, strive as far as ye are able to send lightened as in turn to shed light to all > to those parts fluent speakers, who are de­ regions. > tached from aught else save God, attracted All the above countries have impor­ > with the fragrances of God, and sanctified tance, but especially the Republic of Panama, > and purified from all desires and temptations. wherein the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, > Their sustenance and food must consist of come together through the Panama Canal. > the teachings of God. First they must them­ It is a center for travel and passage from > selves live in accordance with those prin­ America to other continents of the world, > ciples, then guide the people. Perchance, and in the future it will gain most great > God willing, the lights of the most great importance. > guidance may illumine that country and the Likewise the Islands of the West Indies, > breezes of the rose garden of the love of such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, > God may perfume the nostrils of the in­ the Islands of the Lesser Antilles, Bahama > habitants of Alaska. Should ye become con­ Islands, even the small Watling Island, have > firmed in thus rendering such a service, rest great importance; especially the two black > ye assured that ye shall crown your heads Republics, Haiti and Santo Domingo, situ­ > with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty, ated in the cluster of the Greater Antilles. > and at the threshold of oneness you will be­ Likewise the cluster of the Islands of Ber­ > come the favored and accepted servants. muda in the Atlantic Ocean have impor­ > Likewise the Republic of Mexico is very tance. > important. The majority of the inhabitants In a similar way, the Republics on the > of that country are devoted Catholics. They Continent of South America—Colombia, > are totally unaware of the reality of the Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, British Guiana, Dutch > Bible, the Gospel and the new divine teach­ Guiana, French Guiana, Bolivia, Chile, Ar­ > ings. They do not know that the basis of gentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela; also > the religions of God is one and that the the Islands in the North, East and West of > Holy Manifestations are like unto the Sun South America, such as Falkland Island, > of Truth, rising from the different dawning Galapagos, Juan Fernandez, Tobago and > places. Those souls are submerged in the Trinidad. Likewise the city of Bahia, > sea of dogmas. If one breath of life be situated on the eastern shore of Brazil. Be­ > blown over them, great results will issue cause it is some time that it has become > therefrom. But it is better for those who known by this name, its efficacy will be most > intend to go to Mexico to teach, to be fa­ potent. > miliar with the Spanish language. In short, O ye believers of God! Exalt > Similarly, the six Central American Re­ your effort and magnify your aims. His > publics, situated south of Mexico,—Guate­ Holiness Christ says: Blessed are the poor, > mala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa for theirs shall be the Kingdom of Heaven. > Rica, Panama and the seventh country, Be­ In other words: Blessed are the nameless and > lize or British Honduras. The teachers go­ traceless poor, for they are the leaders of > ing to these parts must also be familiar mankind. Likewise it is said in the Qur’án: > with the Spanish language. "We desire to bestow our gifts upon those > You must give great importance to teach­ who have become weak on the face of the > ing the Indians i. e., the aborigines of earth, and make them a nation, and the heirs > America. For these souls are like the ancient (of spiritual tru th ).” Or, we wish to grant > inhabitants of Peninsular Arabia, who previ­ a favor to the impotent souls and suffer them > ous to the Manifestation of His Holiness M u­ to become the inheritors of the Messengers > hammad were treated as savages. But when and Prophets. > the Muhammadic light shone forth in their Therefore, now is the time that you may > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 27 > > divest yourselves from the garment of at­ them victorious; so that each one of them > tachment to this phenomenal realm, be may become like unto a regiment and con­ > wholly severed from the physical world, be­ quer these countries through the love of > come angels of heaven and travel and teach God and the illumination of divine teach­ > through all these regions. ings. > I declare by Him, beside whom there is O God! Be Thou their supporter and > no one, that each one of you shall become their helper, and in the wilderness, the moun­ > the Israfel of Life, blowing the breath of life tain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and > in the souls of others. the seas, be Thou their confidant— so that > Upon you be greeting and praise! they may cry out through the power of the > Kingdom and the breath of the Holy Spirit! > Supplication > Verily Thou art the powerful, the mighty > O Thou Incomparable God! O thou Lord and the omnipotent, and Thou art the wise, > of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy the hearing and the seeing. > heavenly army. Assist them and with the Haifa, Palestine, > cohorts of the Supreme Concourse, make April 8, 1916. > > To the believes and the maid-servants of the Merciful of the Baha’i Assemblies and > Meetings in the United States and CanadaI > > HE IS GOD! through the pillars of the earth. Therefore > it is the hope of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that just as ye > O ye real Baha’is of America! > are confirmed and assisted on the continent > Praise be to His Highness the Desired One of America, ye may also be confirmed and > that ye have become confirmed in the pro­ assisted in other continents of the globe:— > motion of divine teachings in that vast Con­ that is, ye may carry the fame of the Cause > tinent, raised the call of the Kingdom of of God to the East and to the West and spread > God in that region and announced the Glad the Glad Tidings of the appearance of the > Tidings of the manifestation of the Lord Kingdom of the Lord of Hosts throughout > of Hosts a$d His Highness the Promised the five continents of the world. > One. Thanks be unto the Lord that ye have When this divine call travels from the > become assisted and confirmed in this aim. continent of America to Europe, Asia, > This is purely through the confirmations Africa, Australia and the Islands of the Pa­ > of the Lord of Hosts and the breaths of the cific, the American believers shall be estab­ > Holy Spirit. At present your confirmation lished on the throne of everlasting Glory, > is not known and understood. Ere long ye the fame of their illumination and guidance > shall observe that each one of you like shall reach to all regions and the renown > unto a brilliant and shining star will dif­ of their greatness become world-wide. There­ > fuse the light of guidance from that horizon fore, a party, speaking the languages, sev­ > and that ye have become the cause of eternal ered, holy, sanctified and filled with the love > life to the inhabitants of America. of God, must turn their faces to and travel > Consider! The station and the confirma­ through the three great island groups of the > tion of the apostles in the time of Christ was Pacific Ocean, — Polynesia, Micronesia and > not known, and no one looked on them with Malanesia, and the islands attached to these > the feeling of importance—nay, rather, they groups, such as New Guinea, Borneo, Java, > persecuted and ridiculed them. Later on it Sumatra, Philippine Islands, Solomon Islands, > became evident what crowns studded with Fiji Islands, New Hebrides, Loyalty Islands, > the brilliant jewels of guidance were placed New Caledonia, Bismarck Archipelago, Ce­ > on the heads of the apostles, Mary Magda­ ram, Celebes, Friendly Islands, Samoa Is­ > lene and Mary the mother of John. lands, Society Islands, Caroline Islands, Low > Likewise your confirmation is not known Archipelago, Marquesas, Hawaiian Islands, > at the present time. I hope that ere long Gilbert Islands, Moluccas, Marshall Islands, > it may throw a mighty reverberation Timor and the other islands. With hearts > 28 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > overflowing with the love of God, with be forthcoming. How good would it be > tongues commemorating the mention of were there any possibility of a commission > God, with eyes turned to the Kingdom of composed of men and women, to travel to­ > God, they must deliver the Glad Tidings gether through China and Japan—so that > of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts this bond of love may become strengthened, > to all the people. Know ye of a certainty that and through this going and coming they may > in whatever meeting ye may enter, in the establish the oneness of the world of hu­ > apex of that meeting the Holy Spirit shall manity, summon the people to the Kingdom > be waving and the heavenly confirmations of God and spread the teachings. > of the Blessed Perfection shall encompass all. Similarly, if possible, they should travel > Consider ye, that Miss Agnes Alexander, to the continent of Africa, Canary Islands, > the daughter of the Kingdom, the beloved Cape Verde Islands, Madeira Islands, Re­ > maid-servant of the Blessed Perfection, union Islands, St. Helena, Zanzibar, Mau­ > traveled alone to Hawaii and the Island of ritius, etc., and in those countries summon > Honolulu, and now she is gaining spiritual the people to the Kingdom of God and raise > victories in Japan! Reflect ye how this the cry of: "Ya Bahá i’l Abha!” They must > daughter was confirmed in the Hawaiian Is­ also upraise the flag of the oneness of the > lands. She became the cause of the guid­ world of humanity in the Island of Mada­ > ance of a gathering of people. gascar. > Likewise Miss Knobloch traveled alone to Books and pamphlets must be either > Germany. To what a great extent she be­ translated or composed in the languages of > came confirmed! Therefore, know ye of a these countries and islands, to be circulated > certainty that whosoever arises in this day to in every part and in all directions. > diffuse the divine fragrances the cohorts of It is said that in South Africa, a diamond > the Kingdom of God shall confirm him and mine is discovered. Although this mine is > the bestowals and the favors of the Blessed most valuable, yet after all it is stone. Per­ > Perfection shall encircle him. chance, God willing, the mine of humanity > O how I long that it could be made pos­ may be discovered and the brilliant pearls of > sible for me to travel throughout these parts, the Kingdom be found. > even if necessary on foot and with the u t­ In brief, this world-consuming war has > most poverty, and while passing through the set such a conflagration to the hearts that no > cities, villages, mountains, deserts and oceans, word can describe it. In all the countries > cry at the top of my voice: “Yá Bahá i’l of the world the longing for Universal Peace > Abhá!” and promote the divine teachings. is taking possession of the consciousness of > But now this is not feasible for me, therefore men. There is not a soul who does not yearn > I live in great regret; perchance, God willing, for concord and peace. A most wonderful > ye may become assisted therein. state of receptivity is being realized. This > A t this time, in the Islands of Hawaii, is through the consummate wisdom of God, > through the efforts of Miss Alexander, a so that capacity may be created, the standard > number of souls have reached the shore of of the oneness of the world of humanity be > the sea of faith! Consider ye, what happi­ upraised, and the fundamentals of Universal > ness, what joy is this! I declare by the Lord Peace and the divine principles be promoted > of Hosts that had this respected daughter in the East and the West. > founded an empire, that empire would not Therefore, O ye believers of God! Show > have been so great! For this sovereignty is ye an effort and after this war spread ye the > eternal sovereignty and this glory is ever- synopsis of the divine teachings in the Brit­ > lasting glory. ish Isles, France, Germany, Austria-Hun­ > Likewise, if some teachers go to other gary, Russia, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzer­ > islands and other parts, such as the continent land, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, > of Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, also Portugal, Roumania, Serbia, Montenegro, > to Japan, Asiatic Russia, Korea, French Indo- Bulgaria, Greece, Andora, Liechtenstein, > China, Siam, Straits Settlements, India, Cey­ Luxembourg, Monaco, San Marino, Balearic > lon and Afghanistan, most great results will Isles, Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily, Crete, Malta, > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 29 > > Iceland, Faroe Islands, Shetland Islands, will not be exhausted! It is evident that > Hebrides and Orkney Islands. they have earned these material bounties > In all these countries, like unto the morn­ with the utmost facility. > ing stars shine ye forth from the horizon of Still more ideal than this life is the life of > guidance. Up to this time you have dis­ a bird. A bird, on the summit of a moun­ > played great magnanimity, but after this, tain, on the high, waving branches, has built > ye must add a thousand times to your ef­ for itself a nest more beautiful than the > fort and throughout the above countries, palaces of the kings! The air is in the utmost > capitals, islands, meetings and churches, in­ purity, the water cool and clear as crystal, > vite mankind to the Kingdom of Abha! The the panorama charming and enchanting. In > circle of your exertion must become widened. such glorious surroundings, he expends his > The more it is broadened and extended, the numbered days. All the harvests of the plain > greater will be your confirmation. are his possessions, having earned all this > Ye have observed that while ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wealth without the least labor. Hence, no > was in the utmost bodily weakness and matter how much man may advance in this > feebleness, while He was indisposed, and had world, he shall not attain to the station > not the power to move,—notwithstanding of this bird! Thus it becomes evident that > this physical state He traveled through many in the matters of this world, however much > countries, in Europe and America, and in man may strive and work to the point of > churches, meetings and conventions, was oc­ death, he will be unable to earn the abun­ > cupied with the promotion of the divine dance, the freedom and the independent life > principles and summoned the people to the of a small bird. This proves and establishes > manifestation of the Kingdom of Abhá. Ye the fact that man is not created for the life > have also observed how the confirmations of of this ephemeral world:—nay, rather, he is > the Blessed Perfection encompassed all. What created for the acquirement of infinite per­ > result is forthcoming from material rest, fections, for the attainment to the sublimity > tranquillity, luxury and attachment to this of the world of humanity, to be drawn nigh > corporeal world! It is evident that the man unto the divine threshold and to sit on the > who pursues these things will in the end be­ throne of everlasting sovereignty! > come afflicted with regret and loss. Upon you be Bahá El-Abhá! > Consequently, one must close his eyes Any soul starting on a trip of teaching to > wholly to these thoughts, long for eternal various parts, and while sojourning in > life, the sublimity of the world of humanity, strange countries, may peruse the following > the celestial developments, the Holy Spirit, supplication—day and night. > the promotion of the Word of God, the guid­ > Supplication > ance of the inhabitants of the globe, the > promulgation of Universal Peace and the O God! O God! Thou seest me en­ > proclamation of the oneness of the world of amored and attracted toward Thy Kingdom, > humanity! This is the work. Otherwise the El Abhá, enkindled with the fire of Thy > like unto other animals and birds one must love amongst mankind, a herald of Thy > occupy himself with the requirements of this Kingdom in these vast and spacious coun­ > physical life, the satisfaction of which is the tries, severed from aught else save Thee, re­ > highest aspiration of the animal kingdom, lying on Thee, abandoning rest and comfort, > and one must stalk across the earth like unto remote from my native home, a wanderer > the quadrupeds. in these regions, a stranger fallen on the > Consider ye! No matter how much man ground, humble before Thy exalted thresh­ > gains wealth, riches and opulence in this old, submissive toward Thy most high > world, he will not become as independent as realm, supplicating Thee in the middle of > a cow. For these fattened cows roam freely nights and in the heart of evenings, en­ > over the vast tableland. All the prairies and treating and invoking Thee in the morn and > meadows are theirs for grazing, and all the eve— so that Thou mayst assist me in the > springs and rivers are theirs for drinking! service of Thy Cause, the promotion of Thy > No matter how much they graze, the fields Teachings and the exaltation of Thy Word > 30 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > in the Easts of the earth and the Wests soever Thou wiliest in that which Thou dethereof. sirest, and verily Thou art the powerful, the > O Lord! Associate with me in my loneli­ omnipotent! > ness and accompany me in my journeys > through these foreign lands. Haifa, Palestine, > Verily, Thou art the confirmer of whom­ April 11, 1916. > > To the Assemblies and Meetings of the believers of God and the maid-servants of the > Merciful in the United States and Canada: > > Upon them be BaháVlláh El-Abhá! nistic aims are brushed aside, the law of the > struggle for existence is abrogated, and the > HE IS GOD! > canopy of the oneness of the world of hu­ > O ye heavenly souls, sons and daughters of manity is raised on the apex of the globe, > the Kingdom! casting its shade over all the races of men. > Consequently, the real Collective Center is > God says in the Q ur’án: "Take ye hold of the body of the divine teachings, which in­ > the Cord of God, all of you, and become ye clude all the degrees and embrace all the > not disunited.55 universal relations and necessary laws of > In the contingent world there are many humanity. > collective centers which are conducive to as­ Consider! The people of the East and the > sociation and unity between the children of West were in the utmost strangeness. Now > men. For example, patriotism is a collective to what a high degree they are acquainted > center; nationalism is a collective center; with each other and united together! How > identity of interests is a collective center; far are the inhabitants of Persia from the > political alliance is a collective center; the remotest countries of America! And now > union of ideals is a collective center, and the observe how great has been the influence of > prosperity of the world of humanity is de­ the heavenly power, for the distance of thou­ > pendent upon the organization and promo­ sands of miles has become identical with one > tion of the collective centers. Nevertheless, step! How various nations that have had no > all the above institutions are in reality, relations or similarity with each other are > the matter and not the substance, accidental now united and agreed through this divine > and not eternal— temporary and not ever­ potency! Indeed to God belongs power in > lasting. W ith the appearance of great revo­ the past and in the future! And verily God > lutions and upheavals, all these collective is powerful over all things! > centers are swept away. But the Collective Consider! When the rain, the heat, the sun > Center of the Kingdom, embodying the In­ and the gentle zephyrs cooperate with each > stitutes and Divine Teachings, is the eternal other, what beautiful gardens are produced! > Collective Center. It establishes relationship How the various kinds of hyacinths, flowers, > between the East and the West, organizes the trees and plants associate with each other and > oneness of the world of humanity, and de­ are conducive to the adornment and charm > stroys the foundation of differences. It over­ of one another! Hence the oneness of the > comes and includes all the other collective bounty of the sun, the oneness of rain and > centers. Like unto the ray of the sun, it dis­ the oneness of the breeze have so overcome all > pels entirely the darkness, encompassing all other considerations, that the variety of > the regions, bestows ideal life, and causes the hues, fragrances and tastes have increased the > effulgence of divine illumination. Through adornment, the attraction and sweetness of > the breaths of the Holy Spirit it performs the whole. In a similar manner, when the > miracles; the Orient and the Occident em­ divine Collective Center and the outpouring > brace each other, the N orth and South be­ of the Sun of Reality and the breaths of the > come intimates and associates; conflicting Holy Spirit are brought together, the variety > and contending opinions disappear; antago­ of races and the differences existing between > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 31 > > countries will become the cause of the em­ Reality that they may become the objects of > bellishment, decoration and elegance of the the praise and commendation of all other > world of humanity. countries. Likewise, ye must give great at­ > Therefore, the believers of God through­ tention to the Republic of Panama, for in > out all the Republics of America, through that point the Occident and the Orient find > the divine power, must become the cause of each other united through the Panama Canal, > the promotion of heavenly teachings and the and it is also situated between the two great > establishment of the oneness of humanity. oceans. That place will become very im­ > Every one of the important souls must arise, portant in the future. The Teachings once > blowing over all parts of America the breath established there, they will unite the East and > of life, conferring upon the people a new the West, the North and the South. > spirit, baptizing them with the fire of the Hence the intention must be purified, the > love of God, the water of life, and the effort ennobled and exalted, so that ye may > breaths of the Holy Spirit—so that the sec­ establish affinity between the hearts of the > ond birth may become realized. For it is world of humanity. This glorious aim will > written in the Gospel: "That which is born not become realized save through the pro­ > of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born motion of divine teachings which are the > of the spirit is spirit.” foundations of the holy religions. > Therefore, O ye believers of God in the Consider how the religions of God served > United States and Canada! Select ye im­ the world of humanity! How the religion of > portant personages, or that they by them­ Torah became conducive to the glory and > selves becoming severed from rest and com­ honor and progress of the Israelitish nation! > posure of the world, may arise and travel How the breaths of the Holy Spirit of His > throughout Alaska, the Republic of Mexico, Holiness Christ created affinity and unity > and south of Mexico, in the Central Ameri­ between divergent communities and quarrel­ > can Republics, such as Guatemala, Hon­ ing families! How the sacred power of His > duras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Holiness Muhammad became the means of > Panama and Belize; and through the great uniting and harmonizing the contentious > South American Republics, such as Argen­ tribes and the different clans of Peninsular > tine, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, French Arabia— to such an extent that one thousand > Guiana, Dutch Guiana, British Guiana, tribes were welded into one tribe, strife and > Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile; discord was done away with, all of them > also in the group of the West Indies Islands unitedly and with one accord strove in ad­ > such as Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Jamaica vancing the cause of culture and civilization, > and Santo Domingo, and the group of Islands and thus were freed from the lowest degree > of the Lesser Antilles, the Islands of Bahama of degradation, soaring toward the height of > and the Islands of Bermuda; likewise to the everlasting glory! Is it possible to find a > Islands of the east, west and south of South greater Collective Center in the phenomenal > America, such as Trinidad, Falkland Islands, world than this? In comparison to this Di­ > Galapago Islands, Juan Fernandez and To­ vine Collective Center, the national collec­ > bago. Visit ye especially the city of Bahia, tive center, the patriotic collective center, > on the eastern shore of Brazil. Because in the political collective center, and the cul­ > the past years this city was christened with tural and intellectual collective center are > the name, Baha’i, there is no doubt that it like child’s play! > has been through the inspiration of the Holy Now strive ye that the Collective Center > Spirit. of the sacred religions, for the inculcation of > Consequently, the believers of God must which all the Prophets were manifested and > display the utmost effort, upraise the divine which is no other than the spirit of the Di­ > melody throughout those regions, promul­ vine Teachings,—be spread in all parts of > gate the heavenly teachings and waft over America—so that each one of you may shine > all, the spirit of eternal life; so that those forth from the horizon of Reality like unto > Republics may become so illumined with the the morning star, divine illumination may > splendors and the effulgences of the Sun of overcome the darkness of nature, and the > THE > BA H Á ’Í > CENTENARY > Entrance to the Garden of Ridván where BaháV lláh declared H is Mission to the world and after twelve days departed for > Constantinople. These twelve days are observed as a Bahá’í Festival (Ridván) in commemoration of this event. > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 33 > > world of humanity may become enlightened. O Lord! Should the breaths of the Holy > This is the most great work! Should ye be­ Spirit confirm the weakest of creatures, he > come confirmed therein, this world will be­ shall attain to the highest station of great­ > come another world, the surface of the earth ness and shall possess anything he desireth. > will become the delectable Paradise, and Indeed Thou hast assisted Thy servants in the > eternal Institutions be founded. past, and they were the weakest of Thy crea­ > Let whosoever travels to different parts to tures, the lowliest of Thy servants and the > teach, peruse over mountain, desert, land most insignificant of those who lived upon > and sea this supplication! the earth; but through Thy sanction and > potency they took precedence over the most > Supplication > glorious of Thy people and the most noble > O God! O God! Thou seest my weakness, of Thy mankind. Whereas formerly they > lowliness and humility amongst Thy crea­ were as moths, they became royal falcons and > tures; nevertheless I have trusted on Thee whereas before they were as bubbles they > and have arisen in the promotion of Thy became seas. Through Thy bestowal, Thy > Teachings amongst Thy strong servants, mercy and Thy most great favor, they be­ > relying on Thy power and might! came stars shining in the horizon of guid­ > O Lord! I am a broken-winged bird and ance, birds singing in the rose garden of im­ > desire to soar in this Thy space to which mortality, lions roaring in the forest of > there is no limit. How is it possible for me knowledge and wisdom, and whales swim­ > to do this save through Thy providence and ming in the oceans of life. > grace, Thy confirmation and assistance! Verily, Thou art the clement, the power­ > O Lord! Have pity on my weakness and ful, the mighty, and the most merciful of > strengthen me with Thy power! the merciful! > O Lord! Have pity on my impotency and Haifa, Palestine, > assist me with Thy might and majesty! March 8, 1917. > > To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful of the Baha’i Assemblies > in the United States and Canada: > > Upon them be Bahd’u’llah El-Abhá! ness Bahi’u’llah, i. e., the love of Bahd’u’llah > has so mastered every organ, part and limb of > HE IS GOD! > their bodies, as to leave no effect by the > O ye apostles of Bahd’u’lldh,— May my life be promptings of the human world. > a ransom to you! These souls are the armies of God and the > conquerors of the East and the West. Should > The blessed Person of the Promised One is one of them turn his face toward some direc­ > interpreted in the Holy Rook as the Lord of tion and summon the people to the Kingdom > Hosts, i. e., the heavenly armies. By heavenly of God, all the ideal forces and lordly con­ > armies those souls are intended who are en­ firmations will rush to his support and rein­ > tirely freed from the human world, trans­ forcement. He will behold all the doors open > formed into celestial spirits and have become and all the strong fortifications and im­ > divine angels. Such souls are the rays of the pregnable castles razed to the ground. Singly > Sun of Reality who will illumine all the con­ and alone he will attack the armies of the > tinents. Each one is holding in his hand a world, defeat the right and left wings of the > trumpet, blowing the breath of life over all hosts of all the countries, break through the > the regions. They are delivered from human lines of the legions of all the nations and > qualities and the defects of the world of na­ carry his attack to the very center of the > ture, are characterized with the characteris­ powers of the earth. This is the meaning of > tics of God, and are attracted with the frag­ the Hosts of God. > rances of the Merciful. Like unto the apostles Any soul from among the believers of > of Christ, who were filled with Him, these Baha’u’lldh who attains to this station, will > souls also have become filled with His Holi­ become known as the Apostle of Baha’u’llah. > 34 THE B A H Á vÍ CENTENARY > > Therefore strive ye with heart and soul—so scattered and certain souls who were the > that ye may reach this lofty and exalted prisoners of their own passions and lusts > position, be established on the throne of ever­ would have taken into their hands an axe, > lasting glory, and crown your heads with the cutting the root of this Blessed Tree. Every > shining diadem of the Kingdom, whose person would have pushed forward his own > brilliant jewels may irradiate upon centuries desire and every individual aired his own > and cycles. opinion! Notwithstanding this great Cove­ > O ye kind friends! Uplift your magnani­ nant, a few negligent souls galloped with > mity and soar high toward the apex of heaven their chargers into the battlefield, thinking > —so that your blessed hearts may become perchance they might be able to weaken the > illumined more and more, day by day, foundation of the Cause of God: but praise > through the Rays of the Sun of Reality, i. e., be to God, all of them were afflicted with > His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh; at every moment regret and loss, and ere long they shall see > the spirits may obtain a new life, and the themselves in poignant despair. Therefore, > darkness of the world of nature may be en­ in the beginning one must make his steps > tirely dispelled— thus ye may become incar­ firm in the Covenant—so that the confirma­ > nate light and personified spirit, become en­ tions of Bahá’u’lláh may encircle from all > tirely unaware of the sordid matters of this sides, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse > world and in touch with the affairs of the may become the supporters and the helpers, > divine world. and the exhortations and advices of 'Abdu’l- > Consider ye what doors His Holiness Bahá, like unto the pictures engraved on > Baha’u’llah has opened before you, and what stone, may remain permanent and inefface­ > a high and exalted station He has destined able in the tablets of the hearts. > for you, and what bounties He has prepared The second condition: Fellowship and love > for you! Should we become intoxicated with amongst the believers. The divine friends > this cup, the sovereignty of this globe of must be attracted to and enamored of each > earth will become lower in our estimation other and ever be ready and willing to sacri­ > than the children’s plays. Should they place fice their own lives for each other. Should > in the arena the crown of the government of one soul from amongst the believers meet > the whole world, and invite each one of us another, it must be as though a thirsty one > to accept it, undoubtedly we shall not con­ with parched lips has reached to the fountain > descend, and shall refuse to accept it. of the water of life, or a lover has met his > To attain to this supreme station is, how­ true beloved. For one of the greatest divine > ever, dependent on the realization of certain wisdoms regarding the appearance of the > conditions. Holy Manifestations is this: The souls may > The first condition is firmness in the Cov­ come to know each other and become inti­ > enant of God. For the power of the Cove­ mate with each other; the power of the love > nant will protect the Cause of Baha’u’llah of God may make all of them the waves of > from the doubts of the people of error. It is one sea, the flowers of one rose garden and > the fortified fortress of the Cause of God the stars of one heaven. This is the wisdom > and the firm pillar of the religion of God. for the appearance of the Holy Manifesta­ > Today no power can conserve the oneness of tions! When the most great bestowal reveals > the Baha’i world save the Covenant of God; itself in the hearts of the believers, the world > otherwise differences like unto a most great of nature will be transformed, the darkness > tempest will encompass the Baha’i world. It of the contingent being will vanish, and > is evident that the axis of the oneness of the heavenly illumination will be obtained. Then > world of humanity is the power of the Cove­ the whole world will become the Paradise of > nant and nothing else. Had the Covenant Abba, every one of the believers of God will > not come to pass, had it not been revealed become a blessed tree, producing wonderful > from the Supreme Pen and had not the Book fruits. > of the Covenant, like unto the ray of the Sun O ye friends! Fellowship, fellowship! > of Reality, illuminated the world, the forces Love, love! Unity, unity!—So that the > of the Cause of God would have been utterly power of the Baha’i Cause may appear and > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 35 > > become manifest in the world of existence. them all the divine proofs and irrefragible > Just at this moment I am engaged in your arguments, explain and elucidate the history > commemoration and this heart is in the u t­ of the Cause, and interpret also the prophe­ > most glow and excitement! Were ye to cies and proofs which are recorded and are > realize how this conscience is attracted with extant in the divine Books and Epistles re­ > the love of the friends, unquestionably ye garding the Manifestation of the Promised > would obtain such a degree of joy and fra­ One, so that the young ones may go in per­ > grance that ye would all become enamored fect knowledge in all these degrees. > with each other! Likewise, whenever it is possible a com­ > The third condition: Teachers must con­ mittee must be organized for the translation > tinually travel to all parts of the continent, of the Tablets. Wise souls who have mas­ > nay, rather, to all parts of the world, but tered and studied perfectly the Persian, > they must travel like ‘Abdu’l-Baha, who Arabic and foreign languages, or know one > journeyed throughout the cities of America. of the foreign languages—must commence > He was sanctified and free from every at­ translating Tablets and books containing > tachment and in the utmost severance. Just the proofs of this Revelation, and publishing > as His Holiness Christ says: "Shake off the those books, circulate them throughout the > very dust from your feet.” five continents of the globe. > Ye have observed that while in America Similarly, the Magazine, the Star of the > many souls in the utmost of supplication and West, must be edited in the utmost regu­ > entreaty desired to offer some gifts, but this larity, but its contents must be the promul­ > servant, in accord with the exhortations and gator of the Cause of God—so that both in > behests of the Blessed Perfection, never ac­ the East and the West, they may become in­ > cepted a thing, although on certain occasions formed of the most important events. > we were in most straitened circumstances. In short, in all the meetings, whether pub­ > But on the other hand, if a soul for the sake lic or private, nothing should be discussed > of God, voluntarily and out of his pure de­ save that which is under consideration, and > sire, wishes to offer a contribution (toward all the articles be centered around the Cause > the expenses of a teacher) in order to make of God. Promiscuous talks must not be > the contributor happy, the teacher may ac­ dragged in and contention is absolutely for­ > cept a small sum, but must live with utmost bidden. > contentment. The teachers traveling in different direc­ > The aim is this: The intention of the tions must know the language of the country > teacher must be pure, his heart independent, in which they will enter. For example, a > his spirit attracted, his thought at peace, his person being proficient in the Japanese > resolution firm, his magnanimity exalted language may travel in Japan, or a person > and in the love of God a shining torch. knowing the Chinese language may hasten > Should he become as such, his sanctified to China, and so forth. > breath will even affect the rock; otherwise In short, after this universal war, the peo­ > there will be no result whatsoever. As long ple have obtained extraordinary capacity to > as a soul is not perfected, how can he efface hearken to the divine teachings, for the > the defects of others! Unless he is detached wisdom of this war is this: That it may be­ > from aught else save God, how can he teach come proven to all that the fire of war is > the severance to others! world-consuming, whereas the rays of peace > In short, O ye believers of God! Endeavor are world-enlightening. One is death, the > ye; so that ye may take hold of every means other is life; this is extinction, that is im­ > in the promulgation of the religion of God mortality; one is the most great calamity, the > and the diffusion of the fragrances of God. other is the most great bounty; this is dark­ > Amongst other things is the holding of the ness, that is light; this is eternal humiliation > meetings for teaching— so that blessed souls and that is everlasting glory; one is the de­ > and the old ones from amongst the believers stroyer of the foundation of man, the other > may gather together the youths of the love is the founder of the prosperity of the human > of God in schools of instruction and teach race. > 36 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Consequently, a number of souls may arise Lord! Awaken them from the depths of > and act in accordance with the aforesaid con­ the sea of animosity, deliver them from these > ditions, and hasten to all parts of the world, impenetrable darknesses, establish affinity > especially from America to Europe, Africa, between their hearts and enlighten their eyes > Asia and Australia, and travel through Japan with the light of peace and reconciliation. > and China. Likewise, from Germany teach­ Lord! Rescue them from the fathomless > ers and believers may travel to the continents depths of war and bloodshed! Arouse them > of America, Africa, Japan and China; in out of the gloom of error, rend asunder the > brief, they may travel through all the con­ veil from their eyes, brighten their hearts > tinents and islands of the globe. Thus in a with the light of guidance, deal with them > short space of time, most wonderful results through Thy favor and mercy and do not > will be produced, the banner of Universal treat them according to Thy justice and > Peace will be waving on the apex of the wrath through which the backs of the > world and the lights of the oneness of the mighty ones are shaken! > world of humanity may illumine the uni­ Lord! Verily the wars have prolonged, > verse. the calamities have increased, and every > In brief, O ye believers of God! The text building hath turned into ruin. > of the Divine Book is this: If two souls quar­ Lord! Verily the breasts are agitated and > rel and contend about a question of the Di­ the souls are convulsed. Have mercy on > vine questions, differing and disputing, both these poor ones and do not leave them to do > are wrong. The wisdom of this incontro­ with themselves that which they desire! > vertible law of God is this: That between Lord! Send forth throughout Thy coun­ > two souls from amongst the believers of God, tries humble and submissive souls, their faces > no contention and dispute might arise; that illumined with the rays of guidance, severed > they may speak with each other with infinite from the world, speaking Thy remembrance > amity and love. Should there appear the least and praise and diffusing Thy holy fragrances > trace of controversy, they must remain amongst mankind! > silent, and both parties must continue their Lord! Strengthen their backs, reinforce > discussions no longer, but ask the reality of their loins and dilate their breasts with the > the question from the Interpreter. This is signs of Thy most great love. > the irrefutable command! Lord! Verily, they are weak and Thou > Upon you be Bahá El-Abhá! art the powerful and the mighty, and they > are impotent and Thou art the helper and > Supplication > the merciful! > O God! O God! Thou seest that black Lord! Verily the sea of transgression is > darkness hath encompassed all the regions, waving high and these hurricanes will not be > all the countries are burning with the con­ calmed down save through Thy boundless > flagration of dissension and the fire of war grace which hath embraced all the regions! > and carnage is ignited in the Easts of the Lord! Verily the souls are in the deep > earth and the Wests thereof. The blood is valleys of lust and nothing will awaken them > being shed, the corpses are out-stretched and save Thy most wonderful bounties. > the heads are decapitated and thrown on the Lord! Dispel these darknesses of tempta­ > ground in the battlefield. tions and illumine the hearts with the lamp > Lord! Lord! Have pity on these ignorant of Thy love, through which all the countries > ones, look upon them with the eye of for­ will be enlightened. Confirm those believers > giveness and pardon. Extinguish this fire— who, leaving their countries, their families > so that these gloomy clouds covering the and their children, travel throughout the > horizon may be scattered; the Sun of Reality regions for the sake of the love of Thy > may shine forth with the rays of concilia­ beauty, the diffusion of Thy fragrances and > tion; this darkness be rent asunder and all the the promulgation of Thy teachings. Be thou > countries be illumined with the lights of their companion in their loneliness, their > peace. helper in a strange land, the remover of their > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 37 > > sorrow, the comforter in their calamity, their of mercy, and verily, Thou art the compas > deliverer in their hardship, the satisfier of sionate and the merciful. > their thirst, the healer of their malady and > the allayer of the fire of their longing. Haifa, Palestine, > Verily, Thou art the clement, the possessor April 19, 20 and 22, 1917. > > IV > > SH O G H I EFFEN D I > > Excerpts from Letters and Messages, 1923-1943 > > OW surely, if ever, is the time for us, He wishes us, and all the peoples and kindreds > the chosen ones of Baha’u’llah and the bear­ on earth, to attain in this world; how much > ers of His Message to the world, to endeavor more to achieve unity and common under­ > by day and by night, to deepen, first and standing among ourselves, and then arise to > foremost, the Spirit of His Cause in our own herald with one voice the coming of the > individual lives, and then labor, and labor Kingdom and the salvation of mankind. > incessantly to exemplify in all our dealings W ith unity of purpose firmly established > with our fellowmen that noble Spirit of in our minds, with every trace of personal > which His beloved Son 'Abdu’l-Bahá has animosity banished from our hearts, and > been all the days of His life a true and unique with the spirit of whole-hearted and sus­ > exponent. The sayings of our beloved Mas­ tained fellowship kindled in our souls, can > ter have been noised abroad, His name has we hope to deliver effectively the Message of > filled all regions, and the eyes of mankind BaháVlláh, and execute faithfully the vari­ > are now turned expectant towards His dis­ ous provisions of our Beloved’s Will and > ciples who bear His name and profess His Testament. > teachings. Shall we not by our daily life Steadfast in our faith, firm in our union, > vindicate the high claims of His teachings, abounding in our hope, fervent in our spirit, > and prove by our services the influence of and selfless in our labors, let us arise and with > His undying Spirit? This surely is our high­ prayerful hearts make another and supreme > est privilege, and our most sacred duty. effort to fulfill these last words of our Be­ > Let us, with a pure heart, with humility loved, His most cherished desire: > and earnestness, turn afresh to His counsels > and exhortations, and seek from that Source "O ye that stand fast in the Covenant! > of Celestial Potency all the guidance, the When the hour cometh that this wronged > spirit, the power which we shall need for the and broken winged bird will have taken > fulfilment of our mission in this life. flight unto the Celestial Concourse, when it > Behold, the station to which ‘Abdu’l- will have hastened to the Realm of the Un­ > Bahá is now calling His loved ones from the seen, and its mortal frame will have either > Realm of Glory:— been lost or hidden neath the dust, it is in­ > cumbent upon the A fndn that are steadfast > "It behooveth the loved ones of God to be in the Covenant of God and have branched > enamored of one another and to sacrifice from the Tree of Holiness, the Hands of the > themselves for their fellow-workers in the Cause of God (the glory of the Lord rest > Cause. They should yearn towards one an­ tipon them), and all the friends and loved > other even as the sore athirst yearneth for ones, one and all, to bestir themselves and > the Water of Life, and the lover burneth to arise with heart and soul and in one accord > meet his hearťs desire” to diffuse the sweet savors of God, to teach > His Cause and to promote His Faith. It be­ > Such is the sublime, the glorious position hooveth them not to rest for a moment, > 38 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > neither to seek repose. They must disperse We need but glance at the Words of > themselves in every land, pass by every clime, Bahd’u’llah and the Epistles of ‘Abdu’l-Baha > and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, to realize the great privilege of teaching the > without rest, and steadfast to the end, they Cause, its vital necessity, its supreme > must raise in every land the triumphal cry urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These > of Yd-Bahd’u’l-Abhd, must achieve renown are the very words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd:— > in the world wherever they go, must burn "In these days, the Holy Ones of the > brightly even as a candle in every meeting, Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest > and must kindle the flame of Divine Love in Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, > every assembly; that the Light of Truth and be of some service to the Cause of > may rise resplendent in the midmost heart Bahd’uTldh and prove their servitude to the > of the world, that throughout the East and Threshold of the Abha Beauty.” > throughout the West a vast concourse may > gather under the shadow of the Word of What a wondrous vision these words un­ > God, that the sweet savors of Holiness may fold to our eyes! How great our privilege > be diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! > hearts be filled with the Divine Spirit and Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and > souls be made heavenly. In these days the teach His Cause with such an ardor which > most important of all things is the gtádance no worldly adversity can quell, nor any > of the nations and the peoples of the world. measure of success can satiate? > Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance, March 12, 1923. > for it is the head corner-stone of the founda­ > tion itself. This wronged servant has spent And as to the world’s evil plight, we need > His days and nights in promoting the Cause, but recall the writings and sayings of > and urging the peoples to service. He rested Bahá’u’lláh, who, more than fifty years ago, > not a moment, till the fame of the Cause declared in terms prophetic the prime cause > of God was noised abroad in the world, and of the ills and sufferings of mankind, and set > the celestial Strains from the Abha Kingdom forth their true and divine remedy. "Should > roused the East and the W est. The beloved the Lamp of Religion be hidden,” He deof God must also follow the same example. dares, "Chaos and confusion will ensue.” > This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the How admirably fitting and applicable are > requirement of servitude to the Threshold these words to the present state of mankind! > of Bahd.” Ours then is the duty and privilege to > > Barracks at 'Akká, Palestine, where BaháVlláh was incarcerated in 1868, > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 39 > > labor, by day and by night, amidst the storm and vigor that will enable me to pursue over > and stress of these troublous days, that we a long and unbroken period of strenuous > may quicken the zeal of our fellow-men, re­ labor the supreme task of achieving, in col­ > kindle their hopes, stimulate their interest, laboration with the friends in every land, > open their eyes to the true Faith of God and the speedy triumph of the Cause of Baha’u’- > enlist their active support in the carrying out lláh. This is the prayer I earnestly request > of our common task for the peace and re­ all my fellow-brethren and sisters in the > generation of the world. Faith to offer on my behalf. > Let us take heart and be thankful to our Let us pray to God that in these days of > beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as we remember His world-encircling gloom, when the dark > manifold blessings and unfailing care and forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy > protection, ever since the hour of His de­ and reaction are threatening the very sta­ > parture from our midst. The flames of sedi­ bility of human society, when the most > tion, so maliciously kindled in the past by precious fruits of civilization are undergoing > those who have dared to flout His will, are severe and unparallelled tests, we may all > gone out for ever, and the fondest hopes of realize, more profoundly than ever, that > these evil plotters are now abandoned, though but a mere handful amidst the seeth­ > doomed never to revive. He has indeed re­ ing masses of the world, we are in this day > deemed His promise! the chosen instruments of God’s grace, that > It seemed not a long time ago that their our mission is most urgent and vital to the > agitation, so violently renewed immediately fate of humanity, and, fortified by these > after the passing of our Beloved, would for sentiments, arise to achieve God’s holy pur­ > a time confuse the Divine Message of pose for mankind. > Bahd’u’llah, obscure His Covenant, retard November 14, 1923. > the progress of His Cause, and shatter its > unity; and yet how well we see them all to­ I would also earnestly entreat all the dele­ > day, not through our efforts, but by their gates at this coming Convention, and > own folly, and above all, by the interven­ through them I appeal to the larger body of > tion of the hidden hand of God, reduced to believers whom they represent, to ever bear > the vilest and most humiliating position. in mind the supreme injunction of ‘Abdu’l- > And now, with the Cause purified and Bahá, to teach unceasingly until the ''head > inwardly victorious, its principles vindicated, cornerstone of the foundation” of the Cause > its enemies silenced and sunk in unspeakable of God is firmly established in every heart. > misery, may we not, henceforth, direct all Let those whose time, resources and means > our efforts to collective action and construc­ allow, travel throughout the length and > tive achievement, and, in utter disregard of breadth of that vast continent, let them > the flickerings of their, fast-fading light, scatter to the most distant regions of the > arise to carry out those urgent measures that earth and, fired with enthusiasm and detach­ > will secure the outward and complete ment, hand on the torch of God’s undying > triumph of the Cause. flame to the waiting multitudes of a sadly- > I, for my part, as I look back to the un­ stricken world. > fortunate circumstances of ill-health and One word more in conclusion. Let the > physical exhaustion that have attended the West, and particularly the Great Republic of > opening years of my career of service to the the New World, where a quarter of a cen­ > Cause, feel hardly gratified, and would be tury ago Baha’u’lldh’s Banner was firmly im­ > truly despondent but for the sustaining planted, realize that upon it now rests the re­ > memory and inspiring example of the dili­ sponsibility of achieving the universal recog­ > gent and ceaseless efforts which my fellow- nition of the Baha’i Faith, of fulfilling > workers the world over have displayed dur­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s fondest hopes. > ing these two trying years in the service of Persia, the cradle of an unfolding world > the Cause. civilization, is still bereft of her freedom, > I cherish the hope that, from now on, the sunk in ignorance, a prey to contending pol­ > Beloved may bestow upon me all the strength icies and factions, beset on one hand by the > 40 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > powers of orthodoxy and sectarian fanaticism tuted in the East or in the West. I would > and assailed on the other by the forces of ask you particularly to send copies of the > materialism and unbelief. In her evil plight text of this document of fundamental im­ > she is radiantly confident that the Flame she portance accompanied by copies of the > had kindled in the world will, in the fullness Declaration of Trust and the text of the > of time, blaze forth in the heart of the mighty Indenture of Trust, to every existing N a­ > West and shed redeeming illumination upon tional Spiritual Assembly, with my insistent > the silent sufferers of a distracted country. request to study the provisions, comprehend > Will it be America, will it be one of the na­ its implications, and endeavor to incorporate > tions of Europe, that will seize the torch of it, to the extent that their own circum­ > Divine Guidance from Persia’s fettered hands stances permit, within the framework of > and with it set the western world aflame? their own national activities. You can but > May your Convention, by its spirit, its reso­ faintly imagine how comforting a stimulant > lutions and its accomplishments, give to that and how helpful a guide its publication and > country’s urgent call a noble and decisive circulation will be to those patient and toil­ > answer. ing workers in Eastern lands, and particu­ > June 3, 192 5. larly Persia, who in the midst of uncertainties > and almost insuperable obstacles are strain­ > The Declaration of Trust, the provisions ing every nerve in order to establish the > of which you have so splendidly conceived, world order ushered in by Bahd’u’llah. You > and formulated with such assiduous care, can hardly realize how substantially it will > marks yet another milestone on the road of contribute to pave the way for the elabora­ > progress along which you are patiently and tion of the beginnings of the constitution > determinedly advancing. Clear and concise of the worldwide Baha’i Community that > in its wording, sound in principle, and com­ will form the permanent basis upon which > plete in its affirmations of the fundamentals the blest and sanctified edifice of the first > of Bahd’i administration, it stands in its final International House of Justice will securely > form as a worthy and faithful exposition of rest and flourish. > the constitutional basis of Bahá’í communi­ October 18, 1927. > ties in every land, foreshadowing the final > emergence of the world Bahd’i Common­ American believers’ inspired leadership > wealth of the future. This document, when steadily unfolding to Bahá’ís world over the > correlated and combined with the set of by­ potentialities of the majestic edifice herald­ > laws which I trust are soon forthcoming, will ing formative period of the Faith of Baha’u’lserve as a pattern to every National Baha’i láh. Their unerring vision conceived its > Assembly, be it in the East or in the West, matchless design. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s own hands > which aspires to conform, pending the for­ laid its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith > mation of the First Universal House of Jus­ reared its structure. Their sustained selftice, with the spirit and letter of the world sacrifice crowned it with immortal glory. > order ushered in by Baha’u’lldh. May the flame of their unconquerable en­ > May 27, 1927. thusiasm continue glowing undimmed in > their hearts till its naked frame is enveloped > As already intimated, I have read and re­ in its shining mantle. > read most carefully the final draft of the June 4, 1934. > By-Laws drawn up by that highly-talented, > much-loved servant of Baha’u’lldh, Mount- Convey to assembled believers celebrating > fort Mills, and feel I have nothing substantial termination entire dome unit of Mashriqu’lto add to this first and very creditable at­ Adhkár my heart-felt congratulations on > tempt at codifying the principles of general triumphant progress of their undeniably > Bahd’i administration. I heartily and unhesi­ glorious enterprise. To prayers and testi­ > tatingly commend it to the earnest perusal monies ascending to Throne of Bahá’u’lláh > of, and its loyal adoption by, every National I am moved to add my fervent though in­ > Bahd’i Spiritual Assembly, whether consti­ adequate tribute to solidarity of so dazzling > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 41 > > an achievement. The forces which progres­ appeal voiced by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Tablets of > sive revelation of this mighty symbol of our the Divine Plan. Urge earnest deliberation > Faith is fast releasing in heart of a sorely with incoming National Assembly to insure > tried continent no one of this generation its complete fulfilment. First century of > can correctly appraise. The new hour has Bahd’i era drawing to a close. Humanity > struck in history of our beloved Cause, entering outer fringes most perilous stage > calling for nation-wide, systematic, sustained its existence. Opportunities of present hour > efforts in teaching field, enabling thereby unimaginably precious. Would to God ev­ > these forces to be directed into such chan­ ery State within American Republic and > nels as shall redound to glory of our Faith every Republic in American continent might > and to the honor of its institutions. ere termination of this glorious century"' > October 26, 193 5. embrace the light of the Faith of Baha’u’- > lláh and establish structural basis of His > This new stage in the gradual unfoldment World Order. > of the Formative Period of our Faith into May 1, 1936. > which we have just entered— the phase of > concentrated teaching activity— synchro­ I cannot allow this communication to be > nizes with a period of deepening gloom, of sent without adding a few words in person > universal impotence, of ever-increasing desti­ and stress afresh the significance of the un­ > tution and wide-spread disillusionment in the dertaking in which the entire Baha’i com­ > fortunes of a declining age. This is truly munity has embarked. The promulgation of > providential and its significance and the op­ the Divine Plan, unveiled by our departed > portunities it offers us should be fully ap­ Master in the darkest days of one of the > prehended and utilized. Now that the ad­ severest ordeals which humanity has ever > ministrative organs of a firmly established experienced, is the key which Providence has > Faith are vigorously and harmoniously func­ placed in the hands of the American believ­ > tioning, and now that the Symbol (i.e., the ers whereby to unlock the doors leading > House of Worship) of its invincible might them to fulfil their unimaginably glorious > is lending unprecedented impetus to its Destiny. As the proclamation of the Mes­ > spread, an effort unexampled in its scope and sage reverberates throughout the land, as its > sustained vitality is urgently required so resistless march gathers momentum, as the > that the moving spirit of its Founder may field of its operation widens, and the nunv > permeate and transform the lives of the bers of its upholders and champions m ulti­ > countless multitudes that hunger for its ply, its potentialities will correspondingly > teachings. That the beloved friends in Amer­ unfold, exerting a most beneficent influence > ica, who have carried triumphantly the ban­ not only on every community throughout > ner of His Cause through the initial stages the Baha’i world, but on the immediate for­ > of its development, will in a still greater tunes of a travailing society. The repercus­ > measure prove themselves capable of meet­ sions of this campaign are already apparent > ing the challenge of the present hour, I for in Europe, India, Egypt, Tráq and even > one, can never doubt. Of the evidences of among the sore-tried communities in Persia > their inexhaustible vitality I am sufficiently and Russia. The Faith of God is gaining in > and continually conscious. My fervent plea stature, effectiveness and power. Not until, > will not, I feel certain, remain unanswered. however, the great enterprise which you are > For them I shall continue to pray from all now conducting runs its full course and at­ > my heart. tains its final objective, at its appointed time, > January 10, 193 6. can its world-encompassing benefits be fully > apprehended or revealed. The perseverance > Convey to American believers abiding of the American believers will, no doubt, in­ > gratitude efforts unitedly exerted in teach­ sure the ultimate realization of these benefits. > ing field. Inaugurated campaign should be November 14, 1936. > vigorously pursued, systematically extended. * The First Century of the Baha’i Era, inaugurated > Appeal to assembled delegates ponder historic by the Declaration of the Báb, May 23, 1844. > 42 THE BA H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > The responsibilities which, under your di­ manifest and within their reach. Though > rection and in response to my plea, the their responsibilities be pressing and heavy > American community is now assuming, over and the obstacles formidable and manifold, > and above the task they have already under­ yet the spirit of our invincible Faith will en­ > taken in connection with the Divine Plan, able them to conquer if they arise unitedly > proclaiming in unmistakable terms their un­ and determinedly and persevere till the very > swerving determination to prove themselves end. > worthy of the sublimity of their mission, and June 4, 1937. > of their privileged position among their sis­ I feel truly exhilarated as I witness the > ter communities in both the East and the ever-recurrent manifestations of unbroken > West,— the twofold task they have arisen to solidarity and unquenchable enthusiasm that > perform will, if carried out in time, release distinguish every stage in the progressive de­ > the potentialities with which the community velopment of the nation-wide enterprise > of the Greatest Name has been so generously which is being so unflinchingly pursued by > > House where Baha’u’lldh Passed Away at Bahjí, ‘Akká, Palestine. > > and mysteriously endowed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. the whole American Bahá’i community. The > To carry out in its entirety and to its final marked deterioration in world affairs, the > consummation this dual enterprise would steadily deepening gloom that envelops the > shed on the closing years of this first century storm-tossed peoples and nations of the Old > of the Baha’i Era a luster no less brilliant World, invest the Seven-Year Plan, now op­ > than the immortal deeds which have signal­ erating in both the northern and southern > ized its birth, in the heroic age of our Faith. American continents, with a significance > To the American believers, the spiritual de­ and urgency that cannot be overestimated. > scendants of the heroes of God’s Cause, I Conceived as the supreme agency for the es­ > again address my plea to arise as one soul tablishment, in the opening century of the > and to prosecute with unrelaxing resolve the Bahd’i Era, of what is but the initial stage > high mission with which their immediate in the progressive realization of ‘Abdu’ldestiny is inextricably interwoven. The call Baha’s Plan for the American believers, this > has gone forth, the path is clear, the goal enterprise, as it extends its ramifications > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 43 > > throughout the entire New World, is dem­ demptive Cause. The occasion is propitious > onstrating its power to command all the re­ for a display, by the American Baha’i Com­ > sources and utilize all the facilities which munity, in its corporate capacity, of an ef­ > the machinery of a laboriously evolved Ad­ fort which in its magnitude, character, and > ministrative Order can place at its disposal. purpose must outshine its past endeavors. > However we view its aspects, it offers in its Failure to exploit these present, these golden > functioning a sharp contrast to the work­ opportunities would blast the hopes which > ings of the moribund and obsolescent insti­ the prosecution of the Plan has thus far > tutions to which a perverse generation is aroused, and would signify the loss of the > desperately clinging. Tempestuous are the rarest privilege ever conferred by Providence > winds that buffet and will, as the days go by, upon the American Bahd’i Community. It > fiercely assail the very structure of the Or­ is in view of the criticalness of the situation > der through the agency of which this two­ that I was led to place at the disposal of any > fold task is being performed. The potenti­ pioneer willing to dedicate himself to the > alities with which an almighty Providence task of the present hour such modest re­ > has endowed it will no doubt enable its pro­ sources as would facilitate the discharge of > moters to achieve their purpose. Much, how­ so enviable a duty. > ever will depend upon the spirit and manner The Bahd’i World, increasingly subjected > in which that task will be conducted. to the rigors of suppression, in both the East > Through the clearness and steadiness of their and the West, watches with unconcealed > vision, through the unvitiated vitality of astonishment, and derives hope and comfort > their belief, through the incorruptibility of from the rapid unfoldment of the successive > their character, through the adamantine stages of God’s Plan for so blest a commun­ > force of their resolve, the matchless superi­ ity. Its eyes are fixed upon this community, > ority of their aims and purpose, and the un­ eager to behold the manner in which its gal­ > surpassed range of their accomplishments, lant members will break down, one after > they who labor for the glory of the Most another, the barriers that obstruct their > Great Name throughout both Americas can progress towards a divinely-appointed goal. > best demonstrate to the visionless, faithless On every daring adventurer in the service of > and restless society to which they belong the Cause of Bahd’u’lldh the Concourse on > their power to proffer a haven of refuge to high shall descend, "each bearing aloft a > its members in the hour of their realized chalice of pure light.” Every one of these > doom. Then and only then will this tender adventurers God Himself will sustain and in­ > sapling, embedded in the fertile soil of a Di­ spire, and will "cause the pure xvaters of wis­ > vinely appointed Administrative Order, and dom and utterance to gush out and flow > energized by the dynamic processes of its in­ copiously from his heart” "The Kingdom > of God,” writes ťAbdu’l-Bahá, "is possessed > stitutions, yield its richest- and destined fruit. > That the community of the American be­ of limitless potency. Audacious must be the > lievers, to whose keeping so vast, so delicate army of life if the confirming aid of that > and precious a trust has been committed will, Kingdom is to be repeatedly vouchsafed unto > severally and collectively prove themselves it. . . . Vast is the arena, and the time ripe > worthy of their high calling, I for one, who to spur on the charger within it. Now is > in my association with them have been priv­ the time to reveal the force of oneys strength, > ileged to observe more closely than perhaps the stoutness of one’s heart and the might of > any one else the nature of their reactions to one’s soul.” > the momentous issues that have confronted Dearly-beloved friends! What better field > them in the past, will refuse to doubt. than the vast virgin territories, so near at > September 10, 1938. hand, and waiting to receive, at this very > hour, their full share of the onrushing tide > The period ahead is short, strenuous, of Baha’u’llah’s redeeming grace? What > fraught with mortal perils for human society, theatre more befitting than these long-neg­ > yet pregnant with possibilities of unsurpassed lected nine remaining states and provinces in > triumphs for the power of Bahd’u’llah’s re­ which the true heroism of the intrepid pio- > 44 THE BA.HÁ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > neers of His World Order can be displayed? ministrative agencies, and are legalizing the > There is no time to lose. There is no room status of the newly established institutions. > left for vacillation. Multitudes hunger for Slowly and patiently they are canalizing the > the Bread of Life. The stage is set. The firm spirit that at once directs, energizes and > and irrevocable Promise is "given. Goďs own safeguards its operation. They are exploiting > Plan has been set in motion. It is gathering its potentialities, broadcasting its message, > momentum with every passing day. The publicizing its literature, fostering the aspi­ > powers'of heaven and earth mysteriously as­ rations of its youth, devising ways and means > sist in its execution. . Such an opportunity is for the training of its children, guarding the > irreplaceable. Let the doubter arise and him­ integrity of its teachings, and paving the > self verify the truth of such assertions. To way for the ultimate codification of its laws. > try, to persevere, is to insure ultimate and Through all the resources at their disposal, > complete victory. they are promoting the -growth and con­ > January 28, 1938. solidation of that pioneer movement for > which the entire machinery of their Admin­ > The concerted activities of the followers istrative Order has been primarily designed > of BaháVlláh in the North American conti­ and erected. They are visibly and progres­ > nent assume, as they multiply and develop, sively contributing to the enrichment of > a dual aspect, and may be said to fall into their unique community life, and are insur­ > two distinct categories, both equally vital ing, with magnificent courage and charac­ > and complementary to each other. The one teristic promptitude, the completion of their > aims at the safeguarding and consolidation consecrated Edifice— the embodiment of > of the work already achieved; the other is their hopes and the supreme symbol of their > designed to enlarge the range of its operation. ideals. > The former depends chiefly for its success As to those into whose valiant and trusted > upon the capacity, the experience and loyalty hands— and no believer, however humble is > of'wise, resourceful and judicious adminis­ to think himself debarred from joining their > trators, who, impelled by the very nature of ranks— the standards of a forward marching > their task, will be increasingly called upon Faith have been entrusted, they too with > to exercise the utmost care and vigilance in no less zest and thoroughness are pushing > protecting the interests of the Faith, in re­ farther and farther its frontiers, breaking > solving its problems, in regulating its life, in new soil, establishing fresh outposts, winning > enriching its resources, and in preserving the more recruits, and contributing to the greater > pristine purity of its precepts. The latter is diversification and more harmonious blending > essentially pioneer in nature, demanding first of the elements comprised in the world-wide > and foremost those qualities of renunciation, society of its followers. > tenacity, dauntlessness and passionate fervor The Edifice of this New World Order, > that can alone brave the dangers and sweep which the Báb has heralded, which the mind > away the obstacles with which an infant of BaháVlláh has envisioned, and whose > Faith, struggling against vested interests and features ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, its Architect, has de­ > face to face with the entrenched forces of lineated, we, whatever our capacities, op­ > prejudice, of ignorance and fanaticism, must portunities or position, are now, at so pre­ > needs contend. In both of these spheres of carious a period in the world’s history, > Baha’i activity the community of the Amer­ summoned to found and erect. The com­ > ican believers, it is becoming increasingly munity of the Most Great Name in the > evident, is evincing those characteristics Western Hemisphere is, through the nature > which must be regarded as the essential foun­ of its corporate life and the scope of its ex­ > dation for the success of their dual task. ertions, assuming, beyond the shadow of a > As to those whose function is essentially doubt, a preponderating share in the laying > of an administrative character it can hardly of such a foundation and the erection of > be doubted that they are steadily and inde- such a structure. The eyes of its sister com­ > fatigably perfecting the structural machin­ munities are fixed upon it. Their prayers > ery of their Faith, are multiplying its ad­ ascend on its behalf. Their hands are out- > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 45 > f > stretched to lend whatever aid lies within entrenched forces of Christendom’s mightiest > their power. I, for my part, am determined ecclesiastical institutions. Laboring amidst > to reinforce the impulse that impels its mem­ race foreign in language, custom, tempera­ > bers forward to meet their destiny. The ment embracing vast proportion of New > Founders of their Faith survey from the World’s ethnic elements. American believ­ > Kingdom on high the range of their achieve­ ers’ isolated oversea teaching enterprises > ments, acclaim their progress, and are ever hitherto tentative, intermittent, now at end. > ready to speed their eventual triumph. New epoch opening, demanding exertions in­ > Far be it from me to underrate the gi­ comparably more strenuous, unflinchingly > gantic proportions of their task, nor do I for sustained, centrally directed, systematically > one moment overlook the urgency and grav­ organized, efficiently conducted. Upon alac­ > ity of the times in which they are laboring. rity, tenacity, fearlessness of present prose­ > Nor do I wish to minimize the hazards and cutors of the unfolding mission depend > trials that surround or lie ahead of them. speedy and fullest revelation, in the First and > The grandeur of their task is indeed com­ Second Centuries, of the potentialities of the > mensurate with the mortal perils by which birthright conferred upon American believ­ > their generation is hemmed in. As the dusk ers. Convey to pioneers in North, Middle > creeps over a steadily sinking society the and South America my eagerness to main­ > radiant outlines of their redemptive mission tain with each direct, personal contact. As­ > become sharper every day. The present sure Teaching and Inter-America Commit­ > world unrest, symptom of a world-wide tees my delight at successive testimonies of > malady, their world religion has already af­ believers’ glowing spirit reflected in Minutes, > firmed must needs culminate in that world letters and reports recently received. Entreat > catastrophe out of which the consciousness every section of community to labor unre­ > of world citizenship will be born, a con­ mittingly until every nation in Western > sciousness that can alone provide an adequate Hemisphere is illumined by rays and woven > basis for the organization of world unity, into fabric of Bahá’u’lláh’s triumphant Ad­ > on which a 'lasting world peace must neces­ ministrative Order. > sarily depend, the peace itself inaugurating May 28, 1939. > in turn that world civilization which will > mark the coming of age of the entire human The readiness of your Assembly, as ex­ > race. pressed in your recently cabled message, to > Fortified by such reflections, the American transfer the National Baha’i Secretariat to > believers, in whichever section of the West­ the vicinity of the Temple in Wilmette has > ern Hemisphere they find themselves labor­ evoked within me the deepest feelings of > ing, whether at home or abroad, and thankfulness and joy. Your historic decision, > however dire and distressing the processes in­ so wise and timely, so surprising in its sud­ > volved in the disintegration of the structure denness, so far-reaching in its consequences, > of present-day civilization, will, I feel con­ is one that I cannot but heartily and unre­ > vinced, prove themselves, through their lives servedly applaud. To each one of your > and deeds, worthy of that priceless heritage brethren in the Faith, throughout the United > which it is their undoubted privilege to pro­ States and Canada, who are witnessing, from > claim, preserve and perpetuate. day to day and at an ever-hastening speed, > May 22, 1939. the approaching completion of their N a­ > tional House of Worship, the great Mother > Newly-launched Central American cam­ Temple of the West, your resolution to es­ > paign marks official inauguration of long-de­ tablish within its hallowed precincts and in > ferred World Mission constituting ‘Abdu’l- the heart of the North American continent > Baha’s distinctive legacy to the Baha’i the Administrative Seat of their beloved > Community of North America. Chosen Faith cannot but denote henceforward a > Community broadening its basis, gaining in closer association, a more constant commun­ > stature, deepening in consecration. Its van­ ion, and a higher degree of coordination > guard now entering arena monopolized by between the two primary agencies providen- > 46 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > tially ordained for the enrichment of their accomplish befittingly this particular task, > spiritual life and for the conduct and regu­ must simultaneously brace themselves for > lation of their administrative affairs. To the another sublime effort to discharge, ere the > far-flung Bahá’í communities of East and present year draws to a close, their manifold > West, most of which are being increasingly responsibilities allotted to them under the > proscribed and ill-treated, and none of which Seven Year Plan. The placing of yet another > can claim to have had a share of the dual contract for the casting of the ornamenta­ > blessings which a specially designed and con­ tion of the First Story of the Temple, the > structed House of Worship and a fully and permanent settlement of the six remaining > efficiently functioning Administrative Order Republics of Central America, and the ex­ > invariably confer, the concentration in a tension of continual support both material > single locality of what will come to be re­ and moral, to those weaker States, Provinces > garded as the fountain-head of the com­ and Republics that have been recently in­ > m unity’s spiritual life and what is already corporated in the body of the Faith, combine > recognized as the mainspring of the admin­ to offer, at this hour when the fate of civ­ > istrative activities, signalizes the launching ilization trembles in the balance, the boldest > of yet another phase in the slow and im­ and gravest challenge that has ever faced > perceptible emergence, in these declining the community of the American believers > times, of the model Bahd’i community—-a both in the propagative and administrative > community divinely ordained, organically spheres of Bahd’i activity. In the field of > united, clear-visioned, vibrant with life, and pioneer teaching, and particularly in connec­ > whose very purpose is regulated by the twin tion with the opening of the Republics of > directing principles of the worship of God Haiti, Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Do­ > and of service to one’s fellow-men. minica and Guatemala, the utmost encour­ > The decision you have arrived at is an act agement should at all times be vouchsafed > that befittingly marks the commencement of by the elected representatives of the com­ > your allotted term of stewardship in service munity to those who* out of the abundance > to the Cause of Baha’u’lldh. Moreover, it of their hearts, and in direct response to the > significantly coincides with the inauguration call of their Faith and the dictates of their > of that world mission of which the settle­ conscience, have renounced their comforts, > ment of Baha’i pioneers in the virgin terri­ fled their homes, and hazarded their fortunes > tories of the N orth American continent has for the sake of bringing into operation the > been but a prelude. That such a decision majestic Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, while special > may speedily and without the slightest hitch support should be extended to those who ap­ > be carried into effect is the deepest longing pear to be best qualified for the strenuous > of my heart. That those who have boldly labors which pioneering under such exacting > carried so weighty a resolution may without circumstances demands. Care should be ex­ > pause or respite continue to labor and build ercised lest any hindrance should, for any > up, as circumstances permit, around this ad­ reason, be placed in the way of those who > ministrative nucleus such accessories as the have, whether young or old, rich or poor, so > machinery of a fast evolving administrative spontaneously dedicated themselves to so > order, functioning under the shadow of, and urgent and holy a mission. > in such close proximity to, the Mashriqu’l- Towards this newly-appointed enterprise > Adhkár, must demand, is the object of my a more definite reorientation is needed. To > incessant and fervent prayer. That such a its purposes a more complete dedication is > step, momentous as it is, may prove the demanded. In its fortunes a more widespread > starting point for acts of still greater re­ concern is required. For its further consoli­ > nown and richer possibilities that will leave dation and speedy fulfilment a larger num­ > their distinct mark on the third year of the ber and a greater variety of participants are > Seven Year Plan is a hope which I, together indispensable. For its success a more abun­ > with all those who are eagerly following its dant flow of material resources should be > progress, fondly and confidently cherish. assured. > The American believers, while straining to Let the privileged few, the ambassadors of > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 47 > > the Message of Baha’u’llah, bear in mind His others, is the call of humanity itself crying > words as they go forth on their errands of out for deliverance at a time when the tide > service to His Cause. "It behoveth whoso­ of mounting evils has destroyed its equi­ > ever willeth to journey for the sake of God, librium and is now strangling its very life. > and whose intention is to proclaim His Word These imperative calls of Bahd’i duty the > and quicken the dead, to bathe himself with American believers can immediately if only > the waters of detachment, and to adorn his partially answer. Their present status, their > temple with the ornaments of resignation circumscribed resources, debar them, how­ > and submission. Let trust in God be his ever great their eagerness, from responding > shield, and reliance on God his provision, and completely and decisively to the full impli­ > the fear of God his raiment. Let patience be cations of this threefold obligation. They > his helper, and praise-worthy conduct his can, neither individually nor through their > succourer, and goodly deeds his army. Then concerted efforts, impose directly their will > will the concourse on high sustain him. Then upon those into whose hands the immediate > will the denizens of the Kingdom of Names destinies of their persecuted brethren are > march forth with him , and the banners of placed. Nor are they as yet capable of > Divine guidance and inspiration be unfurled launching a campaign of such magnitude as > on his right hand and before him.” could capture the imagination and arouse the > Faced with such a challenge, a community conscience of mankind, and thereby insure > that has scaled thus far such peaks of endur­ the immediate and full redress of those griev­ > ing achievements can neither falter nor re­ ances from which their helpless co-religion­ > coil. Confident in its destiny, reliant cn its ists in both the East and the West are > God-given power, fortified by the conscious­ suffering. They cannot moreover hope to > ness of its past victories, galvanized into ac­ wield at the present time in the councils of > tion at the sight of a slowly disrupting civ­ nations an influence commensurate with the > ilization, it will—I can have no doubt— con­ stupendous claims advanced, or adequate to > tinue to fulfil unflinchingly the immediate the greatness of the Cause proclaimed, by the > requirements of its task, assured that with Author of their Faith. Nor can they assume > every step it takes and with each stage it a position or exercise such responsibilities as > traverses, a fresh revelation of Divine light would enable them by their acts and de­ > and strength will guide and propel it for­ cisions to reverse the process which is urging > ward until it consummates, in the fulness of so tragically the decline of human society > time and in the plenitude of its power, the and its institutions. > Plan inseparably bound up with its shining And yet, though their influence be at the > destiny. present hour indecisive and their divinely- > July 4, 1939. conferred authority unrecognized, the role > they can play in both alleviating the hard­ > A triple call, clear-voiced, insistent and ships that afflict their brethren and in at­ > inescapable, summons to the challenge all tenuating the ills that torment mankind is > members of the American Bahd’i commun­ none the less considerable and far-reaching. > ity, at this, the most fateful hour in their By the range and liberality of their contri­ > history. The first is the voice, distant and butions to mitigate the distress of the be­ > piteous, of those sister communities which reaved, the exiled and the imprisoned; by > now, alas, are fettered by the falling chains the persistent, the wise and judicious inter­ > of religious orthodoxy and isolated through vention of their elected representatives > the cruel barriers set up by a rampant na­ through the authorities concerned; by a clear > tionalism. The second is the plea, no less and convincing exposition, whenever cir­ > vehement and equally urgent, of those peo­ cumstances are propitious, of the issues in­ > ples and nations of the New World, whose volved; by a vigorous defence of the rights > vast and unexplored territories await to be and liberties denied; by an accurate and dig­ > warmed by the light and swept into the orbit nified presentation of the events that have > of the Faith of BaháVlláh. The third, more transpired; by every manner of encourage­ > universal and stirring than either of the ment which their sympathies may suggest, or > 48 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY > > their means permit, or their consciences dic­ down of human institutions, and in the en­ > tate, to succor the outcast and the impov­ suing epoch during which the shattered basis > erished; and above all by their tenacious of a dismembered society is to be recast, > adherence to, and wide proclamation of, and its forces reshaped, re-directed and uni­ > those principles, laws, ideals, and institutions fied. With the age that is still unborn, with > which their disabled fellow-believers are un­ its herculean tasks and unsuspected glories, > able to affirm or publicly espouse; and lastly, we need not concern ourselves at present. > by the energetic prosecution of those tasks It is to the fierce struggle, the imperious > which their oppressed fellow-workers are duties, the distinctive contributions which > forbidden to initiate or conduct, the priv­ the present generation of Baha’is are sum­ > ileged community of the American Bahd’is moned to undertake and render that I feel > can play a conspicuous part in the great we should, at this hour, direct our immediate > drama involving so large a company of their and anxious attention. Though powerless to > unemancipated brethren in the Asiatic, the avert the impending contest the followers of > European and African continents. Baha’u’lldh can, by the spirit they evince and > Their duties towards mankind in general the efforts they exert help to circumscribe its > are no less distinct and vital. Their impo­ range, shorten its duration, allay its hardships, > tence to stem the tide of onrushing calami­ proclaim its salutary consequences, and dem­ > ties, their seeming helplessness in face of onstrate its necessary and vital role in the > those cataclysmic forces that are to convulse shaping of human destiny. Theirs is the duty > human society, do not in the least detract to hold, aloft and undimmed, the torch of > from the urgency of their unique mission, Divine Guidance, as the shades of night de­ > nor exonerate them from those weighty re­ scend upon, and ultimately envelop the, en­ > sponsibilities which they alone can and must tire human race. Theirs is the function, > assume. Humanity, heedless and impenitent, amidst its tumults, perils and agonies, to w it­ > is admittedly hovering on the edge of an ness to the vision, and proclaim the approach, > awful abyss, ready to precipitate itself into of that re-created society, that Christthat titanic struggle, that crucible whose promised Kingdom, that World Order whose > chastening fires alone can and will weld its generative impulse is the spirit of none other > antagonistic elements of race, class, religion than Baha’u’llah Himself, whose dominion > and nation into one coherent system, one is the entire planet, whose watchword is > world commonwealth. "The hour is ap­ unity, whose animating power is the force of > proaching” is Baha’u’lldh’s own testimony, Justice, whose directive purpose is the reign > "ivhen the most great convulsion will have of righteousness and truth, and whose > appeared . . . I swear by God I The promised supreme glory is the complete, the undis­ > day is come, the day when tormenting trials turbed, and everlasting felicity of the whole > will have surged above your heads, and be­ of human kind. By the sublimity and serenity > neath your feet, saying: (Taste ye, what your of their faith, by the steadiness and clarity > hands have w r o u g h t” N ot ours to question of their vision, the incorruptibility of their > the almighty wisdom or fathom the inscrut­ character, the rigor of their discipline, the > able ways of Him in whose hands the ulti­ sanctity of their morals, and the unique > mate destiny of an unregenerate yet potenti­ example of their community life, they can > ally glorious race must lie. Ours rather is and indeed must in a world polluted with its > the duty to believe that the world-wide com­ incurable corruptions, paralyzed by its > munity of the Most Great Name, and in par­ haunting fears, torn by its devastating > ticular, at the present time its vanguard in hatreds, and languishing under the weight > North America, however buffeted by the of its appalling miseries demonstrate the > powerful currents of these troublous times, validity of their claim to be regarded as the > and however keen their awareness of the in­ sole repository of that grace upon whose > evitability of the final eruption, can, if they operation must depend the complete deliv­ > will, rise to the level of their calling and erance, the fundamental reorganization and > discharge their functions, both in the period the supreme felicity of all mankind. > which is witnessing the confusion and break­ July 28, 1939. > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 49 > > Views of the Outer Shrine of BaháVlláh. > 50 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Shades of night descending on imperilled external ornamentation was initiated and > humanity inexorably deepening. American accelerated through the energizing influences > believers, heirs of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, which the rising and continually consoli­ > prosecutors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s plan, con­ dating institutions of a divinely established > fronted supreme opportunity vindicate in­ Administrative Order had released in the > destructibility their faith, inflexibility their midst of a community that had identified its > resolution, their incorruptibility, sanctity vital interests with that Temple’s destiny. > for appointed task. Anxiously, passionately The measures devised to hasten its com­ > entreat them, whatever obstacles march of pletion were incorporated in a Plan which > tragic events may create, however distressing derives its inspiration from those destiny­ > barriers predicted calamities raise between shaping Tablets wherein, in bold relief, > them and sister communities and possibly stands outlined the world mission entrusted > Faith’s World Center, unwaveringly hold by their Author to the American Baha’i > aloft torch whose infant light heralds the community. And finally, the Fund, designed > birth of the effulgent World Order destined to receive and dispose of the resources > supplant disrupting civilization. amassed for its prosecution, was linked with > August 30, 1939. the memory and bore the name of her whose > ebbing life was brightened and, cheered by > The association of the First Mashriqu’l- those tidings that unmistakably revealed to > Adhkár of the West with the hallowed mem­ her the depth of devotion and the tenacity > ories of the Purest Branch and of ‘Abdu’l- of purpose which animate the American be­ > Baha’s mother, recently re-interred under lievers in the cause of their beloved Temple. > the shadow of the Bab’s holy Shrine, in­ And now, while the Bahd’i world vibrates > augurates a new, and at long last the final with emotion at the news of the transfer of > phase of an enterprise which, thirty years the precious remains of both the Purest > ago, was providentially launched on the very Branch and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s mother to a > day the remains of the Forerunner of our spot which, watched over by the Twin Holy > Faith were laid to rest by our beloved Master Shrines and in the close neighborhood of the > in the sepulchre specifically erected for that resting-place of the Greatest Holy Leaf, is > purpose on Mt. Carmel. The birth of this to become the focus of the administrative > holy enterprise, pregnant with such rich, institutions of the Faith at its world center, > such infinite possibilities, synchronized with, the mere act of linking the destiny of so farand was consecrated through, this historic reaching an undertaking with so significant > event which, as ‘AbduT-Bahá Himself has an event in the Formative Period of our Faith > affirmed, constitutes the most signal act of will assuredly set the seal of complete > the triple mission He had been prompted to triumph upon, and enhance the spiritual > perform. The site of the Temple itself was potentialities of, a work so significantly > honored by the presence of Him Who, ever started and so magnificently executed by the > since this enterprise was initiated, had, followers of Baha’u’lldh in the North Ameri­ > through His messages and Tablets bestowed can continent. > upon it His special attention and care, and December 30, 1939. > surrounded it with the marks of His unfail­ > ing solicitude. Its foundation-stone was laid And now as this year, so memorable in > by His own loving hands, on an occasion so the annals of the Faith, was drawing to a > moving that it has come to be regarded as close, there befell the American Baha’i com­ > one of the most stirring episodes of His his­ munity, through the dramatic and sudden > toric visit to the North American continent. death of May Maxwell, yet another loss, > Its superstructure was raised as a direct con­ which viewed in retrospect will come to be > sequence of the pent-up energies which regarded as a potent blessing conferred upon > surged from the breasts of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s the campaign now being so diligently con­ > lovers at a time when His sudden removal ducted by its members. Laden with the > from their midst had plunged them into con­ fruits garnered through well-nigh half a > sternation, bewilderment and sorrow. Its century of toilsome service to the Cause she > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 51 > > so greatly loved, heedless of the warnings of tion of the last stage in the ornamentation > age and ill-health, and afire with the longing of the Temple. I am praying continually > to worthily demonstrate her gratitude in her with redoubled fervor. > overwhelming awareness of the bounties of June 13, 1940. > her Lord and Master, she set her face to­ > wards the southern outpost of the Faith in My heart is thrilled with delight as I wit­ > the New World, and laid down her life in ness, in so many fields, and in such distant > such a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice outposts, and despite such formidable dif­ > as has truly merited the crown of m artyr­ ficulties, restrictions, obstacles and dangers, > dom. so many evidences of the solidarity, the valor, > To Keith Ransom-Kehler, whose dust and the achievements of the American > sleeps in far-off Isfahan; to Martha Root, Bahd’i community. As the end of the First > fallen in her tracks on an island in the mid­ Century of the Bahá’í Era approaches, as the > most heart of the ocean; to May Maxwell, shadows descending upon and enveloping > lying in solitary glory in the southern out­ mankind steadily and remorselessly deepen, > post of the Western Hemisphere— to these this community, which can almost be re­ > three heroines of the Formative Age of the garded as the solitary champion of the Faith > Faith of Baha’u’llah, they who now labor so in the Western World, is increasingly evin­ > assiduously for its expansion and establish­ cing and demonstrating its capacity, its > ment, owe a debt of gratitude which future worth, and ability as the torchbearer of the > generations will not fail to adequately New, the World Civilization which is des­ > recognize. tined to supplant in the fulness of time the > April 15, 1940. present one. And more particularly in the > virgin and far-flung territories of Latin > The stupendous struggle now convulsing America, it has in recent months, abundantly > the major part of the European continent is given visible evidence of its merits and com­ > progressively revealing the ominous features, petence to shoulder the immense responsi­ > and increasingly assuming the proportions, bilities which the carrying of the sacred Fire > of the titanic upheaval foreshadowed seventy to all the Republics of the Western Hemi­ > years ago by the prophetic pen of Bahá’u’lláh. sphere must necessarily entail. > The disruptive forces associated with hu­ Through these initial steps, which in pur­ > manity’s world-shaking ordeal are closely suance of the Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’linterrelated with the constructive potentiali­ Bahá, this community has taken, through > ties inherent in the American believers’ the settlement in each of these sovereign > Divinely-ordained Plan. Both are directly states of the New World of American Bahá’í > hastening the emergence of the spiritual pioneers, through the formation of Bahá’í > World Order stirring in the womb of a groups and the establishment of two Assem­ > travailing age. I entreat the American blies in Buenos Aires and Bahia, the Ameri­ > Bahá’í Community, whatever the immediate can National Assembly, as well asHts Interor distant repercussions of the present tu r­ America Committee, and all subsidiary > moil on their own continent, however violent agencies, no less than the individual mem­ > its impact upon the World Center of their bers of the N orth American Baha’i com­ > Faith, to pledge themselves anew, before the munity who have sacrificed and are still > Throne of Bahd’u’llah, to discharge, with sacrificing so much in their support of this > unswerving aim, unfailing courage, invinci­ Divine and momentous Plan, have earned > ble vigor, exemplary fidelity and ever-deep­ the unqualified admiration and the undying > ening consecration, the dual responsibility gratitude of sister Assemblies and fellowsolemnly undertaken under the Seven Year workers throughout the Bahd’i World. > Plan. I implore them to accelerate their Their work, however, is only beginning. > efforts, increase their vigilance, deepen their The dispatch of pioneers, the provision of > unity, multiply their heroic feats, maintain adequate means for their support, their > their distant outposts in the teaching field settlement and initiation of Bahá’í activities > of Latin America, and expedite the termina­ in these far-off lands, however strenuous and > 52 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > meritorious, are insufficient if the Plan is to tinuation. Its first sparks were kindled on > evolve harmoniously and yield promptly its the eastern shores of the Asiatic continent, > destined fruit. The extension by the Parent enveloping two sister races of the world in a > Assembly — the immediate source from conflagration which no force seems able to > which this vast system with all its ramifica­ either quench or circumscribe. This cata­ > tions is now proceeding—of the necessary clysmic process was accelerated by the out­ > support, guidance, recognition and material break of a fierce conflict in the heart of > assistance to enable these newly-fledged Europe, fanning into flame age-long animosi­ > groups and Assemblies to function in strict ties and unchaining a series of calamities as > accordance with both the spiritual and ad­ swift as they were appalling. As the turmoil > ministrative principles of the Faith of gathered momentum it swept remorselessly > Bahd’u’llah, would seem as essential and into its vortex the most powerful nations of > urgent as the preliminary task already the European continent — the chief pro­ > achieved. To nurse these tender plants of tagonists of that highly-vaunted yet lament­ > the Vineyard of God, to foster their growth, ably defective civilization. The mounting > to direct their development, to accord them tide of its havoc and devastation soon over­ > the necessary recognition, to help resolve spread the northernmost regions of that > their problems, to familiarize them with afflicted continent, subsequently ravaged the > gentleness, patience and fidelity with the shores of the Mediterranean, and invaded the > processes of the Administrative Order and African continent as far as Ethiopia and the > thus enable them to assume independently surrounding territories. The Balkan coun­ > the conduct of future local and national tries, as predicted by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, were soon > Bahi’i activities, would bring the plan to to sustain the impact of this tragic ordeal, > swift and full fruition and would add fresh communicating in their turn the commo­ > laurels to the crown of immortal glory al­ tions to which they had been subjected to > ready won by a community that holds in both the Near and Middle East, wherein are > these days of dark and dire calamities, vali­ enshrined the heart of the Faith itself, its > antly and almost alone, the Fort of the Faith Cradle, its chief center of Pilgrimage, and > of Baháhťlláh. its most sacred and historic sites. > December 3, 1940. Its menace is overleaping the limits of > the Old World and is plunging into conster­ > The internecine struggle, now engulfing nation the Great Republic of the West, as > the generality of mankind, is increasingly well as the peoples of Central and South > assuming, in its range and ferocity, the pro­ America. The New World as well as the > portions of the titanic upheaval fore­ Old is experiencing the terrific impact of > shadowed as far back as seventy years ago this disruptive force. Even the peoples of > by Baha’u’llah. It can be viewed in no other the Antipodes are trembling before the ap­ > light except as a direct interposition by Him proaching tempest that threatens to burst > Who is the Ordainer of the Universe, the on their heads. > Judge of all men and the Deliverer of the The races of the world, Nordic, Slavonic, > nations. It is the rod of both the anger of Mongolian, Arab and African, are alike sub­ > God and of His correction. The fierceness of jected to its consuming violence. The world’s > its devastating power chastens the children religious systems are no less affected by the > of men for their refusal to acclaim the cen­ universal paralysis which is creeping over > tury-old Message of their promised, their the minds and souls of men. The persecution > Heaven-sent Redeemer. The fury of its of world Jewry, the rapid deterioration of > flames, on the other hand, purges away the Christian institutions, the intestine division > dross, and welds the limbs of humanity into and disorders of Islám, are but manifestations > one single organism, indivisible, purified, of the fear and trembling that has seized > God-conscious and divinely directed. humanity in its hour of unprecedented tu r­ > Its immediate cause can be traced to the moil and peril. On the high seas, in the air, > forces engendered by the last war of which on land, in the forefront of battle, in the > it may be truly regarded as the direct con­ palaces of kings and the cottages of peasants, > > j > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 53 > > in the most hallowed sanctuaries, whether sponsibility. The Mission entrusted to the > secular or religious, the evidences of God’s community of the North American believers > retributive act and mysterious discipline are in the darkest days of the last war, is, after > manifest. Its heavy toll is steadily mounting a period of incubation of well nigh twenty > —a holocaust sparing neither prince nor years, and through the instrumentality of > peasant, neither man nor woman, neither the administrative agencies erected after > young nor old. ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s passing, efflorescing under our > The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh— that priceless very eyes. Already, since the inception of > gem of Divine Revelation enshrining the the Seven Year Plan, this community can > Spirit of God and incarnating His Purpose well claim to have attained, through its > for mankind in this age— can neither aspire deeds, a stature that dwarfs its sister com­ > nor expect to escape unhurt amid the hurri­ munities, and can glory in a parentage that > cane of human disasters that blows around it. embraces every Republic of Latin America. > By most men unnoticed, scorned and ridi­ The first Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr of the West, its > culed by some, feared and challenged by beauteous and noble handiwork, is virtually > others, this world redemptive Faith, for completed. A nucleus for a future flourish­ > whose precious sake the world is undergoing ing local community is already formed in > such agonies, finds its virgin strength as­ every state and province in N orth America. > sailed, and its infant institutions hemmed The administrative structure, following the > in, by the dark forces which a godless civili­ pattern of its prototype in the U.S.A. is, > zation has unloosed over the face of the through the agency of that same Plan, raising > planet. In the Old World, whether in its triumphant head in the Central and South > Europe, Asia or Africa, it is being buffeted American Republics. The Plan itself, pro­ > about, ostracized, arraigned and repressed. pelled by the agencies released by those im­ > In certain countries its community life is mortal Tablets which constitute its charter, > being extinguished, in others a ban is severely bids fair, in the fifth year of its operation, > imposed on its propagation, in still others to exceed the highest expectations of those > its members are denied all intercourse with who have so courageously launched it. Its > its World Center. Dangers, grave and un­ comsummation, coinciding with the termi­ > suspected, confront its cradle and surround nation of the first century of the Baha’i Era, > its very heart. will mark the opening of yet another phase > Not so, however, with the countries of in a series of crusades which must carry, in > the Western Hemisphere. The call of the course of the succeeding century, the > Bahá’u’lláh summons, at this challenging privileged recipients of those epoch-making > hour, the peoples of the New World, and its Tablets beyond the Western Hemisphere to > leaders to redress the balance of the old. "O the uttermost ends of the earth, to implant > Rulers of America” He thus addresses the the banner, and lay an unassailable basis for > Chief Magistrates of that continent, "and the administrative structure of the Faith of > the Presidents of the Republics therein. . . . BaháVlláh. > Adorn the temple of your dominion with the The quality and magnitude of the work > ornament of Justice and of the fear of God. already achieved by these stalwart champions > and its head tvith the crown of the remem- of God’s New World Order are inexpres­ > brance of your Lord, the Maker of the sibly exhilarating and infinitely meritorious. > heavens” The Great Republic of the West, The immensity of the task still to be per­ > an object of special solicitude throughout the formed staggers our fancy and inflames our > ministry of the Center of the Covenant, imagination. The potentialities with which > whose soil has been hallowed by His foot­ these tasks are endowed elude our shrewdest > steps, and the foundation of whose edifice— calculations. The promise they enshrine is > the Mother Temple of the West—has been too dazzling to contemplate. What else can > consecrated by His hand, has been singled we do but bow our heads in thanksgiving > out through the operation of His Will, and and reverence, steel our hearts in preparation > been invested by His Pen with a unique, an for the strenuous days ahead, and intensify a > inescapable, a weighty and most sacred re­ hundredfold our resolution to carry on the > 54 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > task to which our hands are set at present? constitute in themselves sufficient evidence > May 25, 1941. of the unconquerable power and invincible > spirit which animates those who stand identi­ > As I survey the activities and accomplish­ fied with and loyally carry out the pro­ > ments of the American believers in recent visions and injunctions of the Will and > months, and recall their reaction to the Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > urgent call for service, embodied in the And now more particularly concerning > Seven Year Plan, I feel overwhelmed by a the prime mover of this latest agitation, > threefold sense of gratitude and admiration which, whatever its immediate consequences, > which I feel prompted to place on record, will sooner or later come to be regarded as > but which I cannot adequately express. merely one more of those ugly and abortive > Future generations can alone appraise cor­ attempts designed to undermine the founda­ > rectly the value of their present services, tion, and obscure the purpose, of the Admin­ > and the Beloved, whose mandate they are so istrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. > valiantly obeying, can alone befittingly re­ Obscure in his origin, ambitious of leader­ > ward them for the manner in which they are ship, untaught by the lesson of such as have > discharging their duties. erred before him, odious in the hopes he > The virtual completion of a thirty year nurses, contemptible in the methods he pur­ > old enterprise, which was initiated in His sues, shameless in his deliberate distortions > days and blessed by His Hand, is the first and of truths he has long since ceased to believe > foremost accomplishment that must shed in, ludicrous in his present isolation and help­ > imperishable luster not only on the adminis­ lessness, wounded and exasperated by the > trative annals of the Formative Age of the downfall which his own folly has precipi­ > Faith, but on the entire record of the signal tated, he, the latest protagonist of a spurious > achievements performed in the course of cause, cannot but in the end be subjected, as > the First Century of the Bahd’i Era. The remorselessly as his infamous predecessors, > steady expansion and consolidation of the to the fate which they invariably have > world mission, entrusted by that same Mas­ suffered. > ter, to their hands and set in operation after Generated by the propelling and purifying > His passing, constitutes the second object of forces of a mysterious Faith, born of delusion > my undying gratitude to a community that or malice, winning a fleeting notoriety de­ > has abundantly demonstrated its worthiness rived from the precarious advantages of > to shoulder the superhuman tasks with which wealth, fame or fortune, these movements > it has been entrusted. The spirit with which sponsored by deluded, self-seeking adven­ > that same community has faced and resisted turers find themselves, sooner or later, en­ > the onslaught of the enemies of the Faith meshed in the machinations of their authors, > who, for various reasons and with ever- are buried in shame, and sink eventually into > increasing subtlety and malice, have per­ complete oblivion. > sistently striven to disrupt the administra­ The schism which their foolish leaders had > tive machinery of an Order, foreshadowed contrived so sedulously to produce within > by the Báb, enunciated by Bahd’u’llah, and the Faith, will soon, to their utter amaze­ > established by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, is yet another ment, come to be regarded as a process of > testimony to the unrivalled merits and the purification, a cleansing agency, which, far > eminent position attained by its privileged from decimating the ranks of its followers, > members since the ascension of the Center reinforces its indestructible unity, and pro­ > of the Covenant. claims anew to a world, skeptical or indif­ > The extinction of the influence precari­ ferent, the cohesive strength of the institu­ > ously exerted by some of these enemies, the tions of that Faith, the incorruptibility of > decline that has set in in the fortunes of its purposes and principles, and the recupera­ > others, the sincere repentance expressed by tive powers inherent in its community life. > still others, and their subsequent reinstate­ Were anyone to imagine or expect that a > ment and effectual participation in the teach­ Cause, comprising within its orbit so vast a > ing and administrative activities of the Faith, portion of the globe, so turbulent in its > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 55 > > history, so challenging in its claims, so di­ priceless a promise, has sustained blows as > versified in the elements it has assimilated dire and treacherous as any recorded in the > into its administrative structure, should, at world’s religious history. > all times, be immune to any divergence of From the record of its tumultuous history, > opinion, or any defection on the part of its almost every page of which portrays a fresh > multitudinous followers, it would be sheer crisis, is laden with the description of a new > delusion, wholly unreasonable and unwar­ calamity, recounts the tale of a base betrayal, > ranted, even in the face of the unprecedented and is stained with the account of unspeak­ > evidence of the miraculous power which its able atrocities, there emerges, clear and in­ > rise and progress have so powerfully ex­ controvertible, the supreme truth that with > hibited. That such a secession, however, every fresh outbreak of hostility to the Faith, > whether effected by those who apostatize whether from within or from without, a > their faith or preach heretical doctrines, corresponding measure of outpouring grace, > should have failed, after the lapse of a cen­ sustaining its defenders and confounding its > tury, to split in twain the entire body of adversaries, has been providentially released, > the adherents of the Faith, or to create a communicating a fresh impulse to the on­ > grave, a permanent and irremediable breach ward march of the Faith, while this impetus, > in its organic structure, is a fact too eloquent in its turn, would through its manifestations, > for even a casual observer of the internal provoke fresh hostility in quarters heretofore > processes of its administrative order to either unaware of its challenging implications— > deny or ignore. this increased hostility being accompanied > Therein, every loyal and intelligent up­ by a still more arresting revelation of Divine > holder of Baha’u’llah’s incomparable Cove­ Power and a more abundant effusion of celes­ > nant— a Covenant designed by Him as the tial grace, which, by enabling the upholders > sole refuge against schism, disruption and of that Faith to register still more brilliant > anarchy—will readily recognize the hall­ victories, would thereby generate issues of > mark of His Faith, and will acclaim it as still more vital import and raise up still more > the supreme gift conferred by Him Who is formidable enemies against a Cause that can­ > the Lord of Revelation upon the present and not but, in the end, resolve those issues and > future generations who are destined, in this crush the resistance of those enemies, through > greatest of all Dispensations, to flock, from a still more glorious unfoldment of its in­ > every creed and religion, to the banner, and herent power. > espouse the Cause, of His Most Great Name. The resistless march of the Faith of > Dear friends! Manifold, various, and at Bahá’u’lláh, viewed in this light, and pro­ > times extremely perilous, have been the tragic pelled by the stimulating influences which > crises which the blind hatred, the unfounded the unwisdom of its enemies and the force > presumption, the incredible folly, the abject latent within itself, both engender, resolves > perfidy, the vaulting ambition, of the enemy itself into a series of rhythmic pulsations, > have intermittently engendered within the precipitated, on the one hand, through the > pale of the Faith. From some of its most explosive outbursts of its foes, and the vibra­ > powerful and renowned votaries, at the tions of Divine Power, on the other, which > hands of its once trusted and ablest propaga­ speed it, with ever-increasing momentum, > tors, champions, and administrators, from along that predestined course traced for it > the ranks of its most revered and highly- by the Hand of the Almighty. > placed trustees whether as companions, As opposition to the Faith, from whatever > amanuenses or appointed lieutenants of the source it may spring, whatever form it may > Herald of the Faith, of its Author, and of assume, however violent its outbursts, is > the Center of His Covenant, from even admittedly the motive-power that galvanizes > those who were numbered among the kindred on the one hand, the souls of its valiant de­ > of the Manifestation, not excluding the fenders, and taps for them, on the other, > brother, the sons and daughters of Bahd’u’- fresh springs of that Divine and inexhausti­ > lláh, and the nominee of the Báb Himself, a ble Energy, we who are called upon to repre­ > Faith, of such tender age, and enshrining so sent, defend, and promote its interests, > 56 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY* > > should, far from regarding any manifesta­ its most intensive pitch, so the Mission > tion of hostility as an evidence of the weak­ conferred twenty years ago by ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s > ening of the pillars of the Faith, acclaim it sacred Will on the worldwide, indivisible > as both a God-sent gift and a God-sent op­ and incorruptible body of His followers > portunity which, if we remain undaunted, unfolds its fullest potentialities. Securely > we can utilize for the furtherance of His abiding and confidently battling within the > Faith and the routing and complete elimina­ impregnable structure which that Will has > tion of its adversaries. divinely established, the dwellers in the ark > The Heroic Age of the Faith, born in of the divine Covenant the world over > anguish, nursed in adversity, and terminating watch with awe, pride and delight the evi­ > in trials as woeful as those that greeted its dences of the mounting momentum of the > birth, has been succeeded by that Formative eternal process of integration and disinte­ > Period which is to witness the gradual crys­ gration hurrying the Faith along its predistallization of those creative energies which tined course. The royal adversary, personally > the Faith has released, and the consequent responsible for the recrudesence of persecu­ > emergence of that World Order for which tion closing all Baha’i schools in Bahá’u’lláh’s > those forces were made to operate. native land, has been humbled to the dust. > Fierce and relentless will be the opposition The sufferings endured by the builders of > which this crystallization and emergence th e first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar are being > must provoke. The alarm it must and will avenged. The cornerstone of the National > awaken, the envy it will certainly arouse, Administrative Headquarters of the Egyp­ > the misrepresentations to which it will re­ tian Bahd’i community has been ceremoni­ > morselessly be subjected, the setbacks it ously laid. The first officially recognized > must, sooner or later, sustain, the commo­ Bahá’í cemetery is ready to receive the pre­ > tions to which it must eventually give rise, cious remains of the illustrious ‘Abdu’l-Fadl > the fruits it must in the end garner, the and the immortal Lua. The Haziratu’l-Quds > blessings it must inevitably bestow and the in Baghdad has been extended and is nearing > glorious, the Golden Age, it must irresistibly completion. The property dedicated as first > usher in, are just beginning to be faintly Administrative Center of the Syrian Baha’is > perceived, and will, as the old order crumbles has been purchased. A group of families of > beneath the weight of so stupendous a Reve­ Persian believers, Muslim, Jewish, Zoroastrian > lation, become increasingly apparent and in origin, afire with the example set by > arresting. American pioneers, are settling the adjoining > Not ours, dear friends, to attempt to sur­ territories of Hejaz, Yemen, Afghanistan, > vey the distant scene; ours rather the duty to Baluchistan and Bahrein Island. The spiritual > face the trials of the present hour, to ponder competition galvanizing the organized fol­ > the meaning, to discharge the obligations, lowers of Baha’u’llah in East and West > to meet its challenge and utilize the oppor­ waxes keener as first Baha’i century speeds > tunity it offers to the fullest extent of our to its close. W ith bowed head, exultant > ability and power. spirit and thankful heart I acclaim these > August 12, 1941 recurrent, increasingly compelling manifesta­ > tions of the solidarity, loyalty and un­ > Heart thrilled with pride at message quenchable spirit animating, throughout > announcing the approaching completion of five continents, the community of the fol­ > the ornamentation of seven faces of Mashri- lowers of the Most Great Name. > qu’l-Adhkár, proclaiming an intensification November 22, 1941 > of North American teaching campaign, and > revealing the adamantine resolution of the The entry of the United States of America > Temple builders and stalwart crusaders, in into the war invests it with the character of > face of the perfidy, ingratitude and opposi­ a truly world-embracing crisis, designed to > tion of the enemies both within and without release world-shaking, world-shaping forces, > the Holy Faith. As the fury and destructive­ which, as they operate, and mount in in­ > ness of the tremendous world ordeal attains tensity, will throw down the barriers that > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 57 > > hinder the emergence of that world com­ Viewed in the perspective of Baha’i his­ > munity which the World Religion of Baha’u- tory, the Seven Year Plan, associated with > ’lláh has anticipated and can alone per­ the closing years of the First Bahá*i Century, > manently establish. It marks a milestone on will come to be regarded as the mightiest in­ > the road which must lead the peoples of the strument yet forged, designed to enable the > North American continent to the glorious trustees of a firmly established, steadily > destiny that awaits them. It confronts the evolving Administrative Order to complete > American Baha’i community, already so the initial stage in the prosecution of the > well advanced in the prosecution of their world mission confidently entrusted by the > Seven Year Plan, with a challenge at once Center of the Covenant to His chosen > severe and inescapable, The exterior orna­ disciples. The Divine Plan, thus set in > mentation of their consecrated Edifice has operation, may be said to have derived its > been providentially expedited to a point inspiration from, and been dimly fore­ > where its completion is now assured. The shadowed in, the injunction so significantly > intercontinental and national teaching cam­ addressed by Bahd’u’llah to the Chief Magis­ > paigns, that constitute the second and even trates of the American continent. It was > more vital aspect of that plan, though prompted by the contact established by > progressing magnificently in the States, in ‘Abdu’l-Baha Himself, in the course of His > Canada and throughout Latin America, are historic journey, with the entire body of > still far from having attained their consum­ His followers throughout the United States > mation. The obstacles which the extension of and Canada. It was conceived, soon after > the war to the Western Hemisphere has that contact was established, in the midst > raised are, I am well aware, manifold and of what was then held to be one of the most > formidable. The heroic self-sacrifice ex­ devastating crises in human history. »It > hibited by the North American Bahd’i com­ underwent a period of incubation, after His > munity will, I am confident, surmount them. ascension, while the machinery of a divinely > The Hand of Omnipotence, which has led appointed Administrative Order was being > so mighty a member of the human race to laboriously devised and its processes set in > plunge into the turmoil of world disaster, motion. Its initial operations were provi­ > that has provided thereby the means for the dentially made to synchronize with the final > effective and decisive participation of so years of a century that witnessed the birth > promising a nation in the immediate trials and rise of a Faith of which it is the direct > and the future reconstruction of human consequence. The opening stage in its execu­ > society, will not and cannot allow those who tion has been faced by, and will survive, the > are directly, consciously and worthily pro­ severe challenge of a crisis of still greater > moting the highest interests of their nation magnitude than that which baptized its > and of the world, to fall short of the ac­ birth. The conclusion of the first phase of > complishment of their God-given task. He its tremendous and irresistible unfoldment > will, more than ever before in their history, is now approaching. The hopes and aspira­ > pour out His blessings upon them, if they tions of a multitude of believers, in both the > refuse to allow the present circumstances, East and the West, young and old, whether > grievous though they are, to interfere with free or suppressed, hang on its triumphant > the full and uninterrupted execution of this consummation. The Temple itself, that fair > initial undertaking in pursuance of their incarnation of the soul of an unconquerable > world mission. The coming two years must Faith, and the first fruit of the Plan now set > witness, fraught as they may well be with in motion, stands in its silent beauty, ready > the greatest ordeal afflicting their country­ to reinforce the strenuous endeavors of its > men, a manifestation of spiritual vitality prosecutors. Towering in grandeur and > and an output of heroic action, commensur­ resplendent in its majesty it calls aloud in­ > ate with the gravity and afflictions of the cessantly for a greater, a far greater number > present hour, and worthy of the concluding of pioneers who, both at home and in foreign > years of the first Bahá’í century. fields, will scatter to sow the Divine seeds > January 15, 1942. and gather the harvest into its gates. The > 58 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Author of the Plan Himself, looking down raised so heroically to the glory of the Most > from His retreats above, and surveying the Great Name, at so critical a stage in human > prodigious labors of His defeatless disciples, history, and at so significant a spot in a > voices, with even greater insistence, the same continent so richly endowed, to be able to > call. The time in which to respond to it is visualize the future glories which the con­ > relentlessly shortening. Let men of action summation of this institution, this harbinger > seize their chance ere the swiftly passing days of an as yet unborn civilization, must in the > place it irretrievably beyond their reach. fulness of time disclose to the eyes of all > May 26, 1942. mankind. > That so laborious, so meritorious an under­ > The completion of the exterior ornamen­ taking has been completed a year before its > tation of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar in Wil­ appointed time is a further cause for re­ > mette, the most hallowed Temple ever to be joicing and gratitude, and an added testi­ > erected by the followers of Bahd’u’lldh, and mony to the vision, the resourcefulness, and > the crowning glory of the first Bahd’i cen­ enterprising spirit of the American believers. > tury, is an event of unique and transcend­ No need, however, to dwell at length on > ental significance. Neither the first Mash­ their past achievements, remarkable and ex­ > riqu’l-Adhkar of the Bahd’i world, reared in emplary though they have been, nor is this > the city of Ishqdbad, nor any House of W or­ the time to expatiate on the superb spirit > ship to be raised in succeeding centuries, can that has characterized their stewardship in > claim to possess the vast, the immeasurable the service of the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh. Tasks > potentialities with which this Mother Temple of extreme urgency, of great magnitude, of > of the West, established in the very heart of the utmost significance await them in this > so •enviable a continent, and whose founda- concluding year of the first Bahd’i century, > tionstone has been laid by the hand of the and at this hour of great peril, of stress and > Center of the Covenant Himself, has been trial for all mankind. The sacred—the press­ > endowed. Conceived forty years ago by ing, the inescapable teaching responsibilities > that little band of far-sighted and resolute assumed under the Seven Year Plan must be > disciples of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, members of the resolutely faced as befits those whose record > first Bahd’i community established in the has shed so brilliant a light on the annals of > Western Hemisphere; blessed and fostered the first Bahd’i century. The consolidation > by a vigilant Master Who directed its course of each and every nucleus formed so pains­ > from the hour of its inception to the last takingly in every republic of Central and > days of His life; supported by the spon­ South America, the formation of a Bahd’i > taneous contributions of Baha’is poured in Assembly in every virgin State and Province > from the five continents of the globe, this* in the North American Continent, call for > noble, this mighty, this magnificent enter­ undivided attention, for further heroism, > prise deserves to rank among the immortal for a concerted, a persistent, a herculean > epics, that have adorned the annals of the eifort on the part of the stalwart builders of > Apostolic Age of the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh. that bounteous Edifice which posterity will > The debt of gratitude owed by the entire recognize as the greatest shrine in the > Bahd’i world to its champion-builders is in­ Western world. > deed immeasurable. The admiration which Nor must the elaborate preparations in > this brilliant exploit has evoked in the breasts connection with the forthcoming celebration > of countless followers of the Faith in East of the centenary of our glorious Faith be > and West knows no bounds. The creative overlooked or neglected, if we would beenergies its completion must unleash are in­ fittingly consummate this first, this most > calculable. The role it is destined to play in fecund, century of the Bahd’i era. An un­ > hastening the emergence of the world order precedented, a carefully conceived, efficiently > of Bahd’u’lldh, now stirring in the womb of co-ordinated, nation-wide campaign, aiming > this travailing age, cannot as yet be fath­ at the proclamation of the Message of > omed. We stand too close to so majestic, so Bahd’u’lldh, through speeches, articles in the > lofty, so radiant, so symbolic a monument press, and radio broadcasts, should be > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 59 > > promptly initiated and vigorously prose­ conclusion the unfinished tasks which still > cuted. The universality of the Faith, its aims confront them, and will enable them to > and purposes, episodes in its dramatic his­ crown their labors in a manner that will befit > tory, testimonials to its transforming power, their high destiny. > and the character and distinguishing features March 28, 1943. > of its World Order should be emphasized and > explained to the general public, and particu­ The latest evidences of the magnificent > larly to eminent friends and leaders sympa­ success that has marked the activities of the > thetic to its cause, who should be approached members of the American Baha’i community > and invited to participate in the celebrations. have been such as to excite the brightest > Lectures, conferences, banquets, special pub­ hopes for the victorious consummation of > lications should, to whatever extent is prac­ the collective undertaking they have so > ticable and according to the resources at the courageously launched and have so vigor­ > disposal of the believers, proclaim the char­ ously prosecuted in recent years. As the first > acter of this joyous Festival. An all-America Baha’i Century approaches its end, the mag­ > Convention, at which representatives of nitude and quality of their achievements > Bahá’í centers in every Republic in Centra! acquire added significance and shed increas­ > and South America will be invited to par­ ing luster on its annals. The proceedings of > ticipate, and to which, for the first time, all the recently held annual Convention; the > isolated believers, all groups, and all com­ formation of twenty-eight Assemblies in the > munities already possessing local Spiritual course of the year that has just elapsed; the > Assemblies will have the right to appoint splendid progress achieved in the Latindelegates and to share in the election of the American field of Baha’i activity; the superb > National Spiritual Assembly, will, moreover, spirit evinced by the pioneers holding their > have to be held to commemorate this epoch- lonely posts in widely scattered areas > making event. A dedication ceremony, in throughout the Americas; the exemplary > consonance with the solemnity of the oc­ attitude shown by the entire body of the > casion, and held beneath the dome of the faithful towards the machinations of those > Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, on the very day and at who have so sedulously striven to disrupt the > the very hour of the Báb’s historic Declara­ Faith and pervert its purpose— these have, to > tion, followed by a public session, conse­ a marked degree, intensified the admiration > crated to the memory of b.oth the Báb and of the Bahd’i communities for those who are > ‘Abdu’l-Baha, should constitute the leading contributing so outstanding a share to the > features of this historic Convention. enlargement of the limits, and the enhance­ > For it should be borne in mind that in the ment of the prestige, of the Faith of > year 1944 we celebrate not only the termina­ Bahá’u’lláh. The preparations which the > tion of the first century of the Bahá’í Era, American believers are undertaking for the > but also the centenary of the birth of the celebration of the Centenary of the Faith > Bahá’í Dispensation, of the inception of the must be such as to crown with immortal > Baha’i cycle, and of the birth of ‘Abdu’l- glory the fifty-year long record of their > Baha, and commemorate as well the fiftieth stewardship in the service of that Faith. > anniversary of the establishment of the Such a celebration must, in its scope and > Baha’i Faith in the Western world. magnificence, fully compensate for the dis­ > No effort, nor any sacrifice can be deemed abilities which hinder so many Baha’i com­ > too great to insure the decisive, the brilliant munities in Europe and elsewhere, and even > success of the celebrations which this his­ in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, from paying a > toric year, of such manifold significance, befitting tribute to their beloved Faith at > must witness. He Who in the past, has in so glorious an hour in its history. The few > diverse ways and on so many occasions, remaining months of this century must wit­ > graciously and unfailingly guided, blessed ness a concentration of effort, a scale of > and sustained the members of this privileged achievement, a spirit of heroism that will > community will, no doubt, continue to aid outshine even the most daring exploits that > and inspire them to carry to a victorious have already immortalized the Seven Year > 60 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Plan and covered with glory its valiant pies of the world witness that this commu­ > prosecutors. The plea I addressed to them, nity is spiritually illumined and divinely > at this late hour, will, I am sure, meet with gíúded. Then will the whole earth resound > a response no less remarkable than their past with the praises of its majesty and great­ > reactions to the appeals I have felt impelled ness” > to make to them ever since the inception of No reader of these words, so vibrant with > the Plan. He Who, at every stage of their promises that not even the triumphant con­ > collective enterprise, has so abundantly summation of the Seven Year Plan can > blessed them, will, no doubt, continue to fulfill, can expect a community that has > vouchsafe the blessings until the seal of un­ been raised so high, and endowed so richly, > qualified victory is set upon their epoch- to remain content with any laurels it may > making task. win in the Immediate future. To rest upon > August 8, 1943. such laurels would indeed be tantamount > to a betrayal of the trust placed in that > T h e D estiny of A merica > community by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. To cut short > Let any one inclined to doubt the course the chain of victories that must lead it on > which this enviable community is destined to that supreme triumph when, "the whole > to follow, turn to and meditate upon these earth may be stirred and shaken” by the > words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, enshrined, for all results of its achievements would shatter > time, in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, and His hopes. To vacillate, and fail to "prop­ > addressed to the entire community of the agate through the continents of Europe, of > believers of the United States and Canada: Asia, of Africa, and of Australasia, and as > "The full measure of your success,” He in­ far as the islands of the Pacific” a Message > forms them, "is at yet unrevealed, its signifi­ so magnificently proclaimed by it in the > cance still unapprehended. Erelong, ye will, American continent would deprive it of the > with your oivn eyes, witness how brilliantly privilege of being "securely established upon > every one of you, even as a shining star, will the throne of an everlasting dominion” > radiate, in the firmament of your country, To forfeit the honor of proclaiming "the > the light of "Divine Guidance, and will be­ advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of > stow upon its people the glory of an ever­ Hosts” in "all the five continents of the > lasting life. . . . The range of your future globe” would silence those "praises of its > achievements still remains undisclosed. 1 majesty and greatness” that otherwise would > fervently hope that in the near future the echo throughout "the whole earth” > whole earth may be stirred and shaken by Such vacillation, failure, or neglect, the > the results of your achievements. The hope, American believers, the ambassadors of the > therefore, which ‘Abdu’l-Bahd cherishes for Faith of BaháVlláh, will, I am firmly con­ > you is that the same success which has at­ vinced, never permit. Such a trust will > tended your efforts in America may crown never be betrayed, such hopes can never be > your endeavors in other parts of the world, shattered, such a privilege will never be > that through you the fame of the Cause of forfeited, nor will such praises remain un­ > God may be diffused throughout the East uttered. Nay rather the present generation > and the West, and the advent of the King­ of this blessed, this repeatedly blessed, com­ > dom of the Lord of Hosts be proclaimed in munity will go from strength to strength, > all the five continents of the globe.” "The and will hand on, as the first century draws > moment,” He most significantly adds, "this to a close, to the generations that must > Divine Message is carried forward by the succeed it in the second, the torch of Divine > American believers from the shores of Amer­ Guidance, undimmed by the tempestuous > ica, and is propagated throughout the con­ winds that must blow upon it, that they in > tinents of Europe, of Asia, of Africa, and turn, faithful to the wish and mandate of > of Australasia, and as far as the islands of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, may carry that torch, with > the Pacific, this community will find itself that self-same vigor, fidelity, and enthusi­ > securely established upon the throne of an asm, to the darkest and remotest corners of > everlasting dominion. Then will all the peo- the earth. . . . > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 61 > > One more word in conclusion. Among To the efforts and accomplishments of > some of the most momentous and thought- those who, aware of the Revelation of > provoking pronouncements ever made by BaháVlláh, are now laboring in that con­ > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in the course of His epoch- tinent, to their present and future course > making travels in the North American con­ of activity, I have, in the foregoing pages > tinent, are the following: "May this Ameri­ sufficiently referred. A word, if the destiny > can Democracy be the first nation to estab­ of the American people, in its entirety, is to > lish the foundation of international agree­ be correctly apprehended, should now be said > ment. May it be the first nation to proclaim regarding the orientation of that nation as > the unity of mankind. May it be the first a whole, and the trend of the affairs of its > to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great people. For no matter how ignorant of the > Peace” And again: "The American people Source from which those directing energies > are indeed worthy of being the first to build proceed, and however slow and laborious > the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and pro­ the process, it is becoming increasingly evi­ > claim the oneness of mankind. . . . For dent that the nation as a whole, whether > America hath developed powers and capaci­ through the agency of its government or > ties greater and more: wonderful than other otherwise, is gravitating, under the influence > nations. . . . The American nation is of forces that it can neither comprehend nor > equipped and empowered to accomplish that control, towards such associations and poli­ > which luill adorn the pages of history, to cies, wherein, as indicated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, > become the envy of the world, and be blest her true destiny must lie. Both the com­ > in both the East and the West for the tri­ munity of the American believers, who are > umph of its people. . . . The American con­ aware of that Source, and the great mass of > tinent gives signs and evidences of very their countrymen, who have not as yet rec­ > great advancement. Its future is even more ognized the Hand that directs their destiny, > promising, for its influence and illumination are contributing, each in its own way, to > are far-reaching. It will lead all nations the realization of the hopes, and the ful­ > spiritually.” fillment of the promises, voiced in the above- > The creative energies, mysteriously gen­ quoted words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > erated by the first stirrings of the em­ The world is moving on. Its events are > bryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, have, unfolding ominously and with bewildering > as soon as released within a nation destined rapidity. The whirlwind of its passions is > to become its cradle and champion, en­ swift and alarmingly violent. The New > dowed that nation with the worthiness, and World is being insensibly drawn into its > invested it with the powers and capacities, vortex. The potential storm centers of the > and equipped it spiritually, to play the part earth are already casting their shadows upon > foreshadowed in these prophetic words. The its shores. Dangers, undreamt of and un­ > potencies which this God-given mission has predictable, threaten it both from within > infused into its people are, on the one hand, and from without. Its governments and > beginning to be manifested through the peoples are being gradually enmeshed in the > conscious efforts and the nation-wide ac­ coils of the world’s recurrent crises and > complishments, in both the teaching and fierce controversies. The Atlantic and Pa­ > administrative spheres of Baha’i activity, of cific Oceans are, with every acceleration in > the organized community of the followers the march of science, steadily shrinking into > of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American con­ mere channels. The Great Republic of the > tinent. These same potencies, apart from, West finds itself particularly and increas­ > yet collateral with these efforts and accom­ ingly involved. Distant rumblings echo > plishments, are, on the other hand, insensibly menacingly in the ebullitions of its people. > shaping, under the impact of world political On its flanks are ranged the potential storm > and economic forces, the destiny of that centers of the European continent and of > nation, and are influencing the lives and the Far East. On its southern horizon there > actions of both its government and its looms what might conceivably develop into > people. another center of agitation and danger. The > 62 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > world is contracting into a neighborhood. that divides and afflicts the human race is > America, willingly or unwillingly, must daily increasing. The signs of impending > face and grapple with this new situation. convulsions and chaos can now be discerned. > For purposes of national security, let alone . . ” "The ills,” ‘Abdu’l-Baha, writing as > any humanitarian motive, she must assume far back as two decades ago, has prophesied, > the obligations imposed by this newly cre­ "from which the world now suffers tv ill > ated neighborhood. Paradoxical as it may multiply; the gloom which envelops it will > seem, her only hope of extricating herself deepen. The Balkans will remain discon­ > from the perils gathering around her is to tented. Its restlessness tvill increase. The > become entangled in that very web of inter­ vanquished Powers will continue to agitate. > national association which the Hand of an They will resort to every measure that may > inscrutable Providence is weaving. ‘Abdu’l- rekindle the flame of war. Movements, > Bahá’s counsel to a highly placed official in newly-born and world-tvide in their range, > its government comes to mind, with peculiar will exert their utmost for the advancement > appropriateness and force. "You can best of their designs. The Movement of the Left > serve your country if you strive, in your will acquire great importance. Its influence > capacity as a citizen of the world, to assist will spread.” As to the American nation > in the eventual application of the principle itself, the voice of its own President, em­ > of federalism, underlying the government phatic and clear, warns his people that a > of your own country, to the relationships possible attack upon their country has been > now existing between the peoples and nations brought infinitely closer by the development > of the world.” The ideals that fired the of aircraft and by other factors. Its Sec­ > imagination of America’s tragically unappre­ retary of State, addressing at .a recent Con­ > ciated President, whose high endeavors, how­ ference the assembled representatives of all > ever much nullified by a visionless genera­ the American Republics, utters no less > tion, ťAbdu’l-Bahá, through His own pen. ominous a warning. "These resurgent forces > acclaimed as signalizing the dawn of the loom threateningly throughout the world— > Most Great Peace, though now lying in the their ominous shadow falls athwart our > dust, bitterly reproach a heedless generation own Hemisphere.” As to its Press, the same > for having so cruelly abandoned them. note of warning and of alarm at an ap­ > That the world is beset with perils, that proaching danger is struck. "We must be > dangers are now accumulating and are ac­ prepared to defend ourselves both from > tually threatening the American nation, no within and without. . . . Our defensive > clear-eyed observer can possibly deny. The frontier is long. It reaches from Alaska’^ > earth is now transformed into an armed Point Barrow to Cape Horn, and ranges the > camp. As much as fifty million men are Atlantic and the Pacific. When or where > either under arms or in reserve. No less Europe’s and Asia’s aggressors may strike at > than the sum of three billion pounds is be­ us no one can say. It could be anywhere, > ing spent, in one year, on its armaments. any time. . . . We have no option save to > The light of religion is dimmed and moral go armed ourselves. . . . We must mount > authority disintegrating. The nations of the vigilant guard over the Western Hemis­ > world have, for the most part, fallen a prey phere.” > to battling ideologies that threaten to dis­ The distance that the American nation > rupt the very foundations of their dearly- has traveled since its formal and categoric > won political unity. Agitated multitudes repudiation of the Wilsonian ideal, the > in these countries see them with discontent, changes that have unexpectedly overtaken > are armed to the teeth, are stampeded with it in recent years, the direction in which > fear, and groan beneath the yoke of tribula­ world events are moving, with their inevi­ > tions engendered by political strife, racial table impact on the policies and the economy > fanaticism, national hatreds, and religious of that nation, are to every Bahá’í observer, > animosities. "The winds of despair,” Bahá’- viewing the developments in the interna­ > u’lldh has unmistakably affirmed, "are, alas, tional situation, in the light of the prophe­ > blowing from every direction, and the strife cies of both Baha’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > A M E R I C A ’S S P I R I T U A L DESTINY 63 > > most significant, and highly instructive and oppressive for that nation. The world shak­ > encouraging. To trace the exact course ing ordeal which Bahá’u’lláh, as quoted in > which, in these troubled times and pregnant the foregoing pages, * has so graphically > years, this nation will follow would be im­ prophesied, may find it swept, to an unpre­ > possible. We can only, judging from the cedented degree, into its vortex. Out of it it > direction its affairs are now taking, antici­ will probably emerge, unlike its reactions > pate the course she will most likely choose to the last world conflict, consciously deter­ > to pursue in her relationships with both the mined to seize its opportunity, to bring the > Republics of America and the countries of full weight of its influence to bear upon the > the remaining continents. gigantic problems that such an ordeal must > A closer association with these Repub­ leave in its wake, and to exorcise forever, > lics, on the one hand, and an increased par­ in conjunction with its sister nations of both > ticipation, in varying degrees, on the other, the East and the West, the greatest curse > in the affairs of the whole world, as a result which, from time immemorial, has afflicted > of recurrent international crises, appear as and degraded the human race. > the most likely developments which the fu ­ Then, and only then, will the American > ture has in store for that country. Delays nation, molded and purified in the crucible > must inevitably arise, setbacks must be suf­ of a common war, inured to its rigors, and > fered, in the course of that country’s evolu­ disciplined by its lessons, be in a position > tion towards its ultimate destiny. Nothing, to raise its voice in the councils of the na­ > however, can alter eventually that course, tions, itself lay the cornerstone of a universal > ordained for it by the unerring pen of and enduring peace, proclaim the solidarity, > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Its federal unity having al­ the unity, and m aturity of mankind, and > ready been achieved and its internal institu­ assist in the establishment of the promised > tions consolidated— a stage that marked its reign of righteousness on earth. Then, and > coming of age as a political entity— its fu r­ only then, will the American nation, while > ther evolution, as a member of the family the community of the American believers > of nations, must, under circumstances that within its heart is consummating its di­ > cannot at present be visualized, steadily con­ vinely-appointed mission, be able to fulfil! > tinue. Such an evolution must persist until the unspeakably glorious destiny ordained > such time as that nation will, through the for it by the Almighty, and immortally > active and decisive part it will have played enshrined in the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. > in the organization and the peaceful settle­ Then, and only then, will the American > ment of the affairs of mankind, have a t­ nation accomplish "that which will adorn > tained the plenitude of its powers and fu n c­ the pages of h isto ry” "become the envy of > tions as an outstanding member, and com­ the world and be blest in both the East and > ponent part, of a federated world. the W e s t” > The immediate future must, as a result December 25, 193 8. > of this steady, this gradual, and inevitable > absorption in the manifold perplexities and * This passage is an excerpt from "The Advent of > problems afflicting hum anity, be dark and Divine Justice.*’— Editor. > > » > . > PART THREE > > HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN > BAHA’I C O M M U N I T Y * > 1894 1:933 - > > ORTY years will have elapsed ere the in less than half a century sent out its shoots > close of this coming summer since the name and tendrils as far as the remotest corners > of Bahd’uTlah was first mentioned on the of the globe, and now stands, clothed in the > American continent. Strange indeed must majesty of the consecrated Edifice it has > appear to every observer, pondering in his reared in the heart of that continent, de­ > heart the significance of so great a landmark termined to proclaim its right and vindicate > in the spiritual history of the great American its capacity to redeem a stricken people. U n­ > Republic, the circumstances which have at­ supported by any of the advantages which > tended this first public reference to the Au­ talent, rank and riches can confer, the com­ > thor of our beloved Faith. Stranger still must munity of the American believers, despite its > seem the associations which the brief words tender age, its numerical strength, its limited > uttered on that historic occasion must have experience, has by virtue of the inspired wis­ > evoked in the minds of those who heard them. dom, the united will, the incorruptible loy­ > Of pomp and circumstance, of any mani­ alty of its administrators and teachers > festations of public rejoicing or of popular achieved the distinction of an undisputed > applause, there were none to greet this first leadership among its sister communities of > intimation*)* to America’s citizens of the ex­ East and West in hastening the advent of > istence and purpose of the Revelation pro­ the Golden Age anticipated by BahďuTláh. > claimed by BaháVlláh. Nor did he who was And yet how grave the crises which this > its chosen instrument profess himself a be­ infant, this blessed, community has weath­ > liever in the indwelling potency of the ered in the course of its checkered history! > tidings he conveyed, or suspect the magni­ How slow and painful the process that > tude of the forces which so cursory a men­ gradually brought it forth from the ob­ > tion was destined to release. scurity of unmitigated neglect to the broad > Announced through the mouth of an daylight of public recognition! How severe > avowed supporter of that narrow ecclesiasti- the shocks which the ranks of its devoted > cism which the Faith itself has challenged adherents have sustained through the de­ > and seeks to extirpate, characterized at the fection of the faint in heart, the malice of > moment of its birth as an obscure offshoot of the mischief-maker, the treachery of the > a contemptible creed, the Message of the Most proud and the ambitious! What storms of > Great Name, fed by streams of unceasing ridicule, of abuse and of calumny its repre­ > trial and warmed by the sunshine of ‘AbduT- sentatives have had to face in their staunch > Baha’s tender care, has succeeded in driving support of the integrity, and their valiant > its roots deep into America’s genial soil, has defence of the fair name, of the Faith they > had espoused! How persistent the vicissi­ > * From "America and the Most Great Peace,” by tudes and disconcerting the reverses with > Shoghi Effendi. > f In an address by Dr. Henry H. Jessup at the > which its privileged members, young and > Parliament of Religions, Columbian Exposition, Chi­ old alike, individually and collectively, have > cago, 1893.— Editor. had to contend in their heroic endeavors to > 66 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY > > scale the heights which a loving Master had a more adequate medium for the incarnation > summoned them to attain! . . . of its spirit and the propagation of its cause? > Dearly-beloved friends! It is not for me, Have not the Asiatic churches of Jerusalem, > nor does it seem within the competence of of Antioch and of Alexandria, consisting > any one of the present generation, to trace chiefly of those Jewish converts, whose > the exact and full history of the rise and character and temperament inclined them tc > gradual consolidation of this invincible arm, sympathize with the traditional ceremonies > this mighty organ, of a continually advan­ of the Mosaic Dispensation, been forced as > cing Cause. It would be premature at this they steadily declined to recognize the grow­ > early stage of its evolution, to attempt an ing ascendancy of their Greek and Roman > exhaustive analysis, or to arrive at a just brethren? Have they not been compelled to > estimate, of the impelling forces that have acknowledge the superior valor and the > urged it forward to occupy so exalted a place trained efficiency which have enabled these > among the various instruments which the standard-bearers of the Cause of Jesus Christ > Hand of Omnipotence has fashioned, and is to erect the symbols of His world-wide > now perfecting, for the execution of His di­ dominion on the ruins of a collapsing Em­ > vine Purpose. Future historians of this pire? Has not the animating spirit of Islám > mighty Revelation, endowed with pens abler been constrained, under the pressure of simi­ > than any which its present-day supporters lar circumstances, to abandon the inhos > can claim to possess, will no doubt transmit pitable wastes of its Arabian Home, the > to posterity a masterly exposition of the theatre of its greatest sufferings and ex­ > origins of those forces which, through a re­ ploits, to yield in a distant land the fairest > markable swing of the pendulum, have fruit of its slowly maturing civilization? > caused the administrative center of the Faith "From the beginning of time until the > to gravitate, away from its cradle, to the present d a y” ťAbdu’l-Bahá Himself affirms, > shores of the American continent and to­ "the light of Divine Revelation hath risen in > wards its very heart— the present mainspring the East and shed its radiance upon the West. > and chief bulwark of its fast evolving insti­ The illumination thus shed hath, however, > tutions. On them will devolve the task of acquired in the West an extraordinary bril­ > recording the history, and of estimating the liancy. Consider the Faith proclaimed by > significance, of so radical a revolution in the Jesus. Though it first appeared in the East, > fortunes of a slowly maturing Faith. Theirs yet not until its light had been shed upon > will be the opportunity to extol the virtues the West did the full measure of its poten­ > and to immortalize the memory of those tialities be manifest.” "The day is approach­ > men and women who have participated in ing ” He, in another passage, assures us, > its accomplishment. Theirs will be the "when ye shall witness how, through the > privilege of evaluating the share which each splendor of the Faith of Bahd’uHldh, the > of these champion-builders of the World West will have replaced the East, radiating > Order of BaháVlláh has had in ushering in the light of Divine Guidance.” "In the books > that golden Millennium, the promise of of the Prophets ” He again asserts, "certain > which lies enshrined in His teachings. glad-tidings are recorded which are abso­ > Does not the history of primitive Christi­ lutely true and free from doubt. The East > anity and of the rise of Islám, each in its own hath ever been the dawning-place of the > way, offer a striking parallel to this strange Sun of Truth. In the East all the Prophets > phenomenon the beginnings of which we are of God have appeared . . . The West hath > now witnessing in this, the first century of acquired illumination from the East but in > the Bahá’í Era? Has not the Divine Impulse some respects the reflection of the light hath > which gave birth to each of these great been greater in the Occident. This is specially > religious systems been driven, through the true of Christianity. Jesus Christ appeared > operation of those forces which the irresisti­ in Palestine and FIis teachings were founded > ble growth of the Faith itself had released, in that country. Although the doors of the > to seek away from the land of its birth and Kingdom were first opened in that land and > in more propitious climes a ready field and the bestowals of God were spread broadcast > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 67 > > from its center, the people of the West have and out of the agony and wreckage of an > embraced and promulgated Christianity unprecedented crisis there should burst forth > more fully than the people of the East," a spiritual renaissance which, as it propagates > Little wonder that from the same unerring itself through the instrumentality of the > pen there should have flowed, after ‘Abdu’l- American believers, will rehabilitate the > Bahd’s memorable visit to the West, these fortunes of a decadent age? It was ‘Abdu’loften-quoted words, the significance of Bahá Himself, His most intimate associates > which it would be impossible for me to over­ testify, Who, on more than one occasion, > rate: "The continent of America ” He an­ intimated that the establishment of His > nounced in a Tablet unveiling His Divine Father’s Faith in the North American con­ > Plan to the believers residing in the North- tinent ranked as the most outstanding among > Eastern States of the American Republic, the threefold aims which, as He conceived > "is in the eyes of the one true God the land it, constituted the principal objective of His > wherein the splendors of His light shall be ministry. It was He Who, in the heyday of > revealed, where the mysteries of His Faith His life and almost immediately after His > shall be unveiled where the righteous will Father’s ascension, conceived the idea of in­ > abide and the free assemble.” "May this augurating His mission by enlisting the in­ > American democracy,” He Himself, while habitants of so promising a country under > in America, was heard to remark, "be the the banner of Bahá’u’lláh. He it was Who > first nation to establish the foundation of in His unerring wisdom and out of the abun­ > international agreement. May it be the first dance of His heart chose to bestow on His > nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. favored disciples, to the very last day of > May it be the first to unfurl the standard His life, the tokens of His unfailing solici­ > of the 'Most Great Peace9 The American tude and to overwhelm them with the marks > people are indeed worthy of being the first of His special favor. It was He Who, in His > to build the tabernacle of the great peace and declining years, as soon as delivered from > proclaim the oneness of mankind , . . May the shackles of a long and cruel incarcera­ > America become the distributing center of tion, decided to visit the land which had re­ > spiritual enlightenment and all the world re­ mained for so many years the object of His > ceive this heavenly blessing. For America infinite care and love. It was He Who, > has developed powers and capacities greater through the power of His presence and the > and more wonderful than other nations . . . charm of His utterance, infused into the > May the inhabitants of this country become entire body of His followers those senti­ > like angels of heaven with faces turned con­ ments and principles which could alone sus­ > tinually toward God. May all of them be­ tain them amidst the trials which the very > come servants of the omnipotent One. May prosecution of their task would inevitably > they rise from their present material attain­ engender. Was He not, through the several > ments to such a height that heavenly illu­ functions which He exercised whilst He > mination may stream from this center to all dwelt amongst them, whether in the laying > the peoples of the world . . . This American of the corner-stone of their House of W or­ > nation is equipped and empowered to ac­ ship, or in the Feast which He offered them > complish that which will adorn the pages and at which He chose to serve them in > of history, to become the envy of the world person, or in the emphasis which He on a > and be blest in both the Fast and the West more solemn occasion placed on the impli­ > for the triumph of its people . . . The Ameri­ cations of His spiritual station—was He not, > can continent gives signs and evidences of thereby, deliberately bequeathing to them all > very great advancement. Its future is even the essentials of that spiritual heritage which > more promising, for its influence and illu­ He knew they would ably safeguard and by > mination are far-reaching. It will lead all their deeds continually enrich? And finally > nations spiritually.” who can doubt that in the Divine Plan > Would it seem extravagant, in the light of which, in the evening of His life, He un­ > so sublime an utterance, to expect that in veiled to their eyes He was investing them > the midst of so enviable a region of the earth with that spiritual primacy on which they > 68 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY > > could rely in the fulfilment of their high Hosts be proclaimed in all the five conti­ > destiny? nents of the globe . . . Thu$ far ye have > rfO ye apostles of Bahd’u’llah!” He thus been untiring in your labors. Let your ex­ > addresses them in one of His Tablets, "May ertions, henceforth, increase a thousandfold. > my life be sacrificed for you! . . . Behold Summon the people in these countries, cap­ > the portals which Bahd’u’lldh hath opened itals, islands, assemblies and churches to en­ > before you! Consider how exalted and lofty ter the Abhd Kingdom. The scope of your > is the station you are destined to attain; how exertions must needs be extended. The wider > unique the favors w ith which you have been its range, the more striking will be the evi­ > endowed.” "My thoughts ,” He tells them in dences of Divine assistance . . . Oh! that I > another passage, "are turned towards you, could travel, even though on foot and in the > and my heart leaps within me at your men­ utmost poverty, to these regions and, raising > tion. Could ye know how m y soul glows the call of Yd Bahd’u’l-Abhd in cities, vil­ > with your love, so great a happiness would lages, mountains, deserts and oceans, pro­ > flood your hearts as to cause you to become mote the Divine teachings! This, alas, I can­ > enamoured w ith each other” "The full not do! How intensely I deplore it! Please > measure of your success,” He declares in God, ye may achieve it.” And finally, as if > another Tablet, "is as yet unrevealed, its sig­ to crown all His previous utterances, is this > nificance still unapprehended. Ere long ye solemn affirmation embodying His vision of > will, with your own eyes, witness how bril­ America’s spiritual destiny: "The moment > liantly every one of you, even as a shining this Divine Message is carried forward by the > star, will radiate in the firmament of yotcr American believers from the shores of Amer­ > country the light of Divine Guidance and ica and is propagated through the continents > will bestow upon its people the glory of an of Europe, of Asia, of Africa and of Aus­ > everlasting life .” "The range of your future tralasia, and as far as the islands of the Pa­ > achievements,” He once more affirms, "still cific, this community will find itself securely > remains undisclosed. I fervently hope that established upon the throne of an everlasting > in the near future the whole earth may be dominion. Then will all the peoples of the > stirred and shaken by the results of your tvorld witness that this community is spir­ > achievements” "The Almighty,” He as­ itually illumined and divinely guided. Then > sures them, "will no doubt grant you the will the whole earth resound with the praises > help of His grace, will invest you with the of its majesty and greatness.” > tokens of His might, and will endue your It is in the light of these above-quoted > souls with the sustaining power of His holy words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd that every thought­ > Spirit .” "Be not concerned,” He admonishes ful and conscientious believer should ponder > them, "'ivith the smallness of your numbers, the significance of this momentous utterance > neither be oppressed by the multitude of an of BaháVlláh: "In the East the light of His > unbelieving world . . . Exert yourselves; Revelation hath broken; in the West have > your mission is unspeakably glorious. Should appeared the signs of His dominion. Ponder > success crown your enterprise, America will this in your hearts, O people, and be not of > assuredly evolve into a center from which those who have turned a deaf ear to the ad­ > waves of spiritual power will emanate, and monitions of Him Who is the Almighty, the > the throne of the Kingdom of God will, in All-Praised . . . Should they attempt to con­ > the plentitude of its majesty and glory, be ceal its light on the continent, it will as­ > firmly established.” suredly rear its head in the midmost heart > "The hope which 'Abdu’l-Bahd cherishes of the ocean, and, raising its voice, proclaim: > for you,” He thus urges them, "is that the 7 am the life-giver of the world!’ ” > same success which has attended your efforts Dearly-beloved friends! Can our eyes be > in America may crown your endeavors in so dim as to fail to recognize in the anguish > other parts of the world, that through you and turmoil which, greater than in any other > the fame of the Cause of God may be dif­ country and in a manner unprecedented in > fused throughout the East and the West and its history, are now afflicting the American > the advent of the Kingdom of the Lord of nation, evidences of the beginnings of that > THE AMERICAN B A H A ’I COMMUNITY 69 > > spiritual renaissance which these pregnant nificance as to constitute a milestone along > words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so clearly fore­ the road leading the American believers > shadow? The throes and twinges of agony towards their promised victory. The first of > which the soul of a nation in travail is now these four decades (1893-1903), character­ > beginning to experience abundantly proclaim ized by a process of slow and steady fermen­ > it. Contrast the sad plight of the nations of tation, may be said to have culminated in the > the earth, and in particular this great Re­ historic pilgrimages undertaken by ‘Abdu’lpublic of the West, with the rising fortunes Bahd’s American disciples to the shrine of > of that handful of its citizens, whose mis­ Bahá’u’lláh. The ten years which followed > sion, if they be faithful to their trust, is to (1903-1913), so full of the tests and trials > heal its wounds, restore its confidence and which agitated, cleansed and energized the > revive its shattered hopes. Contrast the body of the earliest pioneers of the Faith in > dreadful convulsions, the internecine con­ that land, had as their happy climax ‘Abdu’lflicts, the petty disputes, the outworn con­ Baha’s memorable visit to America. The > troversies, the interminable revolutions that third period (1913-1923), a period of quiet > agitate the masses, with the calm new light and uninterrupted consolidation, had as its > of Peace and of Truth which envelops, guides inevitable result the birth of that divinelyand sustains those valiant inheritors of the appointed Administration, the foundations > law and love of BaháVlláh. Compare the of which the Will of a departed Master had > disintegrating institutions, the discredited unmistakably established. The remaining ten > statesmanship, the exploded theories, the ap­ years (1923-1933), distinguished through­ > palling degradation, the follies and furies, out by further internal development, as well > the shifts, shams and compromises that char­ as by a notable expansion of the international > acterize the present age, with the steady con­ activities of a growing community, w it­ > solidation, the holy discipline, the unity and nessed the completion of the superstructure > cohesiveness, the assured conviction, the un­ of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar— the Administra­ > compromising loyalty, the heroic self-sacri­ tion’s mighty bulwark, the symbol of its > fice that constitute the hallmark of these strength and the sign of its future glory. > faithful stewards and harbingers of the gol­ Each of these successive periods would > den age of the Faith of Baha’u’llah. seem to have contributed its distinct share in > Small wonder that these prophetic words enriching the spiritual life of that commu­ > should have been revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha: nity, and in preparing its members for the > "The East,” He assures us, "hath verily been discharge of the tremendous responsibilities > illumined with the light of the Kingdom. of their unique mission. The pilgrimages > Ere long will this same light shed a still which its foremost representatives were > greater illumination upon the West. Then moved to undertake in that earliest period > will the hearts of its people be vivified of its history fired the souls of its members > through the potency of the teachings of God with a love and zeal which no amount of > and their souls be set aglow by the undying adversity could quench. The tests and tribu­ > fire of His love” "The prestige of the Eaith lations it subsequently suffered enabled those > of God,” He asserts, "has immensely in­ who survived them to obtain a grasp of the > creased. Its greatness is now manifest. The implications of their faith that no opposi­ > day is approaching when it will have cast a tion, however determined and well-organ­ > tremendous tum ult in men’s hearts. Rejoice, ized, could ever hope to weaken. The insti­ > therefore, O denizens of America, rejoice tutions which its tried and tested adherents > with exceeding gladness!” later on established furnished their promoters > Most prized and best-loved brethren! As with that poise and stability which the in­ > we look back upon the forty years which crease of their numbers and the ceaseless ex­ > have passed since the auspicious rays of the tension of their activities urgently demanded. > Baha’i Revelation first warmed and illum­ And finally the Temple which the exponents > inated the American continent we find that of an already firmly established Administra­ > they may well fall into four distinct periods, tion were inspired to erect gave them the > vision which neither the storms of internal > 70 THE B A H A ’i CENTENARY > > disorder nor the whirlwinds of international amidst the vicissitudes which had afflicted it. > commotion could possibly obscure. It was through the arrival of these pilgrims, > It would take me too long to attempt and these alone, that the gloom which had > even a brief description of the first stirrings enveloped the disconsolate members of > which the introduction of the Bahá’í Reve­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s family was finally dispelled. > lation into the New World, as conceived, Through the agency of these successive visi­ > initiated and directed by our beloved Master, tors the Greatest Holy Leaf,"* who alone > immediately created. Nor does space permit with her Brother among the members of her > me to narrate the circumstances attending Father’s household had to confront the re­ > the epoch-making visit of the first American bellion of almost the entire company of her > pilgrims to Bahá’u’lláh’s hallowed shrine, to relatives and associates, found that consola­ > relate the deeds which signalized the return tion which so powerfully sustained her till > of these bearers of a new-born Gospel to the very close of her life. By the forces > their native country, or to assess the imme­ which this little band of returning pilgrims > diate consequences of their achievements. was able to release in the heart of that con­ > No word of mine would suffice to express tinent the death-knell of every scheme in­ > how instantly the revelation of ‘Abdu’l- itiated by the wóuld-be wrecker of the Cause > Baha’s hopes, expectations and purpose for an of God was sounded. > awakened continent, electrified the minds The Tablets which were subsequently re­ > and hearts of those who were privileged to vealed by the untiring pen of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, > hear Him, who were made the recipients of embodying in passionate and unequivocal > His inestimable blessings and the chosen re­ language His instructions and counsels, His > positories of His confidence and trust. I can appeals and comments, His hopes and wishes, > never hope to interpret adequately the feel­ His fears and warnings, soon began to be > ings that surged within those heroic hearts translated, published and circulated through­ > as they sat at their Master’s feet, beneath out the length and breadth of the North > the shelter of His prison-house, eager to ab­ American continent, providing the eversorb and intent to preserve the effusions of widening circle of the first believers with > His divine Wisdom. I can never pay suf­ that spiritual sustenance which could alone > ficient tribute to that spirit of unyielding enable them to survive the severe trials they > determination which the impact of a mag­ were soon to experience. > netic personality and the spell of a mighty The hour of an unprecedented crisis was, > utterance kindled in the entire company of however, inexorably approaching. Evidences > these returning pilgrims, these consecrated of dissension, actuated by pride and ambi­ > heralds of the Covenant of God, at so de­ tion, were beginning to obscure the radiance > cisive an epoch of their history. The mem­ and retard the growth of the newly-born > ory of such names as Lua, Chase, MacNutt, community which the apostolic teachers of > Dealy, Goodall, Dodge, Farmer and Brit- that continent had labored to establish. He > tingham— to mention only a few of that who had been instrumental in inaugurating > immortal galaxy now gathered to the glory so splendid an era in the history of the Faith, > of Bahd’u’llah—will for ever remain asso­ on whom the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Cove­ > ciated with the rise and establishment of His nant had conferred the titles of “Bahá’s > Faith in the American continent, and will Peter,” of the “Shepherd of God’s Flocks,” > continue to shed on its annals a lustre that of the “Conqueror of America,” upon whom > time can never dim. had been bestowed the unique privilege of > It was through these pilgrimages, as they helping ‘Abdu’l-Baha lay the foundationsucceeded one another in the years immedi­ stone of the Bdb’s Mausoleum on Mt. Carmel > ately following the ascension of Bahá’u’lláh, —such a m an,| blinded by his extraordinary > that the splendor of the Covenant, beclouded success and aspiring after an uncontrolled > for a time by the apparent ascendancy of domination over the beliefs and activities of > its Arch-Breaker,f emerged triumphant > f Muhammad-‘A li, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s younger half- * The sister of A b d u ’l-Baha. > brother and His bitterest enemy.— Editor. Í Ibrahim Kheirrela.— Editor. > THE AMERICAN BA H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 71 > > his fellow-disciples, insolently raised the stubborn assailants as those of Vatralsky, > standard of revolt. Sebeding from ‘Abdu’l- Wilson, Jessup and Richardson vie with one > Bahá and allying himself with the Arch- another in their futile attempts to stain its > Enemy of the Faith of God, this deluded purity, to arrest its march and compel its > apostate sought, by perverting the teachings surrender. To the charges of Nihilism, of > and directing a campaign of unrelenting heresy, of Muhammadan Gnosticism, of im­ > villification against the person of ‘Abdu’l- morality, of Occultism and Communism so > Bahá, to undermine the faith of those be­ freely levelled against them, the undismayed > lievers whom he had during no less than victims of such outrageous denunciations, > eight years, so strenuously toiled to convert. acting under the instructions of ‘Abdu’l- > By the tracts he published, through the Baha, retorted by initiating a series of ac­ > active collaboration of the emissaries of his tivities which by their very nature were to > chief Ally, and reinforced by the efforts be the precursors of permanent, officially > which the Christian ecclesiastical enemies of recognized administrative institutions. The > the Bahá’i Revelation were beginning to inauguration of Chicago’s first House of > exert, he succeeded in dealing the nascent Spirituality designated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha as > Faith of God a blow from which it could that city’s “House of Justice” ; the estab­ > only slowly and painfully recover. lishment of the Bahd’i Publishing Society; > I need not dwell on the immediate effects the founding of the Green Acre Fellowship; > of this serious yet transitory cleavage in the the publication of the Star of the West; > ranks of the American adherents of the the holding of the first Bahá’í National > Cause of Baha’u’llah. Nor do I need to ex­ Convention, synchronizing with the trans­ > patiate on the character of the defamatory ference of the sacred remains of the Báb to > writings that poured upon them. Nor does its final resting-place on Mt. Carmel; the > it seem necessary to recount the measures to incorporation of the Baha’i Temple Unity > which an ever-vigilant Master resorted in and the formation of the Executive Com­ > order to assuage and eventually to dissipate mittee of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar— these > their apprehensions. It is for the future his­ stand out as the most conspicuous accom­ > torian to appraise the value of the mission plishments of the American believers which > of each of the five chosen messengers of have immortalized the memory of the most > 'Abdu’l-Baha who, in rapid succession, were turbulent period of their history. Launched > dispatched by Him to pacify and reinvig­ through these very acts into the troublesome > orate that troubled community. His will be seas of ceaseless tribulation, piloted by the > the task of tracing, in the work which these mighty arm of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and manned by > deputies of ‘Abdu’l-Baha were commissioned the bold initiative and abundant vitality of > to undertake, the beginnings of that vast a band of sorely-tried disciples, the Ark of > Administration, the corner-stone of which Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant has, ever since those > these messengers were instructed to lay— an days, been steadily pursuing its course con­ > Administration whose symbolic Edifice He, temptuous of the storms of bitter misfortune > at a later time, was to found in person and that have raged, and which must continue > whose basis and scope the provisions of His to assail it, as it forges ahead towards the. > Will were destined to widen. promised haven of undisturbed security and > Suffice it to say that at this stage of its peace. > evolution the activities of an invincible Unsatisfied with the achievements which > Faith had assumed such dimensions as to crowned the concerted efforts of their elected > force on the one hand its enemies to devise representatives within the American con­ > fresh weapons for their projected assaults, tinent and emboldened by the initial success > and on the other to encourage its supreme of their pioneer teachers, beyond its con­ > Promoter to instruct its followers, through fines, in Great Britain, France and Germany, > qualified representatives and teachers, in the the community of the American believers > rudiments of an Administration which, as resolved to win in distant climes fresh re­ > it evolved, would at once incarnate, safe­ cruits to the advancing army of Bahá’u’lláh. > guard and foster its spirit. The works of such Setting out from the western shores of their > 72 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > native land and impelled by the indomitable the announcement of His arrival evoked, the > energy of a new-born faith, these itinerant publicity which His activities created, > teachers of the Gospel of Baha’u’lldh pushed the forces which His utterances released, the > on towards the islands of the Pacific, and as opposition which the implications of His > far as China and Japan, determined to estab­ teachings excited, the significant episodes to > lish beyond the farthest seas the outposts of which His words and deeds continually gave > their beloved Faith. Both at home and rise— these future generations will, no doubt, > abroad this community had by that time minutely and befittingly register. They will > demonstrated its capacity to widen the range carefully delineate their features, will cherish > and consolidate the foundations of its vast and preserve their memory, and will transmit > endeavors. The angry voices that had been unimpaired the record of their minutest de­ > raised in protest against its rise were being tails to their descendants. It would indeed > drowned amid the acclamations with which be presumptuous on our part to attempt, at > the East greeted its recent victories. Those the present time, to sketch even the bare > ugly features that had loomed so threaten­ outline of so vast, so enthralling a theme. > ingly were gradually receding into the dis­ Contemplating after the lapse of above > tance, furnishing a still wider field to these twenty years this notable landmark in > noble warriors for the exercise of their latent America’s spiritual history we still find our­ > energies. selves compelled to confess our inability to > The Faith of Bahd’u’llah in the continent grasp its import or to fathom its mystery. > of America had indeed been resuscitated. I have alluded in the preceding pages to a > Phoenix-like it had risen in all its freshness, few of the more salient features of that > vigor and beauty and was now, through the never-to-be-forgotten visit, These incidents, > voice of its triumphant exponents, insistingly as we look back upon them, eloquently pro­ > calling to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, imploring Him to claim ťAbdu’l-Bahá’s specific purpose to con­ > undertake a journey to its shores. The first fer through these symbolic functions upon > fruits of .the mission entrusted to its worthy the first-born of the communities of the > upholders had lent such poignancy to their West that spiritual primacy which was to > call that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who had just been be the birthright of the American believers. > delivered from the fetters of a galling The seeds which ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s ceaseless > tyranny, found Himself unable to resist. His activities so lavishly scattered had endowed > great, His incomparable, love for His own the United States and Canada, nay the entire > favored children impelled Him to respond. continent, with potentialities such as it had > Their passionate entreaty had, moreover, never known in its history. On the small > been reinforced by the numerous invitations band of His trained and beloved disciples, > which representatives of various interested and through them on their descendants, He, > organizations, whether religious, educational through that visit, had bequeathed a price­ > or humanitarian, had extended to Him, ex­ less heritage— a heritage which carried with > pressing their eagerness to receive from His it the sacred and primary obligation to arise > own mouth an exposition of His Father’s and carry on in that fertile field the work > teachings. He had so gloriously initiated. We can dimly > Though bent with age, though suffering picture to ourselves the wishes that must > from ailments resulting from the accumu­ have welled from His eager heart as He bade > lated cares of fifty years of exile and cap­ His last farewell to that promising country. > tivity, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set out on His memor­ An inscrutable Wisdom, we can well imagine > able journey across the seas to the land where Him remark to His disciples on the eve of > He might bless by His presence, and sanctify His departure, has, in His infinite bounty > through His deeds, the mighty acts His singled out your native land for the execu­ > spirit had led His disciples to perform. The tion of a mighty purpose. Through the > circumstances that have attended His trium­ agency of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant I, as the > phal progress through the chief cities of the ploughman, have been called upon since the > United States and Canada my pen is utterly beginning of my ministry to turn up and > incapable of describing. The joys which break its ground. The mighty confirmations > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 73 > > that have, in the opening days of your career, friends He was moved to reveal, He unfolded > rained upon you have prepared and invigor­ to their eyes His conception of their spiritual > ated its soil. The tribulations you subse­ destiny, His Plan for the mission He wished > quently were made to suffer have driven them to undertake. The seeds His hands had > deep furrows into the field which my hands sown He was now watering with that same > had prepared. The seeds with which I have care, that same love and patience, which had > been intrusted I have now scattered far and characterized His previous endeavors whilst > wide before you. Under your loving care, He was laboring in their midst. > by your ceaseless exertions, every one of these The clarion call which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had > seeds must germinate, every one must yield raised was the signal for an outburst of re­ > its destined fruit. A winter of unprecedented newed activity which, alike in the motives > severity will soon be upon you. Its storm- it inspired and the forces it set in motion, > clouds are fast gathering on the horizon. America had scarcely experienced. Lending > Tempestuous winds will assail you from an unprecedented impetus to the work which > every side. The Light of the Covenant will the enterprising ambassadors of the Message > be obscured through my departure. These of BaháVlláh had initiated in distant lands, > mighty blasts, this wintry desolation, shall this mighty movement has continued to > however pass away. The dormant seed will spread until the present day, has gathered > burst into fresh activity. It shall put forth momentum as it extended its ramifications > its buds, shall reveal, in mighty institutions, over the surface of the globe, and will con­ > its leaves and blossoms. The vernal showers tinue to accelerate its march until the last > which the tender mercies of my heavenly wishes of its original Promoter are com­ > Father will cause to descend upon you will pletely fulfilled. > enable this tender plant to spread out its Forsaking home, kindred, friends and posi­ > branches to regions far beyond the confines tion a handful of men and women, fired > of your native land. And finally the steadily with a zeal and confidence which no human > mounting sun of His Revelation, shining in agency can kindle, arose to carry out the > jts meridian splendor, will enable this mighty mandate which ťAbdu’l-Bahá had issued. > Tree of His Faith to yield, in the fulness of Sailing northward as far as Alaska, pushing > time and on your soil, its golden fruit. on to the West Indies, penetrating the South > The implications of such a parting message American continent to the banks of the > could not long remain unrevealed to ‘Abdu’l- Amazon and across the Andes to the > Baha’s initiated disciples. No sooner had He southernmost ends of the Argentine Repub­ > concluded His long and arduous journey lic, pressing on westward into the island of > across the American and European contin­ Tahiti and beyond it to the Australian con­ > ents than the tremendous happenings to tinent and still beyond it as far as New Zea­ > which He had alluded began to be made land and Tasmania, these intrepid heralds > manifest. A conflict, such as he had pre­ of the Faith of BaháVlláh have succeeded > dicted, severed for a time all means of com­ by their very acts in setting to the present > munication with those on whom He had generation of their fellow-believers through­ > come to place such implicit trust and from out the East an example which they' may > whom He was expecting so much in return. well emulate. Headed by their illustrious > The wintry desolation, with all its havoc representative, who ever since the call of > and carnage, pursued during four years its ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was raised has been twice > relentless course, while He, repairing to the around the world and is still, with marvelous > quiet solitude of His residence in the close courage and fortitude, enriching the match­ > neighborhood of Bahá’u’lláh’s hallowed less record of her services, these men and > shrine, continued to communicate His women have been instrumental in extending, > thoughts and wishes to those whom He had to a degree as yet unsurpassed in Bahá’í his­ > left behind and on whom He had conferred tory, the sway of Bahá’u’lláh’s universal > the unique tokens of His favor. In the im­ dominion. In the face of almost insurmount­ > mortal Tablets which, in the long hours of able obstacles they have succeeded in most > His communion with His dearly-beloved of the countries through which they have > 74 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > passed or in which they have resided, in pro­ Faith was born. The potent energies released > claiming the teachings of their Faith, in through the ascension of the Center of His > circulating its literature, in defending its Covenant crystallized into this supreme, this > cause, in laying the basis of its institutions infallible Organ for the accomplishment of > and in reinforcing the number of its declared a Divine Purpose. The Will and Testament > supporters. It would be impossible for me of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá unveiled its character, re­ > to unfold in this short compass the tale of affirmed its basis, supplemented its principles, > such heroic actions. Nor can any tribute of asserted its indispensability, and enumerated > mine do justice to the spirit which has en­ its chief institutions. With that self-same > abled these standardbearers of the Religion spontaneity which had characterized her re­ > of God to win such laurels and to confer sponse to the Message proclaimed by Bahd’u’- > such distinction on the generation to which lláh America had now arisen to espouse the > they belong. cause of the Administration which the Will > The Cause of Bahd’u’llah had by that time and Testament of His Son had unmistakably > encircled the globe. Its light, born in darkest established. It was given to her, and to her > Persia, had been carried successively to the alone, in the turbulent years following the > European, the African and the American revelation of so momentous a Document, to > continents, and was now penetrating the become the fearless champion of that Ad­ > heart of Australia, encompassing thereby ministration, the pivot of its new-born in­ > the whole earth with a girdle of shining stitutions and the leading promoter of its > glory. The share which such worthy, such influence. To their Persian brethren, who > stout-hearted, disciples have had in brighten­ in the heroic age of the Faith had won the > ing the last days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s earthly crown of martyrdom, the American be­ > life He alone has truly recognized and can lievers, forerunners of its golden age, were > sufficiently estimate. The unique and eternal now worthily succeeding, bearing in their > significance of such accomplishments the turn the palm of a hard-won victory. The > labors of the rising generation will assuredly unbroken record of their illustrious deeds had > reveal, their memory its works will befit- established beyond the shadow of a doubt > tingly preserve and extol. How deep a satis­ their preponderating share in shaping the > faction ‘Abdu’l-Bahd must have felt, while destinies of their Faith. In a world writhing > conscious of the approaching hour of His with pain and declining into chaos this com­ > departure, as He witnessed the first fruits of munity— the vanguard of the liberating > the international services of these heroes of forces of BaháVlláh—succeeded in the years > His Father’s Faith! To their keeping He following ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s passing in raising > had committed a great and goodly heritage. high above the institutions established by its > In the twilight of His earthly life He could sister communities in East and West what > rest content in the serene assurance that such may well constitute the chief pillar of that > able hands could be relied upon to preserve future House— a House which posterity will > its integrity and exalt its virtue. regard as the last refuge of a tottering > The passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, so sudden in civilization. > the circumstances which caused it, so In the prosecution of their task neither the > dramatic in its consequences, could neither whisperings of the treacherous nor the > impede the operation of such a dynamic virulent attacks of their avowed enemies > force nor obscure its purpose. Those fervid were allowed to deflect them from their high > appeals, embodied in the Will and Testament purpose or to undermine their faith in the > of a departed Master, could not but confirm sublimity of their calling. The agitation > its aim, define its character and reinforce provoked by him who in his incessant and > the promise of its ultimate success. sordid pursuit of earthly riches would have, > Out of the pangs of anguish which His but for ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s warning, sullied the > bereaved followers have suffered, amid the fair name of their Faith, had left them in > heat and dust which the attacks launched the main undisturbed. Schooled by tribula­ > by a sleepless enemy had precipitated, the tion and secure within the stronghold of > Administration of Bahd’u’lldh’s invincible their fast evolving institutions they scorned > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 75 > > his insinuations and by their unswerving unsullied, their heritage unimpaired. A series > loyalty were able to shatter his hopes. They of magnificent accomplishments, each more > refused to allow any consideration of the significant than the previous, were to shed > admitted prestige and past services of his increasing lustre on an already illustrious > father and of his associates to weaken their record. In the dark years immediately fol­ > determination tp ignore entirely the person lowing ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s ascension their deeds > whom ‘Abdu’l-Baha had so emphatically shone with a radiance that made them the > condemned. The veiled attacks with which a object of the envy and the admiration of > handful of deluded enthusiasts subsequently the less privileged among their brethren. The > sought in the pages of their periodical to entire community, u n t r a m m e l l e d and > check the growth and blight the prospects supremely confident, was rising to a great > of an infant Administration had likewise and glorious opportunity. The forces that > failed to achieve their purpose. The attitude had motivated its birth, that had assisted in > which a besotted woman -later on assumed, its rise, were now accelerating its growth, > her ludicrous assertions, her boldness in flout­ in a manner and with such rapidity that > ing the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and in chal­ neither the pangs of a worldwide sorrow nor > lenging its authenticity and her attempts to the unceasing convulsions of a distracted > subvert its principles were again powerless age could paralyze its efforts or retard its > to produce the slightest breach in the ranks march. > of its valiant upholders. The treacherous Internally the community had embarked > schemes which'the ambition of a perfidious in a number of enterprises that were to en­ > and still more recent enemy has devised and able it on the one hand to extend still further > through which he is still striving to deface the scope of its spiritual jurisdiction and on > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s noble handiwork and corrupt the other to fashion the essential instruments > its administrative principles are being once for the creation and consolidation of the in­ > more completely frustrated. These intermit­ stitutions which such an extension impera­ > tent and abortive attempts on the part of its tively demanded. Externally, its undertak­ > assailants to force the surrender of the newly ings were inspired by the twofold objective > built stronghold of the Faith its defenders of prosecuting, even more intensely than > have from the very beginning utterly dis­ before, the admirable work which in each > dained. No matter how fierce the assaults of the five continents its international teach­ > of the enemy or skilful his stratagem they ers had initiated, and of assuming an increas­ > have refused to yield one jot or one tittle of ing share in the handling and solution of the > their cherished convictions. His insinuations delicate and complex problems with which > and clamor they have consistently ignored. a newly-emancipated Faith was being con­ > The motives which animated his actions, the fronted. The birth of the Administration in > methods he steadily pursued, the precarious that continent had signalized these praise­ > privileges he seemed momentarily to enjoy worthy exertions. Its gradual consolidation > they could not but despise. Thriving for a was destined to insure their continuance and > time through the devices which their schem­ to accentuate their effectiveness. > ing minds had conceived and supported by To enumerate only the most outstanding > the ephemeral advantages which fame, ability accomplishments which, in their own coun­ > or fortune can confer these notorious ex­ try and beyond its confines, have so greatly > ponents of corruption and heresy have suc­ enhanced the prestige of the American be­ > ceeded in protruding for a time their ugly lievers and have redounded to the glory and > features only to sink, as rapidly as they had honor of the Most Great Name is all I can > risen, into the mire of an ignominious end. presently undertake, leaving to future gen­ > From the midst of these afflictive trials, erations the task of explaining their import > reminiscent in some of their aspects of the and of affixing a fitting estimate to their > violent storm that had accompanied the birth value. To the body of their elected represen­ > of the Faith in their native land, the Ameri­ tatives must be attributed the honor of hav­ > can believers had again triumphantly ing been the first among their sister Assem­ > emerged, their course undeflected, their fame blies of East and West to devise, promulgate > 76 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > and legalize the essential instruments for the right to an independent religious status? > effective discharge of their collective duties "The Commission,” is the resolution passed > — instruments which every properly consti­ by the Permanent Mandates Commission of > tuted Baha’i community must regard as a the League of Nations, "recommends that > pattern worthy to be adopted and copied. the Council should ask the British Govern­ > To their efforts must likewise be ascribed the ment to make representations to the ‘Iráqí > historic achievement of establishing their Government with a view to the immediate > national endowments upon a permanent and redress of the denial of justice from which > unassailable basis and of creating the neces­ the petitioners (the Bahd’i Spiritual Assem­ > sary agency for the formation of those sub­ bly of Baghdad) have suffered.” Has any > sidiary organs whose function is to adminis­ one else except an American believer been > ter on behalf of their trustees such posses­ led to obtain from royalty such remarkable > sions as these may acquire beyond the limits and repeated testimonies to the regenerating > of their immediate jurisdiction. By the power of the Faith of God, such striking > weight of their moral support so freely ex­ references to the universality of its teachings > tended to their Egyptian brethren they were and the sublimity of its mission. "The Bahd’i > able to remove some of the most formidable teaching,” such is the Queen’s written testi­ > obstacles which the Faith had to surmount mony, "brings peace and understanding. It > in its struggle to enfranchise itself from the is like a wide embrace gathering together all > fetters of Muslim orthodoxy. Through the those who have long searched for words of > effective and timely intervention of these hope. It accepts all great Prophets gone be­ > same elected representatives they were able fore, it destroys no other creeds and leaves > to avert the woes and dangers which had all doors open. Saddened by the continual > menaced their persecuted fellow-workers in strife amongst believers of many confessions > the Soviet Republics, and to ward off the and wearied of their intolerance towards each > rage which had threatened with immediate other, I discovered in the Bahd’i teaching > ruin one of the most precious and noblest the real spirit of Christ so often denied and > of Bahd’i institutions. Nothing short of the misunderstood: Unity instead of strife, > whole-hearted assistance, whether moral or Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead > financial which the American believers, in­ of hate, and a great reassurance for all men.” > dividually and collectively, were moved to Have not the American adherents of the > extend on several occasions to the needy and Faith of Bahd’u’llah, through the courage > harassed among their brethren in Persia could displayed by one of the most brilliant mem­ > have saved these hapless victims of the con­ bers of their community, been instrumental > sequences of the calamities that had visited in paving the way for the removal of those > them in the years following ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s barriers which have, for well-nigh a century, > ascension. It was the publicity which the hampered the growth and crippled the energy > efforts of their American brethren had cre­ of their fellow-believers in Persia? Is it not > ated, the protests they were led to make, the America who, ever mindful of ‘Abdu’lappeals and petitions they had submitted, Baha’s passionate entreaty, has sent out to > which mitigated these sufferings and curbed the ends of the earth a steadily increasing > the violence of the worst and most tyranni­ number of its most consecrated citizens— > cal opponents of the Faith in that land. Who men and women the one wish of whose lives > else, if not one of their most distinguished is to consolidate the foundations of Bahá’u’- > representatives, has risen to force upon the lláh’s world-embracing dominion? In the > attention of the highest Tribunal the world northernmost capitals of Europe, in most of > has yet seen the grievances which a Faith, its central states, throughout the Balkan > robbed of one of its holiest sanctuaries, had Peninsula, along the shores of the African, > suffered at the hand of the usurper? Who the Asiatic and South American continents > else has succeeded in securing, through are to be found this day a small band of > patient and persistent effort, those written women pioneers who, singlehanded and with > affirmations which proclaim the justice of a scanty resources, are toiling for the advent > persecuted cause and tacitly recognize its of the Day ‘Abdu’l-Baha has foretold. Did > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 77 > > not the attitude of the Greatest Holy Leaf, qu’l-Adhkdr— the crowning glory of Ameri­ > as she approached the close of her life, bear ca’s past and present achievements—has > eloquent testimony to the incomparable share forged that mystic chain which is to link, > which her steadfast and self-sacrificing more firmly than ever, the hearts of its > lovers in that continent have had in lighten­ champion-builders with Him Who is the > ing the burden which had weighed so long Source and Center of their Faith and the > and so heavily on her heart? And finally Object of their truest adoration? > who can be so bold as to deny that the com­ Shoghi . > pletion of the superstructure of the Mashri- April 21, 1933 > T H E BAHA'I F A I T H C O M ES > TO AMERICA > O n SEPTEMBER 23rd, 1893, while the terially a single unit? And now the Ameri­ > western hemisphere, by the Columbian Expo­ can continent, freed from Europe and united > sition commemorated its own discovery, it in itself, was beginning to feel its kinship > heard for the first time the Word of God with the whole. That newly awakened con­ > as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh. At that moment sciousness is implicit in all that is written > the keynote for a new order was struck in about the World’s Columbian Exposition. > the West aiid America began to learn her As early as 1890, Charles C. Bonney, not > destiny. content with the celebration of material > Culturally, the nation as a whole was very achievement at the exposition, conceived the > crude.' In New England that strange flower­ idea of inaugurating a series of congresses > ing of the mind and spirit centered in the which would set forth the social, political, > Transcendentalists was declining: Emerson artistic, and religious aspirations of the age, > and Alcott were both dead, and the spirit of and at his suggestion, an auxiliary to the > their thinking, although it had been dissem­ fair was formed. Two hundred committees > inated far beyond New England, was spread began working on the project, and the State > very thin. The rest of this vast nation was Department of the United States govern­ > still preoccupied with the material problem ment included in its announcement to the > of wresting an increasingly rich livelihood world the following significant statement: > from the blood and bones of the earth. The "Among the great themes which the con­ > Middle West, later to be called by ‘Abdu’l- gresses are expected to consider are the fol­ > Bahá the heart of the continent, was only lowing: The grounds of fraternal union in > beginning to look up from its exhausting the language, literature, domestic life, re­ > pioneer labors and to yearn for the reward ligion, science, art, and civil institutions of > of those labors—beauty. different peoples; the economic, industrial, > To the young men and women crudely and financial problems of the age; educa­ > nurtured on prairie farms or in rude tional systems, their advantages and their > struggling villages, the World’s Fair was a defects, and the means by which they may > dream city, a heaven set down in the mud best be adapted to the recent enormous in­ > and toil of their everyday lives. It is almost crease in all departments of knowledge; the > impossible to estimate the stimulation which practicability of a common language for use > that incredible vision exercised upon the in the commercial relations in the civilized > spirits of the sons and daughters of the world; international copyright and the laws > pioneers. Here was unbelievable beauty, not of intellectual property and commerce; im­ > remote and imagined, but solid and concrete migration and naturalization laws and the > before them. A whole new range of possi­ proper international privileges of alien gov­ > bilities was opened to them. ernments and subjects and citizens; the most > But they were of a race which reveled in efficient and advisable means of preventing > possibilities. The American people, fresh or decreasing pauperism, insanity, and crime, > from the tremendous tasks of conquering and of increasing productive ability, pros­ > itself and its environment, young, lusty, full perity, and virtue throughout the world; > of confidence, reached out to embrace the international law as a bond of union and a > world. This fair was a World’s Fair. The means of mutual protection, and how it may > very reason for its being was one which had best be enlarged, perfected, and authorita­ > global significance. For was not the voyage tively expressed; the establishment of the > of Columbus the essential act which was in principles of judicial justice as the supreme > the course of time to make the globe ma­ law of international relations and the general > THE B A H A ’I F A I T H COMES TO AMERICA 79 > > substitution of arbitration for war in the the platform, beneath the waving flags of > settlement of international controversies.” many nations. In the center of the company, > By 1893 the two hundred committees had and seated in the huge chair of curiously > brought their plans to fruition. Between wrought iron, was His Eminence James > May 15 th and October 20th of that year, (Cardinal) Gibbons, magnificent in his robes > twenty departmental congresses met, with of red; on the right sat the priests of the > two hundred congresses under them. Of Celestial Empire in their long flowing gar­ > these meetings, the most celebrated was the ments of white; on the left were the patri­ > Congress of Religions, the first of its kind archs of the old Greek Church, wearing > and in many ways unique. strangely formed hats, somber cassocks of > It opened on the morning of September black, and leaning on ivory sticks carved > 11th with ten strokes of the "new Liberty with figures representing ancient rites . . . > Bell,” which bore the inscription: "A new The Chinese secretary of legation wore the > commandment I give unto you that ye love robes of a mandarin; the high priest of the > one another,” each stroke of the bell denoting state religion of Japan was arrayed in flowing > one of the ten religious organizations repre­ robes, presenting the colors of the rainbow. > sented. In the Hall of Columbus, a part of Buddhist monks were attired in garments of > the Memorial Art Palace on the shores of white and yellow; an orange turban and > Lake Michigan (now the Chicago Art In­ robe made the Brahman conspicuous; the > stitute) four thousand people awaited for Greek Archbishop of Zante, from whose > the representatives of the great religions of high head-gear there fell to the waist a > the world to take their places. A contem­ black veil, was brilliant in purple robe and > porary account describes the scene: black cassock, and glittering as to his breast > "The mass of people was so wonderfully in chains of gold . . .” > quiet that the fluttering of wings was heard The historic assembly was called to order > when a tiny bird flew through an open win­ by President Bonney, and sudderily, "from > dow and over the vacant platform. The the great organ in the gallery, broke forth > organist played 'Jerusalem the Golden’ in to the strains of 'Old Hundred,’ the inspir­ > the interval of waiting, and the triumphant ing measures > strains fitly expressed the feeling of many > From all that dwell beneath the skies > intensely expectant hearts. > Let the Creator’s praise arise. > "At the appointed hour . . . the crowds > in the right-hand aisle of the auditorium ". . . After the song had died away, a > parted in quiet step, and two and two the moment’s silence, which the uplifted hand > royal delegates of the one Great King, of Cardinal Gibbons sustained, then his voice > escorted by the managers of the parliament, began: 'Our Father, who art in heaven,’ and > came slowly into view. Heading the pro­ was lost in the rush of voices which followed > cession, and arm in arm, were President Bon- the well-known universal prayer. The > ney and Cardinal Gibbons, following whom supreme moment of the 19th century was > came Mrs. Potter Palmer and Mrs. Charles reached. Africa, Europe, America, and the > Henrotin. Next in order, moved a stately isles of the sea, together called Him Father. > column, composed of men of many tongues, This harmonious use of the Lord’s Prayer > of many lands, of many races; disciples of by Jews, Mohammedans, Buddhists, Brah­ > Christ, of Mohammed, of Buddha, of Brah­ mans, and all divisions of Christians, seemed > ma, of Confucius, in the name of the com­ a rainbow of promise pointing to the time > mon God, for the glorification of the Father. when the will of God will 'bé done on earth > The sight was most remarkable. There were as it is done in heaven’.” > strange robes, turbans and tunics, crosses For seventeen days the Congress met to > and crescents, flowing hair and tonsured discuss religion and the religions from almost > heads. The representatives marched down every point of view: Widely divergent ideas > the center aisle, and amid the cheer that on "revelation, immortality, the incarnation > welled up from the hearts of 4,000 men and of God, the universal elements in religion, > women, took their seats in triple rows upon the ethical unity of different religious sys- > 80 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY > > terns, the relations of religion to morals, mar­ Beha Allah, the 'Glory of God’—the head > riage, education, science, philosophy, evolu­ of that vast reform party of Persian Moslems > tion, music, labor, government, peace and who accept the New Testament as the word > war, and many other themes of absorbing of God, and Christ as the deliverer of men, > interest” were set forth freely, and for the who regard all natives [sic] as one, and all > most part a spirit of harmony, or at least of men as brothers. Three years ago he was > tolerance, prevailed, interrupted by only a visited by a Cambridge scholar, and gave > few harsh, discordant notes. But it was the utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christthirteenth day, the 23 rd of September, out like, that we repeat them as our closing > of which was to come (all unknown to its words: > participants) the fulfillment of all the hopes " 'That all nations should become one in > of the Parliament. For on that day BaháV- faith, and all men as brothers; that the bonds > lláh spoke to the religions of the world and of affection and unity between the sons of > so provided that creative germ which would men should be strengthened; that diversity > eventually unite them all. of religion should [sic], and differences of > When Rabbi Joseph Silverman had spoken race, be annulled; what harm is there in this? > briefly on misconceptions about the Jew, Yet so it shall be. These fruitless strifes, > closing with the hope that the true brother­ these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the > hood of man would speedily be realized, "in 'most great peace’ shall come. > which there shall be no distinction as to "Do not you in Europe need this also? > nationality or creed,” the Rev. Dr. Henry "Let not a man glory in this, that he loves > H. Jessup of Beirut, Syria, rose to speak. His his country; let him rather glory in this, > subject was "The Religious Mission of the that he loves his kind’.” > English-Speaking Nations.” He pointed out In this simple statement, having the ac­ > that, by their history, their geographical cent of authority, nay, even of command, > position, their political principles, and their the vexed questions were all solved—the > moral and religious history (which, in the crooked made straight and the rough places > light of some of the foregoing addresses, he plain. For behind these words lay the vol­ > seems to have over-estimated), the English- uminous Writings which constitute the > speaking nations were in a position to uplift Revelation of God for this age, the educa­ > and enlighten the world and to bring about tion needed for the regeneration of the > international arbitration. "This, then, is our world. In them Bahá’u’lláh had shown the > mission: That we who are made in the image way to national and racial unity. He was > of God should remember that all men are the union of religions. And behind His > made in God’s image. To this divine knowl­ Writings, in the mysterious recesses of the > edge we owe all we are, all we hope for. We Divine Will, was already moving the Power > are rising gradually toward that image and which was to bring into being, after suf­ > we owe to our fellow men to aid them in fering undreamed of then, a new order of > returning to it in the glory of God and the life for mankind. And the world discovered > beauty of holiness. It is a celestial privilege by Columbus was already destined to be­ > and with it comes a high responsibility. come its inaugurator. > From this responsibility there is no escape.” As the Parliament of Religions drew to a > And then, at the end of his address, the close, its participants were conscious of a > high, the supreme moment of the Congress, great exaltation, a feeling that something > Rev. Jessup spoke those words in which momentous had occurred, something which > America heard for the first time the Creative they tried, on that last evening, to express, > Word of the New Age. I quote (exactly as using terms more significant than they knew. > it was recorded) the end of Rev. Jessup’s One said: "By this parliament the city of > talk: Chicago has placed herself far away above > "In the palace of Behjeh, or Delight, just all the cities of the earth. In this school you > outside the fortress of Acre on the Syrian have learned what no other town or city in > coast, there died a few months since a the world yet knows. The conventional idea > famous Persian sage—the Babi saint, named of religion which obtains among Christians > THE BA H Á ’Í F A I T H COMES TO AMERICA 81 > > ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > > the world over is that Christianity is true, "Then this is Pentecost, and behind is the > all other religions false . . . You know better, conversion of the world.” > and ^vdth clear light and strong assurance Another said: "Fathers of the contempla­ > can testify that there may be friendship tive East; sons of the executive West—be­ > instead of antagonism between religion and hold how good and how pleasant it is for > religion, that so surely as God is our common brethren to dwell together in unity. The > Father, our hearts alike have yearned for New Jerusalem, the city of God, is descend­ > Him, and our souls in devoutest moods have ing, heaven and earth chanting the eternal > caught whispers of grace dropped from His hallelujah chorus.” > throne. > ‘A B D U 'L -B A H A I N A M E R I C A > I t WAS a long, long trip. The more we Bahá’u’lláh; that each one of you may be­ > traveled, the greater seemed the expanse of come like a clear lamp of crystal from which > the sea. The weather was brilliant and fine the rays of the bounties of the Blessed Per­ > throughout; there was no storm and no end fection may shine forth to all nations and > to the sea.” peoples. This is My highest aspiration. . . . > A t last the American Bahá’ís were hearing "I am very happy to meet you all here to­ > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s voice, seeing Him there be­ day. Praise be to God that your faces are > fore them. It was the afternoon of April shining with the love of BaháVlláh! To be­ > 11, 1912; they had met His ship in the hold them is the cause of great spiritual > morning, and now they gathered to welcome happiness. We have arranged to meet you > Him at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. every day at the homes of the friends. > Kinney, 780 West End Avenue, in New "In the East people were asking Me, 'Why > York. They had thronged the rooms, so do you undertake this long voyage? Your > that many had to stand; and He had begun body cannot endure such hardships of travel.’ > to address them: When it is necessary, My body can endure > "How are you? Welcome! Welcome! everything. It has withstood forty years of > "A fter arriving today, although weary imprisonment and can still undergo the > with travel, I had the utmost longing and utmost trials. > yearning to see you and could not resist this "I will see you again. Now I will greet > meeting. Now that I have met you all My each one of you personally. It is My hope > weariness has vanished, for your meeting is that you will all be happy and that we may > the cause of spiritual happiness. meet again and again.” > "I was in Egypt and was not feeling well; ‘Abdu’l-Baha now shook hands with each > but I wished to come to you in America. one, and left for the Hotel Ansonia. > My friends said: 'This is a long journey; the He had been a prisoner most of His life. > sea is wide; You should remain here.’ But Born in Tihrán, Írán, on May 23, 1844, at > the more they advised and insisted* the great­ the age of eight He was one of that little > er My longing to take this trip and now I band of exiles who crossed the íránian bor­ > have come to America to meet the friends der, going toward Baghdád. With them He > of God. This long voyage will prove how was exiled from prison to prison, and con­ > great is My love for you. There were many fined at last in the fortress-city of ‘Akká, on > troubles and vicissitudes but in the thought August 31, 1868. Forty years passed; then > of meeting you, all these things vanished the Sultán, ‘Abdu’l-Hamid, fell; on August > and were forgotten. 31, 1908, the gates of ‘Akká were flung > "I am greatly pleased with the city of open and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá went free. He was > New York. Its harbor entrance, its piers, sixty-four, He had lived forty years in a > buildings and broad avenues are magnificent place where the air broke men and killed > and beautiful. Truly this is a wonderful them, and there was no pain that had not > city. As New York has made such progress struck at His heart. He was free now, but > in material civilization, I hope that it may He could not rest. He saw mankind on the > advance spiritually in the kingdom and cove­ brink of war; He saw the passing of the old > nant of God so that the friends here may world, and He came West, to lay the founda­ > become the cause of illumination of Amer­ tion of the new. In 1911, He brought the > ica; that this city may become the city of teachings of His Father, Baháhťlláh, to > love and that the fragrances of God may be Europe. Returning to Egypt, He then > spread from this place to all parts of the sailed for the United States, where He trav­ > world. I have come for this. I pray that eled and taught from April 11 to December > you may be manifestations of the love of 5, 1912. > ‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 83 > > % His fellow-travelers on the steamship trouble! If war can be gotten rid of, all > Cedric, of the White Star Line, spoke with these troubles will disappear . . . However, > Him, inquiring as to His mission. To one, this cannot be brought into existence except > the owner of an American newspaper, through the education of the people and the > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd said: "I am going to America development of their thought and ideas.” > at the invitation of the Peace Congresses of The docking of the Cedric in New York > that place, as the fundamental principles of with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá aboard was the direct > our Cause are universal peace, the oneness of fulfillment of the words of a man of Shíráz, > the world of humanity and the equality of who, sixty-eight years before, at the very > the rights of men. As this age is the age of hour of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s birth, had proclaimed > lights and the century of mysteries, this the coming of a great world Teacher. For > great object is sure to be universally ac­ sixty-two years now the Báb had lain dead, > knowledged and this Cause is certain to Persian bullets in His breast. But out of > encompass the East and the West.” A Persia a young nobleman had arisen, and had > woman, member of the Unitarian faith, brought a world Faith. They had seized His > asked Him to give her a message for the Uni­ jewels and palaces, they had closed Him in an > tarians. He answered her: "The most im­ underground pit, and hemmed Him in with > portant of all purposes is to diffuse divine guards. They had killed His followers, and > love, amity and accord among the people not dared to kill Him, and they had exiled > . . . hence tell your Assembly: Rejoice, the Him from one land to another, and the Sháh > standard of the kingdom of heaven is hoisted! of Persia and the Sultán of Turkey had used > Rejoice, the divine springtime has appeared! all their power to shut back the words that > Rejoice, the Proclaimer of the kingdom has came from His lips. And He, Bahá’u’lláh, > raised His voice!” On April 8 and thereafter had established His Faith. He had revealed > greetings and welcome were wirelessed to new laws, suited to future world civilization, > the ship by Baha’i communities from coast based on that oneness of the human race and > to coast. On April 11, crowds of Baha’is that coming of age of mankind, which His > stood at the pier, waving hats and handker­ advent proclaimed; He had regenerated and > chiefs, while the Cedric docked. As soon as brought into harmony the religions of the > the gangplank was lowered, newspapermen past; He had provided for agencies to safe­ > went aboard to interview ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; they guard His new World Order. And whereas > asked the object of His voyage and He said: before, once the Founder of a Faith had > "Our object is universal peace and the unity passed away, His followers turned one > of mankind. . . . I have come to America to against another and destroyed the unity that > see the advocates of universal peace. I hope He had created—Bahá’u’lláh with His own > the Peace Congresses of America will come hand appointed an Exemplar, an Interpreter, > forward and take the first practical step.” so that Bahá’ís the world over were bound > They questioned: "How can universal peace by their devotion to His eldest son, ‘Abdu’lbe realized?” He said: "Its realization de­ Bahá. "The promise,” wrote Bahá’u’lláh, > pends upon affecting a change in the ideas of "the promise of all ages is now fulfilled. > the inhabitants of the world. Today, univer­ That which had been announced in the holy > sal peace is the panacea for all human ills.” writ of God, the Beloved, the Most High, is > "What are those ills?” "One of those ills made manifest.” > is the restlessness and discontent of the peo­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, standard-bearer of the civil­ > ple under the yoke of the war expenditures ization of the future, set foot in the United > of the Powers of the world. What the people States, prototype of the future federation of > earn through labor is extorted from them by mankind. In every city, on every train, > the governments and spent for war purposes. people crowded close to Him. In New York > . . . Thus the burden on men is becoming City alone, during the seventy-nine days He > more and more unbearable . . .” The re­ spent there, He made public addresses in, or > porters asked, "May not peace lead to trouble formal visits to, fifty-five different places. > and may not war help progress?” He an- His rooms were filled with visitors wherever > I swered, "No. Today war is the cause of all He went, all day long, from early in the > 84 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Grounds of House of Worship, May 1, 1912. > > morning. Philosophers, scientists, ecclesias­ men, and all races, and all faiths—ever to be > tics, social workers, educators, diplomats, raised in the western hemisphere. > were found in His audiences, intently listen­ When, in 1937, Baha’is throughout the > ing to Him, studying His presentation of the country commemorated in numberless gath­ > Baha’i teachings as the means of regenerat­ erings the twenty-fifth anniversary of 'Abding and unifying humanity. Everywhere in u’l-Bahá’s coming to the United States, a > editorial comment and publication of news special meeting was held in the Temple, > concerning Him, the daily press was reverent marking the arrival of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in New > and respectful. He addressed Columbia and York, April 11, 1912; on this occasion rep­ > Leland Stanford Universities; He attended resentatives of many groups that had been > conferences at Lake Mohonk, visited the addressed by Him during His journey, joined > open forum at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, with the Baha’is to do Him honor. Among > spoke before scientific associations, socialistic the guest speakers, Mrs. Dorothy Bushnell > bodies, welfare organizations. Temples and Blumberg, President of the Chicago Branch > churches, synagogues, women’s clubs, col­ of the Women’s International League for > leges, metaphysical groups—willingly opened Peace, said in effect that thinking people, as > their doors to His message. He was guest of they see the increase of material comfort and > honor in leading mansions throughout the security, do not wish the achievement of > country, and He visited as well the homes of these ends to be made at the cost of spiritual > the very poor. He addressed Bowery Mis­ values; that a new age of cosmopolitanism is > sion, in the slums of New York. He spoke upon us, whose ultimate outcome will be a > with all types of men and women; children world race and culture; that those of us who > of all races clung to Him. And never, in all believe in the oneness of the human race are > His traveling and teaching, did He accept fortunate, and must strive for the enlighten­ > remuneration, for His service was given ment of the many who will resist the onward > without price. march of cosmopolitanism. > By the shore of the Lake near Chicago, Mr. Albert Windust, Chairman, then read > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd laid the foundation-stone of a from \Abdu’l-Bahá’s address before the New > great Temple; the first world temple, the York Peace Society, in part as follows: "To­ > first sanctuary for all sorts and conditions of day, there is no greater glory for man than > > M > ‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 85 > > that of service in the cause of the 'Most new Springtime of faith . . . They come > Great Peace* . . . His Holiness Baha’u’lldh forth to enkindle the dormant fires in the > was imprisoned and subjected to severe perse­ souls of men, to point out once more the > cutions . . . Through all these ordeals He guiding star rising on the horizon of a new > strove day and night to proclaim the oneness humanity. Such are the Masters of Wisdom, > of humanity and promulgate the message of and Compassion, manifestations of the om­ > universal peace. From the prison of ‘Akká nipotent Love, the Holy Spirit. > He addressed the kings and rulers of the "To this saintly lineage do belong Bahd*- > earth in lengthy letters summoning them to u’lláh, the Splendor of God, and ‘Abdu’linternational agreement and explicitly stat­ Bahá, the Servant of God. They have > ing that the standard of the 'Most Great brought before the eyes of men, amidst a di­ > Peace* would surely be upraised in the vided world, the principles of the Unity of > world.” Mankind; and in the midst of so many sects, > Another guest, Mr. A. C. MacNeal, Presi­ the salutary doctrine of the common foun­ > dent of the Chicago Branch of the National dation of all forms of religion in the mani­ > Association for the Advancement of Colored festation of the Holy Spirit; and amidst the > People, quoted from the address given by contentious social and economical conflicts > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd before the Fourth Annual of our epoch they remind us of our obliga­ > Conference of the National Association for tion to do some fruitful labor in the spirit of > the Advancement of Colored People: "Ac­ service, of the need of voluntary sharing of > cording to the words of the Old Testament, our wealth with others to foster universal > God has said: 'Let us make man in our image, peace and that we may realize the brother­ > after our likeness.’ This indicates that . . . hood of men. > the perfections of God, the divine virtues, "Knowing and without stint admiring > are reflected or revealed in the human reality those principles, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahd set foot > . . . This is an evidence that man is the in the United States the Theosophical So­ > most noble of God’s creatures . . . Let us ciety bestowed on Him the gracious hos­ > now discover more specifically how he is the pitality of its platform. He was a Teacher > image and likeness of God, and what is the and a brother, He had our heartfelt welcome. > standard, or criterion, by which he can be "The achievements of Bahá*ism in this > measured and estimated. The standard can country so magnificently embodied in this > be no other than the divine virtues which are Baha’i House of Worship, are proclaiming > revealed in him . . . If a man possesses the satisfaction that so many souls find in > wealth, can we call him an image and like­ the beauty, the truth and transcendence of > ness of God? Or is human honor and noto­ the teachings flowing from this wellspring of > riety the criterion of divine nearness? Can Wisdom. > we apply the test of racial color and say that "In behalf of the Theosophical Society of > man of a certain hue—white, black, brown, America, and at the request of its President, > yellow, red—is the true image of his Cre­ I tender to you, with our congratulations, > ator? We must conclude that color is not our cordial wishes for the spiritual prosperity > the standard . . . for color is accidental in of Bahd’ism, for we are one in our endeavors > nature. The spirit and intelligence of man of spiritualizing the world.” > is the essential. . . . Man is not man simply In introducing this speaker, the Chairman > because of bodily attributes. The character had remarked that one of the outstanding > and purity of the heart is all important.” addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd in Chicago was > A third speaker, Mr. Brenes-Mesén, repre­ that delivered before the Theosophical So­ > senting the President of the Theosophical So­ ciety, on which occasion He had said: "In > ciety, conveyed to the Bahd’is the following the matrix of the mother, we were the re­ > message: "Out of the Morning of Eternity, cipients of endowments and blessings of God, > where infinite Wisdom and all embracing yet these were as nothing compared to the > Love abide, at intervals, when duty weakens powers and graces bestowed upon us after > and nations decline, splendorous souls come birth into this human world. Likewise if we > to this earth again to grace mankind with a are born from the matrix of this physical > 86 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > . . . environment into the freedom and terialistic system, she knew: 'Justice can only > loftiness of the life and vision spiritual, we be worked out upon this earth by those who > shall consider this mortal existence and its will not tolerate a wrong to the feeblest > blessings as worthless by comparison.” member of the community’. > An extract from the address of ‘Abdu’l- "Both our great leaders have gone on but > Bahá to the Plymouth Congregational we recognize in them the spirit which can > Church was now read, in part as follows: reclaim the world.” > "In our solar system the center of illumina­ The Chairman called attention to the fact > tion is the sun itself . . . the one source of that ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s first public address in > the existence and development of all phe­ Chicago was delivered at Hull-House, and > nomenal things . . . But if we reflect deeply quoted from that address: "There is need of > we will perceive that the great bestower and a superior power to overcome human preju­ > giver of life is God; the sun is the intermedi­ dices; a power which nothing in the world of > ary of His will and plan . . . Likewise, in mankind can withstand. . . . That irresisti­ > the spiritual realm . . . there must be a cen­ ble power is the love of God.” > ter of illumination, and that center is . . . In introducing the next speaker, Mr. Allen > the Word of God . . . the prophet or mani­ B. McDaniel, of Washington, D. C., member > festation of God . . .” Following this, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > guest-speaker Mr. Kennicott Brenton, House Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, the > Secretary and Resident of Hull-House, rep­ Chairman read from the words of ‘Abdu’lresenting Mrs. Kenneth F. Rich, Resident Bahá delivered at All-Souls Church: "In > Head of the famous institution founded by Persia, His Holiness Baha’u’llah was able to > Jane Addams— spoke as follows: unite people of varying thought, creed and > "Hull-House is deeply aware of its honor denomination. The inhabitants of that > in being invited to join with you in honoring country were Christians, Muhammadans, > your departed leader. In this we recognize Jews, Zoroastrians, and a great variety of > an inner significance. Both this wonderful sub-divided forms and beliefs, together with > temple and our busy, homely group of class racial distinctions, such as Semitic, Arabic, > rooms and workshops are expressions of the Persian, Turk, and others, but through the > same life principle. In yours is a realization power and efficacy of religion, Baha’u’llah > of world unity; ours of the common interest united these differing peoples, and caused > uniting neighborhoods and races, ignoring them to consort together in perfect agree­ > religious and class barriers. Throughout his­ ment. And now let us consider that the > tory, the spirit of discord has been able to American, British, French, Germans, Turks, > 'divide and rule5. Man’s pattern has made Persians, Arabs, are all . . . members of the > him peculiarly susceptible to factional loyal­ same household. Why should dissension exist > ties. We have seen how love of country and among them? . . . There is no doubt that > adherence to group loyalties can even lead to the only cause is ignorance. . . .” Mr. > self-destruction. . . . Hull-House and the McDaniel then spoke on "The Gathering of > things which it has done for the betterment the Peoples and Nations,” ably epitomizing > of its neighbors were possible only because it the excerpts from ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s addresses > became a rallying point for the combined that had been read throughout the meeting. > goodwill of widely separated groups and sec­ This program, which was followed by a > tions. Accomplishment in prevention of reception, closed with the showing of the > child labor, sweatshops, bad housing, was motion picture of ‘Abdu’l-Baha: His arrival > won by a call to unite the good intention of by automobile at the home of Mr. and Mrs. > all factions—never by appeal to factionalism Howard MacNutt in Brooklyn, New York; > or strife. His walking and conversing with Persian in­ > "Instead of emphasizing man’s diversity terpreters and others, His greeting the chil­ > of interest, Jane Addams said: 'The things dren present, His delivery, as He strode back > which make men alike are finer and better and forth before the large gathering on the > than the things that keep them apart’. . . . grounds, of a message of glad-tidings to all > Rather than hope for justice from some ma­ humanity: "Rejoice! . . . The divine Gos- > ‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 87 > > pel has appeared! Rejoice! . . . The Great but He entered on foot, walking briskly, a > Day has come! Rejoice! . . . The glad-tid­ long line of Baha’is following Him. Within > ings and prophecies of the Prophets are ful­ the tent, seats had been placed in three > filled! Rejoice . . . The Glory of Carmel circles, with a broad space at the center, > has shone on the worlds! Rejoice! . . . reached by nine isles. At high noon, ‘Abdu’l- > The East and West have joined hands!” Bahá advanced to the inner circle and spoke: > In memory of that other day when ‘Abd- "The power which has gathered you here > u’l-Bahd had dedicated the Temple site, the today notwithstanding the cold and windy > Bahd’is of the United States and Canada, as­ weather is indeed mighty and wonderful. It > sembled at the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr for their is the power of God, the divine favor of > annual Convention, heard the story of how, Bahá’u’lláh which has drawn you to­ > exactly forty-nine years after Bahá’u’lláh, gether . . . > then a captive about to be exiled from Bagh­ "Thousands of Mashriqu’l-Adhkars for all > dad, had declared His mission—‘Abdu’l- religionists will be built in the Orient and > Bahá His son had laid the corner-stone of the Occident, but this being the first one erected > Baha’i Temple in the heart of the American in the Occident has great importance . . . > continent. It has the same importance as the Mashriqu’l- > During the evening of His arrival in Chi­ Adhkár in ‘Ishqábád, Russian Caucasus, the > cago, 'Abdu’l-Baha addressed an audience of first one built there. In Persia there are > several hundred at the last session of the many; some are houses which have been util­ > Bahi’i Temple Unity, speaking in part as ized for the purpose, others are homes en­ > follows: tirely devoted to the Divine Cause. . . . > "The real temple is the very Word of God; But the great 'Dawning-Poinť has been > for to it all humanity must turn and it is the founded in ‘Ishqábád. It possesses superla­ > center of unity for all mankind . . . Tem­ tive importance. . . .” > ples are the symbols of the divine uniting Outside the tent, in the woods and fields > force, so that when the people gather there along the Lake Shore, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prepared > . . . they may recall the fact that the law for the breaking of the Temple ground; > has been revealed foř them and that the law using first a golden trowel presented by Irene > is to unite them. . . . That is why His Holi­ C. Holmes of New York, He then slipped > ness Baha’u’llah has commanded that a this back into its leather case, and called for > place of worship be built . . . that all re­ other implements; an ax was brought, then > ligions, races and sects may come together a shovel; with these, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and mem­ > within the universal shelter . . . It is the bers of every race and nationality present, > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr (the Dawning-Point of excavated a place to hold the dedication > the remembrance of God) . . . For thou­ stone. As each man or woman came for­ > sands of years the human, race has been at ward, his race or nationality was announced: > war. It is enough . . . For thousands of Persia, Syria, Egypt, India, Japan, South > years the nations have denied each other, Africa, England, France, Germany, Holland, > considering each other as infidel and inferior. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Jews of the > It is sufficient . . And He closed with a world, and the North American Indians, > prayer for the American nation: "O thou were of those represented; at the end > kind Lord! . . . Confirm this revered na­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá set the stone in its place, on > tion to upraise the standard of the oneness of behalf of all the peoples of the world. And > humanity, to promulgate the Most Great He said, "The Temple is already built.” > Peace, to become thereby most glorious and Now, within the Temple, those who had > praiseworthy among all the nations of the been present that other day were asked to > world . . rise; they numbered fifteen. One of them, > Then the next day, on the windy shores of Mrs. Nettie Tobin of Chicago, was called > the Lake, at Wilmette. They had pitched a upon to tell how she had brought, painfully, > tent, large enough for five hundred persons, from far away and as though driven to it, a > and had made a Special entry way to the fragment of limestone rock to the Temple > grounds for the carriage of ‘Abdu’l-Baha; site, and how this had been chosen by ‘Abd- > 88 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > u’l-Bahá as the dedication stone. Mrs. Cor- adopted; and He had shown that the Bahá’í > inne True of Wilmette, whose devotion to world system provides the agencies for the > the work of building the Temple was com­ establishing of permanent and universal > pared to that of a mother rearing her child, peace. > gave a brief message of inspiration, and Dr. It was a clear, not a beautiful day when > ‘Alí-Kulí Khán, sent by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the they gathered on board the steamship Celtic > United States in 1901 to spread the Baha’i to take leave of Him. He spoke to each one, > teachings, spoke of the work still to be ac­ distributed to each the flowers that had been > complished in completing the outer orna­ brought. Then He addressed them for the > mentation of the Temple, and of the plan last time: > drawn up by the Guardian of the Faith, "This is My last meeting with you, for > Shoghi Effendi, for the realization of this now I am on board the steamship ready to > within the first century of the Baha’i era. sail away. These are My final words of ex­ > This second commemorative gathering, pro­ hortation. I have repeatedly summoned you > gram-chairmen of which were Edna Eastman to the cause of the unity of the world of hu­ > and Albert R. Windust, and further partici­ manity, announcing that all mankind are the > pants, Ruth Randall-Brown, Nina Matthisen, servants of the same God; that God is the > and Mountfort Mills, was climaxed by the creator of all; He is the provider and lifedarkening of the auditorium, after which the giver; all are equally beloved by Him and are > motion picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was thrown His servants upon whom His mercy and > upon the screen. In deep silence, the audi­ compassion descend. Therefore you must > ence watched as the majestic figure of the manifest the greatest kindness and love to­ > Center of the Covenant stood before them; ward the nations of the world, setting aside > many had never viewed this scene before, fanaticism, abandoning religious, national, > while some were still left who could remem­ and racial prejudice. > ber His face, His walk, and could hear in "The earth is one nativity, one home, and > memory His ringing voice. all mankind are the children of one Father. > “It is My Purpose,” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had said God has created them and they are the re­ > on the day of His arrival in New York, "to cipients of His compassion. Therefore if > set forth in America the fundamental prin­ anyone offends another, he offends God. It > ciples of the revelation . . . of Bahá’u’lláh. is the wish of our heavenly Father that every > It will then become the duty of the Bahd’is heart should rejoice and be filled with happi­ > in this country to give these principles un- ness; that we should live together with felic­ > foldment and application in the minds, ity and joy. The obstacle to human hap­ > hearts and lives of the people.” During the piness is racial or religious prejudice, the > long months of travel, of daily association competitive struggle for existence and in­ > with hundreds of groups and individuals, humanity toward each other. > He had spared Himself no hardship in order "Your eyes have been illumined; your ears > to give to America this fresh revelation of are attentive, your hearts knowing. You > spiritual power, this new Faith, suited to the must be free from prejudice and fanaticism, > needs of a new age. Everywhere, at every beholding no differences between the races > hour He had taught the principles brought and religions. You must look to God for He > by Bahá’u’lláh: that each must search after is the real shepherd and all humanity are His > truth for himself; that all races are as one; sheep. He loves them, and loves them > that all religions are fundamentally one, and equally. As this is true, should the sheep > have as their purpose the establishment of quarrel among themselves? They should > harmony; that religion, "the sole . . . basis manifest gratitude and thankfulness toward > of . . . an ordered and progressive society,” God, and the best way to thank God is to > must go hand-in-hand with science; that love one another. > equal opportunities are to be provided for "Beware lest ye offend any heart, lest ye > men and women alike; that extremes of speak against anyone in his absence, lest ye > wealth and poverty are to be abolished, that estrange yourselves from the servants of > an auxiliary international language is to be God. You must consider all His servants as > ‘A B D L T L - B A H Á IN AMERICA 89 > > your own family and kindred. Direct your other, they are still shedding each other’s > whole effort toward the happiness of those blood. How heedless and ignorant are the > who are despondent, bestow food upon the people of the world! How gross the dark­ > hungry, clothe the needy and glorify the ness which envelops them! Although they > humble. Be a helper to every helpless one, are the children of a compassionate God they > and manifest kindness to your fellow crea­ continue to live and to act in opposition to > tures in order that ye may attain the good His will and good pleasure. God is loving > pleasure of God. This is conducive to the and kind to all men, and yet they show the > illumination of the world of humanity and utmost enmity and hatred toward each > eternal felicity for yourselves. I seek from other. God is the giver of life to them, > God everlasting glory in your behalf; there­ and yet they constantly seek to destroy > fore this is My prayer and exhortation. life. God blesses and protects their homes; > “Consider what is happening in the Bal­ they ravage, sack and destroy each other’s > kans. Human blood is being shed, properties homes. Consider their ignorance and héedare destroyed, possessions pillaged, cities and lessness! > villages devastated. A world-enkindling fire “Your duty is of another kind for you are > is astir in the Balkans. God has created men informed of the mysteries of God. Your eyes > to love each other, but instead they kill each are illumined, your ears are quickened with > other with cruelty and bloodshed. God has hearing. You must therefore look toward > created them that they may cooperate and each other and then toward mankind with > mingle in accord, but instead they ravage, the utmost love and kindness. You have no > plunder and destroy in the carnage of battle. excuse to bring before God if you fail to live > God has created them to be the cause of according to His command, for you are in­ > mutual felicity and peace but instead dis­ formed of that which constitutes the good > cord, lamentation and anguish rise from the pleasure of God. You have heard His com­ > hearts of the innocent and afflicted. mandments and precepts. You must there­ > “As to you, your efforts must be lofty. fore be kind to all men; you must even treat > Exert yourselves with heart and soul so that your enemies as your friends. You must > perchance through your efforts the light of consider your evil-wishers as your well-wish­ > Universal Peace may shine and this darkness ers. Those who are not agreeable toward you > of estrangements and enmity may be dis­ must be regarded as those who are congenial > pelled from amongst men; that all men may and pleasant, so that perchance this darkness > become as one family and consort together in of disagreement and conflict may disappear > love and kindness; that the East may assist from amongst men and the light of the di­ > the West and the West give help to the East, vine may shine forth; so that the Orient may > for all are the inhabitants of one planet, the be illumined and the Occident filled with > people of one original nativity and the flocks fragrance; nay, so that East and West may > of one shepherd. embrace each other in love and deal with one > “Consider how the Prophets who have another in sympathy and affection. Until > been sent, the great souls who have appeared man reaches this high station, the world of > and the sages who have arisen in the world, humanity shall not find rest and eternal > have exhorted mankind to unity and love. felicity shall not be attained. But if man > This has been the essence of their mission and lives up to these divine commandments, this > teaching. This has been the goal of their world of earth shall be transformed into a > guidance and message. The Prophets, saints, world of heaven and this material sphere shall > seers and philosophers have sacrificed their be transformed into a paradise of glory. It is > lives in order to establish these principles and My hope that you may become successful in > teachings amongst men. Consider the heed­ this high calling, so that like brilliant lamps > lessness of the world, for notwithstanding you may cast light upon the world of hu­ > the efforts and sufferings of the Prophets of manity and quicken and stir the body of > God, the nations and peoples are still engaged existence like unto a spirit of life. This is > in hostility and fighting. Notwithstanding eternal glory. This is everlasting felicity. > the heavenly commandments to love one an­ This is immortal life. This is heavenly at- > 90 THE B A H A ’f CENTENARY > > tainment. This is being created in the image ‘Abdu’l-Bahd stood on the deck. He was > and likeness of God. And unto this I call smiling very faintly, His eyes tender, > you, praying to God to strengthen and bless thoughtful, somehow full of sorrow. He > you.” waved His hand gently. They knew that they > They left the ship and looked up to where would never fail Him, and still they wept. > > CITIES OF N O R T H AM ERICA V ISITED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHA IN 1912 > > New York, N. Y. West Englewood, N. J. Montreal, Quebec > Brooklyn, N. Y. Jersey City, N. J. Minneapolis, Minn. > Washington, D. C. Cambridge, Mass. St. Paul, Minn. > Baltimore, Md. Boston, Mass. Denver, Colo. > Chicago, Illinois Malden, Mass. Oakland, Calif. > Kenosha, Wis. Medford, Mass. Palo Alto, Calif. > Buffalo, N. Y. Fanwood, N. J. San Francisco, Calif. > Cleveland, Ohio Morristown, N. J. Sacramento, Calif. > Cincinnati, Ohio Philadelphia, Pa. Los Angeles, Calif. > Pittsburgh, Pa. Dublin, N. H. Salt Lake City, Utah > Montclair, N. J. Green Acre, Eliot, Maine Pasadena, Calif. > ‘A B D U ’ L - B A H Á > IN > AMERICA > Map showing Path of Travel of ‘Abdu’l-Baha in the United States of America and Canada, 1912. > \o > N> > > THE > B A H A ’i > CENTENARY > Un June 28, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Baha gave a feast on the grounds of the Wilhelm property, West Englewood, New Jersey, for the > Baha’is of the New York metropolitan area which He declared marked the spiritual birth of the Faith in North America. > PART FOUR > > A M E R I C A N BAHA’I C H R O N O L O G Y > > 1883, December 10—A letter on "The Bábísj 1909, Baha’i Temple Unity, corporate body > and Their Prophet” published in th^f representing the American Bahd’is in > New York Sun. J the construction of the Temple, was > 4 incorporated in Illinois. > 1893, September 23—Reference to BaháV- > lláh in Address by Dr. Jessup in tfie 1910, March 21— The first number of Baha’i > Parliament of Religions, Columbian News was published in Chicago. This > Exposition, Chicago. | bulletin later became Star of the West, > then The Baha’i Magazine, and is now > 1894, Formation of First Baha’i Group iri World Order. > America, Chicago. | > 1912, April 11— ‘Abdu’l-Baha arrived at > 1894, Green Acre founded by Sarah J. F arm -■ New York. > er, Eliot, Maine, as a universal plat­ > form for the discussion of religions. > 1912, May 1 — ‘Abdu’l-Baha dedicated the > Temple grounds. > 1897, Mrs. Phoebe Hearst’s party of pilgrims > visited ‘Abdu’l-Baha in ‘Akká. > 1912, December 5— ‘Abdu’l-Baha departed > 1903, A petition was addressed to ‘Abdu’l- from America. > Baha signed by all American Baha’is > requesting authority to construct a 1921, May 19, 20, 21— Race Amity Confer­ > House of Worship. ences were inaugurated by Mrs. Agnes > Parsons in Washington, D. C., under > 1903, June 7— ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet was the direction of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > revealed to the American Baha’is, > through the Chicago Assembly, stating 1921, November 28—Ascension of ‘Abdu’lthat the time had come to construct a Baha. > Baha’i Temple in America. > 1924, December — The first number of > 1904, A compilation of Baha’i Writings in Baha’i News Letter, later Baha’i > English was prepared and published News, the organ of the National > by the Board of Counsel of New York. Spiritual Assembly, was published in > New York. > 1907, November 26—The first Baha’i Con­ > vention convened in Chicago. > 192 5, October 1—A National Baha’i Office > 1908, April 9—Chicago Assembly purchased was established by the National Spirit­ > the first lots of the plot of land chosen ual Assembly at Green Acre, Eliot, > for the House of Worship at Wilmette, Maine. > Illinois. > 1926, The Bahd’i Year Book, Volume One, > 1908-1909—The Baha’i Publishing Society was published. Later volumes were > was founded in Chicago. entitled The Baha’i World . > 94 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > 1927, April 4— The National Spiritual As­ 193 5, September 27 — The Indenture of > sembly adopted its Declaration of Trust executed by Shoghi Effendi > Trust. transferring the house at Malden, > Massachusetts, bequeathed to him by > 1927, The first session of a Bahá’i School was Maria P. Wilson, to trustees for the > conducted on the Bosch property, benefit of the National Spiritual As­ > Geyserville, California. sembly, was recorded in Middlesex > County, Massachusetts. > 1928, November 1 3 — The Indenture of > Trust executed by Bahá’i Temple 1935, November 2 5 — The Indenture of > Unity transferring the Temple prop­ Trust executed by John and Louise > erty to trustees for the benefit of the Bosch transferring the property used > National Spiritual Assembly was re­ by the Geyserville Baha’i School to > corded in Cook County, Illinois. trustees for the benefit of the National > Assembly was recorded in Sonoma > 1930, January 1— The Indenture of Trust County, California. > executed by Green Acre Fellowship > transferring the Green Acre property > to trustees for the benefit of the N a­ 193 6, July 1—Appointment of first Intertional Spiritual Assembly was recorded America Committee by the National > in York County, Maine. Spiritual Assembly and the beginning > of organized and coordinated effort to > 1930, May 9— The National Spiritual As­ establish the Faith in the Republics of > sembly of the Bahd’is of the United Central and South America. > States and Canada: Palestine Branch, > was established as a religious society 1939, October 1—National Baha’i Office es­ > in Palestine. tablished at 536 Sheridan Road, Wil­ > mette, Illinois. > 1931, May 1 — The superstructure of the > Bahá’i House of Worship was com­ 1939, October 30—The Indenture of Trust > pleted. executed by Mrs. Loulie A. Mathews > transferring the property used by the > 1931, The first session of a Bahd’i School was > International Baha’i School at Pine > conducted on the Eggleston property, > Valley near Colorado Springs, was re­ > Davison, Michigan. > corded in El Paso County, Colorado. > 193 5, March 9—An Indenture of Trust was > executed by Roy C. Wilhelm transfer­ 1943, January 8—The exterior ornamenta­ > ring property in West Englewood, tion and circular steps of the House > New Jersey, to trustees for the benefit of Worship were completed. > of the National Spiritual Assembly > for the construction of a Memorial 1944, March 28—Completion of Teaching > commemorating the American visit of plan to establish an Assembly in every > ‘Abdu’l-Baha. State and Province of North America. > AMERICAN B A H Á 5Í CHRONOLOGY 95 > > This Tablet, revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Baha’i administrative body elected by the > Chicago believers, connected the institution with the order which BaháVlláh had directed > His followers to establish. > T H E F O R M A T IO N OF AN > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY > experience, to be taken up and laid down, as > I n accepting the message of Bahá’u’lláh, a shopper handling gems on a counter, to > every Bahd’i has opened his mind and heart buy if one gem happens to please or seems > to the dominion of certain fundamental becoming:—such a definition measures man’s > truths. These truths he recognizes as divine own knowledge, or interest, or loyalty, but > in origin, beyond human capacity to produce. truth is a living unity which no man can > In the realm of spirit he attests that these condition. It is the sun in the heavens of > truths are revealed evidences of a higher spiritual reality, while self-will denies its > reality than man. They are to the soul what dominion because self-will is the shadow of > natural law is to physical body of animal or a cloud. > plant. Therefore the believer today, as in There are times for the revelation of a > the Dispensation of Christ or Moses, enters larger area of the indivisible truth to man­ > into the condition of faith as a status of re­ kind. The Manifestation of God signalizes > lationship to God and not of satisfaction to the times and He is the revelation. When > his own limited human and personal will or He appears on earth He moves and speaks > awareness. His faith exists as his participa­ with the power of all truth, known and un­ > tion in a heavenly world. It is the essence known, revealed in the past, revealed in Him, > of his responsibility and not a temporary or to be revealed in the future. That realm > compromise effected between his conscience of heavenly reality is brought again in its > or reason and the meaning of truth, society, power and universality to knock at the closed > virtue, or life. door of human experience, a divine guest > The Bahd’i accepts a quality of existence, whose entrance will bless the household eter­ > a level of being which has been created above nally, or a divine punishment when debarred > the control of his own active power. Because and forbidden and condemned. > on that plane the truth exists that mankind Bahd’u’lldh reveals that area of divine > is one, part of his acceptance of the message truth which underlies all human association. > of Bahd’u’lldh is capacity to see that truth He enlarges man’s capacity to receive truth > as existing, as a heavenly reality to be con­ in the realm of experience where all men > firmed on earth. Because likewise on that have condemned themselves to social chaos > higher level the inmost being of Moses, by ignorance of truth and readiness to substi­ > Christ, Muhammad, the Báb, and Bahd’u’lldh tute the implacable will of races, classes, > is one being, part of the believer’s acceptance nations and creeds for the pure spiritual > of the Baha’i message is capacity to realize radiance beneficently shining for all. Spirit­ > the eternal continuance of that oneness, so ual reality today has become the principle > that thereafter never will he again think of of human unity, the law for the nations, > those holy and majestic Prophets according the devotion to mankind on which the future > to the separateness of their bodies, their civilization can alone repose. As long as men > countries and their times. cling to truth as definition, past experience, > The Bahd’i, moreover, recognizes that the aspects of self-will, so long must this dire > realm of truth is inexhaustible, the creator period of chaos continue when the separate > of truth God Himself. Hence the Baha’i fragments of humanity employ life not to > can identify truth as the eternal flow of life unite but to struggle and destroy. > itself in a channel that deepens and broadens In the world of time, Baha’u’llah has > as man’s capacity for truth enlarges from created capacity for union and world civil­ > age to age. For him, that definition of truth ization. His Dispensation is historically new > which regards truth as tiny fragments of and unique. In the spiritual world it is noth- > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 97 > > ing else than the ancient and timeless reality God in each cycle means the particular aspect > of Moses, Jesus and Muhammad disclosed to of experience for which men are held respon­ > the race in a stage of added growth and de­ sible. Not until our day could there be the > velopment so that men can take a larger creation of the principle of moral cause and > measure of that which always existed. effect in terms of mankind itself, in terms of > Like the man of faith in former ages, the the unifiable world. > BaháT has been given sacred truths to cherish The mission of ‘AbduT-Bahá, following > in his heart as lamps for darkness and medi­ BaháVlláh’s ascension in 1892, was to raise > cines for healing, convictions of immortality up a community of believers through whom > and evidences of divine love. But in addition collectively He might demonstrate the opera­ > to these gifts, the BaháT has that bestowal tion of the law of unity. ‘AbduT-Baha’s > which only the Promised One of all ages mission became fulfilled historically in the > could bring: nearness to a process of creation experience of the Baha’is of North America. > which opens a door of entrance into a world In them He developed the administrative > of purified and regenerated human relations. order, the organic society, which exemplifies > The final element in his recognition of the the pattern of justice and order Bahá’uTláh > message of BaháVlláh is that BaháVlláh had creatively ordained. By His wisdom, > came to found a civilization of unity, prog­ His tenderness, His justice and His complete > ress and peace. consecration to BaháVlláh, ‘AbduT-Bahá > "O Children of Men! Know ye not why conveyed to this body of BaháTs a sense of > We created you all from the same dust? partnership in the process of divine creation: > That no one should exalt himself over the that it is for men to re-create, as civilization, > other. Ponder at all times how ye were a human and earthly replica of the heavenly > created. Since We have created you all order existing in the divine will. > from the same substance it is incumbent on The BaháT administrative order has been > you to be even as one soul, to walk with the described by the Guardian of the Faith as > same feet, eat with the same mouth and the pattern of the world order to be gradu­ > dwell in the same land, that from your in­ ally attained as the Faith spreads throughout > most being, by your deeds and actions, the all countries. Its authority is BaháVlláh, its > signs of oneness and the essence of detach­ sources the teachings He revealed in writing, > ment may be made manifest. Such is My with the interpretation and amplification > counsel to you, O concourse of light! Heed made by 'AbduT-Bahá. > ye this counsel that ye may obtain the The first conveyance of authority by > fruit of holiness from the sea of wondrous BaháVlláh was to His eldest son. By this > glory.” conveyance the integrity of the teachings > Thus He describes the law of survival was safeguarded, and the power of action > revealed for the world today, mystical only implicit in all true faith directed into chan­ > in that He addressed these particular words nels of unity for the development of the > to our deepest inner understanding. Their Cause in its universal aspects. No prior > import is not confined to any subjective Dispensation has ever raised up an instru­ > realm. The motive and the realization He ment like ‘AbduT-Bahá through whom the > invokes has become the whole truth of soci­ spirit and purpose of the Founder could con­ > ology in this era. tinue to flow out in its wholeness and purity > Or, as we find its expression in another until His purpose had been achieved. The > passage: "All men have been created to carry faith of the BaháT thus remains untainted > forward an ever-advancing civilization.” by those elements of self-will which in > And the truth reappears in still another previous ages have translated revealed truth > form: "How vast is the tabernacle of the into creeds, rites and institutions of human > Cause of God! It hath overshadowed all the origin and limited aim. Those who enter the > peoples and kindreds of the earth, and will, BaháT community subdue themselves and > erelong, gather together the whole of man­ their personal interests to its sovereign > kind beneath its shelter.” standard, for they are unable to alter the > The encompassing reach of the Cause of Cause of BaháVlláh and exploit its teach- > 98 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > ings or its community for their own ad­ countries, for the preservation of human > vantage. honor.” > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s life exemplified the work­ In creating this institution for His com­ > ing of the one spirit and the one truth sus­ munity, Baha’u’llah made it clear that His > taining the body of believers throughout the Dispensation rests upon continuity of divine > world. He was the light connecting the sun purpose, and associates human beings di­ > of truth with the earth, the radiance en­ rectly with the operation of His law. The > abling all Bahá’ís to realize that truth pene­ House of Justice, an elective body, trans­ > trates human aifairs, illumines human prob­ forms society into an organism reflecting > lems, tra n s c e n d s conventional barriers, spiritual life. By the just direction of aifairs > changes the climate of life from cold to this Faith replaces the institution of the pro­ > warm. He infused Himself so completely fessional clergy developed in all previous > into the hearts of the Bahi’is that they asso­ Dispensations. > ciated the administrative institutions of the By 1921, when ‘Abdu’l-Baha laid down > Faith with His trusted and cherished methods His earthly mission, the American Bahd’i > of service, so that the contact between their community had been extended to scores of > society and their religion has remained con­ cities and acquired power to undertake tasks > tinuous and unimpaired. of considerable magnitude, but the adminis­ > The second conveyance of authority made trative order remained incomplete. His Will > by Baha’u’lldh was to the institution He and Testament inaugurated a new era in the > termed "House of Justice” :—"The Lord Faith, a further conveyance of authority and > hath ordained that in every city a House of a clear exposition of the nature of the elec­ > Justice be established wherein shall gather tive institutions which the Baha’is were > counsellors to the number of Bahá (i.e., nine) called upon to form. In Shoghi Effendi, His > . . . It behooveth them to be the trusted ones grandson, 'Abdu’l-Baha established the func­ > of the Merciful among men and to regard tion of Guardianship with sole power to in­ > themselves as the guardians appointed of God terpret the teachings and with authority to > for all that dwell on earth. It is incumbent carry out the provisions of the Will. The > upon them to take counsel together and to Guardianship connects the spiritual and > have regard for the interests of the servants social realms of the Faith in that, in addi­ > of God, for His sake, even as they regard tion to the office of interpreter, he is con­ > their own interests, and to choose that which stituted the presiding officer of the inter­ > is meet and seemly. . . . Those souls who national House of Justice when elected; and > arise to serve the Cause sincerely to please the Guardianship is made to descend from > God will be inspired by the divine, invisible generation to generation through the male > inspirations. It is incumbent upon all (i.e., line. > all believers) to obey. . . . Administrative From the Will these excerpts are cited: > affairs are all in charge of the House of "After the passing of this wronged one, > Justice; but acts of worship must be observed it is incumbent upon . . . the loved ones of > according as they are revealed in the Book.” the ‘Abhá Beauty (i.e., Bahd’u’llah) to turn > The House of Justice is limited in its unto Shoghi Effendi— the youthful branch > legislative capacity to matters not covered branched from the two hallowed Lote-Trees > by the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh Himself:— (i.e., descended from both the Báb and > "It is incumbent upon the Trustees of the BaháVlláh) . . . as he is the sign of God, > House of Justice to take counsel together the chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause > regarding such laws as have not been ex­ of God . . . unto whom . . . His loved ones > pressly revealed in the Book.” A high aim must turn. He is the expounder of the words > is defined for this central administrative of God and after him will succeed the first­ > organ of the Faiths:— "The men of the born of his lineal descendants. > House of Justice must, night and day, gaze "The sacred and youthful branch, the > toward that which hath been revealed from guardian of the Cause of God, as well as the > the horizon of the Supreme Pen for the train­ Universal House of Justice, to be universally > ing of the servants, for the upbuilding of elected and established, are both under the > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 99 > > care and protection of the Abhá Beauty. . . . istrative bodies provides the world spirit of > Whatsoever they decide is of God. . . . The the Faith with the agencies required for the > mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable maintenance of a constitutional society bal­ > and safe through obedience to him who is the ancing the rights of the individual with the > guardian of the Cause of God. . . . No doubt paramount principle of unity preserving the > every vainglorious one that purposeth dis­ whole structure of the Cause. The Bahá’í as > sension and discord will not openly declare an individual accepts guidance for his con­ > his evil purposes, nay rather, even as impure duct and doctrinal beliefs, for not otherwise > gold would he seize upon divers measures can he contribute his share to the general > and various pretexts that he may separate unity which is God’s supreme blessing to > the gathering of the people of Bahá.” the world today. This general unity is the > "Wherefore, O my loving friends! Con­ believer’s moral environment, his social uni­ > sort with all the peoples, kindreds and re­ verse, his psychic health and his goal of > ligions of the world with the utmost tru th ­ effort transcending any personal aim. In > fulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, the Baha’i order, the individual is the mus­ > good-will and friendliness; that all the world ical note, but the teachings revealed by > of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy Bahd’u’llah are the symphony in which the > of the grace of Bahá. . . .” note finds its real fulfillment; the person at­ > "O ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with tains value by recognizing that truth tran­ > all your heart to shield the Cause of God scends his capacity and includes him in a > from the onslaught of the insincere, for souls relationship which ‘AbduT-Bahá said en­ > such as these cause the straight to become dowed the part with the quality of the whole. > crooked and all benevolent efforts to produce To receive, we give. In comparison to this > contrary results. . . . To none is given the divine creation, the traditional claims of in­ > right to put forth his own opinion or ex­ dividual conscience, of personal judgment, > press his particular convictions. All must of private freedom, seem nothing more than > seek guidance and turn unto the Center of empty assertions advanced in opposition to > the Cause and the House of Justice.” the divine will. It cannot be sufficiently em­ > In each country where Bahd’is exist, they phasized that the Baha’i’s relationship to this > participate in the world unity of their Faith new spiritual society is an expression of faith, > through the office of the Guardian at this and faith alone raises personality out of the > time, and they maintain local and national pit of self-will and moral isolation into > Bahd’i institutions for conducting their own which so much of the world has .fallen. > activities. There can be no organic society, in fact, > In each local civil community, whether without social truth and social law embrac­ > city, township or county, the Baha’is an­ ing the individual members and evoking a > nually elect nine members .to their local loyalty both voluntary and complete. The > Spiritual Assembly. In America the Baha’is political and economic groups which the in­ > of each State or Canadian Province, (a di­ dividual enters with reservations are not true > rection of the Guardian having effect for societies but temporary combinations of rest­ > the first time in connection with the Con­ less personalities, met in a truce which can > vention of 1944, the one hundredth year of not endure. Bahd’u’llah has for ever solved > the Faith) join in the election of delegates the artificial dilemma which confuses and > by proportionate representation and these betrays the ardent upholder of individual > delegates, to the full number of one hundred freedom by His categorical statement that > and seventy-one, constitute the Annual Con­ human freedom consists in obedience to > vention which elects the members of the N a­ God’s law. The freedom revolving around > tional Spiritual Assembly. These national self-will He declares "'must, in the end, lead > bodies, in turn, will join in the election of to sedition, whose flames none can quench. > an international Assembly, or House of Jus­ . . . Know ye that the embodiment of lib­ > tice, when the world Baha’i community is erty and its symbol is the animal. . . . True > sufficiently developed. liberty consists in man’s submission unto My > The inter-relationship of all these admin­ commandments, little as ye know it.” > 100 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > The Guardian, applying the terms of the a pattern for future society, a supreme in­ > Will and Testament to an evolving order, strument for the establishment of the Most > has given the present generation of Baha’is Great Peace, and the one agency for the > a thorough understanding of Baha’i institu­ unification of the world, and the proclama­ > tions and administrative principles. Rising tion of the reign of righteousness and justice > to its vastly increased responsibility resulting upon the earth. . . . > from the loss of the beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l- "Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, unlike > Bahá, the Bahá’i community itself has in­ the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike all > tensified its effort until in America alone the the Dispensations of the past, the apostles of > number of believers has been more than Baha’u’llah in every land, wherever they la­ > doubled since 1921. It has been their destiny bor and toil, have before them in clear, in > to perfect the local and national Bahd’i in­ unequivocal and emphatic language, all the > stitutions as models for the believers in other laws, the regulations, the principles, the in­ > lands. Within the scope of a single lifetime, stitutions, the guidance, they require for the > the American Baha’i community has de­ prosecution of their task. . . . Therein lies > veloped from a small local group to a na­ the distinguishing feature of the Bahi’i Rev­ > tional unit of a world society, passing elation. Therein lies the strength of the unity > through the successive stages by which a of the Faith, of the validity of a Revelation > civilization achieves its pristine pattern and that claims not to destroy or belittle pre­ > severs itself from the anarchy and confusion vious Revelations, but to connect, unify, > of the past. and fulfill them. . . . > In Shoghi Effendi’s letters addressed to this "Feeble though our Faith may now appear > Bahá’í community, we have the statement in the eyes of men, who either denounce it > of the form of the administrative order, its as an offshoot of Islám, or contemptuously > function and purpose, its scope and activity, ignore it as one more of those obscure sects > as well as its significance, which unites the that abound in the West, this priceless gem > thoughts and inspires the actions of all be­ of Divine Revelation, now still in its em­ > lievers today. bryonic state, shall evolve within the shell > From these letters are selected a number of His law, and shall forge ahead, undivided > of passages presenting fundamental aspects and unimpaired, till it embraces the whole > of the world order initiated by Baha’u’lldh. of mankind. Only those who have already > 1. On its nature and scope:— recognized the supreme station of Bahá’- > "I cannot refrain from appealing to them u’lláh, only those whose hearts have been > who stand identified with the Faith to dis­ touched by His love, and have become fa­ > regard the prevailing notions and the fleet­ miliar with the potency of His spirit, can > ing fashions of the day, and to realize as. adequately appreciate the value of this Di­ > never before that the exploded theories and vine Economy—His inestimable gift to > the tottering institutions of present-day civ­ mankind. . . . > ilization must needs appear in sharp contrast "This Administrative Order . . . will, as > with those God-given institutions which are its component parts, its organic institutions, > destined to arise upon their ruin. . . . begin to function with efficiency and vigor, > "For Bahá’u’lláh . . . has not only im­ assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity > bued mankind with a new and regenerating to be regarded not only as the nucleus but > Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer­ the very pattern of the New World Order > tain universal principles, or propounded a destined to embrace in the fulness of time > particular philosophy, however potent, the whole of mankind. . . . > sound and universal these may be. In addi­ "Alone of all the Revelations gone before > tion to these He, as well as ťAbdu’l-Bahá it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising a > after Him, have, unlike the Dispensations of structure which the bewildered followers of > the past, clearly and specifically laid down bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap­ > a set of Laws, established definite institu­ proach and critically examine, and seek, ere > tions, and provided for the essentials of a it is too late, the invulnerable security of its > Divine Economy. These are destined to be world-embracing shelter. . . . > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 101 > > "To what else if not to the power and Grace, that we may unite even as the waves > majesty which this Administrative Order— of one sea and become merged together as > the rudiments of the future all-enfolding the rays of Thine effulgent Light; that our > Baha’i Commonwealth—is destined to mani­ thoughts, our views, our feelings may be­ > fest, can these utterances of Baha’u’llah come as one reality, manifesting the spirit > allude: 'The world’s equilibrium hath been of union throughout the world. Thou art > upset through the vibrating influence of the Gracious, the Bountiful, the Bestower, > this most great, this new World Order. the Almighty, the Merciful, the Compas­ > Mankind’s ordered life hath been revolu­ sionate.” ’ > tionized through the agency of this unique, "In the Most Holy Book is revealed:— > this wondrous System— the like of which 'The Lord hath ordained that in every city > mortal eyes have never witnessed. . . ” a House of Justice be established wherein > 2. On its local and national institu­ shall gather counsellors to the number of > tions:— Bahá, and should it exceed this number it > "A perusal of some of the words of Bahá’- does not matter. It behooveth them to be > u’llah and ťAbdu’l-Bahá on the duties and the trusted ones of the Merciful among men > functions of the Spiritual Assemblies in ev­ and to regard themselves as the guardians > ery land (later to be designated as the local appointed of God for all that dwell on earth. > Houses of Justice), emphatically reveals the It is incumbent upon them to take counsel > sacredness of their nature, the wide scope of together and to have regard for the interests > their activity, and the grave responsibility of the servants of God, for His sake, even > which rests upon them. as they regard their own interests, and to > "Addressing the members of the Spiritual choose that which is meet and seemly. Thus > Assembly in Chicago, the Master reveals the hath the Lord your God commanded you. > following:— 'Whenever ye enter the council- Beware lest ye put away that which is clearly > chamber, recite this prayer with a heart revealed in His Tablet. Fear God, O ye that > throbbing with the love of God and a perceive.’ > tongue purified from all but His remem­ "Furthermore, ťAbdu’l-Bahá reveals the > brance, that the All-powerful may graciously following:— 'It is incumbent upon every one > aid you to achieve supreme victory:—"O not to take any step without consulting the > God, my God! We are servants of Thine Spiritual Assembly, and they must assuredly > that have turned with devotion to Thy Holy obey with heart and soul its bidding and be > Face, that have detached ourselves from all submissive unto it, that things may be > beside Thee in this glorious Day. We have properly ordered and well arranged. Other­ > gathered in this spiritual assembly, united in wise every person will act independently > our views and thoughts, with our purposes and after his own judgment, will follow his > harmonized to exalt Thy Word amidst man­ own desire, and do harm to the Cause.’ > kind. O Lord, our God! Make us the signs " 'The prime requisites for them that take > of Thy Divine Guidance, the Standards of counsel together are purity of motive, radi­ > Thy exalted Faith amongst men, servants to ance of spirit, detachment from all else save > Thy mighty Covenant. O Thou our Lord God, attraction to His Divine Fragrances, > Most High! Manifestations of Thy Divine humility and lowliness amongst His loved > Unity in Thine Abhá Kingdom, and re­ ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul­ > splendent stars shining upon all regions. ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold. > Lord! Aid us to become seas surging with Should they be graciously aided to acquire > the billows of Thy wondrous Grace, streams these attributes, victory from the unseen > flowing from Thy all-glorious Heights, Kingdom of Bahá shall be vouchsafed to > goodly fruits upon the Tree of Thy heav­ them. In this day, assemblies of consultation > enly Cause, trees waving through the are of the greatest importance and a vital > breezes of Thy Bounty in Thy celestial Vine­ necessity. Obedience unto them is essential > yard. O God! Make our souls dependent and obligatory. The members thereof must > upon the Verses of Thy Divine Unity, our take counsel together in such wise that no > hearts cheered with the outpourings of Thy occasion for ill-feeling or discord may arise. > THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY > > This can be attained when every member of estrangement prevail the result shall be > expresseth with absolute freedom his own darkness upon darkness. . . . If this be so > opinion and setteth forth his argument. regarded, that assembly shall be of God, but > Should any one oppose, he must on no ac­ otherwise it shall lead to coolness and aliena­ > count feel hurt for not until matters are tion that proceed from the Evil One. Discus­ > fully discussed can the right way be revealed. sions must all be confined to spiritual matters > The shining spark of truth cometh forth, that pertain to the training of souls, the in­ > only after the clash of differing opinions. If struction of children, the relief of the poor, > after discussion, a decision be carried unan­ the help of the feeble throughout all classes > imously, well and good; but if, the Lord in the world, kindness to all peoples, the > forbid, differences of opinion should arise, diffusion of the fragrances of God and the > a majority of voices must prevail.’ exaltation of His Holy Word. Should they > "Enumerating the obligations incumbent endeavor to fulfill these conditions the Grace > upon the members of consulting councils, of the Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto > the Beloved reveals the following:— 'The them, and that assembly shall become the > first condition is absolute love and harmony center of the Divine blessings, the hosts of > amongst the members of the assembly. They Divine confirmation shall come to their aid, > must be wholly free from estrangement and and they shall day by day receive a new > must manifest in themselves the Unity of effusion of Spirit.’ > God, for they are the waves of one sea, the "So great is the importance and so supreme > drops of one river, the stars of one heaven, is the authority of these assemblies that once > the rays of one sun, the trees of one orchard, ‘Abdu’l-Baha after having Himself and in > the flowers of one garden. Should harmony His own handwriting corrected the transla­ > of thought and absolute unity be non-exist­ tion made into Arabic of the Ishráqát (the > ent, that gathering shall be dispersed and Effulgences) by Sheikh Faraj, a Kurdish > that assembly be brought to naught. The friend from Cairo, directed him in a Tablet > second condition:— They must when coming to submit the above-named translation to > together turn their faces to the Kingdom on the Spiritual Assembly of Cairo, that he may > high and ask aid from the Realm of Glory. seek from them before publication their > They must then proceed with the utmost approval and consent. These are His very > devotion, courtesy, dignity, care and mod­ words in that Tablet:— 'His honor, Sheikh > eration to express their views. They must in Faraju’llah, has here rendered into Arabic > every matter search out the truth and not with greatest care the Ishráqát and yet I > insist upon their own opinion, for stubborn­ have told him that he must submit his > ness and persistence in one’s views will lead version to the Spiritual Assembly of Egypt, > ultimately to discord and wrangling and the and I have conditioned its publication upon > truth will remain hidden. The honored the approval of the above-named Assembly. > members must with all freedom express their This is so that things may be arranged in an > own thoughts, and it is in no wise permissible orderly manner, for should it not be so any > for one to belittle the thought of another, one may translate a certain Tablet and print > nay, he must with moderation set forth the and circulate it on his own account. Even > truth, and should differences of opinion arise a non-believer might undertake such work, > a majority of voices must prevail, and all and thus cause confusion and disorder. If > must obey and submit to the majority. It is it be conditioned, however, upon the ap­ > again not permitted that any one of the proval of the Spiritual Assembly, a transla­ > honored members object to or censure, tion prepared, printed and circulated by a > whether in or out of the meeting, any de­ non-believer will have no recognition what­ > cision arrived at previously, though that de­ ever.’ > cision be not right, for such criticism would "This is indeed a clear indication of the > prevent any decision from being enforced. Master’s express desire that nothing what­ > In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in ever should be given to the public by any > harmony and with love and purity of motive, individual among the friends, unless fully > its result is light, and should the least trace considered and approved by the Spiritual > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 103 > > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Leland Stanford University, October 8, 1912. > > Assembly in his locality; and if this (as is and efficient working of the spiritual activi­ > undoubtedly the case) is a matter that per­ ties of His loved ones. > tains to the general interest of the Cause "Large issues in such spiritual activities > in that land, then it is incumbent upon the that affect the Cause in general in that land, > Spiritual Assembly to submit it to the con­ such as the management of the "Star of the > sideration and approval of the national body West” and any periodical which the National > representing all the various local assemblies. Body may decide to be a Bahá’í organ, the > Not only with regard to publication, but matter of publication, of reprinting Bahá’í > all matters without any exception whatso­ literature and its distribution among the > ever, regarding the interests of the Cause in various assemblies, the means whereby the > that locality, individually or collectively, teaching campaign may be stimulated and > should be referred exclusively to the Spiritual maintained, the work of the Mashriqu’l- > Assembly in that locality, which shall de­ Adhkár, the racial question in relation to the > cide upon it, unless it be a matter of national Cause, the matter of receiving Orientals and > interest, in which case it shall be referred association with them, the care and mainte­ > to the national body. With this national nance of the precious film exhibiting a > body also will rest the decision whether a phase of the Master’s sojourn in the United > given question is of local or national interest. States of America as well as the original > (By national affairs is not meant matters matrix and the records of His voice, and > that are political in their character, for the various other national spiritual activities, > friends of God the world over are strictly far from being under the exclusive jurisdic­ > forbidden to meddle with political affairs in tion of any local assembly or group of > any way whatever, but rather things that friends, must each be minutely and fully > affect the spiritual activities of the body of directed by a special board, elected by the > the friends in that land.) National Body, constituted as a committee > "Full harmony, however, as well as co­ thereof, responsible to it and upon which > operation among the various local assemblies the National Body shall exercise constant > and the members themselves, and particu­ and general supervision. . . . > larly between each assembly and the national "Regarding the establishment of 'National > body, is of the utmost importance, for upon Assemblies/ it is of vital importance that in > it depends the unity of the Cause of God, every country, where the conditions are > the solidarity of the friends, the full, speedy favorable and the number of the friends has > 104 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > grown and reached a considerable size, such once a year, obviously assumes grave respon­ > as America, Great Britain and Germany, sibilities, for it has to exercise full authority > that a 'National Spiritual Assembly’ be im­ over all the local Assemblies in its province, > mediately established, representative of the and will have to direct the activities of the > friends throughout that country.” friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, > "Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, and control and supervise the affairs of the > unify and coordinate by frequent personal Movement in general. > consultations, the manifold activities of the "Vital issues, affecting the interests of the > friends as well as the local Assemblies; and Cause in that country such as the matter > by keeping in close and constant touch with of translation and publication, the Mashrithe Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct qu’l-Adhkár, the Teaching Work, and other > in general the affairs of the Cause in that similar matters that stand distinct from > country. strictly local affairs, must be under the full > "It serves also another purpose, no less jurisdiction of the National Assembly. > essential than the first, as in the course of "It will have to refer each of these ques­ > time it shall evolve into the National House tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a > of Justice (referred to in ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s special Committee, to be elected by the > Will as the "secondary House of Justice” ), members of the National Spiritual Assembly, > which according to the explicit text of the from among all the friends in that country, > Testament will have, in conjunction with which will bear to it the same relation as the > the other National Assemblies throughout local committees bear to their respective > the Baha’i world, to elect directly the mem­ local Assemblies. > bers of the International House of Justice, "W ith it, too, rests the decision whether > that Supreme Council that will guide, or­ a certain point at issue is strictly local in its > ganize and unify the affairs of the Movement nature, and should be reserved for the con­ > throughout the world. sideration and decision of the local Assembly, > "It is expressly recorded in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s or whether it should fall under its own > Writings that these National Assemblies province and be regarded as a matter which > must be indirectly elected by the friends; ought to receive its special attention. The > that is, the friends in every country must National Spiritual Assembly will also decide > elect a certain number of delegates, who in upon such matters which in its opinion > their turn will elect from among all the should be referred to the Holy Land for > friends in that country the members of the consultation and decision. > National Spiritual Assembly. In such coun­ "W ith these Assemblies, local as well as > tries, therefore, as America, Great Britain national, harmoniously, vigorously, and > and Germany, a fixed number of secondary efficiently functioning throughout the Baha’i > electors must first be decided upon. . . . The world, the only means for the establishment > friends then in every locality where the of the Supreme House of Justice will have > number of adult declared believers exceeds been secured. And when this Supreme Body > nine must directly elect its quota of second­ will have been properly established, it will > ary electors assigned to it in direct proportion have to consider afresh the whole situation, > to its numerical strength. These secondary and lay down the principle which shall di­ > electors will then, either through corres­ rect, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs > pondence, or preferably by gathering to­ of the Cause. . . . > gether, and first deliberating upon the affairs "The need for the centralization of > of the Cause throughout their country (as authority in the National Spiritual Assem­ > the delegates to the Convention), elect from bly, and the concentration of power in the > among all the friends in that country nine various local Assemblies, is made manifest > who will be the members of the National when we reflect that the Cause of Baha’u’- > Spiritual Assembly. lláh is still in its age of tender growth and in > "This National Spiritual Assembly, which, a stage of transition; when we remember > pending the establishment of the Universal that the full implications and the exact > House of Justice, will have to be re-elected significance of the Master’s world-wide in- > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 105 > > structions, as laid down in His Will, are as The newly elected National Assembly, dur­ > yet not fully grasped, and the whole Move­ ing the few days when the Convention is in > ment has not sufficiently crystallized in the session and after the dispersal of the dele­ > eyes of the world. gates, should seek ways and means to culti­ > "It is our primary task to keep the most vate understanding, facilitate and maintain > vigilant eye on the manner and character of the exchange of views, deepen confidence, > its growth, to combat effectively the forces and vindicate by every tangible evidence > of separation and of sectarian tendencies, lest their one desire to serve and advance the > the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity common weal. Not infrequently, nay often­ > be threatened, its Teachings suffer corrup­ times, the most lowly, untutored and inex­ > tion; lest extreme orthodoxy on one hand, perienced among the friends will, by the > and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause sheer inspiring force of selfless and ardent > it to deviate from that Straight Path which devotion, contribute a distinct and memor­ > alone can lead it to success. . . . able share to a highly involved discussion in > "Hitherto the National Convention has any given Assembly. Great must be the > been primarily called together for the con­ regard paid by those whom the delegates > sideration of the various circumstances at­ call upon to serve in high position to this > tending the election of the National Spiritual all-important though inconspicuous manifes­ > Assembly. I feel, however, that in view of tation of the revealing power of sincere and > the expansion and the growing importance earnest devotion. > of the administrative sphere of the Cause, "The National Spiritual Assembly, how­ > the general sentiments and tendencies pre­ ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations > vailing among the friends, and the signs of imposed upon the convening of frequent and > increasing interdependence among the N a­ long-standing sessions of the Convention, > tional Spiritual Assemblies throughout the will have to retain in its hands the final de­ > world, the assembled accredited representa­ cision on all matters that affect the interests > tives of the American believers should ex­ of the Cause in America, such as the right to > ercise not only the vital and responsible right decide whether any local Assembly is func­ > of electing the National Assembly, but tioning in accordance with the principles > should also fulfill the functions of an en­ laid down for the conduct and advancement > lightened, consultative and cooperative body of the Cause. It is my earnest prayer that > that will enrich the experience, enhance the they will utilize their highly responsible > prestige, support the authority, and assist position, not only for the wise and efficient > the deliberations of the National Spiritual conduct of the affairs of the Cause, but also > Assembly. It is my firm conviction that it for the extension and deepening of the spirit > is the bounden duty, in the interest of the of cordiality and wholehearted and mutual > Cause we all love and serve, of the members support in their cooperation with the body > of the incoming National Assembly, once of their co-workers throughout the land. > elected by the delegates at Convention time, The seating of delegates to the Convention, > to seek and have the utmost regard, individu­ i.e., the right to decide upon the validity of: > ally as well as collectively, for the advice, the credentials of the delegates at a given > the considered opinion and the true senti­ Convention, is vested in the outgoing N a­ > ments of the assembled delegates. Banishing tional Assembly, and the right to decide who > every vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence, has the voting privilege is also ultimately > of dictatorial aloofness, from their midst, placed in the hands of the National Spiritual > they should radiantly and abundantly unfold Assembly, either when a local Spiritual As­ > to the eyes of the delegates, by whom they sembly is being for the first time formed in > are elected, their plans, their hopes, and their a given locality, or when differences arise > cares. They should familiarize the delegates between a new applicant and an already > with the various matters that will have tq established local Assembly. While the Con­ > be considered in the current year, and calmly vention is in session and the accredited dele­ > and conscientiously study and weigh the gates have already elected from among the > opinions and judgments of the delegates. believers throughout the country the mem- > 106 THE B A H Á ’Í C E N T E N A R Y > > bers of the National Spiritual Assembly for slightest degree from the position which each > the current year, it is of infinite value and a of these institutions occupies. Far from be­ > supreme necessity that as far as possible all ing incompatible or mutually destructive, > matters requiring immediate decision should they supplement each other’s authority and > be fully and publicly considered, and an en­ functions, and are permanently and funda­ > deavor be made to obtain after mature de­ mentally united in their aims. > liberation, unanimity in vital decisions. "Divorced from the institution of the > Indeed, it has ever been the cherished desire Guardianship the World Order of BaháV­ > of our Master, ťAbdu’l-Bahá, that the friends lláh would be mutilated and permanently > in their councils, local as well as national, deprived of that hereditary principle which, > should by their candor, their honesty of as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written, has been in­ > purpose, their singleness of mind, and the variably upheld by the Law of God. 'In all > thoroughness of their discussions, achieve the Divine Dispensations/ He states, in a > unanimity in all things. Should this in cer­ Tablet addressed to a follower of the Faith > tain cases prove impracticable the verdict in Persia, 'the eldest son hath been given > of the majority should prevail, to which extraordinary distinctions. Even the station > decision the minority must under all circum­ of prophethood hath been his birthright.’ > stances, gladly, spontaneously and continu­ W ithout such an institution the integrity of > ally, submit. the Faith would be imperilled, and the sta­ > "Nothing short of the all-encompassing, bility of the entire fabric would be gravely > all-pervading power of His Guidance and endangered. Its prestige would suffer, the > Love can enable this newly-enfolded order means required to enable it to take a long, > to gather strength and flourish amid the an uninterrupted view over á series of gen­ > storm and stress of a turbulent age, and in erations would be completely lacking, and > the fulness of time vindicate its high claim the necessary guidance to define the sphere > to be universally recognized as the one of the legislative action of its elected repre­ > Haven of abiding felicity and peace.” sentatives would be totally withdrawn. > 3. On its international institutions:— "Severed from the no less essential insti­ > "It should be stated, at the very outset, tution of the Universal House of Justice this > in clear and unambiguous language, that same System of the Will of ťAbdu’l-Bahá > these twin institutions of the Administrative would be paralyzed in its action and would > Order of BaháVlláh should be regarded as be powerless to fill in those gaps which the > divine in origin, essential in their functions Author of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas has deliberately > and complementary in their aim and purpose. left in the body of His legislative and ad­ > Their common, their fundamental object is ministrative ordinances. > to insure the continuity of that divinely- " 'He is the Interpreter of the Word of > appointed authority which flows from the God,’ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, referring to the func­ > Source of our Faith, to safeguard the unity tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts, > of its followers and to maintain the integrity using in His Will the very term which He > and flexibility of its teachings. Acting in Himself had chosen when refuting the argu­ > conjunction with each other these two in­ ment of the Covenant-breakers who had > separable institutions administer its affairs, challenged His right to interpret the utter­ > coordinate its activities, promote its interests, ances of BaháVlláh. 'After him,’ He adds, > execute its laws and defend its subsidiary 'will succeed the first-born of his lineal de­ > institutions. Severally, each operates within scendants.’ 'The mighty stronghold,’ He > a clearly defined sphere of jurisdiction; each further explains, 'shall remain impregnable > is equipped with its own attendant institu­ and safe through obedience to him who is > tions—instruments designed for the effective the Guardian of the Cause of God.’ 'It is in­ > discharge of its particular responsibilities cumbent upon the members of the House of > and duties. Each exercises, within the limita­ Justice, upon all the Aghsán, the Afnán, the > tions imposed upon it, its powers, its au­ Hands of the Cause of God, to show their > thority, its rights and prerogatives. These obedience, submissiveness and subordination > are neither contradictory, nor detract in the unto the Guardian of the Cause of God.’ > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 107 > > " 'It is incumbent upon the members of terpretation of the Guardian, functioning > the House of Justice/ Bahá5u5lláh, on the within his own sphere, is as authoritative > other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of and binding as the enactments of the Inter­ > the Exálted Paradise, 'to take counsel to­ national House of Justice, whose exclusive > gether regarding those things which have right and prerogative is to pronounce upon > not outwardly been revealed in the Book, and deliver the final judgment on such laws > and to enforce that which is agreeable to and ordinances as Bahá5u5lláh has not ex­ > them. God will verily inspire them with pressly revealed. Neither can, nor will ever, > whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is the infringe upon the sacred and prescribed do­ > Provider, the Omniscient.5 'Unto the Most main of the other. Neither will seek to > Holy Book5 (the Kitáb-i-Aqdas), ‘Abdu’l- curtail the specific and undoubted authority > Bahá states in His Will, 'every one must with which both have been divinely in­ > turn, and all that is not expressly recorded vested. . . . > therein must be referred to the Universal "Let no one, while this System is still in > House of Justice. That which this body, its infancy, misconceive its character, be­ > whether unanimously or by a majority doth little its significance or misrepresent its pur­ > carry, that is verily the truth and the pur­ pose. The bedrock on which this Adminis­ > pose of God Himself. Whoso doth deviate trative Order is founded is God5s immutable > therefrom is verily of them that love discord, Purpose for mankind in this day. The Source > hath shown forth malice, and turned away from which it derives its inspiration is no > from the Lord of the Covenant.5 less than Bahá5u5lláh Himself. Its shield > "N ot only does ‘Abdu’l-Baha confirm in and defender are the embattled hosts of the > His Will Bahá5u5lláh5s above-quoted state­ Abhá Kingdom. Its seed is the blood of no > ment, but invests this body with the addi­ less than twenty thousand martyrs who have > tional right and power to abrogate, accord­ offered up their lives that it may be born > ing to the exigencies of time, its own enact­ and flourish. The axis round which its in­ > ments, as well as those of a preceding House stitutions revolve are the authentic provi­ > of Justice. 'Inasmuch as the House of sions of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l- > Justice,5 is His explicit statement in His Bahá. Its guiding principles are the truths > Will, 'hath power to enact laws that are not which He Who is the unerring Interpreter > expressly recorded in the Book and bear upon of the teachings of our Faith has so clearly > daily transactions, so also it hath power to enunciated in His public addresses through­ > repeal the same . . . This it can do because out the West. The laws that govern its > these laws form no part of the divine ex­ operation and limit its functions are those > plicit text.5 which have been expressly ordained in the > "Referring to both the Guardian and the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. The seat round which its > Universal House of Justice we read these spiritual, its humanitarian and administrative > emphatic words: 'The sacred and youthful activities will cluster are the Mashriqu’l- > Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, Adhkár and its Dependencies. The pillars > as well as the Universal House of Justice to that sustain its authority and buttress its > be universally elected and established, are structure are the twin institutions of the > both under the care and protection of the Guardianship and of the Universal House of > Abhá Beauty, under the shelter and unerring Justice. The central, the underlying aim > guidance of the Exalted One (the Báb) which animates it is the establishment of > (may my life be offered up for them both). the New World Order as adumbrated by > Whatsoever they decide is of God.5 Bahá5u5lláh. The methods it employs, the > "From these statements it is made in­ standard it inculcates, incline it to neither > dubitably clear and evident that the Guard­ East nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, > ian of the Faith has been made the Interpre­ neither rich nor poor, neither white nor > ter of the Word and that the Universal colored. Its watchword is the unification of > House of Justice has been invested with the the human race; its standard the 'Most Great > function of legislating on matters not ex­ Peace5; its consummation the advent of that > pressly revealed in the teachings. The in­ golden millennium— the Day when the king- > > The interior of the Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Mount > Carmel. > > doms of this world shall have become the "inception of the Kingdom.” Around its con­ > Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom of struction devotedly gathered the American > BaháVlláh.” friends. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá approved their action > Fifty years have passed since the Cause in setting up a religious corporation to hold > of BaháVUáh was first brought to North title to the property and provide a basis for > America. Three generations of believers have collective action. In surveying those days > worked and sacrificed and prayed in order from 1904 to 1921, one realizes how, in > to produce a body of Bahá’ís large enough every stage of progress, the believers rushed > to demonstrate the principles here summar­ forward in devotion before they could per­ > ized in a few pages for the present-day ceive the full results of action or comprehend > student of these teachings. What ‘Abdu’l- the full unfoldment of their beloved Mas­ > Bahá employed as unifying element for the ter’s intention. In their hearts they knew > American community during a period before that unity is the key note of their Faith, > more than rudimentary local administrative and they were assured that the new power > bodies could be established was the construc­ of unity would augment until it encom­ > tion of the House of Worship, the Mashri- passed the whole of mankind. But as to the > qu’l-Adhkár, in Wilmette. He in fact re­ nature of world order, the foundation of > ferred to the House of Worship as the universal peace, the principles of the future > > i > ORGANIC RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY 109 > > economy, while the clear picture eluded world of spirit, striving to participate in > them, they went forward with enthusiasm to a work of supreme importance whose final > the Light. result was the laying of a foundation on > In a continent consecrated to the pioneer, which human society might raise a house of > the early American Bahd’is pioneered in the justice and a mansion of peace. > BAHA'I H E A D Q U A R T E R S > > Central Office of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd’is of the United States > and Canada, 536 Sheridan Road, Wilmette, Illinois. > > Hail historic act signalizing auspicious institutions embodying administrative ma­ > conjunction (in) heart (of) North Ameri­ chinery and incarnating (the) Soul (of the) > can continent (of the) institutions (of) Bahá’í community can release (the) effect­ > Haziratu’l-Quds (and) Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, ual prosecution (of the) Seven Year Plan > (the) twin foci (of) steadily evolving as well as (the) success (of) ultimate World > American Bahd’i community life. (The) Mission unquestionably depends. May (the) > former henceforth regarded (as) national community responsible (for the) establish­ > Seat upon which all administrative channels ment (of) these nascent institutions pro­ > (of) Bahá’í activity must increasingly con­ gressively contribute (to) acceleration (of) > verge. (The) latter permanently recognized their growth and derive fullest benefit > (as) ordained Source from which rays (of) (from) their eventual fruition. > spiritual guidance will radiate. Upon (the) Sh o g h i R a b b a n i . > vigorous, constant inter-action (of the) Haifa, > dynamic forces which these complementary October 1, 1939. > BAHA'I P R O P E R T I E S > > A f t e r the adoption of the Declaration Among the many messages Miss Farmer re­ > of Trust in 1927, the National Spiritual ceived from ťAbdu’l-Bahá, the following be­ > Assembly formed separate bodies of Trustees came her guiding inspiration: "You must lay > to meet the necessary legal requirements for such a foundation .so that the influence of > ownership of real estate that might be ac­ the confederation of religions and sects may > quired through purchase or by gift in dif­ permeate to all parts of the world from > ferent parts of the United States. W ith the Green Acre, and Green Acre for all future > completion of the Baha’i House of Worship, ages and cycles may become the standardand its accessory buildings and the generous bearer of the oneness of the world of hu­ > gifts of valuable properties at Green Acre, manity.” > Malden, West Englewood, Colorado Springs At the annual meeting of the Fellowship > and Geyserville, the National Spiritual As­ on August 10, 1925, it was voted to place > sembly through its Trustees has become the Green Acre under the control of the National > administrative body of a group of estates Spiritual Assembly and in 1929 an Indenture > that extend from Maine to California with of Trust was set up and title to the proper­ > a present valuation approaching two million ties transferred to the Trustees. > dollars. Besides the Temple Trusteeship, five Green Acre consists of 131.3 acres of land > more trustee properties are now maintained in five different parcels including the Inn, > and administered by the trustees for the Fellowship house, the Pines, Sunset Hill, and > benefit and use of the American Bahá’í com­ the River tract. There are also a number > munity. of cottages, an Arts and Crafts Studio and > a camp site. The gift of Mrs. Helen Ellis > G r e e n A cre > Cole of the lovely fellowship house with its > After attending the Congress of Religions furnishings in the early days was a fore­ > at the Columbian Exposition at Chicago in runner of many gifts of money and buildings > 1893, Miss Sarah J. Farmer was inspired to later on which have increased the facilities > found a center for the investigation of the of this property dedicated to the Investiga­ > reality of religions. The following year she tion of Reality. Among those to whom the > selected a beautiful site on the banks of the trustees are greatly indebted are the Randall > Piscataqua River near her home in the village family, Fred and Lorol Schopflocher for > of Eliot, Maine, for this purpose of "bring­ their gifts of the Ball Cottage, Nine Gables > ing together all who were looking earnestly and the Ole Bull cottage, Mrs. Florence > toward the New Day which seemed to be Morton for her gift of the needed Bahá’i > breaking over the entire world. The motive Hall and the many loyal friends who have > was to find the Truth, the Reality under­ contributed through the years of the struggle > lying all religious forms, and to make points and growth of this lovely center blessed by > of contact in order to promote the unity the Master’s presence. > necessary for the ushering in of the coming > W il h e l m T r u st > Day of God.” > In 1900 Miss Farmer made a pilgrimage On June 29, 1912, ťAbdu’l-Bahá invited > to ‘Akká, and from that time on the Fellow­ a number of friends to the home of the > ship, which was established to run this Wilhelm family at West Englewood, New > property which she named Green Acre, Jersey, to partake with Him in a feast of > gradually became imbued with the Baha’i fellowship. After serving the guests with His > ideals and the desire to have Green Acre own hands, the Master said in part: "Such > eventually become the reflection of the plain gatherings as this have no likeness or equal > of ‘Akká and the center of Baha’i activity. in the world of mankind where people are > 112 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > drawn together by physical motives or in Coast. As long ago as 1910, Mr. Bosch wrote > furtherance of material interests, for this to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá of his desire to dedicate this > meeting is a prototype of that inner and property,—just 75 miles north of San Fran­ > complete spiritual association in the eternal cisco on the famous Redwood Highway, > world of being . . . Hundreds of thousands comprising 37 acres, with fruit orchards, a > of meetings shall be held to commemorate redwood grove, a lovely home with many > such an assembly as this, and the very words accessory buildings and a water system,—to > I utter to you on this occasion shall be the universal service of the Bahd’i Faith, that > reiterated by them in the ages to come.” it might become a center of spiritual enlight­ > Since that day, an annual souvenir has enment to seekers after Truth. > been held on this blessed spot in remembrance In the ninth year after the establishment > of this meeting. Some years after that mem­ of the school, Mr. and Mrs. Bosch conveyed > orable event, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm erected title to this property to the Trustees, reserv­ > a large log cabin and named it Evergreen ing a life occupancy and use and this In­ > Cabin. It became a center of Baha’i activi­ denture was recorded on November 25, 193 5 > ties and for a number of years was the head­ in the Book of Records of Sonoma County, > quarters of the National Spiritual Assembly. California. Mr. Bosch surveyed part of this > Directly below the cabin lies the pine grove land on the hill-side for building sites for > where the Master gave his never-to-be-for­ summer cottages and two have already been > gotten Feast. This site according to the erected by Bahd’i families. > Guardian’s instructions will have the only In 1936 an attractive Hall made of rustic > Memorial commemorating ‘Abdu’l-Bah^’s redwood and completely equipped with > visit to North America. chairs and kitchen was erected and presented > On March 9, 1935, Mr. Wilhelm executed to the Trustees by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. > an Indenture of Trust, transferring Ever­ Collins and the following year these two de­ > green Cabin, its furnishings and the two voted friends of the Faith gave a two-story > lots comprising the pine grove to the Trus­ dormitory built of corresponding rustic > tees for the benefit of the National Spiritual material and completely equipped with beds, > Assembly. Later he deeded over a two story furniture, curtains, and bedding to take care > house adjoining the Cabin and in 1942 he of the ever-increasing number of students > transferred title to the Wilhelm home to­ and guests. > gether with five additional lots located at The generosity of these four friends has > Alicia Avenue and Evergreen Place in been greatly appreciated by the Trustees, > memory of his parents J. Otis and Lourie A. who have made constant contributions to­ > Wilhelm. In addition, Mr. Wilhelm has ward the maintenance and insurance costs > carried the maintenance costs of taxes, in­ of this valuable property. > surance, etc. as an additional gift to the > W ilson T rust > Trustees. > The Trustees are also indebted to Mr. and In 1900 Miss Maria P. Wilson visited > Mrs. Walter Goodfellow for the gift of two ťAbdu’l-Bahá at ‘Akká in company with > adjoining lots in 1937 and the trustees have Miss Sarah Farmer, and then returned again > recently received word from the heirs of a few years later. On the occasion of her > the James estate that two lots held by them second pilgrimage, the Master said to her: > will be turned over to the Trustees, thus "When I come to America I will visit you.” > completing the ownership of this valuable In August, 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Baha chpse the > property dedicated to the memory of the home of Miss Wilson in Malden, Massachu­ > Master. setts, to spend a week or two after his visit > to Green Acre. Upon his return to Haifa, > Bosch T rust > he wrote to Miss Wilson saying "Thy house > In the year 1927., Mr. and Mrs. John D. became my abode and my home. Many days > Bosch made their ranch home and facilities were spent in that home with the utmost > at Geyserville, California, available for the joy and fragrance. The mention of ‘Ya > first Bahd’i summer school on the West Baha’ul Abha’ was raised from it and we > B A H A ’I PROPERTIES 113 > > spread the religion of God. In reality that The plan for the dedication and use of > home is my home, therefore the mention of this property was approved by the Guardian > God must always be raised from it.” in a letter on December 14, 1938 to Mrs. > When Miss Wilson passed to the heavenly Mathews in which he stated: "The Guardian > world in 1930 she left a will bequeathing feels also deeply appreciative of your gener­ > this home to Shoghi Effendi, who took title ous offering to the N.S.A. of your ranch in > to the property and asked the National As­ Colorado Springs. Your idea to turn this > sembly to look after it for him. In the Fall property into a training school for Interof 1^35, the Guardian executed a deed of America teaching work, he feels, is splendid.” > trust conveying this house to the Trustees On October 30, 1939, the Indenture to > and the indenture was recorded on Septem­ this property was recorded in the Registry > ber 27, 193 5 in the Middlesex Registry of of Deeds, County of El Paso, Colorado and > Deeds. Since that time this house has been since that time all maintenance costs have > improved and held in trust in compliance been borne by Mr. and Mrs. Mathews, who > with the Master’s statement "to take care have conducted a summer session each year > of that house because the light of the love to promote the teaching work in Central and > of God was ignited in it.” South America. > As the Centenary of the Bahd’i Faith > M athews T rust > draws near, the friends may justly rejoice > The American Bahd’i community became at the manifest evidences of the growth and > the recipient of another munificent gift of consolidation of its many activities in the > property, when Mrs. Loulie Albee Mathews western world which are facilitated by these > executed an Indenture of Trust on Septem­ properties, when they contrast this present > ber 4, 1939, conveying title to Temerity condition with the eventful first Bahá’1 Con­ > Ranch in Pine Valley, a few miles from vention in 1909 when two lots in the Village > Colorado Springs to the Trustees reserving of Wilmette, costing $2000.00 and a cash > right of use and occupancy during her life. fund of $3,655.44 were turned over to the > This property consists of 19.2 acres, a beauti­ first corporate body, the Bahá’í Temple > ful house, Library, and accessory buildings, Unity, for the purchase of more land for the > a water plant, fine roads and fences and Temple site,— for these properties now serve > attractive grounds. the entire American Bahá’í community. > PART FIVE > > T H E BAHÁT H O U S E O F W O R S H I P > > The Baha’i House of Worship. > > T h e completion of the exterior ornamen­ the easterner it conveys the effect of occi­ > tation of the Bahá’í House of Worship dis­ dental tradition. The Baha’i Temple blends > closes a physical edifice impressive in size, and harmonizes, without artificial effort, > striking in architecture, and superb in its many of the creative elements which char­ > clear white surface carved to the pattern of acterize the historical cultures of mankind. > symbolic design. What is familiar acquires new significance > In appearance the structure suggests to by association with what has been remote > the western mind an oriental influence. To and strange. The essential spirit of this > THE B A H Á ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP 115 > > edifice is too universal to be confined within effect of finality and resignation emanating > the form and mold of any race or creed. from domed structures into the upward > Here the utilitarian function of structure thrust of aspiration fulfilled in answered > has become esthetically fulfilled in the prayer. > achievement of a means suitable for unified In the solution of the unique problem set > worship of the one true God. A sense of the for him in designing this house of worship > living cosmos attaches to the building, as if of a world faith, the architect has been less > the architect had striven, with physical the conventional draftsman than the sculp­ > material, to encompass a holy place, and had tor. One feels that his material has not > learned measure and proportion, height and been arranged by thought but subdued by > depth, stillness and motion, by observation will. He has wrestled with titans of atheism > of the flight of suns and stars through the and anarchy; he has struggled through > heavenly world. Outwardly the House of jungles of materialism. It is in the essence > Worship reflects a passionate, yet reverent of spiritual victory that he achieved this > spiritual reality, embodying a fullness of structure of massive weight, immovable > welcome, a certitude of truth, and an in­ power, patterned motion and soaring alti­ > tegrity of peace which the soul of religion tude, to provide a shrine for the mention of > contains before faith is darkened by doctrine God. > and narrowed by creed. Having designed the structure, the archi­ > tect then proceeded to treat each wall as if > Features of Its Design > it were a facet for the transmission of radiant > Certain important elements of design in light from the sun to the interior, and from > harmonious relationship compose the dy­ illumination inside the temple to the world > namic nature of the unity which this kingly at night. The outer surface is, in reality, a > jewel of temples exemplifies. series of patterned windows, for the physical > The edifice rests upon a great platform, function of wall has been transferred to > circular in shape, surrounded by eighteen pylon, tower, rib and column. These ele­ > ascending steps. From this foundation rises ments carry the weight. The surface be­ > a nine-sided architectural unit, the main tween these elements can therefore become > story, each side constituting an entrance a medium for light and not its interference. > arch buttressed by pylons or towers. The This intention has been realized through the > nine symmetrical sides form a series of con­ development of architectural concrete, a > cave arcs intersecting the line of the circle process by which in plastic condition a mix­ > marked by the towers. This main story be­ ture of white quartz and cement has been > comes, in its turn, a platform supporting the poured into molds made from hand-carved > gallery, the clerestory and the dome. The models, emerging as units of a surface hard > gallery unit, likewise nine-sided, sets back and enduring as granite, clear in texture, > from the circumference of the main story. and bearing a design delicate as lace. > It repeats the effect of the entrance arches > Symbol of a New Era > below in its series of nine window arches, > but the nine smaller towers of this level do The Bahd’i Temple at Wilmette, Illinois, > not coincide vertically with the nine pylons has not arisen as the meeting place of a local > below. They rise at points midway between congregation. It is the central shrine and > the lower pylons, and their coincidence is house of worship of the followers of Baha’u’- > with the perpendicular lines formed by the lláh in North America. In the western > nine ribs which spring from the base of the world, this edifice is the first public expres­ > clerestory to meet above the top of the dome. sion made by the believers of the creative > Clerestory and dome, set back from the energy and spiritual aims of the Faith of > outer line of the gallery, form circles and Baháhťlláh. Its construction, however, has > not nonagons, their circumference being been made possible by the contributions > divided into nine convex arcs by the ribs. given by Bahd’is of Europe, Asia and Africa, > The dome itself is a hemisphere, but the Australia and New Zealand, as well as of the > great ribs meeting above it transform the United States, Canada, and South America. > 116 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > The undertaking has been a world project in My heaven I may remember thee.” > when one realizes that the Baha’i community "O rich ones on earth! The poor in your > of East and West is representative, in the midst-are My trust; guard ye My Trust.” > racial and religious background of its mem­ "The source of all learning is the knowl­ > bers, of the diverse families of mankind. The edge of God, exalted be His glory.” . > period of time covered by the undertaking, The Bahá’í Temple expresses the renewal > from the original intention to the completion of religion. It realizes a faith which relates > of the structure and its exterior decoration, the soul to a universal, a revealed and a divine > has been about forty years. truth wherein all human beings, of whatever > During this period of time the nature of race, class or creed, can meet and share the > man’s collective life has been transformed. true equality emanating from their common > The authority and control of ancient religion dependence upon God. It serves a teaching > over human destiny has failed. Royal and which goes beyond all the social philosophies > imperial thrones have toppled to the dust. to make possible a world order capable not > Aggressive social philosophies, nurtured in only of coordinating and guiding economic > class conflict intensified by the industrial effort but also of safeguarding and fostering > revolution, have become the creed and hope the highest qualities of man. Bahá’u’lláh > of millions of men. National sovereignty, declared the oneness of mankind, a spiritual > the particular spiritual achievement of the creation inaugurating the universal era of > old era, the most potent instrument for in­ knowledge, justice and peace which ancient > ternal order yet created, has encountered the Prophets foretold and promised the people > world spirit of the new cycle, refusing so would come. > far to subdue itself to the higher sovereignty "There can be no doubt whatever that the > of truth. Under the impact of two inter­ peoples of the world,” He has written, "of > national wars, a major depression and many whatever race or religion, derive their in­ > domestic upheavals, the claim to self-suffi­ spiration from one heavenly Source and are > cient power and independent policy has the subjects of one God.” The theme un­ > jeopardized the very life of mankind. The folds in these clear, majestic truths:—"The > Bahd’i House of Worship, built by those utterance of God is a lamp, whose light is > who knew the destiny of these years as these words: Ye are the fruits of one tree, > clearly foretold in the Bahá’í sacred writings, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one > has reflected the spirit of the new era arising with another in the utmost love and > amidst the agony of the old. harmony. . . . So powerful is the light of > unity that it can illuminate the whole > For the Healing of All the World > earth!” "The well-being of mankind, its > The nine selected utterances of Bahá’u’- peace and security, are unattainable unless > lláh carved above the entrances of the and until its unity is firmly established. This > Temple reveal its fundamental meaning in unity can never be achieved so long as the > the life of our age: counsels which the Pen of the Most High > "The earth is but one country; and man­ hath revealed are suffered to pass unheeded.” > kind its citizens.” It sweeps to its fulfilment in this passage > "The best beloved of all things in My taken from Bahá’u’lláh’s message written to > sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if Queen Victoria of England from His prison > thou desirest Me.” in 'Akká, Palestine, more than seventy years > "My love is My stronghold; he that en- ago: "That which the Lord hath ordained > terest therein is safe and secure.” as the sovereign remedy and mightiest in­ > "Breathe not the sins of others so long as strument for the healing of all the world is > thou art thyself a sinner.” the union of all its peoples in one universal > "Thy heart is My home; sanctify it for Cause, one common Faith.” > My descent.” > The Real Temple Is the Word > "I have made death a messenger of joy to > thee; wherefore dost thou grieve?” ‘Abdu’l-Baha, eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, > "Make mention of Me on My earth that and Center of His Covenant, traveled in > THE BAHÁ1 HOUSE OF WORSHIP 117 > > America during 1912, proclaiming the plicity has proved elusive. They consider > Bahá’í teachings and promulgating the prin­ that elaborate complication is required, as > ciples of universal peace. On one occasion if universality were obtained by adding to­ > He addressed a national gathering of Baha’is gether all things that are not universal. Thus > held at Chicago in the interests of this the view arose at one time that the Baha’i > Temple. "Among the institutes of the Holy House of Worship when completed would > Books,” \Abdu’l-Bahá said, "is that of the house the shrines and invite the ceremonies > foundation of places of worship. That is to and worship of diverse sects and creeds, > say, an edifice or temple is to be built in order arguing that tolerance of differences repre­ > that humanity might find a place of meeting, sents the final and utmost victory of divine > and this is to be conducive to unity and truth on earth. The Bahi’i Faith, having > fellowship among them. The real temple is no professional clergy, no ritualistic service, > the very Word of God; for to it all humanity but maintaining that one’s life itself is one’s > must turn and it is the center of unity for practice of faith, preserves the universality > all mankind. It is the collective center, the which came into being by divine creation > cause of accord and communion of hearts, in the Revelation of' Bahá’u’lláh unadulter­ > the sign of the solidarity of the human race, ated by sectarian influence. The Bahd’i > the source of life eternal. Temples are the recognizes the sublime truth that revealed > symbols of the divine uniting force, so that religions are fulfilled, not by the perpetua­ > when the people gather there in the House tion of creeds and sects, but by transforma­ > of God they may recall the fact that the tion into the later and larger Revelation. > law has been revealed for them and that the > Universality of Worship > law is to unite them. They will realize that > just as this temple was founded for the uni­ The Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi, > fication of mankind, the law preceding and has plainly set forth the nature of the Bahd’i > creating it came forth in the manifest Word. House of Worship in this passage of a letter > . . . That is why His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh addressed to the American Baha’is in 1929: > has commanded that a place of worship be "It should be borne in mind that the cen­ > built for all the religionists of the world; tral Edifice of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, round > that all religions, races and sects may come which in the fullness of time shall cluster > together within its universal shelter; that such institutions of social service as shall af­ > the proclamation of the oneness of mankind ford relief to the suffering, sustenance to the > shall go forth from its open courts of holi­ poor, shelter to the wayfarer, solace to the > ness; the announcement that humanity is bereaved, and education to the ignorant, > the servant of God and that all are sub­ should be regarded, apart from these De­ > merged in the ocean of His mercy. It is the pendencies, as a House solely designed and > Mashriqu’l-Adhkar.1 entirely dedicated to the worship of God in > "The world of existence may be likened accordance with the few yet definitely pre­ > to this Temple and place of worship; for scribed principles established by Baha’u’llah. > just as the external world is a place where . . . It should not be inferred, however, from > the people of all races and colors, varying this general statement that the interior of > faiths, denominations and conditions come the central Edifice itself will be converted > together,—just as they are submerged in the into a conglomeration of religious services > same sea of divine favors, so likewise all may conducted along lines associated with the > meet under the dome of the Mashriqu’l- traditional procedure obtaining in churches, > Adhkár and adore the one God in the same mosques, synagogues, and other temples of > spirit of truth; for the ages of darkness have worship. Its various avenues of approach, all > passed away and the century of light has converging towards the central Hall beneath > come.” its dome, will not serve as admittance to > For many persons universality in religion those sectarian adherents of rigid formulae > has been difficult to grasp. Its essential sim- and man-made creeds, each bent, according > 1Persian word meaning "Source of the mention to his way, to observe his rites, recite his > of God.” prayers, perform his ablutions, and display > 118 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > the particular symbols of his faith, within ance with the directions clearly set forth by > separately defined sections of Baha’u’lldh’s ‘Abdu’l-Bahd:— > Universal House of Worship. . . . The cen­ "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr must have nine > tral House of Bahd’i worship, enshrined sides, doors, fountains, paths, gateways, > with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar, will gather columns and gardens, with the ground floor, > within its chastened walls, in a serenely galleries 'and domes, and in design and con­ > spiritual atmosphere, only those who, dis­ struction it must be beautiful. The mystery > carding forever the trappings of elaborate of the edifice is great and can not be unveiled > and ostentatious ceremony, are willing wor­ yet, but its erection is the most important > shipers of the one true God, as manifested undertaking of this Day. > in this age in the Person of Bahá’u’lláh. "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr has important > "To them will the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar accessories, which are accounted of the basic > symbolize the fundamental verity underly­ foundations. These are, school for orphan > ing the Bahá’i Faith, that religious truth is children, hospital and dispensary for the > not absolute but relative, that Divine Reve­ poor, home for the incapacitated, college > lation is not final but progressive. Theirs for higher scientific education, and hospice. > will be the conviction that an all-loving and . . . When these institutions . . . are built, > ever-watchful Father Who, in the past, and the doors will be opened to all the nations > at various stages in the evolution of man­ and religions. There will be absolutely no > kind, has sent forth His Prophets as the line of demarcation drawn. Its charities will > Bearers of His Message and the Manifesta­ be dispensed irrespective of color and race. > tions of His Light to mankind, can not at Its gates will be flung wide open to mankind; > this critical period of their civilization with­ prejudice towards none, love for all. The > hold from His children the Guidance which central building will be devoted to the pur­ > they sorely need amid the darkness which pose of prayer and worship. Thus . . . re­ > has beset them, and which neither the light ligion will become harmonized with science, > of science nor that of human intellect and and science will be the handmaid of religion, > wisdom can succeed in dissipating. And thus both showering their material and spiritual > having recognized in Baha’u’llah the source gifts on all humanity.” > whence this celestial light proceeds, they will This is the new, the universal concept of > irresistibly feel attracted to seek the shelter religion which Bahd’u’llah has revealed to­ > of His House, and congregate therein un­ day: the source of faith is the Prophet, the > hampered by ceremonials and unfettered by Manifestation of God, not the man-made > creeds, to render homage to the one true God, creed, doctrine, rite, ceremony or church, > the Essence and Orb of eternal Truth, and for the will and the love of God are con­ > to exalt and magnify the name of His Mes­ veyed to humanity in each age by His > sengers and Prophets Who, from time im­ chosen and inspired Messenger; and the ex­ > memorial even unto our day, have, under pression of faith is in direct service to human > divers circumstances and in varying measure, needs, sacrifice for the sake of world peace, > mirrored forth to a dark and wayward world and consecration to the cause of the oneness > the light of heavenly Guidance.” of mankind. Belief in a sectarian creed, and > spiritual acceptance of only the fellow mem­ > Facilities for Social Service > bers of one’s own sect, with indifference for > In the foregoing explanation the Guard­ the needs and rights of the souls of all others, > ian of the Bahd’i Faith refers to a number no longer meet the needs of a world perish­ > of institutions of social service which will ing for lack of unity, and are not accepted > be associated with the completed House of as real faith by Baha’u’lldh. > Worship. In the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár the The Baha’i House of Worship, in this > modern world has been given an embodiment larger ultimate meaning, discloses the com­ > of spiritual truth in its maturity and power. ing of the universal truth able to connect, > The Bahá’í House of Worship is to have a and unify, the world’s agencies for religion > direct relation to a number of other build­ and its agencies for humanitarian service, > ings which are to be constructed in accord­ now dissociated and incapable of healing > THE B A H Á ’Í HOUSE OF WORSHIP 119 > > human ills. It joins them as one spirit per­ extending the dominion of truth. Those > meating one body. Without the body, the who still believe that the world can endure > spirit of religion has no power to act; with­ the present war, and attain lasting world > out the spirit, the body is lifeless. The Baha’i order, security and peace, without the unity > teachings condemn passive worship on the of conscience produced by mutual faith, > one hand, and action without spiritual guid­ fall behind the march of destiny together > ance on the other. with those who protest that no social form > greater than the nation is needed to safe­ > The Door of Hope > guard vital interests of the race throughout > The Baha’i teachings create a religious future time. Spiritual and social evolution > society in which all human relations are have characterized the whole course of hu­ > transformed from social to spiritual prob­ man history to this hour. Whoever denies > lems. the possibility of one organic religion and > The social problems of the age are pre­ one organic social order for humanity, de­ > dominantly political and economic. They nies the movement of life itself and places > are problems because human society is di­ his own limitations upon the will of God. > vided into nations each of which claims to For the man of true faith, however, it is > be an end and a law unto itself, and into enough to recall the ancient prayer which > classes each of which has raised an economic invoked the victory of the divine will on > theory to the level of a sovereign and ex­ earth as in heaven. > clusive principle. Nationality has become No one can close the door of hope which > a condition which overrides the fundamental 'Abdu’l-Bahá flung open in these words ad­ > humanity of all the peoples concerned, dressed to a public audience in America dur­ > asserting the superiority of political consid­ ing 1912:— > erations over ethical and moral needs. ''Religion is the outer expression of the > Similarly, economic groups uphold and pro­ divine reality. Therefore it must be living, > mote social systems without regard to the vitalized, moving and progressive. If it be > quality of human relationships experienced without motion and non-progressive it is > in relation to religion. But when human without the divine life; it is dead. The > relationships are held to be political or social divine institutes are continuously active and > problems they are removed from the realm evolutionary; therefore the revelation of > in which rational will can operate under the them must be progressive and continuous. > guidance of divine law. Only spiritual prob­ All things are subject to re-formation. This > lems can be solved, for only those issues sub­ is a century of life and renewal. Sciences > mitted to revealed truth are brought into and arts, industry and invention have been > the arena of unity. In essence, the fatal dis­ reformed. Law and ethics have been recon­ > ruption of international relations arising stituted, reorganized. The world of thought > from war and revolution is the visible sign has been regenerated. > that the instigator of strife seized a political "Will the despotism of former govern­ > instrument to express an action contravening ments answer the call for freedom which > spiritual truth and law. Outside that truth has risen from the heart of humanity in this > and law there is no solution. The result of cycle of illumination? It is evident that no > violent onslaught is eventual ruin. vital results are now forthcoming from the > That is why, when faith weakens and customs, institutions and standpoints of the > conscience grows blind, the world falls into past. In view of this, shall blind imitations > strife and confusion; for the instigator of of ancestral forms and theological inter­ > violence does not bear the entire responsi­ pretations continue to guide and control the > bility of the war. He could not hope to religious life and spiritual development of > precipitate overturn for power and profit humanity today? Shall man, gifted with > unless the moral force of the rest of the the power of reason, unthinkingly follow > world was indifferent or divided. A t such and adhere to dogma, creeds and hereditary > times, when the way is darkened, the Prophet beliefs which will not bear the analysis of > returns to mankind, renewing the law and reason in this century of effulgent reality? > 120 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > THE BAHÁ1 HOUSE OF WORSHIP 121 > > "From the seed of reality, religion has in 1912. He addressed large audiences in > grown into a tree which has put forth leaves churches of many denominations, in syna­ > and branches, blossoms and fruit. After a gogues, universities, liberal clubs and peace > time this tree has fallen into a condition societies. In these talks He created the > of decay. The leaves and blossoms have program and policy which leading indi­ > withered and perished; the tree has become viduals and institutions have taken over and > stricken and fruitless. It is not reasonable are now promoting without full realization > that man should hold to the old tree, claim­ of its spiritual source. > ing that its life forces are undiminished, its The Bahá’í House of Worship preserves > fruit unequalled, its existence eternal. The the vital truth which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá con­ > seed of reality must be sown again in human veyed as the most important element of His > hearts in order that a new tree may grow message, but which has been neglected by > therefrom and new divine fruits refresh a generation which came to believe that > the world. By this means the nations and public policy, if good and helpful, will pre­ > peoples now divergent in religion will be vail by its own impetus. What ‘Abdu’lbrought into unity, imitations will be for­ Bahá pointed out as the essential condition > saken and a universal brotherhood in the is the power of the Holy Spirit flowing > reality itself will be established. Warfare through the Manifestation. The Mashriqu’land strife will cease among mankind; all Adhkár is the monument raised by the > will be reconciled as servants of God.” Baha’is to Bahá’u’lláh, and not merely a > public testimonial to a system of liberal > The Mission of Peace > truths. > The final meaning associated with the "The body of the human world,” ‘Abdu’l- > Bahd’i Temple bears upon the means of Baha declared, "is sick. Its remedy and > attaining world order and universal peace. healing will be the oneness of the kingdom > The location of the House of Worship of humanity. Its life is the Most Great > in the central heart of North America is Peace. Its illumination and quickening is > not less important than its architectural love. Its happiness the attainment of spirit­ > design. ual perfections. It is My wish and hope > The coming of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to America that in the bounties and favors of the Blessed > in 1912 represented the working out of Perfection (i.e., Baha’u’lldh) we may find > His clear vision of the events and conditions a new life, acquire a new power and attain > which were to culminate in the establish­ to a wonderful and supreme source of > ment of peace on earth. In the process of energy so that the Most Great Peace of di­ > attainment, North America has been en­ vine intention shall be established upon the > dowed by destiny with the sublime mission foundations of the unity of the world of > of leadership among the nations. On many men with God. May the love of God be > occasions, and in weighty words, ‘Abdu’l- spread from this city, from this meeting, > Bahá explained this mission to the Ameri­ to all the surrounding countries. Nay, may > can people. The present world outlook, and America become the distributing center of > the constructive social vision, of America spiritual enlightenment and all the world > proceeds, directly and indirectly, from the receive this heavenly blessing. For America > truths which He expounded in daily meet­ has developed powers and capabilities greater > ings and interviews held for nine months and more wonderful than other nations.” > H IS T O R Y O F TEMPLE C O N S T R U C T I O N > 1 9 0 3 - r 9I 5 > > I X a VING heard enthusiastic reports of > the building of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr > tinent of America, men and women, will > strive night and day until the Mashriqu’lin ‘Ishqábád, Russia, the members of the Adhkdr is erected in the utmost solidity > Spiritual committee (better known as the and beauty.” > "House of Spirituality” ) of the Chicago And again: "Today, the establishment of > Assembly were inspired to supplicate to the the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr is of paramount im­ > Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, to portance, but hereafter it shall not be so. > grant permission for the second Mashriqu’l- This is the beginning of organization; it is > Adhkdr to be built in America. like unto the first church founded in Chris­ > On June 7, 1903, a tablet was revealed tianity; it is an expression of the elevation > in ‘Akká by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd saying, "Now of the Word of God.” > the day has arrived in which the edifice of While in London, on his first European > God, the divine sanctuary, the Spiritual trip, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd told Mr. Charles Mason > temple, shall be erected in America.” Remey that its building is the most im­ > The following words from the pen of portant of all things. This is the spiritual > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd clearly indicate the erection foundation, for that reason it is the most > of a material building: "The Mashriqu’l- important of all foundations; from that > Adhkdr, though outwardly a material foun­ spiritual foundation will come forth all > dation, is possessed of spiritual effect and manner of advancement and progress in the > causes the union of hearts and the gather­ world of humanity. Therefore, how great > ing of souls. . . . Praise be to God! The is its importance. > erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr has a To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. Ella > great effect in all grades (or states). It was G. Cooper, 'Abdu’l-Bahd said: To have it > tested in the east and so evidently and built is most important. Some material > plainly was it proved good (that) even things have spiritual effect, and the Mashri­ > when in a village a house was - called the qu’l-Adhkdr is a material thing that will > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, it possessed a different have great effect upon the spirits of the > effect. How much more its building and people. Not only does the building of the > organization.” Furthermore, He says, "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr have an effect upon > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr is the most important those who build it, but upon the whole > matter and the greatest divine institute. world. In the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, services > Consider how the first institute of His holi­ will be held every morning and the words > ness Moses, after His exodus from Egypt of Bahd’u’lldh only are to be read. > was the 'Tent of Martyrdom’ which He While in Ramleh, Egypt, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd > raised and which was the traveling temple. assured Mr. Percy Woodcock that the most > It was a tent which they pitched in the important thing in this day is the speedy > desert wherever they abode, and worshipped erection of the edifice. Its mystery is great > in it. Likewise, after His holiness Christ— and cannot be unveiled as yet. In the future > May the spirit of the world be a sacrifice it will be made plain. > to Him— the first institute by the disciples During the sojourn of Mr. and Mrs. > was a temple. They planned a church in Charles Haney in the prison home of > every country. Consider the Gospel, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, He said: When the Mashri­ > the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar qu’l-Adhkdr, with its accessories, is estab­ > will become evident. I hope that all the lished in the world, aside from its religious, > beloved of God, collectively, on the con­ or spiritual influence, it will have a tre- > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 123 > > mendous effect upon civilization. Aside a number of people are making efforts. Now > from the religionists, who will feel its in­ while the building of this temple is not yet > fluence, materialists will not be exempt started or engaged in, if there be the found­ > therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine ing of a second temple undertaken, neither > wisdom, spiritual effects upon the intellects of the two would be accomplished and this > and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection failure would weaken the Cause.” > these will become evident. Mr. Mountfort Mills received a tablet > This important point was made clear to from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saying: "The Mashri­ > a pilgrim visiting Him, namely, that the qu’l-Adhkdr of Chicago is of the greatest > organization of worshipping places is not importance. This Bahd’i temple is a supreme > simply for drawing near to God, but it is House of Worship, a place of spiritual > to concentrate the word of the spirit of God gathering and of the manifestation of di­ > and cause the power of unity and oneness vine mysteries. The friends of God must > among the people. endeavor with all their hearts and souls > Regarding the locating of this edifice of that this structure may be raised and com­ > God, ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote to the friends of pleted.” > New York City: "Concerning the erection The Center of the Covenant has written: > of the temple; now all the believers must "One must first grasp those affairs which > become united, so that the temple may be will make growth (in the Cause) and also > built soon in one place. For should the be­ be in time and season” > lievers undertake (the erection of the From the foregoing quotations it is mani­ > temple), in many places, it will not become fest that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkir is founded > completed anywhere; and as in Chicago on the "Rock of Ages,” the eternal Word > they have preceded every other place to of God, as to its object, location and appro­ > plan the erection of the temple, undoubtedly priate time for its erection. > to cooperate and help them is nobler and a A brief sketch of the work accomplished > necessity. Then when it is built in one place may prove interesting: > it will become erected in many other places, In the spring of 1907, while Messrs. > God willing, in all the states of America, in Chase, Agnew and Scheffler were in the > the future, there will be erected temples, prison home of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, He said to > with infinite architectural beauty and art, them: Concerning the temple, the Mashri­ > with pleasing proportions and handsome qu’l-Adhkdr is a very important matter, > and attractive appearances, especially in the most important thing now in America > New York.” is the building of the temple. You and > Also to Dr. Edward Getsinger, ‘Abdu’l- your friends must endeavor in this matter. > Baha wrote: "Regarding the building of This building will be the cause of the con­ > the temple in Chicago, both of you (Dr. firmation of the believers. It has a great > and Mrs. Getsinger) display the utmost effect because it is the beginning of the > effort in encouraging and inspiring the be­ foundation. After centuries it is not so > lievers and the maid-servants of God, so important as it is now, but now it is very > that they may assist in the matter with important. At first they build the temple > generosity, and thus soon this temple will and worship in it and grow. In past times > be erected. This matter is of great im­ they could not build it so outwardly. This > portance.” ("Utmost im p o rta n c e ” in building will be the cause of unity and > ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s own handwriting). prosperity of the Cause. The unity comes; > When Eshte’al-Ebn Kalanter wrote re­ from every part the believers will assist. > garding a Mashriqu’l-Adhkar on Monsalvat This is a heavenly society and also it will > (Green Acre, Eliot, Maine), ‘Abdu’l-Bahá be the cause of strength. The believers will > replied: "Concerning the building of a get blessings and bounties. It cannot be > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr on Monsalvat: It is cer­ compared with the church of the old time. > tain that before long this shall be built; You have only to begin, everything will be > and this is an ordained (or fixed) matter; all right. > but in Chicago it is two or three years since When this message was brought back to > 124 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > America a new activity in the Mashriqu’l- Chicago meetings, establish a new meeting > Adhkár resulted throughout the country for the provision of the means of the temple. > and contributions from various assemblies If this is established with perfect fragrance > and individuals were received. A conven­ and joy, it will produce great results. In > tion was called for November 26, 1907, to this new meeting, especially for the estab­ > be held in Chicago. This was the first lishment of the temple, women are also to > Mashriqu’l-Adhkár convention, regarding be members.” > which 'Abdu’l-Baha wrote to Mr. Charles In compliance with these instructions > Sprague: "Thou hast written concerning from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the House of Spirit­ > the organization of a council for the build­ uality of the Chicago Assembly called the > ing of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr. This news second Mashriqu’l-Adhkár convention for > brought much spirit and fragrance, for the March 22nd and 23rd, 1909, the proceed­ > nine delegates sent by the various assemblies ings of which were accurately recorded by > gathered in that meeting and consulted con­ Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mr. Charles > cerning the building of the Mashriqu’l- Ioas, duly elected to act as secretaries, and > Adhkár.” afterwards printed. Thus the tiny mustard > Several possible tracts of land on both seed of nine delegates grew in the two in­ > the south and north sides of the city had tervening years to four times nine. The > been investigated, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha had said Baha’i Temple Unity resulted, as an or­ > to a pilgrim that it must be near the lake. ganization, with full power and authority > The morning of the day of November 26, to provide ways and means for the erection > 1907, the delegates visited the south side of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. A constitution > tract, noting carefully the surroundings, was presented and adopted and the first > returning to the home of Mrs. Grace Foster executive board of Baha’i Temple Unity > for a sumptuous (Thanksgiving day) feast, was elected and authorized by the conven­ > prepared in the name of the Center of the tion to close and complete the purchase of > Covenant by the Chicago maid-servants. the land, recommended by the first conven­ > In the afternoon the delegates inspected a tion, 1907, of which two lots had been > tract north of the city. That evening a bought and paid for, with an option secured > spirited meeting was held over the location on the remaining twelve lots. Immediately > and it was unanimously voted that the after the close of the convention the newly > north shore tract was most desirable. Miss appointed executive board went into ses­ > Gertrude Buikema took the minutes of this sion, selecting its officers in accordance > meeting. Upon closer investigation the with the constitution. The treasurer of the > north shore tract (now the site of the Chicago Assembly, Mr. Scheffler, in whose > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr) was found to consist name the title to the two lots was held, > of fourteen lots. The spiritual meeting of turned over to the Baha’i Temple Unity all > the Chicago Assembly, after bringing the official documents and all monies held by > matter before the assembly for approval, him for the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, as follows: > took title to two of the lots in the name > Monies on hand....................... $3,666.44 > of the treasurer of the assembly, Mr. Carl > Land values ............................. 2,000.00 > Scheffler, and arose to obey the Center of > the Covenant when He said: You have only > Total ...................................... $5,666.44 > to begin, everything will be all right. The > sum of $2,000 was paid for those two lots When the two lots had been purchased, > on April 9, 1908. Mr. C. E. Brush, one of Chicago’s archi­ > On June 19, 1908, a tablet was revealed tects, kindly made a plat of the tract and > by ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and translated by His its surroundings, which was sent to ‘Abdu’ldaughter Moneveh Khanum, in which He Baha. A beautiful tablet flowed from His > wrote, "Ask every spiritual meeting in the pen, "To the friends and maid-servants,” > other cities that they will each select one saying that on the anniversary of the > and send him, and from these selected ones declaration of His holiness the Supreme, the > and with those who are selected from the Báb, the map of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 125 > > had been presented, that "great joy was 29th to May 1, 1912, will eternally wear > obtained thereby and with the greatest care the glorious crown of bestowal because of > it was considered,” that "it is indeed a de­ the presence of the Center of the Covenant > lightful spot worthy of this edifice and and His dedication of the Mashriqu’lbuilding.” (Date of this tablet July 4, Adhkár grounds, May 1, 1912. During this > 1908). fiscal year the lake shore tract of 293 feet > The members of the Executive Board of frontage had been contracted for and pay­ > Baha’i Temple Unity appointed Messrs. ment made on it, the purchase price being > Mills, Hall and Jacobsen, a committee to at­ $17,000. The contributions for the year > tend to the land negotiations, and an offer of having been $7,292.45. > $32,500 for the remaining twelve lots was The sixth convention was entertained by > made and accepted with a contract provid­ the friends of New York City, April 28 and > ing for the payment of $5,000 every six 29, 1913. Regarding this wonderful con­ > months, with interest, commencing July vention ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote to Mr. Wilhelm, > 1, 1909. A religious corporation was saying: > effected under the laws of Illinois in the "Praise be to God, that the New York > name "Bahd’i Temple Unity” and the title believers became confirmed in the accom­ > to the land secured. plishment of a great service and held in that > The third Mashriqu’i-Adhkár convention city the consultation convention for the > convened in Chicago, April 2 5 and 26, 1910. erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. They > Report of the work done during the year displayed the utmost of effort until that > was given by the secretary, Mr. Jacobsen, convention was inaugurated with infinite > and the financial secretary’s report showed perfection. They exercised the greatest love > contributions for the fiscal year: and kindness towards all the delegates who > had come from the different states. They > From the Orient.............. . $ 7,092.8 5 > united and entertained the delegates in their > From America and Europe.. 7,638.66 > homes. With perfect affection they spread > Turned over by Mr. Scheffler 5,666.44 > before them the banquet of hospitality. > Every one became grateful and happy. This > Total ..................................... $20,397.95 > event will adorn an important and blessed > ($2,000 of this being land) page in the Bahd’i history.” > Contributions had come from India, At this convention the commemoration > Persia, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Russia, of the ninth day of every month as Mashri­ > Egypt, Germany, France, England, Canada, qu’l-Adhkar day was proposed and after­ > Mexico, Hawaiian Islands, and a little island ward confirmed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha and has > far out in the Indian Ocean, Mauretius. Be­ proved a very great impetus to the Mashrisides from sixty different. American cities. qu’l-Adhkár work. The friends of other > The words of the Center of the Covenant countries join with us in observing the day; > had literally been fulfilled: You have only very beautiful are the letters from our four > to begin—everything will be all right. American sisters in Teheran telling of their > The fourth Mashriqu’l-Adhkar conven­ holding this ninth day with us. > tion was held in Chicago, May 1 and 2, 1911. The first contribution for the fiscal year > A command having come from ‘Akka to April 30, 1912 to April 19, 1913, was a > hold the convention during the Ridván gift from the Center of the Covenant at > days. During the fiscal year, April 23, 1910, the closing session of the previous conven­ > to April 29, 1911, the total contributions tion in Chicago. Also this year marked the > were: completion of the payment on the site dedi­ > cated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and an indebtedness > The Orient and Europe........$ 1,190.83 > of $9,000 on the Lake Shore tract remained > America ......... ......—............... 9,210.76 > only, its entire liquidation being urged be­ > fore the expiration of 1913. The contribu­ > Total ..................................... $10,401.59 > tions for the year having been $14,206.42. > The fifth convention in Chicago, April Another year soon rolled around and > 126 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Chicago was again blest with a Mashriqu’l- giving offering, though it seems minute > Adhkár convention, which was the seventh indeed to express what I feel.” > convention. It also marked the fiftieth an­ During the fiscal year beginning April > niversary of the Declaration of BaháVlláh. 27, 1914, the monthly contributions have > At the close of the year 1913 the money been as follows: > came literally rolling in for the cancellation > of all land debts and a cablegram was sent April 27 to May 1.... ............. $ 258.00 > to ťAbdu’l-Bahá announcing that the Bahd’i May .......................................... 388.60 > Temple Unity had completed its land obli­ June ....................................... 3 51.09 > gations. Thus the new year, 1914, dawned July ............ ............................. 483.31 > free of any clouds for the Mashriqu’l- August ................... 344.22 > Adhkár work so that the building fund September ................. 1,533.88 > might be started. The financial secretary October ................................. 557.99 > reported contributions for the year $13,- November ............................... 519.50 > 503.79 and the Unity entirely out of debt December ....................... ....... 614.66 > with land holdings for which $51,500 had January .... .............. 768.72 > been paid and which was worth almost February ................................ 247.10 > double the price paid. Complete unity and March ..................................... 278.76 > harmony marked the sessions of this seventh April 1 to April 18................ 2 51.82 > convention. > And now the eighth Mashriqu’l-Adhkar Total to April 18, 1915........ $6,597.65 > convention and first Baha’i congress has > Total receipts of subscriptions from > convened in San Francisco. Thus our con­ > August, 1907, to April, 1915. > ventions held in the United States of Amer­ > ica have travelled from coast to coast. First Convention .................$ 5,666.44 > Almost immediately after the second con­ Second Convention .............. 14,731.51 > vention, when the Bahd’i Temple Unity Third Convention ................ 10,401.59 > resulted, the president of the first Executive Fourth Convention ..... 7,292.45 > Board, Mr. Mountfort Mills, of New York Fifth Convention ___ 14,206.42 > City, visited the Center of the Covenant Sixth Convention ................. 13,503.79 > who was still a prisoner of the Turkish Seventh Convention ..... 6,597.65 > Government, though liberated in July of > that same year, 1908. Mr. Mills wrote: Grand Total .................. $72,399.8 5 > "A t the temple convention, He seemed most > pleased and satisfied and assured us that the Of the above amount $11,159.75 was > future would see many more, constantly from countries other than United States, > increasing in numbers, attending and bring­ as follows: > ing together representatives from all parts England: St. Ives, Cornwall; Springfield, > of the world. He said that these gatherings Broadway; Manchester; London; Sussex, > would be to the spiritual body of the world Brighton; Warwicke; Clifton, Bristol. > what the inrush of the spirit is to the Ireland: Warrington, County Down. > physical body of man, quickening it to its France: Paris; Dinan, Brittany. > utmost parts and infusing a new light and Germany: Berlin; Stuttgart; Esslingen; > power.” Zuffenhausen. > One of the most touching gifts to the Italy: Sienna; Ravenna, Erba. > building fund was a check for $1,000 ad­ European Turkey: Constantinople. > dressed to "The Baha’i Temple of Peace” Palestine: ‘Akka; Haifa. > and saying in the letter, "In Europe, fathers Russia: Baku; Ishqábád. > and brothers have been torn from their Persia: Tihrán; Esphahan; Gangelie; > wives and little children, and many left at Shiraz; Yahromi; Resht; Kermanshah; Sanshome are in want of dire necessities. Our tan; Meshed; Tiflis; Yazd; Arabelli. > beloved ones are not facing mutilation, acute India: Rangoon; Bombay; Mandalay. > suffering and death. I send this as a thanks­ Egypt: Cairo; Port Said; Alexandria. > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 127 > > South Africa: East Rand; Transvaal; Islands of the Sea: Isle of Pines; Isle of > Capetown. Mauretius; Hawaiian Islands. > New Zealand: Davenport; Auckland. Respectfully submitted, > Brazil: Sao Paulo. C o r in n e T r u e , > Canada: Montreal; Brockville; St. John’s, Financial Secretary, > N. B. Baha’i Temple Unity. > > The seal of the first Baha’i Assembly of the United States > and Canada, 1897. > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION > I9 I 5~I9Z5 > A t the Convention called by the Secre­ "I was rejoiced through your endeavors > tary of the National Spiritual Assembly to in this glorious Cause, made with joy and > discuss ways and means for raising funds good interest. I pray God to aid you in > necessary for the construction of the first exalting His word, and in establishing the > story of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr, which was Temple of Worship, through His grace and > held in Chicago, October 19-20, 1924, the ancient mercy. Verily, ye are the first to > Temple Committee was instructed to draft arise for this Glorious Cause in that vast > a complete report on the status of the religion. Soon will ye see the spread of this > Temple work to be submitted to the N a­ enterprise in the world, and its resounding > tional Spiritual Assembly for approval and voice shall go through the ears of the people > to be sent to the Bahá’ís of the United States in all parts. > and Canada. "Exert your energy in accomplishing > It is the purpose of this report to deal what ye have undertaken, so that this > specifically only with matters that have glorious Temple may be built, that the be­ > transpired since the selection of the design loved of God may assemble therein and that > of the building, but in order to refresh the they may pray and offer glory to God for > memories of the friends regarding the won­ guiding them to His Kingdom.” > derful accomplishments of the previous Since that time the work has progressed > years, we are presenting a brief résumé of intermittently. During the first six years > the various early stages of the work. the members of the Assembly in Chicago > strove enthusiastically so that in the spring > Early H istory > of 1909 when the first Convention met in > The inception of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar Chicago, having been called by the House > in the West dates back to the spring of of Spirituality for the purpose of establish­ > 1903, twenty-two years ago, at which time ing the work of the Temple on a national > the corner-stone of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr basis, the Chicago Assembly was able to re­ > in ‘Ishqábád, Russia had been laid and photo­ port the acquisition of two lots at a cost of > graphs of the event sent to the members of $2,000.00, and a cash fund of $3,666.44. > the House of Spirituality in Chicago, inspir­ > Purchase of Site > ing that body to arise for the erection of a > Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr in America. In response As before stated the purchase of two lots > to their supplication, ‘Abdu’l-Baha granted in the main tract had been completed by > permission for the undertaking in the fol­ the House of Spirituality of Chicago, the > lowing wonderful Tablet: deeds for which were in due time turned > "I send you the glad-tidings of the erec­ over to the Bahá’í Temple Unity when it > tion of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (The Baha’i was organized just after the first Conven­ > Temple) in ‘Ishqábád, with all joy and tion. The remainder of the main tract > great happiness. The friends of God as­ bounded by Linden Ave. on the south, > sembled together with rejoicing and con­ Sheridan Road on the north and east, and > veyed the stones themselves upon their by the property of the Sanitary District of > backs, while attracted by the love of God Illinois on the west was purchased at a cost > and for the glory of God. Soon that great of $32,500.00. The final payment on this > Temple will be completed and the voice of was made on October 1 , 1912. The pur­ > prayer and praise shall ascend to the Sub­ chase of the lake shore tract was completed > lime Kingdom. February 2, 1914. It cost $17,000.00 There > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 129 > > also is a small triangular plot of land across Mr. Remey, and selected by the Convention. > Sheridan Road, north of the main tract in­ The model of MashriquT-Adhkár is, how­ > cluded in these purchases. ever, too big. It needs several million dol­ > The main tract measures on its south lars for the cost of construction. If possible > boundary, Linden Ave., 607.5 5 ft., on its Mr. Bourgeois may reproduce the same model > west boundary where it adjoins the property on a smaller scale, so that one million dollars > of the Sanitary District of Illinois, from may suffice for its construction. This should > Linden Ave. north to a point where the be reconsidered only if possible.” > line strikes a slight angle, it measures 257.80 The design of the Bourgeois model being > ft.; on the same boundary another angle a new and unique conception does in its > 13 5.52 ft., still another angle on this line main character depart somewhat from recog­ > measures 13 8.06 ft. The Sheridan Road nized architectural standards, chiefly in the > line also turns slightly several times, the manner in which the upper stories connect > sections of the line beginning at the north­ with the lower part of the building. It is > west measuring east and south are 129.92 usual for the main ribs of a structure to > ft., 219.47 ft., 166.46 ft., and 271.46 ft. ascend directly from the ground. In this > The triangular section measures on Sheridan design the main ribs of the upper stories > Road 141.49 ft., on the east 131.78 ft., and and dome were shifted so that they > facing the Canal 141.49 ft. The lake shore connected midway between the main or > tract on Sheridan Road measures 291.40 ft.; first story buttresses, immediately above the > 3 ft. at the south end of this line are in doorways. This caused considerable adverse > dispute, depth at that point is 168 ft., and criticism from laymen and architects, so > at the north end it is 183 ft. to the water that the Executive Board of Baha’i Temple > edge. Unity ordered Mr. Bourgeois to prepare a > set of drawings altering this particular fea­ > T he Bourgeois D esign > ture. This work was in the nature of an > The facts regarding the selection of the experiment to assure the members of the > model of the Temple by the believers at the Board in whose hands the responsibility > 1920 Convention are too well known to re­ rested, that the Bahd’is were not making a > quire much elucidation; it might neverthe­ mistake in building a structure that thus > less be well if some points regarding this radically departed from recognized archi­ > are mentioned. tectural standards. The result of the ex­ > ‘Abdud-Bahá directed that the believers periment justified Mr. Bourgeois, for it was > should select the design at the 1920 Con­ found that the life and beauty of the origi­ > vention. A number of architects submitted nal model was not in the building shown in > designs, some in the form of drawn plans the experimental drawing. "It became a > and Mr. Charles Mason Remey and Mr. Louis rigid structure and lacked motion.” > Bourgeois submitted plaster models. After (Bourgeois). > careful deliberation and discussion, after The Executive Board also felt it necessary > hearing the opinion of disinterested men of to submit the design to ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and > standing in the architectural profession, the since it was obviously impossible to send > Bourgeois model was chosen. Mr. Remey, the model to Haifa they directed Mr. > who had submitted the other model, made Bourgeois to prepare drawings showing a > the motion that made the choice unanimous. front elevation and a cross section of the > The selection of the Convention was con­ building intending that the architect him­ > firmed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in numerous Tab­ self should take these to Haifa and there > lets. We quote one of these written to Mrs. receive ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s instructions regard­ > Corinne True, as follows: ing the building. This was done. About the > "Thanks be unto God that this Conven­ middle of January, 1921, Mr. Bourgeois > tion was supported by the confirmations of sailed to the Holy Land. The drawings were > the Kingdom of Abhá. Praise be unto God left with ťAbduT-Bahá, and they now hang > that the model of Mashriqud-Adhkár made in the shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. > by Mr. Bourgeois was approved by his honor, It will also be noted that ‘Abdu’l-Baha in > 130 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > the Tablet just quoted directed that if would not be necessary for me to make > possible the size and cost of the building plans of the caisson foundations so that on > should be considerably reduced. To comply this item my compensation would be for > with this instruction the Executive Board supervision only. However, a modification > directed Mr. Bourgeois to make experimental of this arrangement was made soon after > drawings to determine whether or not the because it became necessary to make certain > design would lend itself as it stood to the structural plans of the superstructure in > necessary reduction. It was in the main order to get a building permit and in doing > found to be feasible, the only notable change this work it proved necessary to revise the > in the building being in the number of caisson foundation designs which had been > windows on either side of the entrance made previously. > doors. All of this work was done in the "Only so much additional work was done > period intervening between the Convention, as was necessary to serve the two purposes > which was held in April 1920 and the first cited. > of January 1921. The size of the structure "As stated above, a contract was let to > was reduced from 450 ft. in diameter to Avery Brundage on December 17, 1920, for > 153 ft. in diameter, and the estimated cost nine caisson foundations under the central > reduced to about $1,200,000.00. This in­ portion of the building with the intention > cludes a rough plaster interior, an ornamen­ of proceeding immediately with this portion > tal iron rail on the balcony, but no decora­ of the work. > tions for the interior. "An informal application was made to > the Village of Wilmette for a permit on > Engineer ’s R eport > December 21, 1920. No action was taken > "My contact with the Bahd’i Temple but on the contrary, some opposition de­ > project in Wilmette started in the fall of veloped and it was necessary to file a formal > 1920. I met some members of the Board application for permit, which was done on > at that time in connection with the dis­ January 7, 1921. Permit was refused at > cussion of some municipal plans of the this time because plans of the building struc­ > Village of Wilmette in their relation to the ture were not submitted as required by > Temple project. I also conferred with Mr. ordinance. This situation made it necessary > McDaniel regarding the foundation plan, to proceed with preparation of general struc­ > which he was preparing at that time, and tural plans sufficient to comply with the > gave some assistance to the Board in secur­ ordinances of the Village. > ing bids and letting the contract for the "These plans were drawn as rapidly as > caisson foundations which supported the possible and were filed with a formal appli­ > central portion of the building. This con­ cation on March 4, 1921, and the building > tract was let to Mr. Avery Brundage on the permit was issued on the 19th day of March. > 17th day of December, 1920. This permit covered not only the work then > "On January 5, 1921, I entered into a under contract but the construction of the > contract with the Bahd’i Temple Unity to entire building. Under the ordinances of > serve as its structural engineer and superin­ the Village this permit would probably be > tendent of construction. By this contract I considered as still in effect, although the > undertook to prepare the structural, me­ Village authorities could require the taking > chanical, electrical and sanitary engineering out of a new permit on account of the long > plans and specifications and to supervise the suspension of operations. > entire construction. This contract is still "Two contracts of considerable amount > in effect. It was stipulated in the contract have been carried out from my plans and > that I was authorized to proceed with the under my supervision, namely, with Avery > preparations of the plans for the founda­ Brundage for nine caissons, amounting to > tions and basement structure and that I $76,3 50.00, and with McCarty Brothers for > should not prepare any plans of the super­ the general basement section, amounting to > structure until further authorized. $108,500.00. In addition to these, there > "It was further contemplated that it have been several miscellaneous items which > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 131 > > are shown on your records and which, with lights, sewer connection, furnaces, floor in > the above aggregate a total of $187,876.35. the central portion and other miscellaneous > Payments made to me amount to $8,000.00, items. Some of this has been under my > which includes payments to apply on ac­ supervision. > count of the extra work of preparing plans "Some filling material has been obtained > for permit and for caissons. from other operations in the neighborhood > "The Brundage contract for caissons was without expense, but so far it amounts to > completed early in the summer of 1921, only a small fraction of the total filling that > having been quite seriously delayed because is required. > of the large amount of water encountered "The structure in its present condition > in digging the wells for these foundations. is rather unsightly and has recently been the > These wells were approximately 120 ft. deep subject of some adverse comment. This is > and extended about 90 ft. below the level of probably a continuance of the opposition > the water in the lake and the drainage canal which was in evidence when the work was > near by. started. The structure has necessarily de­ > "Soon after the completion of the caisson teriorated somewhat on account of exposure > contract, plans were submitted to con­ in its unfinished state, but this has not de­ > tractors for the basement structure. This veloped to a serious extent and can be over­ > covered the foundations other than nine come when the general work proceeds, or > caissons, which were required for the outer sooner if need be. > portions of the building and the complete "The Board authorized Mr. Bourgeois, > enclosure of the basement structure up to Architect of the Bahd’i Temple to proceed > and including the first floor. It did not in­ with his plans in 1921. He did so and car­ > clude the basement floor, the subdivision of ried them to completion in 1922 to such > basement space, the finishing of basement extent as they could be completed without > nor the installation of any of the mechanical having the structural plans to coordinate > appliances. with the architectural plans. Inasmuch as > "A contract was made with McCarty I was not authorized to proceed with the > Brothers of Chicago for this work on August structural plans, I did only such work on > 24, 1921. The starting of the work was them as was absolutely necessary to permit > somewhat delayed by the time required to carrying on the architectural plans. This > get the necessary signatures to the contract. consisted principally in determining some > Also the work occupied considerable more of the governing dimensions and in some > time than was anticipated but was finally instances the relation of the structural mem­ > completed in the fall of 1922. bers to the architectural members. The plans > "Since the completion of the basement which were made for permit purposes were > contract, no work of importance has been very useful for the architect in this con­ > done on the structure. As it now stands, nection. > the structure comprises the entire basement "The architectural plans show all of the > enclosure, which consists of the main en­ exterior treatment of the building and in > closing wall of concrete, about 200 ft. in large measure the interior arrangement. > diameter and 20 ft. high; the sloping con­ There are some details that could not be > crete deck, which is to support the steps completed on account of the absence of the > encircling the main structure; and the re­ structural plans, as mentioned, and also be­ > inforced concrete deck which will be the cause the exterior material had not yet been > first floor of the main structure. Within determined. > this enclosure are all of the supporting "No specifications have been written. > columns required for superstructure and "The architectural plans are in such con­ > beneath it are all of the foundations required dition that the essentials are all given so that > for the entire structure. the work could be carried on by some other > "Some work has been done to make the competent architect in case Mr. Bourgeois > interior of the basement partially usable, should be incapacitated. > such as the installation of water, temporary "A t the request of the Board I examined > Delegates to the first convention of the Bahá’ís of America, March, 1909. > HISTORY OF TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION 133 > > the architectural plans and reported sub­ stantially agreed upon by all parties at in­ > stantially as above. terest but was not put into effect. The > "Before work can proceed with the super­ Temple building was located, however, to > structure, it will be necessary first to make provide for the possible contingency of this > the structural plans for it. The plans which change being made at some future date, so > were made for permit purposes, having been that when made, it would not detract from > developed from only preliminary archi­ the general plan of the Temple grounds. > tectural drawings, will not be serviceable. "It was desired that the most used en­ > They will have to be done over and com­ trance to the Temple should be toward > pleted in very much greater detail. Then it ťAkká. In order to establish this accurately, > will be necessary for a number of additional astronomical observations were made to > drawings to be prepared in connection with establish the true meridian through the cen­ > the architectural work in order to correlate ter of the Temple and from this the correct > the architectural, structural and mechanical position of this entrance established. > elements. Also some additional work may "The original model of the Temple was > be necessary on the architectural drawings, exhibited by special permission in the Art > dependent upon the selection of exterior ma­ Institute of Chicago from March 8 to April > terial. This will not affect the design of 5, 1921, and by shifting its location the > ornamentation but will affect the jointing exhibition period was extended from April > of the masonry materials. When these out­ 5. to May 2. > standing questions are settled, the specifica­ "A common field stone to mark the lo­ > tions can be written. A large part of the cation of the Temple building was planted > specification work will fall to my lot but at the site by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the time of > some of it will be architectural. His visit to Chicago in 1912. The location > "Early in 1921, the Board appointed a of the stone has been carefully preserved so > materials committee, consisting of Mr. W. that a suitable marker can be placed at the > S. Maxwell, Mr. E. R. Boyle, Mr. A. B. Mc­ spot in the completed structure. > Daniel, Mr. Louis Bourgeois and Mr. H. J. "It should be borne in mind that a con­ > Burt, Chairman, to study the questions of siderable amount of work is required to > materials to be used in the construction of prepare plans for proceeding with the con­ > the Temple, having particular reference to struction and that I am not at this time > the exterior material. authorized to proceed with this work so > "A preliminary report was made on April ample notice should be given. > 22, 1921, and a final report on February 18, "I think I need say nothing regarding the > 1922. These reports are on file with the desirability of proceeding with the work > board. Mr. Bourgeois and myself visited St. as soon as arrangements can be made for so > Louis and Nashville and I- visited Washing­ doing, for I know that all connected with > ton and New York, as well as a number of it, as well as the residents of the North > points at and near Chicago, gathering in­ Shore district, are anxious to see this mag­ > formation regarding materials. Some samples nificent structure carried forward to com­ > of terra cotta and artificial stone have been pletion. ” > exposed to the weather at the Temple site > A rchitect’s Statement > since 1922. > "There are a number of miscellaneous "Regarding the work done on the plans > items in connection with the work that are for the Temple. I would say that I have > worth recording: drawn a full set of plans as follows: Floor > "About the time construction was started, plans, basement and gallery sections; a full > the Village of Wilmette was contemplating set of detail drawings three-quarters inch > a change in the location of Sheridan Road (% " ) scale for one-ninth (1 /9 ) part, first, > in order to partially eliminate the dangerous second, third story and dome. Also all sec­ > curve along side of the Temple property. tion and profile for one-ninth ( l / 9 ) part > A shifting of the Road approximately 30 ft. of the Temple from floor to top of dome, > westward at the maximum point was sub­ full size. Comprising altogether about > 134 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > thirty-six (36) rolls of drawings that vary to make the original moulds from which > in size from ten feet (10') long to one the various sections of the building are cast. > hundred and nine feet (109r). "This required considerably more draw­ > "For in sta n c e , one twenty-seventh ing and of exceptional difficulty because of > ( l / 2 7) section of the dome is drawn on the large size that is done on even highly > two rolls of paper four feet six inches ornamented buildings where more or less > (4 '6 ") in width by forty-five (45') feet stock ornamentation is used. > in length. All of this work, because of the "The Mashriqu’l-Adhkdr will require > unusual size, had to be laid out and drawn much more supervision than any other > on the floor. It required a space two hundred building of even greater size or cost because > and fifty (250') feet long by forty (40') the character of the ornamentation is en­ > feet wide. tirely new and the modellers will have to > "The full size drawings of the outer struc­ be instructed constantly. The drawings > ture of this building were required because clearly show full size detail of the design, > all of the design and tracery on this struc­ but the depth and pitch of the modelling > ture are entirely new. From these drawings will have to be determined by me as con­ > the modellers under my supervision will have struction proceeds.” > > ESTIMATED COST TO COMPLETE STRUCTURE > The original estimates given for the entire structure were as follows: > Caisson ...... $ 50,000.00 > Basement ........................ :............ 175.000. 00 > First Story ................................................*.......................................................... 375.000. 00 > Second Story .......-................................................................................................ 275.000. 00 > To top of Dome................................................................................................... 325.000. 00 > > $ 1,2 0 0 ,000.00 > $ 76,350.00 > 108,500.00 > > EXPENDITURES APRIL 1, 1909—MARCH 31, 192 5 > Real Estate and Temple Building > Land (purchase price) ....................................................................................... $ > Improvements to land ............. ...................................... ................................... > Temple Building: > Construction ......................... $204,828.46 > Model ............................. 8,932.50 > Plans for Temple ........................................................................ 8,728.10 > Louis Bourgeois—On Contract ................................................ 36,700.00 > > $ 316,395.82 > M yron H. P o tte r Respectfully submitted, > Chairman Baha’i Temple Committee, > C o rin n e T ru e C arl Scheffler , > Financial Secretary Secretary. > A. F. M a tth ise n > Accountant > A lfr e d E. L u n t > A lb e r t W indust > TEMPLE SU P E R S T R U C T U R E > I93 ° - 1 9 3 1 > Investigation of Materials > > lljjA R LY in 1921, the Executive Board tition of forms and details was especially > appointed a materials committee, consisting adapted to a material such as concrete, > of the late Major H. J. Burt, the structural plastic when placed in molds or on the build­ > engineer, as chairman, Louis Bourgeois, the ing, and becoming as hard and durable as > architect, W. S. Maxwell, architect, E. R. stone upon setting. > Boyle, builder, and Allen B. McDaniel, en­ > Superstructure R aised > gineer, to study the problems of materials to > be used in the building of the Temple, with By 1929 the Trustees had received cash > special relation to the exterior material. The donations amounting to $400,000, sufficient > unique and elaborate design of this nine­ to proceed with the building of the super­ > sided building had evoked considerable com­ structure. The materials committee recom­ > ment at the time of its selection and dur­ mended to the Trustees the construction of > ing subsequent years when the model was the entire superstructure framework en­ > exhibited in museums, art centers, libraries closed with a metal-glass dome and metal > and other public places in the larger cities frame windows and temporary doors. A > of the United States and Canada. Over a careful cost analysis had disclosed the prac­ > period of nine years, and with a personnel ticability of constructing the skeleton struc­ > changed through the death of Major Burt ture for the estimated cost of building the > and other causes, this committee made three first story complete with a temporary roof, > reports based on a world-wide study and in­ as originally contemplated by the architect > vestigation of building materials and their and the Trustees, who realized that the > use in monumental structures. Samples of Temple work must proceed in stages, as > cast stone, terra cotta, aluminum alloy and funds from time to time became available. > architectural concrete were prepared by This plan was adopted and in August, > various concerns and placed on the property 1930, a contract was awarded to the George > adjacent to the basement to test their dura­ A. Fuller Company of New York to build > bility, weathering, and discoloration. Con­ this framework superstructure on the foun­ > ferences were held with leading representa­ dation. Due to the financial depression at > tives of the stone, cast stone, terra cotta, that time, the contractor was enabled to > metals and concrete industries. After do the work with expedition and such > months of studies, investigations and con­ economy that the plumbing and part of the > ferences the committee was able to get only heating and lighting systems were installed > one definite estimate for the exterior orna­ with available funds— thus providing a > mentation. The Earley Studio, Washington, completely enclosed and usable building. > D. C., submitted a full-size sample of the The structural design was prepared by Benja­ > dome ornamentation and a preliminary esti­ min B. Shapiro, Consulting Engineer, Chi­ > mate for the entire project. Soon after the cago, and the building was erected under > acceptance of his design, the architect, in his immediate supervision. > search of a suitable, practicable material of As this project started, the architect died > which his unique design could be executed, in his studio home on the Temple property. > had met and interested John J. Earley, an He had completed his design, including fullarchitectural sculptor, who had developed sized drawings of all of the exterior orna­ > a new type (exposed aggregate) of archi­ mentation, great drawings of remarkable > tectural concrete. The nature of the design beauty and accuracy, some of them reaching > with its intricate ornamentation and repe­ a length of 109 feet. > E X T E R IO R ORNAMENTATION > I 932-"I 943 > A b o u t one year after the completion the dome ornamentation first was the early > of the superstructure of the Temple, on belief that this portion of the project would > June 6, 1932, the first contract for the be the most difficult. As the work progressed > ornamentation was awarded to John J. into its later stages, however, unforeseen > Earley of Washington, D. C. This contract conditions and difficulties were encountered. > involved the making and placing of the ma­ These problems reached their highest com­ > terial comprising the dome ornamentation plexity in the first or main story, especially > including the great ribs. As the work pro­ in the placing and setting of the great > ceeded, its was found necessary to continue spandrel sections and of the L-shaped cor­ > these ribs beyond the base of the dome to nice pieces. In this portion of the work, the > the foot of the clerestory. costs of setting the casts was from two to > The preliminary work under the first con­ thtee times the cost of making the sections; > tract included studies of plant, technique, the reverse of the experience in the orna­ > and methods for the execution of the work. mentation of the dome, clerestory and gal­ > While new and more difficult problems arose lery story. This unforeseen situation ac­ > as the various subsequent contracts were counts partly for the over-run in cost over > prosecuted, the general principle of tech­ the original estimate of the main story > nique and method, early established and de­ contract. > veloped, were generally used throughout the The first two contracts, which involved > entire project. For example, to allow for the ornamentation of the dome, ribs and > expansion and contraction of the reinforced clerestory or drum beneath the dome, ex­ > concrete material and to eliminate cracking tended over a period of nearly three years. > as far as practicable, the ornamentation was The preliminary work including the prepara­ > made in sections and placed with suitable tion of plans, the remodeling of the plant > spaces between adjacent sections. Each sec­ at Rosslyn, Virginia, the building of the fulltion was designed and prepared as a concrete size wooden replica of one-ninth of the > cast reinforced with a steel frame to provide outer dome framework and other similar > sufficient strength for handling at the plant work were done during the summer and > and at the building and for resisting wind fall of 1932. Construction at the Temple > and other pressures as a part of the structure. was initiated with the erection of the fur­ > Practically the same groups of workmen ring system on the outer dome framework > carried out the various steps of the prepara­ and continued through January, 1934, > tion of the models and molds and the pour­ when the last sections of the great ribs were > ing and curing of the casts at the Studio, swung into place at the top of the dome. > and the erection of the casts and pouring of The erection of the dome and rib sections— > the piers, arches and other broad, flat mem­ involving the handling of pieces weighing > bers on the building. up to three tons—was handled efficiently and > Outstanding among the problems that without mishap by the Friedstad Company, > were solved in the handling of the work was the same contractors that erected the struc­ > the support and fastening of the dome orna­ tural steel dome in the fall of 1930. In > mentation. A structural steel furring sys­ January, 1934, upon completion of the dome > tem was devised and built on the outer steel and ribs, a second contract was entered into > dome framework and to this system the 367 with the Earley Studio for the ornamenta­ > casts that comprise the dome ornamenta­ tion of the clerestory. This project was > tion were securely supported and fastened. completed a little over a year later in > One of the principal reasons for doing January, 193 5. > EXTERIOR ORNAMENTATION 137 > > A two-year period of construction in­ pared sketches and made a preliminary esti­ > activity elapsed from the summer of 193 5 mate of $30,000 for building the steps in > to the fall of 1937, during which time a sections suspended from the main floor plat­ > special Technical Committee of Baha’is and forms. Later studies and the experience of > non-Bahá’ís reviewed the work done under the Federal government on monumental > the first two contracts, with special refer­ buildings in Washington developed a final > ence to placing future contracts on a com­ design comprising 917 step sections sup­ > petitive and lump-sum basis. The unanimous ported on carriages built over the girders > report of this committee made to the Temple that support the sloping deck. In May, > Trustees at Green Acre in August, 1937, 1941, the Earley Studio was authorized to > recommended that the ornamentation be proceed with the steps and the plans, forms > continued with the Earley Studio on the and other preliminary work, involving an > basis of the experience gained in the develop­ expenditure of some $9,300, were done at > ment of methods, technique, materials, etc. the Studio. In April, 1942, the preparation > under the first two contracts. of the reinforcement units for the step sec­ > Re-estimating the second or gallery story tions was begun at the Earley plant, and the > ornamentation at $125,000.00, the Earley construction of the carriages started at the > Studio was awarded a cost-plus contract for Temple about the middle of May. The set­ > this work in October, 1937. The faces were ting of the step sections was begun in July > finished in November, 1938, and the nine and was somewhat retarded by lack of suffi­ > pylons about eight months later. The cost cient reinforcement units to cast and set > of this work exceeded the estimate by only all of the 17 sections in one flight at one > about $2,800.00. setup of the hoist. These reinforcement > The casting and erection of the main units should have been prepared in the win­ > story grilles, pilasters, columns, arches, ter of 1940 and the spring of 1941 as di­ > spandrels, cornice and other minor parts, rected by the writer, but at this period the > was handled under two principal contracts; Earley Studio was running seven days a > first one involving the ornamentation of week on war contracts for the War and > three faces and second, the work required Navy Departments and the reinforcing shop > for the remaining six faces. These two con­ was not available. > tracts overlapped as to time and construc­ The final cost of $50,817.84 for the work > tion involved. As the pouring of the con­ involved in the steps contract, while it ex­ > crete and the placing of the casts proceeded ceeds the original estimate of $30,000 > from the bases of the faces, the difficulties (made on the basis of a different, much > inherent in the handling of the great arch simpler design), is a reasonable cost under > and spandrel sections and in the setting of conditions at that time, for the work done, > the cornice pieces became a major factor involving about 10,000 lineal feet of circu­ > in running up the cost of the work above lar steps, 1000 square feet of main floor > the original estimate. platforms and the faces of the plinths of > With Europe becoming engulfed in war the nine pylons. > and realizing the need for haste in the prose­ On the Temple property, in addition to > cution of the Temple construction, the the Temple structure, buildings, garages, > Temple Trustees wisely arranged with the grading of the grounds and other improve­ > contractor for the purchase of reinforcing ments have been made at expenditures of > steel, cement and stone necessary for the funds as noted below: > building of the 18 circular steps at the base Administration building......$1 5,837.95 > of the Temple. The cement and stone were Caretaker’s house ................ 6,209.46 > contracted for and the steel purchased in Supplementary house .......... 5,688.47 > the summer of 1941. Storm enclosure—Temple.... 571.21 > The original plans of the architect con­ Tunnels, areaways, etc......... 10,742.87 > templated pouring the concrete steps on Fences .................. 1,614.86 > the ramp of the foundation structure built Grading and seeding grounds 9,444.63 > in 1922. In 1939, the Earley Studio pre­ Total ...................................... $50,109.45 > Group of early Believers of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A., taken about the year 1900 > PART S I X > > EARLY BAHÁT P I L G R I M A G E S TO > ‘AKKÁ A N D HAIFA > > T h e public announcement made at the created the capacity to teach; their letters > Congress of Religions in 1894 concerning anticipated the development of the great > the spiritual sanctity of Bahá’u’lláh quick­ publishing enterprise in later years. As the > ened into vital life the latent religious seek­ Master’s Person transcended His written > ing of the people of the West. Bahá’uTláh Tablets, so the experience of that small and > Himself had departed this life. ‘Abdu’l- specially blessed company who beheld Him > Bahá was still a prisoner unable to leave transcends the more formal methods of in­ > Akká. No literature of the Faith existed struction employed by the following gen­ > in North America. The response, therefore, eration. > demonstrated its power by an increasing In the Bahd’i catalog of 1924 we find a > flow of pilgrims who made the journey to number of pamphlets written by early pil­ > the Holy Land in order to learn of the grims still listed: "Ten Days in the Light > teachings from the lips of Bahá’u’lláh’s of Acca,” by Julia M. Grundy; "In Galilee,” > chosen Exemplar and Interpreter. Famous by Thornton Chase; "Unity Through Love,” > among these pilgrimages, first in order of by Howard M acNutt; "Flowers From the > time and extraordinary in its permanent re­ Rose Garden of Acca,” by Ida A. Finch, > sults, was the party made up by Mrs. Phoebe Fanny A. Knobloch and Alma S. Knobloch; > Hearst, whose membership included Lua and "Table Talks in the Prison of Acca,” by > Getsinger, May Ellis Maxwell and the first Arthur S. Agnew. The "Flowers from the > American Negro Baha’i, Turner, and thir­ Rose Garden” were transplanted to bloom > teen other seekers. eternally in new soil, for its three authors > The ardor kindled by these visits made later identified themselves with the found­ > the early pilgrims return as ‘AbduT-Baha’s ing or development of the Faith in a new > first messages to their fellow-countrymen of country: Ida A. Finch in Japan, Fannie A. > the United States and Canada, living Tab­ Knobloch in South Africa, and Alma S. > lets inscribed with the image of His radiant Knobloch in Germany. > being and the text of His loving wisdom. Other accounts printed in the early days > The pilgrims brought back the sense of the exerted great influence among the American > early days of faith, when the Prophet has Baha’is for many years, such as: "In Gali­ > been seen by human eyes and heard by lee,” by Thornton Chase; "In Wonderland,” > human ears, and the world is filled with by Arthur S. Agnew; "Table Talks With > ecstasy like the golden light of perfect dawn. ‘Abdu’l-Baha in February, 1904,” notes > The teaching of the Faith in America, at taken by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Winterfirst confined to the effort of one Oriental burn; "Utterances of A b d u ’l Beha 'Abbá > who conducted a class in Chicago, became to Two Young Men, American Pilgrims to > established on the permanent foundation of Acre, 1901,” anonymous; "W hat Went Ye > direct relationship with the true expounder. Out For to See?”, by Thornton Chase; "An > All the activities of the Cause of BaháVlláh Early Pilgrimage,” by May Ellis Maxwell; > in America emanated from the few score " ‘Akká Lights,” by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph > souls who attained the goal of all earthly Hannen; "A Brief Account of My Visit to > seeking in ‘Akká and Haifa between the ‘Akká,” by Mary L. Lucas; "Daily Lessons > years 1894 and 1911. Their vivid talks Received at ‘Akká— 1908,” by Helen S. > 140 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Goodall and Ella G. Cooper; "A Heavenly I had been carried suddenly to too great a > Feast,” by Charles and Mariam Haney; "A height; my soul had come in contact with > Heavenly Vista,” by Louis G. Gregory; the Divine Spirit; and this force so pure, > "Knock and It Shall be Opened Unto You,” so holy, so mighty had overwhelmed me. > by Roy and M. J. M.; "Notes Taken at "He spoke to each one of us in turn of > ‘Akká,” by Corinne True; "Table Talks,” ourselves and our lives and those whom we > anonymous; "Table Talks at ‘Akká,” by loved and although His words were so few > Arthur S. Agnew; "Visit to Abbas Effendi and so simple they breathed the Spirit of > in 1899,” by Margaret B. Peake. Life to our souls. . . . > Of much larger scope is the book entitled "During the three wonderful days and > " ‘Abbas Effendi,” by Marion H. Phelps, a nights we spent in that sacred spot we heard > serious effort made by an early pilgrim to naught but the mention of God; His Holy > compile in the household of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Name was on every tongue; His praise and > a brief history of the Faith and representa­ glory were chanted and sung; His beauty > tive selections from its literature. and goodness were the theme of all conver­ > In "Some Answered Questions,” however, sation; His glorious Cause the only aim of > edited by Laura Clifford Barney from tran­ every life. Whenever we gathered together > scribed talks made by the Master in answer in one of the rooms they spoke unceasingly > to a series of questions she was permitted of the Blessed Perfection, relating incidents > to refer to Him during a long pilgrimage in in the life of the Beloved, mentioning His > 1907, the contribution of the pilgrim to words, telling of His deeds and of the pas­ > the spread of the Faith attained a new sionate love and devotion of His followers > height. The book produced as result of her until our hearts ached with love and > visit has since filled a unique place in the longing. . . . > literature of the Faith, and editions have "During the dinner our Master talked to > since appeared in English, French and other us and taught us, referring to Christ, quot­ > languages. ing His utterances and prophecies, and al­ > Space is lacking for a representative selec­ ways speaking with a simplicity and clear­ > tion of the writings of these early Bahá’ís, ness which any child could comprehend; yet > but the few excerpts which follow convey His symbols and metaphors, drawn always > the spirit of their ardent experience. from nature, embodied that essence of wis­ > From May Maxwell’s pamphlet:— dom and truth which baffles the learned and > "On the following morning, Friday the great.” > 17th, at about seven o’clock, sister Mariam Thornton Chase wrote:— > hurried into our room and announced that "Scholars, scientists, th e o lo g ia n s and > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would arrive in a few mo­ students from the seats of learning of the > ments. We had barely time to dress when world, of every race, religion and clime, ply > a sudden stir without set all our beings in him with questions, and his simple answers > commotion. We went out into a large cen­ have satisfied—or confounded them. Whence > tral hall from which opened all the rooms came such knowledge? He has never been > in the house and opposite the door of one enrolled in the schools. His only Teacher has > of these we saw the shoes of the believers; been—his Father. His only . books—the > thus we knew that the Blessed Master was writings that were claimed to be Sacred > within. The others preceded me. In a mo­ Scriptures. There is no man living that can > ment I stood on the threshold and dimly say: I taught him. > saw a room full of people sitting quietly "His own writings, spreading like white­ > about the walls, and then I beheld my Be­ winged doves from the Center of His Pres­ > loved. I found myself at His feet, and He ence to the ends of the earth, are so many > gently raised me and seated me beside Him all (hundreds pouring forth daily) that it is > the while saying some loving words in an impQssibility for him to have given time > Persian in a voice that shook my heart. Of to them for searching thought or to have > that first meeting I can remember neither applied the mental processes of the scholar > joy nor pain nor anything that I can name. to them. They flow like streams from a > EARLY BAHÁ’Í PILGRIMAGES TO ‘AKKÁ AND HAIFA 141 > > gushing fountain, bearing treasures of Mrs. Laura Dixon > knowledge and wisdom, and bringing the Miss Sophie Engelhorn > waters of Life to thirsty souls everywhere Colonel Fiske > in the wilderness of earth. They satisfy the Colonel Nathan Ward Fitzgerald > intellects and pierce the hearts of men the Mrs. Ida Finch > world around, and many are they who have Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford > told us that, in the 'Tablets’ received from Mrs. Kathryn Frankland > 'The Master/ it is proved that He knew Miss Sarah J. Farmer > their secret conditions and touched the Mrs. Helen Goodall > pulses of their inmost thoughts and desires. Mr. Louis G. Gregory > It is evident that 'He knows.5 Who Mrs. Phoebe Apperson Hearst > 'knows?5 It is the man—‘Abdu’l-Baha (with party of thirteen whose names > Abbas? Indeed, who can know save the One follow ):— > who knows all things— the Omniscient— Dr. E. C. Getsinger > the Holy Spirit of God?55 Mrs. Lua M. Getsinger > From Roy C. Wilhelm’s account:— Dr. I. Kheirella > "During our last meal ‘Abdu’l-Bahá broke Mrs. Marian Kheirella > a quantity of bread into His bowl; then Anne Drucilla Apperson > asking for the plates of the pilgrims He Julia Pearson > gave to each of us a portion. When the meal Robert Turner > was finished, He said that He had given us Amelia Bochrodt > to eat from His bowl—now we were to Mrs. Maryam Thornburgh-Cropper > distribute His bread among the people.55 Mrs. Thornburgh > The occasion is opportune for listing the May Ellis Bolles (Mrs. Maxwell) > names of those American Baha’is who made Helen Adelaide Hillyer > pilgrimage during that early period of the Ella Frances Goodall (Mrs. Cooper) > Cause up to the time ‘Abdu’l-Baha came to Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg > North America in 1912. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hannen > Mr. and Mrs. Arthur S. Agnew Mr. and Mrs. William Hoar > Miss Alma Albertson Mr. Hooper Harris > Dr. Emma Mackay Appel Mr. and Mrs. Charles Haney > Mr. and Mrs. Willard Ashton Mrs. Cecilia Harrison > Mrs. Asayeh Pollock Allen Mr. Albert Hall > Mme. d’Angie d’Astre Mr. Herbert Hopper > Dr. George Augur Mrs. Maude Hauser > Mrs. Isabella Brittingham Mrs. Mary Tewksbury Jackson > Mrs. Alice Barney Miss Marion Jack > Miss Laura D. Barney Mrs. Kelting > Miss Charlotte Bingham Miss Lillian Kelting > Mrs. Alice Beede Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney > Stanwood Cobb Sanford Kinney > Dr. Sarah Clock Howard Kinney > Mr. Thornton Chase Miss Alma S. Knobloch > Mrs. Josephine Cowles Miss Fannie A. Knobloch > Mrs. Helen Ellis Cole Mrs. Mary Lucas > Mme. M. A. De S. Canavarro Miss Josephine Locke > Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Pillsbury Dodge Mr. Mountfort Mills > Mr. Wendell Dodge Dr. Susan I. Moody > Mr. William Dodge Mr. and Mrs. Howard MacNutt > Mrs. Alice S. Devin Miss Elizabeth Mather > Mrs. Emily Dixon Mr. Harlan F. Ober > Miss Louise Dixon Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons > Miss Eleanor Dixon Mrs. Pursell > 142 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Mr. Myron H. Phelps Miss Juliet Thompson > Mrs. Arna True Perron Mrs. Corinne True > Mr. Charles Mason Remey Mrs. Louise Waite > Miss Caroline Rogers Miss Winalda Wilcox > Mr. Sigurd Russell Mrs. Laurie Wilhelm > Miss Elizabeth Stewart Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm > Mr. Carl Scheffler Miss Maria Wilson > Mr. Sydney Sprague Prof. George Winterburn > Mrs. Louise Stopfer Mrs. Rose Winterburn > Mr. Howard Struven Mr. and Mrs. Percy Woodcock > Mrs. Hebe Moore Struven (with two daughters) > T E A C H E R S S E N T TO A M E R I C A > BY ‘A B D U ’L-BAHA > > jAlBDUL Karim Effendi T eherani, of given at the Masonic Temple, Sunday eve­ > Cairo, Egypt, was the first teacher sent to ning, May 11, 1902. > America by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. He arrived in Also ‘Abdu’l-Baha sent to America in > New York City in May, 1900. He remained 1902 the revered Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl, of > there for some time and then came to Gulpaygan, Persia. He was accompanied > Chicago where he was entertained by Dr. by Mirza Ali-Kuli Khan, later an attache > C. I. Thatcher in his home at 14 Loomis of the Persian Embassy in Washington, > Street near Monroe Street. Dr. Thatcher D. C., who acted as his interpreter and > had fitted up a hall for meetings in the base­ translator. The Bahd’is had already rented > ment of his house and all the meetings were a house on Monroe Street, corner of Loomis, > held there. Anton Haddad was his transla­ for a headquarters where the activities of > tor and Mirza Raifie also translated some of the Cause were carried on. Here Haji Mirza > the time. The addresses of Abdul Karim Hassan and party, Mirza Abu’l-Fadl and all > Effendi given in Chicago, including one the translators lived at the same time. This > given in New York, and also a Tablet he was a glorious experience for the friends > had received from Bahá’u’lláh, were pub­ who gathered there to receive the teachings > lished in a booklet. This booklet was of from these marvelous teachers. Every Sun­ > great value to the Bahd’is at that time as day they gave public lectures in halls rented > it contained the true teachings and caused by the believers for Sunday meetings only, > the removal of conflicting ideas concerning as all other activities were held at the head­ > the Cause then prevailing in America. He quarters. > made a trip to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to meet Mirza Abul’-F adl, spent much time in > the Baha’is in that city; he gave addresses New York, Green Acre, and Washington, > and held interviews for inquirers. A group returning there after his visit in Chicago. > photograph of the Bahd’is with Abdul His explanations of the Bible were wonder­ > Karim Effendi and his party standing on ful, giving from Genesis to Revelation the > the veranda was taken in front of Dr. most voluminous and the most explicit in­ > Thatcher’s house. Abdul Karim Effendi was terpretations we have ever received. His > a venerable and dignified appearing man talks and lectures were all taken down in > and wore the Oriental robes and turban. shorthand, but we have them only in type­ > In 1901 Haji Mirza Hassan Khorasani, written form, also a large number of his > also of Cairo, Egypt, with Mirza Assad letters to believers and inquirers. These > Ullah of Haifa, Palestine, and Mirza Hussien have been carefully preserved by the Bahd’is > Rouhy, a school teacher of Cairo, who of those early days and have been followed > acted as their interpreter, arrived from the as a basis for giving the Message, especially > Holy Land. They were the bearers of a to Christians. > Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Baha stating that He He wrote a booklet "The Brilliant Proof,” > was sending them "to those regions to visit at the command of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in refuta­ > you that their breasts may be dilated with tion of an article written by Peter Z. Easton, > joy in conversing with you about the Love a Protestant Missionary, which was a very > of God.” false and discourteous criticism of the Bahá’í > These teachers also wore the Oriental Cause. His book entitled "The Bahá’i > garb. Their talks were taken down in short­ Proofs” was published in 1902. After his > hand in Chicago every evening, but were departure January 21 , 1914, another edition > not published. His farewell address was was published containing a history of his > 144 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > life, an account of his death, and tributes capacity. Preceding his second visit, Mírzá > and eulogies written by 'Abdu’l-Baha. Fadil spent a number of days with Shoghi > Several years later, in 1919, Mírzá Jenabe- Effendi in Haifa, and his travels through > Fadil of Teheran, Persia, with his family America gave the believers a clearer insight > arrived in America. They traveled from into the unique station which the Master > coast to coast teaching and lecturing. We created in the Guardianship. This second > have five little booklets of his lectures given visit was notable also in that it greatly > in Seattle, Washington. These were pub­ strengthened the National Teaching Com­ > lished by the Seattle Baha’is in 1921. He mittee which arranged all the details of his > was a younger man than the former teachers schedule and published a news bulletin re­ > who had visited us, but he was a fine speaker. porting his meetings and activities. > He was well liked by those of the friends To sum up: the American Bahá’í com­ > who knew and associated with him. munity gratefully acknowledges its obliga­ > Mírzá Jenabe-Fadil visited America a tion to the teachers whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sent > second time, in 1923, on invitation from from Persia, the country of origin of this > the believers. He contributed much to our Cause. These matured souls freely shared > understanding of the Faith in those days their knowledge and their experience. In no > following the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá other manner, under the conditions pre­ > when it had become imperative for us to vailing in those stages of our development, > realize the true nature of the Baha’i admin­ could the American Bahd’i community have > istrative order. This teacher had been sent received such inspiration and impetus and > by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, whose Tablets referring been bound by such ties to the believers of > to him conveyed high praise of his spiritual the Orient in one universal Faith. > T H E D E V E L O P M E N T O F BAHA'I > PUBLICATIONS > 1. Growth of the Literature > > P i VERY great idea is reflected in a litera­ tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. As soon as a > ture of its own. The concept of democracy new tablet was received from Haifa, the > has been discussed in many treatises and re­ believer receiving it would send copies to > lated types of literature. . . . A literature known Baha’is in different parts of the > has grown up about great historical person­ country. The early centers in the large cities > alities. Witness the almost unceasing publi­ became points of distribution for tablets to > cation of books about Napoleon. . . . Cer­ isolated believers. We find many evidences > tain cycles of stories and legends have been of great earnestness and sacrifice in this > told and retold in different form. Thus we period when the Bahd’i teachings were first > find a whole literature built around the being introduced into the United States. It > legends of King Arthur and his knights. is said that these early believers devoured > Similarly, the great religions of the world each single paragraph and each tablet, no > have each produced a vast body of litera­ matter how brief, in their great desire to > ture, reflecting the myriad aspects in theory satisfy a newly awakened spiritual hunger. > and application of the particular body of One of the early centers of distribution > truth embodied in that faith. was New York City. Here the New York > The student approaching the Baha’i Bahd’i Board of Counsel sent out typed, > teachings is amazed at the extensive bibliog­ mimeographed, and printed pamphlets. In > raphy of publications in English. The dates February, 1904, the Board of Counsel sent > of publication go back to the beginning of out a 12 8-page mimeographed folder of the > the century, and the bibliography reveals a teachings. The contents were divided as > varied and constant out-pouring of litera­ follows: > ture on the Baha’i Faith. > Vol. 1. Long Tablets by the Manifestation > It is the purpose of this brief survey to > Vol. 2. Tablets to the Kings and short > give some idea of the growth of that litera­ > Tablets by the Manifestation > ture and to comment on the authentic ma­ > Vol. 3. Tablets from the Master, ‘Abdu’lterial now easily available to the student. > Bahá > To simplify the task of showing the his­ > Vol. 4. Writings, lectures, etc., by Be­ > torical development of Baha’i literature in > lievers > English, the discussion will be divided cate­ > Vol. 5. News letters and information re­ > gorically. Reference to the extensive bib­ > garding the Cause > liography, found elsewhere in this volume, > will enable the student to search more closely Difficult though many of the translations > into specific books which could not be dis­ are in this early compilation, a great effort > cussed within the limits of this survey. It was being made to meet the need for a > should also be noted that no claim is made fuller knowledge. If it were possible to > for completeness. Only a few specific pub­ compare this compilation with all the lit­ > lications can be mentioned; it is hoped that erature on the Baha’i Faith available in > they are representative. English up to that time, it would probably > In the early days of the Baha’i Faith in stand out as an historic effort. > America, i.e., about the year 1900 and im­ Many of the early pamphlets were mere > mediately after, the few scattered believers leaflets reproducing a Tablet from ‘Abdu’lexchanged typewritten copies of prayers and Baha. Some of these recorded conversations > 146 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the > United States and Canada. > THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 147 > > between American believers and ‘Abdu’l- the visit of a party of Americans to ‘Akká. > Bahá. Most are undated and bear no refer­ The book is well illustrated with photo­ > ence to place of publication. graphs of places in that vicinity associated > A deeply religious note concerning the with the lives of Baha’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l- > "second coming” is reflected in a number Bahá. Again there is reflection of the lov­ > of these leaflets. Three are headed, respec­ ing unity existent among the believers. > tively: Prophecies and Warnings, Can Ye It is to be noted that the many pilgrims’ > Not Discern the Signs of the Times? and reports record conversation with ‘Abdu’l- > Prophecies— Signs of the Coming of the Baha. While this was a great aid in giving > "Son of Man.” The contents in each case an understanding of the teachings, ‘Abdu’lare a compilation of Biblical references and Baha Himself, and the Guardian after Him, > selections from the words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. insisted that only His written words and > Two of these state at the end: "Sincere seek­ those of His Father, Baha’u’llah, were to be > ers may address David . . (An address considered authentic. This is not an effort > in New York City follows). to minimize the importance of the pilgrims’ > Among the early pamphlets are a number reports, but to point out that they filled > of the Tablets of Bahi’u’llah printed in a great need and helped carry over until a > leaflet form. A survey of this type of pub­ sufficiently large body of the writings of > lication would seem, however, to confirm Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha had been > the fact that the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Baha translated. > were given more prominence until the period A number of the early pamphlets and > following 1921 when the Guardian, Shoghi books on the Bahá’í Faith were published > Effendi, began his series of masterly transla­ by non-Bahá’i publishers. An example of > tions of the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. This this is Myron Phelps’ book, The Life and > emphasis at that time is understandable Teachings of ‘Abbas Effendi, published by > when we realize that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was in Putnam and Sons. > constant correspondence with a number of Many in d iv id u a l B ahá’ís published > American believers. We must also keep in pamphlets and books. We have already > mind the fact that an accurate as well as mentioned the leaflets published by "David.” > beautiful translation of the books of Baha’­ Another individual who published exten­ > u’llah is an exceedingly difficult task. sively over a period of years was Charles > Around the beginning of the century and Mason Remey. Mr. Remey published books > until 'Abdu’l-Baha’s release from prison in on the Temples, lessons and lectures on the > 1908, there was a steady stream of small teachings, and many pamphlets. He also > parties of Americans to the prison-city of published accounts of teaching trips in > ‘Akká. Many of those who made this seven mimeograph form. . . . These great efforts > thousand mile pilgrimage to sit at the feet on the part of individuals represent a fine > of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá wrote pamphlets and book­ source of historical information and show > lets concerning the experience. This part of the efforts made to produce an adequate > Baha’i literature has come to be known as body of literature. > "pilgrim’s reports.” Various centers in the United States > Let us look at two samples. formed publishing groups. The Board of > A small 16-page pamphlet has a picture Counsel in New York City has already been > of a door on the cover and the verse from mentioned. Prior to 1908 a Baha’i Publish­ > the New Testament: "Knock and it shall be ing Society had been organized in Chicago. > opened unto you” (Matt. 7:7). Inside are With the coming of the administrative > two brief, simply written accounts of visits order under the Guardianship of Shoghi Ef­ > to ‘Abdu’l-Baha. Each records the great fendi, publishing has been centralized un­ > love, hospitality, and unity which always der the Baha’i Publishing Committee, set > marked the home of the Master. up by the National Spiritual Assembly. > In Galilee, by Thornton Chase, the first This had made for efficiency, economy, and > American Baha’i, is a small book of this authenticity in Baha’i literature. We may > type. Here is a much longer account of set the date 1921 as approximately the be- > 148 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > ginning of authenticity in translation and Bahd. This was a noteworthy effort to bring > publication of Baha’i literature. The impor­ together for the student the mass of Bahd’i > tance of the work accomplished by this literature then available in English. (In > Committee can hardly be overestimated. 1943 this was replaced by Bahd’i World > Another committee of the National Spir­ Faith, a one-volume anthology containing > itual Assembly, the Reviewing Committee, selections not available in English in 1923.) > was set up with the specific task of not only Commentaries on and explanations of the > passing on the authenticity of all publica­ teachings have been many. The best of > tions, but also of setting as high a literary these is Bahd’u’lldh and the Nem Era by > standard as possible. J. E. Esslemont, a book now translated > The present-day literature of the Bahd’i and published in over thirty languages. The > Faith in English falls into three classifica­ most literary of these books is The Prom­ > tions: first, the actual translations of the ise of All Ages by Christophil, pen name of > teachings and history of the Faith; second, Archdeacon George Townshend of Dublin, > commentaries on, and explanations of, the Ireland. The pen of this gifted writer has > teachings; third, discussion of allied sub­ produced another book, The Heart of the > jects and literary expression of the Bahd’i Gospel, published in England, a few copies > spirit. of which have just reached this country as > Of the translations of the teachings, those this article is written. In both these vol­ > translations by the Guardian stand out as umes, Townshend approaches the Bahd’i > monumental renderings of the prose of Faith from the viewpoint of Christianity. > Bahd’u’lldh into English. Rich in beauty He writes compellingly and convincingly* > and dynamic truth are his translations of showing the Bahd’i Faith as the consum­ > Hidden Words, The Book of Certitude, mation of the teachings of Christ. > Gleanings from the Writings of Bahd’u’lldh, The monthly issues of World Order > and Prayers and Meditations by Bahd’u’lldh. magazine provide a forum for the discus­ > How much easier now for a student to ap­ sion of subjects allied to the Bahd’i teach­ > proach the spirit and teachings of Bahd’­ ings. Here we find articles on world fed­ > u’lldh! . . . Nor must we overlook the eration, race relations, comparative religion > Guardian’s translation of Damn-Breakers: and modern sociology. With a great amount > N abit’s Narrative of the Tarty Days of the of authentic literature now available, Bahd’i > Bahd’i Revelation. Here, for the first time writers are able to discuss accurately the > in English, we can appreciate the glorious wide implications of their Faith in meeting > figure of the Báb, majestic predecessor of with the many individual and social prob­ > Bahá’u’lláh. This volume provides a greater lems of the modern world. Here, too, in > degree of completeness in understanding the World Order, are many poetic expressions, > Bahd’i Faith. N ot only is The Damn- of the Bahd’i spirit, evidence of a still small, > Breakers the most beautifully bound Bahd’i but growing artistic expression of Bahd’i > book ever published, but it is by far the ideals. . . . Perhaps the most noteworthy > most scholarly and completely annotated. poetic effort is Howard Ives’ moving long > And we must not overlook the volumes of poem, Song Celestial. > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablets, His compelling In concluding this brief survey, mention > Mysterious Forces of Civilization, and the should be made of the successive volumes > books of His recorded lectures. of T h e Ba h a ’i' W orld. Here is a chrono­ > The writings of Shoghi Effendi himself logical account of the growth of the Bahd’i > constitute a special branch of Bahd’i litera­ Faith throughout the world. The volumes > ture dealing with the subject of world or­ are filled with articles, pictures, and repro­ > der. We refer particularly to the series of ductions of documents of great historic > long, general letters beginning in 192 8 with value. Included always are excerpts from the > The World Order of Bahd’u’lldh. writings of Bahd’u’lldh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. To > In 1923 was published Bahd’i Scriptures, anyone wishing a good source for study of > a large compilation of the writings of Bahd’­ Bahd’i literature, history, and present-day > u’lldh and the writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l- administration, the volumes are invaluable. > THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 149 > > 2. T h e Ba h á ’í M agazine tribution of authentic Bahd’i literature, the > believers would have been deprived of in­ > The American believers have issued regu­ spiration and knowledge required for the > larly a magazine devoted to the exposition mighty tasks ahead. Above all, an instru­ > of the Bahd’i teachings since March, 1910. ment would not have been ready for the > The Bahd’i periodical first appeared on dissemination of reports of the Master’s ad­ > March 21 of that year and bore the title dresses to public audiences throughout > "Bahd’i News.” Albert R. Windust and North America or of His words of counsel > Gertrude Buikema were the editorial staif. and direction given to the believers in in­ > This publication appeared every nineteen timate gatherings. "Bahd’i News” was a > days, in accordance with the Bahd’i calen­ milestone on the highway, a fertile seed > dar in which the month has nineteen days. which has already produced a harvest in > The issue of August 1, 1910 contained a many other Bahd’i communities of distant > Persian section: several pages of electroplates lands. > reproducing hand-lettered Persian script. As the name implies, this first Bahd’i > This feature was continued until February, organ reported the activities of national, > 1925, the next to the last number in international and local Bahd’i concern. It > Volume XV. presented photographs of Bahd’i gatherings, > Beginning March 21, 1911, Volume II, Bahd’i sacred places, and of the Master, > the title was changed to "Star of the West” ‘Abdu’l-Baha. In these pages we find the > and this was retained until November, 1922, official record of the transactions of the > in Volume XIII, when the main title was Annual Convention, the lists of Bahd’i cen­ > "The Bahd’i Magazine,” underneath it as a ters, the officers and committees conducting > subtitle, "Star of the West.” A few years national Bahd’i affairs, and the names of > later the subtitle was dropped. books and pamphlets made available through > In April, 193 5 the magazine was given the Bahd’i Publishing Committee. Traveling > its present tide of "World Order,” employ­ believers could locate meetings in other > ing the term which the Guardian had been cities. News of the Faith in far-distant > identifying with the Faith of Baha’u’llah in land was gathered and given distribution. > his communications to the American Baha’is Tablets of Bahd’u’llah were printed. The > for many years. "World Order” was desig­ Master’s replies to current questions were > nated as Volume One, Number One in a made available. Public Bahd’i lectures and > new series because it represented a union of special articles began to appear. > "The Bahd’i Magazine” and "World Unity.” The Baha’is constituted one great family, > Prof. Stanwood Cobb and Horace Holley and this was their intimate diary, personal > edited the new periodical. letter, visit and old home week, as well as > The appearance of "Bahd’i News” re­ a door flung open upon the heavenly vista of > flected events of major importance in the the Sacred Scriptures of their Faith. Besides > growth of the Faith in America. It syn­ the Temple, other national functions and > chronized with the beginning of the Annual projects took life and power from the Bahd’i > Conventions, the adoption of a preliminary magazine: the publishing of books and > constitutional basis for the activities, the pamphlets, the collection of Tablets and > first steps in the work of Temple construc­ sacred relics for the Archives, the conduct > tion (the purchase of land), and the deep­ of the Annual Convention and Bahd’i Con­ > ening expectation of the Master’s visit to gress, and the rapid development of teach­ > America, realized in 1912. Without an ing by individual believers, groups, commit­ > organ representing the interests of the en­ tees and Assemblies from Maine to Cali­ > tire Bahd’i community, transcending the fornia. > local interests of any city or section, the In later years, particularly with the estab­ > all-important Temple work could not have lishment of the present "Bahd’i News” as > become established on the foundation of the organ of the National Spiritual Assem­ > general unity. Without a loyal and respon­ bly, the magazine has become rather a > sible center for the publication and dis­ depository of exposition and a library of > 150 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > excerpts from the Word than a conveyor first American Baha’i and a potent lecturer > of news. and teacher, and "Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,” > Other editors active in the work have Volume One. > been Albert Vail, Dr. Zia Bagdadi and Volume One of the Tablets was followed > Mariam Haney. several years later by Volumes Two and > The Baha’i magazine from its inception Three, a notable collection of the letters > possessed the recognition and received the revealed by kAbdu’l-Bahá to Assemblies, > loving encouragement of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. groups and individual believers up to the > "Shouldst thou continue to remain firm year 1909. The collecting of these Tablets > and eternal, erelong thou shalt become the began in 1903 when Mr. Windust was ap­ > Star of the East and shalt spread in every pointed librarian of the Chicago Assembly, > country and clime. . . . At last thou shalt and his vision of the importance of assemb­ > become the first paper of the world of ling and preserving the precious documents > humanity Yet all these depend upon founded the work of the national Bahá’i > firmness, firmness, firmness,” He revealed in Archives in America. Mrs. Fanny Lesch, > a Tablet dated 1910. Mary Lesch, and Gertrude Buikema prepared > the typewritten copies of the Tablets which > 3. T h e Ba h á ’í P ublishing Society > Mr. Windust prepared for the printer and > The first quality of faith demonstrated saw through the press. > in action is initiative. By the initiative, the During the year 1910, the publishing > courage and the sacrifice of individual activity having expanded, Miss Mary Lesch > Bahá’is in the early days all the institutions took over the burden from Mrs. Agnew. For > and facilities of the Cause came into being some seven or eight years thereafter, this > and were fostered through the most difficult activity centered in her home at 5205 Harper > stages of their development. Avenue, then transferred to 4319 Lake Park > Bahd’i publishing centered in Chicago Avenue, and finally installed in an office at > under the care of Thornton Chase, Arthur 508 South Dearborn Street. Miss Lesch con­ > S. Agnew, Charles Greenleaf, and Albert R. tinued to conduct the work until April, > Windust. The distribution of the printed 1924, when the National Spiritual Assembly > literature was carried on until about 1910 transferred the activity to a committee in > by Mr. and Mrs. Agnew, who filled orders New York in order to relieve Miss Lesch > sent in from other centers and served as of a burden which had become too great > librarian at the meetings in Chicago. Their for any individual to bear. For some four­ > efforts represented the founding of an en­ teen years she had been the American Baha’i > terprise that has since become active and Publishing Society. Under her care the seed­ > flourishing. ling had become a vigorous young tree. The > The publishing activity in those days had centering of all Bahd’i activities under the > no backing from a general Bahi’i fund but central body named in the Master’s Will and > sustained itself through rigid economy, un­ Testament and established under the Guard­ > remitting labor and the support of those ian’s direction began a new era in Baha’i > who had assumed this responsibility. publishing. > The Baha’i literature available in English The first Publishing Committee of the > translation was at first very limited. One National Assembly consisted of Mountfort > typewritten copy of "Hidden Words” ex­ Mills, Chairman, Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer, > isted prior to the year 1900 in North Ameri­ Horace Holley, Secretary, William H. Ran­ > ca. In the first number of "Baha’i News,” dall and Siegfried Schopflocher. Its first an­ > March, 1910 we find a notice of "Mysterious nual report, submitted to the Assembly for > Forces of Civilization,” imported from Lon­ the information of the Annual Convention > don. Other titles listed that year were "The of 1924, mentioned the Committee’s gen­ > Universal Religion— Bahaism,” by M. Hip- eral aims and policies as well as its detailed > polite Dreyfus, "Some Answered Questions” activities for the year: > edited by Laura Clifford Barney, and "The "Having for the past year been charged > Baha’i Revelation,” by Thornton Chase, the with the responsibility of carrying on the > THE DEV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 151 > > work of publishing the Bahá’í literature, u’llah and The New Era,” by Dr. J. E. > under your authority and supervision, we Esslemont in England; "Lessons in Religion,” > take the occasion afforded by the approach­ translated by Miss Sanderson of Paris and > ing National Convention to outline as fully published at her expense as a contribution > as possible the details of our work and also to the Girls’ School on Mount Carmel; > our plans for its considerable extension in "Unity Triumphant,” by Miss Herrick, of > the future, that the delegates may carry London; also published in order to devote its > back to their respective Assemblies full in­ profits to the Cause; "Baha’i Scriptures,” > formation respecting this aspect of the published by Brentano’s, Inc., and dis­ > progress of the Cause. . . . tributed by the Publishing Committee to > "It has been our view from the beginning the local Assemblies practically at cost. > of this appointment that a successful carry­ Mention should also be made of the new 8- > ing out of the large spiritual and also ma­ page teaching folder, 2 5,000 copies of which > terial responsibilities placed upon us should have been printed by the Publishing Com­ > before long result not only in broadcasting mittee for the Teaching Committee at the > the Baha’i Message in its purest expression, request of the National Spiritual Assembly.” > but also in due time and, we trust, before Between 1924 and 1928, the Committee > long—produce a legitimate cash surplus at also issued or distributed: "Promulgation of > the disposal of the National Spiritual As­ Universal Peace,” Volume Two; "The Wis­ > sembly for carrying on Bahd’i work in other dom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” ; " ‘Abdu’l-Baha in > fields. . . . New York” ; "Foundations of World > "The publishing work, at the point where Unity” ; "Baha’i Administration” ; "The Di­ > this committee took up its activities, had vine Art of Living” ; "Racial Amity,” com­ > already brought into print practically all piled by M. H. and M. M.; "The Spirit of > that part of the Word which so far had World Unity” ; "The Book of Assurance,” > been translated into the English language. (The K itab-i-lqan); "The Spiritual Oppor­ > Looking over the past records of the be­ tunity of the Baha’is of the United States > loved Baha’i Publishing Society, it is possible and Canada,” (The Tablets on teaching re­ > to witness clearly the long and inspiring list vealed by £Abdu’l-Bahá in 1916 and 1917); > of its services and accomplishments for the "Letters from Shoghi Eifendi” ; "Episodes in > Cause. Its publications have penetrated to My Life,” by Monereh Khanum; "Bahá’- > all parts of the world, and under difficult u’lláh and His Message,” by J. E. Esslemont; > and arduous conditions of quiet daily self- "Lessons in Religion,” by Muhammad Ali > sacrifice its heroic workers—notably Mr. Alkany; "Baha’i: The Spirit of the Age,” > Agnew, Mr. Windust and Miss Mary Lesch by Horace Holley; "The Baha’i Religion” ; > —have been indirectly among the foremost " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America,” > teachers of the Cause. . . ; by Juliet Thompson; "The Bahd’i Faith,” > "In all, fifty-nine titles appear on the by a Methodist Layman; "Bahá’i Persecu­ > Price List of the Baha’i Publishing Society, tions in Persia” ; "The Oneness of Man­ > and it was the first task to make this litera­ kind,” compiled by L. G. Gregory and > ture readily accessible to the friends in every Mariam Haney. During these years, the > local Assembly. This was accomplished by Committee was assisted by workers who, each > sending to each Assembly an allotment of for a period, carried on the work of dis­ > books in proportion to its number of mem­ tributing the books, Doris Holley, Annie L. > bers, with the result that of many of the Romer, and Marie Moore. > important Bahd’i works, only a few copies The publishing work entered a new era > are now left in print. . . . Having to choose in 1928 when Marion Little was appointed > between reprinting many books only a few Secretary and the manufacture of books and > at a time, or fewer books in larger and thus pamphlets was scheduled under an arrange­ > more economical editions, the Committee ment made with the printing firm of J. J. > has adopted the latter principle. . . . Little and Ives. Prior to this the firm of > "The past year has marked the publishing Brentano’s, Inc., its publishing division > of several important Baha’i works: "Bahá- headed by the late Charles J. Herold, had > 152 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > Certificate of the Palestine Government incorporating the National Spiritual Assembly > of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada as a Religious Society in Palestine. > THE D EV ELO PM EN T OF B A H Á ’Í P U B L IC A T IO N S 153 > > acted for the Committee in the publishing hibits conducted at the World’s Fairs in > of a number of works. San Francisco and New York was the pro­ > In fifteen years, from 1928 to 1943, the duction of the 376,000 pamphlets needed > Committee, through the expert management for the visitors who sought information > of the work by Clara R. Wood, has pub­ about the Cause. > lished thirty-five new books and forty-three The largest edition of any one Baha’i > new pamphlets, twenty new study outlines, title has been the total copies produced over > purchased fifteen different titles, imported a period of years of the small compilation > seven books in foreign languages and printed originally issued by Mr. Wilhelm. In suc­ > ten foreign language works in this country. cessive printings it has gone through several > This in addition to the frequent reprinting changes in contents and title, and has be­ > of books and pamphlets out of stock. sides been translated and printed in several > The distribution has been widespread, in foreign languages, to an estimated total of > the new centers of Central and South one half million copies. The three pamphlets > America as well as to the older Assemblies composing a unit of selections from the > in Europe and the East. Writings of Bahd’u’lldh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and > The most extensive single undertaking Shoghi Effendi, compiled by the National > of the Committee has been the manufacture Spiritual Assembly in 1942, appeared in a > of "The Dawn-Breakers: Nabil’s Narrative total of 2 5,000 sets or 75,000 individual > of the Early Days of the Baha’i Revelation” copies. Finally, a word is added concerning > —a work of 68 5 pages and numerous illus­ "Bahá’i World Faith,” the compilation re­ > trations, including the precious Tablets re­ placing the "Bahá’i Scriptures” of 1923. > vealed by the Báb in His own hand to the 10,000 copies of this work of 565 pages were > Letters of the Living (His chosen disciples) published in 1943. > and to Bahd’u’lldh. This book was printed In September, 1940, the Publishing Com­ > in two editions, one limited to 150 num­ mittee became the first national Bahd’i > bered copies each autographed by Shoghi Committee to establish its office adjacent to > Effendi. The total cost involved was ap­ the Bahd’i House of Worship, which the > proximately $15,000. Guardian has designated as the center of > Noteworthy also has been the series of all administrative activities of the Faith in > volumes published biennially, "The Bahá’i North America. > World,” the international survey of Baha’i The office records show that for ten years > activities. The first volume, entitled "Bahd’i ending 1943 there have been distributed a > Year Book,” was manufactured by the man­ total of 1,074,328 items, nearly 150,000 > ager of "The Baha’i Magazine,” Allen B. of which were books, the remainder pamph­ > McDaniel, but the subsequent books have lets and study guides or outlines. > been produced by the Publishing Committee. In 193 5, when "The Bahd’i Magazine” > Volume VIII contains 1039 pages, colored was renamed "World Order,” the business > frontispiece, insert maps and several hundred management was consolidated with the > halftone plates. functions of the publishing work. The > A special service rendered by the Com­ stock of books and pamphlets has all been > mittee in connection with the Bahd’i ex­ transferred to Wilmette. > BAHA'I T E A C H I N G I N > N O R T H AMERICA > Foreword > > J b OR the early American believers the which the Faith of BaháVlláh, in fifty years, > Faith of Bahá’u’lláh was envisioned as the has spread to all parts of the United States > return of Christ. The first teaching was the and Canada, raised up its institutions, con­ > simple declaration that He had come, that structed its magnificent central shrine, the > this is the promised Day. In comparison to House of Worship in Wilmette, and dem­ > the overwhelming importance of this fact, onstrated its capacity not only to conduct > the nature and scope of the new teachings its own activities but in addition to carry > did not appear to be particularly urgent. A the Faith to many other lands. For America > lifetime was all too brief a period in which is accustomed to the rapid growth of move­ > to grasp the actual fact, experience its ments, idealistic as well as material, and in > glorious implication in the deepest heart, the fertile soil of her mixed population, up­ > and strive to regenerate the character and rooted from their racial past, has fed the > adapt the being to its supreme challenge. increase of many doctrines and many creeds. > The experience itself was a fire to burn But all movements initiated by human be­ > away the veils, the obstacles, the hindrances. ings are essentially selective. They are > By this spiritual necessity the early Bahd’i adapted to some special type or some tem­ > felt himself set apart from the daily world porary condition. Their real measure is a > — transferred, as it were, back over nineteen predetermined limitation. When they arrive > hundred years to the Holy Land associated at their measure they yield their fruit, their > with the meaning of the Prophet of God. leaves fall and they live no more. Religion > Prayer was more vital than philosophy. as action for crusades, religion as social > Love won its victory greater than the philosophy for the guidance of political in­ > triumph of truth. To find others with whom stitutions, religion as conserver of class and > one might share this spirit of reverent love family tradition: such expressions of religion > was necessarily the first requirement of have been familiar throughout American > obedience to Him, the first impulse and history. But America has not known, ex­ > method of the believer. His devotion trans­ cept as yearning, the descent of truth from > formed him into a teacher, and his need to above and the imperative need for acceptance > share the experience set his feet upon the of that higher reality before one can "join” > path destined to lead in this new cycle to and "go.” Therefore, as ‘Abdu’l-Baha ex­ > all knowledge and all truth. plained to the ardent early believers, the > Those who learn that the first Bahd’is Cause develops slowly because it must create > were confirmed without access to the litera­ the conditions of permanence as it grows. > ture of the Faith and could experience it How has the Faith of Bahd’u’lldh, at first > without knowledge need not be amazed. identified with a handful of persons in > The early Bahd’is were simple folk, simple Chicago,, found the means and instruments > with the singleness that comes from response for such development? > to love, and from this very simplicity, this The answer is, first, that faith itself is the > freedom from sophistication and this highest expression of action. The man and > capacity to rise above acquired learning, they woman with faith possesses the power of > became the chosen ones, the seeds to produce accomplishment, because they can be used > the greatest harvest of history. by spiritual forces. Every Baha’i is a teach­ > We, too, must go back to that same Holy er, not merely a passive worshipper whose > Land if we would grasp the miracle by creed confines him to the role of spectator > H4 > B A H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 155 > > at the arena of world events. Second, the ington, D. C., Agnes Alexander in Hawaii, > Faith is continually creative and evolution­ and in all probability Mrs. Phoebe Hearst in > ary, using each step of progress as founda­ California. Margaret Klebs became the first > tion for taking a higher step. It created teacher in Georgia. In other Southern States > simple local institutions in the 'stage of the Bahá’i Message was first delivered by > local unity; later it created national insti­ Hooper Harris, Mrs. Claudia Coles and Louis > tutions when national unity had been at­ G. Gregory. Mrs. Mariam Haney founded > tained. It can work through the individual the cause in Minneapolis if not in the State of > whose faith is his or her sole equipment; it Minnesota. Among those who traveled most > can work through the medium of collective extensively during those years we note > plans and projects commanding the resources Thornton Chase, Charles Haney, Mrs. Lua > of modern life. It preserves the enthusiasm Getsinger, Mrs. Ida Brittingham, Roy C. > of the individual through every stage of Wilhelm and Col. Fitz Gerald. > community development, for divine truth Others served as strong pillars in their own > lives through the individual and through city, holding the Baha’i group together dur­ > the community without sacrificing either ing its formative years and by their active > to the demands of the other. Like an organ­ faith arousing devotion and enthusiasm, as for > ism filled with a new quality of life, the example, the household of Arthur P. Dodge > Bahd’i community can demonstrate religion in New York, Albert H. Hall in Minneapo­ > as a unifying force encompassing the whole lis, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Latimer in Portland, > world. Mrs. Mary Revell in Philadelphia, and in > In order to follow this astonishing his­ Chicago a number of stalwart believers such > torical movement through these fity years, as Mr. Chase, Mrs. True, Charles Ioas, Mr. > it is convenient and helpful to approach the Agnew and Albert R. Windust. > process as a series of periods or stages of Three vital influences reinforced and also > growth. The first stage is from 1894 to guided the individual believer intent upon > 1911; the second, 1912 to 1921 (from the serving the Faith. First we note the great > date of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit to America to enterprise of the House of Worship, a re­ > His ascension); the third, 1921 to 1937 sponsibility laid upon the whole Baha’i com­ > (the beginning of the teaching plan laid munity of North America and a potent fac­ > down by the Guardian for the last seven tor in producing unity of sentiment and > years of this Baha’i C entury); and from action. Next we perceive the development > 1937 to the present year, 1944. of Bahd’i institutions and agencies, local, > To the early believers, North America had regional and national, eventually coordinated > once again become a continent new and un­ through the order initiated by the Will and > known, this time not a geographical but a Testament of ťAbdu’l-Bahá, establishing ca­ > spiritual exploration. One by one they set pacity and power for united action. Finally > forth, some in the course of their business there has been the Teaching Tablets revealed > travels, others planning special trips or using by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá endowing the American > the opportunity afforded by personal visit, Baha’is with a world mission. From 1937 to > to convey the Bahd’i Message and quicken 1944 the Guardian applied a seven year plan > new hope in the achievement of unity for the which called for a definite measure of > regeneration of human life on earth. As local achievement, no less than the establishment > groups evolved, they sent out calls for of a Spiritual Assembly in every unoccupied > teachers, until circuits could be arranged in State of the United States and Canada, and a > many parts of the country. The memory of nucleus for a future Assembly in every re­ > some of the friends constitutes our only his­ public of Central and South America, as > tory and guide to much of the activity going well as the completion of the exterior orna­ > on in those years. We learn, for example, mentation of the Temple. The Bahá’í has > that Paul K. Dealy was the first Baha’i of thus lived not merely in a world of renewed > Alabama, Mrs. Barbee was first in Missouri, truth but also in a world in rapid evolution > Fred Mortensen in Montana, Mrs. Pearl Bat- under laws of ethical responsibility which > tee Doty in Maryland, Mrs. Dixon in Wash­ the individual may not ignore. Faith is and > 156 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > must be capacity to respond to the pressures so that in 1898 many students in eastern > exerted by the spiritual life, and not merely cities were eagerly seeking knowledge of > passive belief or hopeful expectancy. What God through this channel. > emerges is the type of a civilization upheld On November 4, 1900, there arrived in > by obedience to God, blessed by that obedi­ New York, Mirza Assad’u’llah, a Persian > ence and perishing if the people abandon the teacher of authority from ‘Akkd, in Pales­ > inner effort to draw nigh to Him. tine, and Hadji Hassan Khorassani, a promi­ > The time for the preparation of adequate nent merchant of Cairo, Egypt; with > historical records has not arrived. The be­ Mirza Hussein Rouhy, and Mirza Buzork, > lievers are too immersed in the tasks of the as interpreters. They remained in New > day and hour to stop and become researchers York, meeting and teaching large num­ > of the past. The following series of con­ bers of people, until November 26, when > tributions, therefore, can only suggest the they visited Johnstown, New York, for two > pattern of events through which the Ameri­ days, and reached Chicago at 4 p. m., > can Bahd’i community has attained growth. Thanksgiving Day, November 29, where > Each statement, however, unlike those w rit­ they made their headquarters for a year > ten by trained historians, has the advantage and a half. > of being prepared by one who took a large A little later came another Persian gentle­ > part in the events and carried responsibility man, Mirza 'Abu’l-Fadl, a scholar and > for their outcome. historian, famous in the Orient for his > learning and sincerity, one who had given > 1. T he Early Y ears up a position of the highest honor in > Persia, as president of the Royal College of > I n the month of June, 1894, a gentleman Teheran, to embrace the Bahd’i Cause, > in Chicago desired to study Sanskrit, in which resulted in his imprisonment for > order to further pursue his search into three years in Persian dungeons. Two > ancient religious teachings. While seeking an young Persians, Mirza Ali Kuli Khan and > instructor he met a Syrian who had come to Mirza ‘Ameen’u’llah also arrived to act as > Chicago from Egypt a short time before, and interpreters. > who told him of the Baha’i Movement. With these teachers came the first oppor­ > As the statements of the life and teach­ tunity for a correct and intimate knowl­ > ings of Baháhťlláh and His son, Abbas Ef- edge of the true Bahd’i teachings. The > fendi, the "Greatest Branch,” otherwise salient facts:—the mission of the Báb as the > known as ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, accorded with the Forerunner and Proclaimer of the coming of > declarations of numerous sacred prophecies, "He Whom God Shall Manifest,” His life, > and with the age-long expectations of man­ and early martyrdom; the appearance of > kind, it was deemed of value to investigate Bahd’u’lldh, the Manifestation, and Revealer > those claims as far as possible. of the Divine Word, the station and au­ > Other seekers for truth became attracted thority of Abbas Effendi, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd, as > to the study of these matters, with the re­ the Center of the Covenant, the Interpreter > sult that five accepted the teachings as true and the Establisher of the Sacred Law; > during the year 1894. In 1895 a number these were known and believed; but, as > of earnest students became interested, classes yet, there had been but little translation of > were formed, and several became "believers,” their writings,, and but a small portion of > and in 1896, the followers of the Bahd’i their beautiful and comprehensive teachings > Cause in Chicago were numbered by of religion and life was known until they > hundreds. were disclosed by these visitors from the > A class of T ruth Seekers was begun in center of the Cause. The young inter­ > Kenosha, Wis., another in Milwaukee, and preters, assisted by Mr. Anton Hadad of > individuals from New York, Cincinnati, Syria, buried themselves in translating the > Washington, and other points, came in touch Bahd’i Writings from Persian and Arabic > with the Movement in Chicago, and carried into English, and a wonderful treasury > information of it to their friends at home, of wisdom and knowledge was opened > B A H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 157 > > which has been the delight and satisfaction were started is Kenosha and Milwaukee, Wis­ > of thousands of hungry souls in America. consin, and in suburban towns near Chicago. > The instructions given by Mirza Assad’- And, again, in unusual ways, individuals > u’llah and Mirza 'Abu’l-Fadl were thor­ from New York, Cincinnati, Columbus, O., > oughly sane and practical, and so insisted on Washington, D. C., Baltimore, and else­ > righteousness, right living—as the essen­ where, heard the Message in Chicago, and > tial of religion, rather than physic and returned to their respective homes full of > occult experiments, that many persons, enthusiasm to share, always share, with > who had conceived views imbued with others the great glad tidings. In 1898 > imaginations and superstitions, fell away classes were organized in New York and > from the Cause—but those who remained nearby Eastern cities which attracted ear­ > discovered such spiritual light, guidance, nest seekers, especially was the Message > richness, and power in the teachings, that spread from New York City to Brooklyn, > they were deeply confirmed in their belief, and then to towns in New Jersey until soon > and clung to it as the most valuable in­ there were little groups in Newark, Orange, > struction possible for man to obtain. Morristown, Hoboken, Montclair and other > The classes and assemblies which had centers. > diminished in number, again began to grow, The most important teaching at this time > and to spread the knowledge of the Bahd’i was accomplished through personal con­ > Cause; until at the present time its adher­ tacts, by word of mouth one to another, as > ents in the United States are numbered seekers were found, though there were, as > by thousands— there are believers in many indicated, a few small classes. The Bahá’ís > cities and towns, from the Atlantic to the were not, in the usual sense, seeking to > Pacific— all earnest and sincere in their propagandize the Cause nor to proselytize > faith, and in their acceptance of this or convert, indeed in those days they were > modern revelation of Divine Knowledge, taught not to force their views on others, > and striving with their lives to carry out but when they came in contact with a real > the Baha’i teachings of love to God ex­ seeker, to offer the Message to that person > pressed in love to man."* as if "offering a gift to a king.” And that > There are .assemblies of believers in was the way teaching was accomplished > Chicago and New York, in Boston and very successfully even if at that time the > Baltimore, Washington and Philadelphia, in Bahd’is themselves had only a limited knowl­ > Cleveland, Cincinnati, St. Louis, Milwaukee, edge of the Faith, that is, outer historical > Kenosha, Minneapolis, Spokane, Seattle, data; however* the gift of the Holy Spirit > Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San had given them an inner conviction which > Diego and in many towns of lesser fame; was strong, and deep, and real. To pass on > in all of which this wonderful, religious, as much as they could of the Message to > ethical, moral, and practical teaching of others was certainly felt by all to be the > the age, is received and loved as the great first obligation, and those who lived through > solvent of religious, social, and economic that period will surely never forget how in­ > problems, and the joy and beauty of life. tense was the longing to find seekers. > One of the most precious memories of > * Written in 1914. > those first years of pioneering was the long­ > ing of the few Bahd’is themselves to gather > 2. T ea ch in g A c tiv ity 1894-1911 together in little groups and discuss the > Those who called themselves Baha’is were mercy and bounty of God and the Glory > anxious to share the New Light, their new of the New Day, "And there were lights in > found spiritual joy, with others. They did many an upper chamber long after mid­ > not call themselves teachers, however; they night.” Spiritual happiness was intense, and > simply had an intense urge to oifer the the difference between spiritual happiness > Water of Life to thirsty souls everywhere, and material happiness was so fully demon­ > so it happened that these earnest souls went strated that this joyous spirit was felt by > forth as heralds of the New Age. Classes attracted souls. > 158 THE BA H Á ’Í C E N T E N A R Y > > Soon new accessions to the Faith were Cairo, Egypt, and others, spent some time > almost a daily occurrence until the believers in this country, particularly in Chicago; > in and around Chicago were numbered by and from about 1901 to 1905 Mirza ‘Abu’lhundreds. Later many of these left the Fadl, who was considered the greatest reli­ > Faith, for when they found that the Cause gious historian of his time, was in this coun­ > of Bahá’u’lláh was a purely Spiritual Cause, try. This great teacher was saintly, com­ > free from superstitions, imaginations and pletely severed, impersonal, and rendered > interpretations, they were disappointed. inestimable services to the Bahá’í Cause in > Some had imagined that they could retain every city he visited. He served with all > their preconceived ideas, or perhaps they heart and soul and put all his spiritual gifts > had a few fanciful thoughts, "rather than and graces into the work in New York > factual and true spiritual interest; however, City and nearby places; in Chicago, Wash­ > they soon found out that one must walk in ington, D. C. and other centers. He was > the way of the Lord and that it was impos­ also a spiritual gift to Green Acre, in Eliot, > sible to attain a spiritual victory in any Maine, where his great intellect and spirit­ > other way, for a Cause which is God’s Reli­ ual graces and fervor were used to the glory > gion must be built on a firm foundation: of God and to the furtherance of His Cause. > "Except the Lord build the house they labor Mirza ‘Abu’l-Fadl was explicit in his state­ > in vain who build it.” ments, he had the gift of teaching and was > Teaching consisted not only in sharing exact and accurate in the thoughts he con­ > the Message with new souls, but the be­ veyed. Baha’is and non-Baha’is benefitted > lievers themselves were being taught, and greatly while he was in this country, and > they realized more and more that theolog­ teaching had a tremendous, impetus. In > ical dreams had to be set aside and only the 1902 his book, The Baha’i Proofs, was > Reality of Religion accepted and passed on printed and published in Washington, D. C. > to others. The unknown tomorrow was not Another impetus to teaching was through > a matter of concern. There might be tests the early pilgrimage of very fortunate > and trials in the vista of the future (and Americans who traveled to ťAkká and Haifa > there were, many of them) but those dear to see £Abdu’l-Bahá. Some went as early as > pioneers could sing, "Joy to the World, the 1898, and every succeeding year in all this > Lord is Come,” with a clarified vision for at pioneer period Baha’is made the longed-for > long last the real history of the beginning pilgrimage to the Prison in ‘Akka, regard­ > of the Faith in the land of its birth (Persia, less of the almost insurmountable difficulties > now Irán) had been brought to them by attending the journey. How it was all ac­ > teachers from the Orient. They had a complished with Turkish soldiers and offi­ > greater realization than ever that "God’s cials of the Old Turkish regime always on > ways are most mysterious and unsearchable.” guard, is another one of those stirring events > Always teaching others to understand the in the Bahd’i ^Gause which may well be > importance of the Manifestation of God classed as a miracle. Without exception > when He appears, they had now come to these pilgrims felt the marvelous influence > understand themselves that all Revelation of the Spirit emanating from the Master, > is progressive, and that in each New Cycle the superhuman benignity always manifest, > God gives to man added knowledge, and in the magnetism of His personality, they > this New Age the greatest knowledge in ac­ heard the Holy Words and teachings di­ > cordance with the maturity of the Day and rectly from Him, they were able to talk > the requirements of the time. and walk with Him. > Bahá’í teachers from the Near East were On their return these American pilgrims > sent to this country by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as would always bring back to the friends a > early as 1898 to further instruct and assist record of the teachings and instructions > the believers. In the early part of 1900 they received. These Notes were like manna > Abdel Karim Effendi of Tihrán, Persia, from heaven, and teaching would again be > gave a series of talks in New York City and greatly accelerated, for these holy instruc­ > Chicago. In 1900, also, Mirza Khorassani of tions acted like magic on the spirits, and > B A H A ’I T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 159 > > many a soul became confirmed through and peace as characterized the very early days. > them. It is certain that when a great Spiritual > From the very beginning the believers Light comes into the world, an opposing > made contact with ‘Abdu’l-Baha through force is likewise sure to raise its head. It > sending a letter to Him indicating their has ever been so in the inception of all great > acceptance of the Faith and asking innumer­ and divine religious systems. "It must needs > able questions. Tablets were received in be that offenses come.” However, the more > reply, and gradually these Tablets assumed antagonisms and attacks against the Faith, > very large proportions. The greatest spirit­ the more loyal, courageous and steadfast > ual teaching in all history was accomplished became the faithful among the faithless. > through the receipt and dissemination of Tests merely became a challenge to firm­ > these Tablets and the instructions therein, ness and no cause for despondency. If any > for ‘Abdu’l-Baha not only answered all these one attempted in one way or another to > questions, but interpreted and elucidated cause division among the believers, that one > the teachings of His Father Bahá’u’lláh, merely made a thorny path for himself with­ > solved intricate problems and upon His fol­ out in the least disturbing Baha’i unity. To > lowers showered His divine love and kind­ quote ‘Abdu’l-Baha: "God’s Will is inde­ > ness. pendent of human opinion.” . . . "Compare > As it was necessary to share these precious the days of the Manifestation of the Beauty > instructions, certain believers voluntarily of Abha (Bahá’u’lláh) with the days of > arose in different parts of the country and Christ; consider this is identically like that > had the great privilege of making typewrit­ and the same doubts and opposition are put > ten copies of these Tablets which were given forth (by the people).” > wide circulation among the Bahd’is not only Another unusual teaching activity at that > in this country and Canada, but throughout time was the tour of two American Bahd’i > the world, and this effort might in truth be teachers (Hooper Harris and Harlan Ober) > called the first Bahá’í teaching service from to India, for the purpose of visiting the be­ > America to other countries. One friend in lievers and spreading the Baha’i Message. > particular developed what might well have Wide publicity was given to the Cause every > been called an International Bureau of In­ place they visited, and their teaching activ­ > formation, for it was a big teaching activ­ ities took them to most of the large cities > ity; through these Tablets ‘Abdu’l-Baha be­ in India. This is mentioned because the tour > stowed the Water of Life Eternal not only was undertaken in obedience to an instruc­ > upon the recipients of the Tablets but upon tion from ‘Abdu’l-Baha. It shows how from > many others. the early times He called American believers > No matter what question was asked and to teach even in foreign lands. > answered (and every conceivable question At this period of the Cause there were no > was presented to Him frorj the naming of regularly organized teaching plans. Teach­ > children to the most complicated scientific ing was an individual matter and it was > and philosophical subjects and the most pro­ accomplished through study of the Revealed > found spiritual and religious doctrines), He Words and the power of the Holy Spirit. > invariably stressed over and vover again very However, it just so happened that many > specific subjects such as firmness in the Cov­ Bahd’is were always traveling to and fro > enant, unity of the believers, ^he peace of the across the Continent for one purpose or > world, the oneness of mankind—and the another, mostly for business reasons, and as > greatest of these was firmness in the Cov­ the greatest business in the world to a Baha’i > enant for upon this depended success in is to spread the Message of this New Day, > every effort and in all teaching plans. This traveling meant that the seeds of Truth > instruction so often repeated, prepared His were widely scattered. Furthermore as soon > followers in no uncertain way té meet the as it was known that a Bahd’i could speak > inevitable tests and trials which would come to groups, that Baha’i was invited to nearby > to them some day, for they could hot al­ cities, and many a fireside group was con­ > ways carry on amid such spiritual sweětness firmed in this way. > 160 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: "I have summoned all were in one sense official for in some cases > to the conveying of the Message.” . . . the friends elected them. Aside from these > "Whosoever has a greater power of speech, committees, the affairs of the Cause were > whosoever has a greater power of attraction, administered by individuals who seemed > whosoever has a greater sincerity, will ad­ naturally to have the necessary ability to > vance, no matter what happens.” . . . "This function. However, even the committees > is an innate Cause.” Again, spiritual history did not preclude the friends from serving > repeating itself, only in a larger way. Christ and teaching in accordance with their own > said, "And unto one He gave five talents, to guidance. Those were the days when the > another two, and to another one; to every "rugged individualism” of the Americans > man according to his several ability.” So was greatly in evidence in the promulgation > the friends used their talents according to of the Cause. > their capacity and training, and each one As the years passed it was evident that > arose in his own way and according to his these committees were rendering most valu­ > own guidance, hoping the capacity he had able services. It was the House of Spiritu­ > and his longing to serve would attract di­ ality in Chicago that initiated the work of > vine assistance. the Mashriq’ul-Adhkdr in supplicating to > A community of Baha’is was by now ťAbdu’l-Bahá for permission to build a Baexisting in many of the large cities, as well há’í House of Worship in this country. This > as small towns, of the United States, and in request was granted. From its very incep­ > Montreal, P. Q., Canada. In these Bahd’i tion the Bahd’i House of Worship was still > communities were gathered former Protes­ another teaching effort of the utmost im­ > tants from many sects, also Christian Scien­ portance, for ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statements in > tists, Catholics, Jews, Muhammadans, Theo- many of His Tablets and in notes of pil­ > sophists, and some who had never before grims witness to the glory of this effort > been interested in any religion, as well as a and its definite linking with teaching, in > representation from different races— all hap­ fact one seemed to be inseparable from the > pily cooperating and enjoying true fellow­ other. "It is an expression of the elevation > ship. Through the effect of the Holy Re­ of the Word of God,” said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > vealed Words in this Dispensation, Bahd’is A very important teaching activity for > had taken a new flight, antagonisms had Bahd’is themselves was organized during > vanished, the Light of the New Age pre­ this period, namely, the inauguration offi­ > cluded hatreds and suspicions, they com­ cially of the Institution in the Cause known > muned together sympathetically, brother­ as Unity Feasts, which are observed every > hood and true fraternity had become an nineteen days. The program for, and con­ > actual fact. "And the Lord shall be King duct of, this meeting, has been a teaching > over all the earth: in that day shall there and training medium for Bahd’is. > be one Lord and His Name one.” What were the most important teaching > In the pioneering days the Baha’i Faith events of the pioneer period of the Baha’i > was not organized. Of course religion in its Cause in the United States and Canada? The > purest spiritual realities, that is, the funda­ answer is that it would be unwise to make > mentals, the essential or spiritual teachings even a guess, for the whole period from > of the Word of God, cannot be organized; 1894 to 1911 inclusive, was a continued > but there is a second division—the laws and miracle— a miracle because it was made pos­ > ordinances which concern human transac­ sible not because of human words and works, > tions and relations. Briefly, there was noth­ but because of Divine intervention and as­ > ing in the way of official committees to ad­ sistance. The believers themselves were, for > minister the affairs of the Cause except in the most part, not entirely conscious that a > certain cities, for instance in Chicago, the Mysterious Power was the dynamic back of > House of Spirituality, in New York the all achievement. However, a few of the out­ > Board of Council, and in other cities there standing features of that time were: > were committees designated as Working 1st. The teaching about the importance > Committees, Service Committees, etc. They of the Covenant, which teaching safe- > B A H A ’I T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 161 > > guarded the religion so that the Faith of cruel incarceration,” He left Haifa suddenly > Bahá’u’lláh could not be divided into sects. and began a journey which included Egypt, > 2nd. The whole-hearted obedience to the France and England, and then a return to > Center of the Covenant at every point in Egypt. > teaching and in all that this attitude means. Many in the United States and Canada > 3rd. It was fully demonstrated that longed to see Him, to hear Him expound the > "Faith is a wonder working power.” The Baha’i Teachings, and the longing was con­ > faith manifested by the believers was sub­ stant and intense. However, it seemed that > lime, and some day the world will realize the actual realization of such hopes was > how marvelous a thing it was, and what unbelievable. > these people of faith were accomplishing in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s followers in America, as > their midst; it was like the faith of the well as Americans who met Him abroad > early Christians, they believed truly and were insistent; they constantly appealed to > deeply, it was "the normal accent of life” Him and with a poignancy which, as stated > and they translated it into the world of by Shoghi Effendi, He "found Himself un­ > action. able to resist. . . . Their passionate entreaty > 4th. The spread of the Baha’i Message had, moreover, been reinforced by the nu­ > far and wide without any organization, no merous invitations which representatives of > paid teachers, nor any official Baha’i Fund. various interested organizations, whether > 5th. It was the dawn in this country of religious, educational or humanitarian, had > the greatest seed sowing of Truth in all reli­ extended to Him, expressing their eagerness > gious history. The dawn-breakers of the to reecive from His own mouth an exposi­ > Occident were at work in the springtime of tion of His Father’s teachings.” > the Kingdom of God on earth. The believers in America finally were in > 6th. Great emphasis at all times from such a state of spiritual joy as they contem­ > the very beginning on the removal of preju­ plated ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s coming to this coun­ > dice of all kinds, the promulgation of uni­ try that no words could give expression to > versal peace, and the establishment of the their feelings. The very thought of His > principle of the oneness of mankind. presence here was overwhelming. The ful­ > In 1908 the people of Turkey established fillment of all the hopes and prayers of His > a constitutional government through the devoted followers was the historic event of > coming into power of the Young Turks and His arrival in New York in April, 1912. > their "Union and Progress Society.” All the > political prisoners were immediately freed, > 3. ‘A bdu ’l -Baha in A merica > and ‘Abdu’l-Baha left the gloomy prison > city for the freedom of the world. When The Places Where He Delivered the > asked later how he regarded His freedom, Addresses Published in "Promulgation > He replied: "Freedom is not a matter of of Universal Peace” > place. It is a condition. I was thankful for > the prison, and the lack of liberty was very New York, 780 West End Ave. > pleasing to me for those days were passed Brooklyn, 93 5 Eastern Parkway > in the path of service under the utmost diffi­ New York, 39 West 67th Street > culties and trials, bearing fruits and results. 141 East 21st Street > . . . I was happy all that time in prison. Church of the Ascension > When one is released from the prison of self, Carnegie Lyceum > that is indeed release, for that is the greater 327 West End Avenue > prison. When this release takes place, then Hotel Ansonia > one cannot be outwardly imprisoned. . . . 273 West 90th Street > Release comes by making of the will a Door Columbia University > through which the confirmations of the Bowery Mission > Spirit come.” Washington, Public Library Hall > Some time after £Abdu’l-Bahá had been 1219 Connecticut Avenue > "delivered from the shackles of a long and Universalist Church > 162 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > 1700 18th Street Eliot, Green Acre, Maine > Howard University Boston, New Thought Forum > 1700 18th Street Franklin Square House > Metropolitan African M. E. Church Metaphysical Club > 1937 13th Street Malden, Mass., 34 Hillside Avenue > Chicago, Masonic Temple Montreal, Church of the Messiah > Hull House 716 Pine Avenue > Handel Hall St. James Methodist Church > Hotel Plaza Chicago, 5338 Kenmore Avenue > Hotel LaSalle Minneapolis, 2030 Queen Avenue, South > Hotel LaSalle St. Paul, 870 Laurel Avenue > Hotel Plaza Denver, Home of Mrs. Roberts > Hotel Plaza Second Divine Science Church > Hotel Plaza Oakland, Japanese Independent Church > Hotel Plaza Palo Alto, Leland Stanford Junior University > Northwestern University San Francisco, Open Forum > Hotel Plaza Temple Enimanu-El > Plymouth Congregational Church Sacramento, Hotel Sacramento > All Souls Church Assembly Hall > Wilmette, Temple Grounds Cincinnati, Grand Hotel > Cleveland, Euclid Hall Washington, Universalist Church > Sanatorium Jewish Synagogue > Pittsburgh, Hotel Schenley Rauscher’s Hall > New York, 227 Riverside Drive 1252 8th Street > Montclair, Unity Church 1901 18th Street . > New York, Grace M. E. Church New York, 48 West 10th Street > Hotel Astor Genealogical Hall > Church of Divine Paternity 575 Riverside Drive > Jersey City, Brotherhood Church Great Northern Hotel > New York, Metropolitan Temple 2228 Broadway > Cambridge, 367 Howard Street Steamship Celtic > Boston Huntington Chambers > Unitarian Conference 4. T ea ch in g A ctiv ity , 1912-1921 > New York, Mount Morris Baptist Church > Metropolitan Temple The followers of Baha’u’lldh had many > Theosophical Lodge varied and exceptional opportunities for > Fan wood, Town Hall spreading the glad tidings of the New Day > New York, Church of the Ascension during the period of 1912 to 1921. The > 309 West 78th Street first few months of the year 1912 were > Philadelphia, Unitarian Church devoted to preparations for that momentous > Baptist Temple event— the coming of ‘Abdu’l-Baha to this > Brooklyn, 93 5 Eastern Parkway country. After His arrival on that historic > Fourth Unitarian Church (Flatbush) day of April eleventh, there was literally > Central Congregational Church almost endless teaching effort, for the Ba­ > Montclair ha’is were privileged to arrange one of the > West Englewood greatest teaching tours the world has ever > New York known. > All-Souls Unitarian Church Many invitations had been sent to > Boston, Hotel Victoria ‘Abdu’l-Baha before He arrived in this > The Kensington country, but after His arrival requests > Hotel Victoria poured in from distinguished individuals, > Dublin, N. H. Dublin Inn from groups, from churches, peace societies, > Home of A. J. Parsons and many other types of organizations re- > BA H Á ’Í " T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 163 > > questing the privilege of hearing ‘Abdu’l- ťAbdu’l-Bahá sailed from this country in > Bahá, and to receive from Him those in­ December 1912, but His going did not mean > structions which all evidently believed inactivity on the part of His followers. In­ > would enlighten them and guide their foot­ deed He had created by His Word a family > steps on the right path toward the goal of of Bahd’is who were alive to the require­ > their hopes. He repeated often, "I have ments of teaching the great principles and > come to voice the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.” religious faith which He had promulgated so > Those who lived through almost nine wisely. > months of hearing ‘Abdu’l-Baha voice the "I have planted the seeds in America,” > great Laws for this New Age and were close said this Divine Educator. "You must nur­ > to His perfect ministry to the people of ture them and care for them. If you do > this country, recall that there seemed to be this, they will yield an abundant harvest. > no end to the procession o£ real seekers, . . . You must arise with superhuman > those devout souls everywhere who had been strength to spread the Teachings for the > "ripened by the Holy Spirit” and who Cause is great; and whosoever shall arise in > seemed to be awaiting some great spiritual this Day to teach, know thou he will be > event. assisted by the Divine Concourse. . . . It is > So from the Bowery Mission in New the Day of the proclamation of the King­ > York, where the downcast and forlorn re­ dom!” . . . "Ere long this Call shall yield > ceived ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s spiritual and material the most glorious results and will fill the > blessings, to high government officials, dip­ world with its fruits.” > lomats, rabbis, clergymen, educators, scien­ The firm followers of the Faith arose to > tists, workers for peace, and many others, water the seeds ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had sown; > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "voiced the teachings of they never stopped for an instant but were > Baha’u’lldh,” always emphasizing the prin­ working with all heart and with infinite > ciple of the oneness of mankind and the resolution to advance the Teachings of > Most Great Peace of the world; these were Baha’u’lldh. They realized more and more > the fundamentals, which, expanded and elu­ the greatness of the work and the greatness > cidated, included practically all other ques­ of the Power behind it. Reports from all > tions. over the country indicated firmness and > By invitation, ‘Abdu’l-Baha spoke in steadfastness. A loving and compassionate > protestant churches of nearly all denomina­ Master had endowed the Baha’is and their > tions, in synagogues, in universities, to work with a celestial potency; they had > children’s classes and groups, in the homes of definite teaching plans. Contributions, too, > the rich and the poor, to Theosophists, Es- were voluntarily and regularly sent to the > perantists, and others, in most of the prin­ Temple Fund, for they were aware of the > cipal cities from coast to coast. The meet­ significance of the Bahd’i House of Wor­ > ings were crowded to overflowing. The ship as a teacher of the Word of God; they > Presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá glorified every were not just helping to erect a building but > scene, every place, every meeting, "The laying the foundation for unity among > brilliant Light of God shone upon the West mankind. > and brightened the western world.” All Not a day passed without some effective > things are under the working of divine law, work being accomplished. Efforts were be­ > and it was evident how Divine Laws were ing universalized. Heretofore in most of > working out in every act and every word the cities meetings were held in the homes > of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. How brilliantly shone the of the Bahá’ís, but now public meetings > Light which He brought into the confused were being arranged in halls, libraries, hotel > thought of the world! The lofty spiritual parlors, offices (whenever large enough), > tone of all meetings cannot be forgotten for and, in a few cities halls were rented and > God the Almighty protects such meetings controlled exclusively by Bahá’ís, sometimes > and preserves spiritual history in the making. an entire house was rented or bought and > God’s Kingdom, not man’s was being estab­ such a place became a Baha’i Center. > lished on earth. Traveling Baha’i teachers were numerous, > 164 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > for one of the activities initiated at this joined the many teaching classes already > time was classes for developing teachers. organized in different parts of Chicago > These traveling teachers served both Bahd’is or in other cities. It was a very impor­ > and non-Baha’is faithfully, effectively and tant teaching activity. The Convention of > spiritually. Deep gratitude was always 1912 cannot be compared to any other Con­ > given to these illumined souls who, without vention for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Presence gave it > money and without price, gave and gave a unique spiritual atmosphere impossible to > gloriously of the spiritual knowledge which describe. He Himself had said that a deep > had been so freely given unto them. Bahá’- spiritual experience cannot be expressed in > u’llah was using them to serve His people, words. The Convention of 1920 was memo­ > to stimulate and encourage the groups. rable and glorious. Mr. Louis Bourgeois’s > Hearts of the older believers, undoubtedly model for the Bahd’i House of Worship was > thrill now at the sacrificial services they chosen at that time, and the most important > rendered, and the generations of the future magazines and newspapers of the entire > will rise up and call them blessed. country (and even the press of foreign > These teachers traveled quite extensively, countries) featured the Temple during and > visiting almost all Bahá’i groups in this after this Convention. > country; they also served in Canada, in the The Woman’s Assembly of Teaching in > Hawaiian Islands, and in Alaska. Be it re­ Chicago was organized during this period > corded here also that even during those early and it functioned vigorously for a number > years, there were American Bahá’í teachers of years. > serving in Persia (now Iran), Egypt, India, The Bahd’i Congress held in San Fran­ > Japan, and the first tvorld tour of a Baha’i cisco at the time of the Panama-Pacific > teacher was accomplished. Indeed the Ba- Exposition was a wonderful teaching proj­ > há’í teachers worked a mighty work for ect, the international’aspects of which were > they themselves, by their own acts, attracted far-reaching. > divine confirmations. The first Amity Convention for harmony > There were all types of teachers— those between the races was held in Washington, > who could speak to crowds of people, those D. C., and certainly this, too, was a teaching > who wished to speak to small groups, and activity far-reaching in its effect, for it was > those whose personal work was effective be­ the first time in the history of this country > yond any description. Often persons would that a Convention had been held for that > cross the path of Baha’is, and in conversa­ purpose. It was organized through the in­ > tion, it would be disclosed that they had structions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and was founded > heard ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and longed to hear more upon the heavenly teachings revealed in this > about the Bahá’i Cause. The Baha’is would Day. It resulted in the organization of many > become radiantly happy, for in this way other Amity Conventions, and in the for­ > they would often find real Truth-seekers. mation of National and Local Amity Com­ > One of the greatest teaching activities mittees which functioned successfully and > was the Annual Baha’i Convention, pri­ became an institution of the Administrative > marily of course devoted to the subject of Order in this country. > the building of the Bahá’í House of Wor­ Of all teaching activities during this pe­ > ship, but also to discuss teaching activities. riod perhaps the fireside groups were the > Something of a mighty nature happened to most effective. Some Baha’is who are now > the delegates to these Conventions; they in the front ranks serving the Faith bril­ > became alive, refreshed, alert, and returned liantly, joined the Cause in this way during > to their respective homes resolved to increase those years. > their teaching efforts. Well known people throughout the coun­ > At the time of each Convention there was try, distinguished in one way or another, > also held a Baha’i Congress for three succes­ heard the Baha’i Message at these fireside > sive nights. Important and eloquent Baha’i groups or through very effective personal > speakers proclaimed the teachings of Bahá’- work, and as a result some officials, clergy­ > u’lláh. Attracted individuals thereafter men, prominent peace advocates and others > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 165 > > were the recipients of Tablets (letters) from with delivering the Bahd’i Message to a wait­ > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ing world, to declare that the prophecies in > During these years the Tablets revealed all the Holy Books had been fulfilled in the > by this Divine Exemplar from His home in Revelation of Baha’u’lldh. Similar gather­ > the Holy Land on the subject of the peace ings were held in New York and other cities. > of the world were voluminous. He firmly, The organization of Bahd’i Children’s > and with no equivocation whatsoever, indi­ Classes was also a very definite work of this > cated that purely political questions must be period. Bahd’i groups in all the larger cities > subordinated to this great question of peace. devoted much effort to this very important > In August 1920 and in January 1921 activity. > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablets "'To the Central From year to year the publishing of > Organization for a Durable Peace” at The Bahd’i literature was one of the great teach­ > Hague, were published in America and these ing efforts, for the then National Commit­ > fortified the Baha’i teachers with added tee known as the Bahd’i Temple Unity was > spiritual knowledge for ‘Abdu’l-Baha fully giving this subject a more or less organized > explained Baha’u’llah Revealed Words on and authoritative status. Non-Baha’is were > Peace and recorded in detail the Baha’i Plans eager for Bahd’i literature, they wanted the > and requirements for Universal Peace. Holy Words to study, something that would > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s emphasis on the subject of bring them closer to the Faith. It was pro­ > religious unity was given wide publicity— vided through the work of those indefati­ > that there must be a new vision, a complete gable servers who realized its importance. > sincerity of intent and purpose in this great Study of this branch of teaching indicates > study, a united effort, definite progress in what a big and vital work was accomplished, > the field of pure religion for the foundation because the faith and devotion of the work­ > of all divine religion is one, and understand­ ers was so deep and real. > ing of this fundamental truth was of the The Bahd’i Magazine, "Star of the West,” > first importance. Some ripe souls in the continued to develop through this period > churches attended Bahá’i meetings and and proved to be one of the greatest teach­ > classes, were convinced of the divine origin ing mediums for therein were published > of the Baha’i Faith, and in time did strive many of the Addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and > as Baha’is in teaching the unity of religious vitally important Tablets. Precious indeed > thought of the whole world. beyond any material value are the bound > Another teaching activity of this period volumes of these magazines. > which was most successful was the gather­ About this time ‘Abdu’l-Baha revealed > ing of the Baha’is and their friends every what are known as the Teaching Tablets, > summer at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. Teach­ now printed under the title America's Spir­ > ers and friends traveled to this Center every itual Mission. According to these instruc­ > year, proclaimed the Bahá’i Faith definitely tions the country was divided into sections > and directly at well arranged public meet­ or regions, including the Northeastern > ings and taught classes and individuals. States, Southern States, Central States, Pa­ > Many Baha’is have told their story of being cific Coast area, Dominion of Canada, etc. > confirmed and brought into the Faith in These Tablets were so stimulating that al­ > that Center, which later developed into the most immediately there were new journeys > first Baha’i Summer School and Baha’i Sum­ for teaching. Many times two teachers trav­ > mer Colony. eled together. A special effort was made in > The One Hundredth Anniversary of the the Southern States, and hundreds and thou­ > birth of Bahd’u’llah was an occasion "for sands both white and colored people heard > the universal proclamation of the supreme the Baha’i Message. Several teachers also > mission of that great and radiant Manifesta­ traveled throughout the West and it is re­ > tion.” On November 12 , 1917 a memorable called that one teacher reported speaking to > Festival and Convention for Teaching was one hundred and thirty-three different > held in Chicago, and proved a most wonder­ groups on just a short tour. One has only > ful opportunity for the Baha’is, charged to review the history of this period to realize > 166 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY > > how faithfully the teachers shared their this really enhanced the working of mystic > knowledge of the Baha’i Teachings with the forces. The Bahd’is prayed and worked and > world. faithfully tried to translate into the world > In 1920 a National Teaching Committee of action the divine and sublime instructions > was appointed, as well as Regional and Lo­ they had received. ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s followers > cal Teaching Committees throughout the had a spiritual mission; they tried to ac­ > country. These Committees and their work complish it. They lived in and for their mis­ > constituted an immense forward movement, sion, they were building on the bedrock of > they functioned marvelously, there was life reality, and they kept the balance most of > — the life of the spirit—in their work, there the world had lost. > was intense fervor and enthusiasm. W ith the ascension of ‘Abdu’l Bahá in > Undoubtedly the crowning event of the 1921, the Baha’i Faith passed into another > latter part of this entire period was the ar­ and distinctly different period of develop­ > rival in this country of the distinguished ment. The Tree of the Covenant continued > Bahd’i teacher from Persia, a precious gift to grow, and from His Supreme Heights of > from ‘Abdu’l-Baha to the Bahd’i teaching Glory ‘Abdu’l-Baha must have witnessed > program in America for ‘Abdu’l-Baha had how His wishes were being fulfilled. He had > said He would send us "a ripened soul.” He said: "When I leave the world I want My > did fulfill this promise in the person of heart to be assured that the Blessed Beauty > Jenab-i-Fadil who He said had been "grow­ (Baha’u’lldh) has self-sacrificing servants > ing for a long time,” that "he was wise, well who, in the utmost reverence, arose to serve > informed and a thinker, a revered person, the Cause of God.” Many self-sacrificing > learned, sincere, humble and severed from servants and maid-servants did arise and > mortal things.” serve, and historians of the future will re­ > Jenab-i-Fadil’s arrival in this country cord the stirring details of their loyal > produced the greatest happiness, and he was services. > welcomed with true Bahá’í hospitality. To make a beginning of the future record > Literally volumes could be written about his of teaching activity in those years associated > brilliant services to all, Bahd’is and non- with the Master, the following list has been > Baha’is. He traveled from the Atlantic to compiled by one of the friends having first­ > the Pacific, visiting every Baha’i Center hand knowledge of the Bahd’i work in var­ > enroute and in each Center he spoke before ious parts of North America. These teachers > crowded audiences in churches, colleges, or­ have accomplished their work and passed on > ganizations of every kind. Indeed he trav­ to their reward in the Abhá Kingdom. > eled a pathway of Light, the Light of the Thornton Chase > Kingdom, and there is no doubt that thou­ Lua Getsinger > sands and thousands heard the Baha’is Mes­ Howard MacNutt > sage proclaimed by him in a scholarly man­ Arthur Pillsbury Dodge > ner. He served sincerely and brilliantly, Hooper Harris > and, with wisdom, graciousness and elo­ Helen S. Goodall > quence. He proved to be indeed ‘Abdu’l- Nathan Ward Fitzgerald > Bahd’s "gift to America.” The story of his Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons > teaching tour when recorded in detail will Charles F. Haney > form a unique and brilliant chapter in the Henrietta Wagner > Baha’i history of this country. This blessed Mrs. Ida Finch > sage and revered Baha’i teacher was loved Mother Beecher > by every Baha’i, and his work was so deeply Mr. J. W. Latimer > appreciated that it greatly surpassed any Mr. and Mrs. Myron Potter > adequate expression of gratitude. Wm. H. Randall > During World War I, in progress during May Maxwell > some of the years of this period, outer com­ Dr. D ’Evelyn > munication between ‘Abdu’l-Baha and His Annie Parmerton > followers was almost completely cut oif, but Claudia Coles > B A H Á 5Í T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 167 > > Joseph Hannen Bahá during the latter years of the first > Alma Knobloch world war in 1916-1917, the news of His > Mr. and Mrs. Nash ascension to the Abhá Kingdom on No­ > Mrs. Katherine Ives vember 28 came as a sudden and over­ > Mr. and Mrs. Paul K. Dealy whelming blow. The greatest Teacher and > Isabella D. Brittingham Exemplar of the Faith was no longer pres­ > Edward Getsinger ent with His unerring guidance and it took > Mary Stokes MacNutt the friends some time to realize that the > William H. Hoar Light of the Covenant had been transferred > Mrs. Pearl Battee Doty from the eye to the heart and that His words: > Mr. Charles Ioas "I am always with you, whether living or > Mrs. Clark dead, I am with you to the end,” would > Nathaniel Clark serve as an eternal inspiration for the even­ > Mrs. Barbee tual fulfillment of His Divine Plan. > Sarah J. Farmer However, the Master, anticipating His > Albert H. Hall final call, began to lay the foundation for > Grace Ober His vast teaching program with His in­ > Alfred E. Lunt structions to believers and returning pil­ > Mabel Rice-Wray Ives grims that now was the time for the estab­ > Howard Colby Ives lishment of Spiritual Assemblies throughout > Mrs. Mary Revell the United States and Canada, for one of the > Shahnaz Waite main functions of these administrative > Mrs. Ida B. Slater bodies was the promulgation of the Word > Josephine Cowles deLagnel of God in their particular city or town. To > Pauline Hannen assist with this new responsibility, he sent > Dr. Clement Woolson the renowned Persian teacher, Jinab’i-Fadl > Charles Sprague to America to explain the method of for­ > Dr. Zia Bagdadi mation and the functions of trusteeship in­ > Helen Ellis Cole vested in a Spiritual Assembly. > Mrs. Dixon In order to initiate the teaching program > Mrs. Fred Woodward outlined in the Teaching Tablets, the North > Charles Greenleaf American continent, for some years, had > Elizabeth Greenleaf been divided into five sections— the N orth­ > Byron S. Lane eastern States, the Southern States, the Cen­ > Mrs. Grace Krug tral States, the Western States and the Prov­ > Gertrude Buikema inces of the Dominion of Canada, and a > Dr. Thatcher National Teaching Committee of nineteen > Dr. and Mrs. Rufus Bartlett members with regional secretaries had been > Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford appointed to direct the teaching activities > Mrs. Emma Foster in each section and to assist local Assemblies > George Lesch to enhance the scope of their teaching work. > Mrs. Aimée Jaxon This committee published a series of Bul­ > Mrs. Eva Webster Russell letins, replete with the news of activities in > Dr. Susan I. Moody each section of the country and stimulating > Mrs. Frances A. Rowe quotations from the Master’s talks and Tab­ > lets, ably edited by Mrs. Mariam Haney. > 5. T ea ch in g A ctiv ity , 1922-1936 Such a large committee proved to be un­ > wieldy, and in 1922 a committee of five > The year 1921 was a momentous one for members was appointed with its headquar­ > the American Bahd’i community for just as ters on the eastern Coast. Later on, during > it started to accelerate the vast teaching this period, this program was again changed > program outlined in the remarkable series and a National Teaching Committee was > of Teaching Tablets revealed by ‘Abdu’l- appointed with a representative in each of > 168 THE B A H Á 5Í CENTENARY > > Program, First Bahá’í Race Amity Conference, Initiated by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > B A H Á ’Í T E A C H I N G IN NORTH AMERICA 169 > > the five divisions and coordinated by a sity serving as honorary chairman, and such > chairman and secretary. With the ever- outstanding speakers as Dr. Aurelia Rein­ > expanding growth of the Bahá’i Faith came hardt, President of Mills College, Professor > the need for greater concentration, and a Kenneth Saunders, Professor J. V. Breitnational committee was created with mem­ wieser, Rabbi Rudolph I. Coffee, Dr. W. J. > bers representing an eastern and western J. Byers, representing the Negro race, Dr. > section of the country headed by a chairman Ng Poon Chew, a Chinese editor, Dr. Torao > in one section and a vice-chairman in the Kawasaki, the Honorable Clinton N. How­ > other section. Finally toward the end of ard and Jinab’i-Fadl who pointed the way > this period, a smaller committee, centered to real peace and world brotherhood. > on the Pacific Coast was appointed and was In 1922 the first Western States Teaching > assigned the additional functions of train­ Conference was inaugurated in San Fran­ > ing teachers; directing the itinerary of cisco with delegates in attendance repre­ > traveling teachers; enrolling isolated be­ senting all the Western and Rocky > lievers and preparing groups for the forma­ Mountain States, the Hawaiian Islands and > tion of Spiritual Assemblies. British Columbia. A second successful con­ > About a year after Shoghi Effendi took ference was held in 1924. During this same > up his mission as the appointed Guardian of period a number of conferences and public > the Baha’i Faith in accordance with the meetings were held in the Chicago area for > provisions of the Will and Testament of the Central States and Green Acre pro­ > Abdu’l-Bahá, his second message (March, vided a summer session for similar programs > 1922) to the western friends contained for the eastern friends. > these words: "Now is the time to set aside, The National Spiritual Assembly in 1926 > nay, to forget altogether, minor considera­ sent a special appeal to forty-five "thor­ > tions regarding our internal relationships, oughly informed, capable, experienced and > and to present a solid and united front to distinguished Bahd’is” of this continent to > the world, animated by no other desire but arise as teachers directly representing that > to serve and propagate His Cause.” A year body to make a supreme effort to spread the > later he further aroused us from the inertia Glad Tidings in their respective localities > which followed the passing of the Master by and elsewhere as their resources and per­ > this clarion call: "How great our privilege sonal plans would permit. This step was > to labor in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! an early fore-runner of the effective appeals > Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and that were later to make the goal of the > teach His Cause with such an ardor which Divine Plan nearer of attainment. > no worldly adversity can quell, nor any The year 1926 also witnessed the start of > measure of success can satiate?” To further a series of World Unity Conferences at > reinforce the friends in their united efforts which leaders in the fields of education, > he again sent Jinab’i-Fadl to America to science, philosophy, ethics and religion were > aid the inauguration of a nation-wide teach­ called upon to interpret the fundamental > ing campaign. principles of human association capable of > The results of the teaching tour of this overcoming traditional prejudices and pro­ > learned Persian teacher were manifold. N u­ moting the ideals of brotherhood and world > merous societies for peace, international peace. Several prominent Baha’is in col­ > clubs, women’s organizations and progres­ laboration with liberal ministers, college > sive movements offered their platforms for professors and scientists sponsored this > his lectures which so impressed these organ­ movement which became a strong factor > izations that in later years they were again of indirect teaching of the principles of the > happy to open their doors to other visiting Bahá’í Faith. From March 1926 to June > Bahá’í teachers. One of the outstanding 1927, these conferences we/e held in the > meetings of this period was a two-day con­ following cities: Worcester, Green Acre, > ference for World Unity held in San Fran­ Philadelphia, Buffalo, Cleveland, Boston, > cisco, March 20-22, 192 5, with Dr. David Dayton, Chicago, New York, Springfield, > Starr Jordon, President of Stanford Univer­ Mass.; New Haven, Rochester, Hartford, > 170 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Montreal, Quebec, and Toronto, Ontario. 193 5 showed that there were 12 States > A few of the prominent speakers at these without a registered believer. It was at this > conferences included: Dr. Herbert Adams time that the Guardian made his first appeal > Gibbons, the noted historian, Chancellor for Bahd’i pioneers to go forth to teach and > Capen of Buffalo University, Professors to settle in these areas. The time for lec­ > Kirtley F. Mather and William E. Hocking tures on the philosophy of the Faith had > of Harvard, Professor Joshi of Dartmouth, temporarily passed, for in the words of > Dr. Teh-yi Hsieh, Professor Adolphus Miller, Shoghi Effendi: "The Cause is not a system > Rabbi Silver of Cleveland, Alfred W. Martin of philosophy; it is essentially a way of life, > of the Ethical Culture Society, Rev. John a religious faith that seeks to unite all > Herman Randall, Mr. Mountfort Mills, Mr. people on a common basis of mutual under­ > Horace Holley and Jinab’i-Fadl. In com­ standing and love and in common devotion > menting on these conferences, the Boston to God.” Pioneers and teachers started out > Evening Transcript on December 11, 1926 into virgin territory to carry the banner of > printed the following: "Whether we regard Bahd’u’lldh. The National Spiritual As­ > world unity as a feasible program or a sembly accepting its responsibility for sus­ > remote, unattainable ideal, the fact that tained teaching assistance in the new areas, > prominent scientists, educators and states­ especially in the Southern States, began to > men, as well as representative Christians, hold its sessions in new cities with public > Jews and followers of other faiths are willing meetings, in order to stimulate the teaching > to participate in a public meeting devoted work. The first of these meetings was held > to this object is a very significant indica­ in Nashville which was the occasion of a > tion of the new trend.” The Institute of historic event for the South, as a public > World Unity was founded as a result of presentation of the Faith was held in the > these conferences and for some years pub­ large ball-room of the leading hotel of this > lished a monthly magazine interpreting City with a mixed audience assembled for > the spirit of the New Age. the first time without segregation. Other > The National Teaching Committee of meetings of this type were held in Knox­ > 1929 made definite plans to develop plat­ ville, Washington, D. C., Lima, Urbana, Los > forms for the unity between fundamental­ Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, New > ists and modernists; for the solution of the York and Chicago. > social-economic problems based upon the During this period dating from the pass­ > Baha’i Teachings; for an approach to social ing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the National Assembly > service workers; to study modern educa­ issued a series of printed leaflets, titled "A > tional methods in order to develop a Baha’i New World Order,” which were mailed to > program and for the study of movements a large selected list of prominent people. It > and groups working for racial unity. This also maintained Mr. Louis Gregory and > period was marked by a series of inter­ another teacher constantly in the teaching > assembly teaching conferences held in dif­ field for a number of years. Space does not > ferent parts of the country which were permit a complete list of the many teachers > productive of far-reaching results. In 1931, who lent their aid at this time, but the fol­ > the National Teaching Committee an­ lowing list includes a number who made > nounced nineteen different methods for the extensive and nation-wide teaching tours > presentation of the Faith and the following throughout the States and Canada: Martha > year a series of instructive teaching bul­ L. Root, May Maxwell, Keith Ransomletins was started. The next few years Kehler, Elizabeth Greenleaf, Lorrol Schopwitnessed the development of many teach­ flocher, Orcella Rexford, Dr. Susan I. > ing circuits and groups of traveling teachers Moody, Wm. H. Randall, Howard and > toured surrounding areas, thereby widening Mabel Ives, Dr. Ali-Kuli Khan, Howard > the scope of interest in new fields which M cNutt and Mason Remey. > later were productive of many new Baha’i When the annual Baha’i Convention was > groups and Assemblies. assembled in the Baha’i House of Worship in > A survey of the American community in 1936, the delegates were greeted with the > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 171 > > cabled appeal from the Guardian which must turn back to the pregnant years of > urged them to "Ponder historic appeal 1932-33. For in that period the exterior > voiced by ťAbdu’l-Bahá (in) Tablets (of) ornamentation of the Temple was started, > Divine Plan. . . . Would to God every State and a reconstructed plan for our teaching > within American Republic and every Re­ work projected. The purpose of this plan > public in American continent might ere was to release a new creative spirit in each > termination this glorious century embrace individual, causing them to arise to new > light (of the) Faith of Baha’u’lldh and heights of sacrificial teaching service of > establish structural basis of His World increasing intensity; to coordinate all these > Order.” This appeal set in motion a nation­ pulsating and driving efforts into a con­ > wide and systematic teaching campaign and structive dynamic whole; to reinforce the > a special teaching fund of $30,000.00, to pioneer teachers with not only the spiritual > which the Guardian, himself, was the first and moral, but also the material and or­ > contributor, was budgeted for this purpose. ganized strength of the entire community. > Thus the foundation for the intensified Thus the power of the Holy Spirit might > Seven Year Plan was laid. be canalized and more effectively brought > to the people, perishing in their thirst for > 6. T e a c h in g A ctivity , 1937-1944 > the water of life. Therefore, the recon­ > The last seven years of the first Bahd’i structed teaching plan, while seeking to > century gave to the American believers the renew individual acts of heroism for the > epochal opportunity to inaugurate the world Faith, yet reinforced those services by the > mission to which ‘Abdu’l-Baha called them, united influence of all the Baha’is, and the > in the tablets of the Divine Plan. "Every one pioneer teacher became a strong outpost of > of the important souls must arise, blowing the new world order of Bahá’u’lláh. The > over all parts of America the breath of life.” spirit of the reconstructed plan was to raise > Calling upon them to follow in the foot­ individual effort to collective service; and > steps of the heroes of the first seven years in so doing laid the foundation for the > of the first Baha’i century, the Guardian work of the Seven Year Plan, which the > cabled on October 29, 1933: "The Dawn- Guardian referred to, as "the greatest col­ > Breakers in previous age have on Persian lective undertaking in the annals of the first > soil signalized by their acts, the birth of the Baha’i Century.” > Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Might not American The Seven Year Plan was inaugurated by > believers, their spiritual descendants, prove the Guardian by his message to the 1936 > themselves in turn capable of ushering in on Convention: "Would to God, every State > world scale the civilization of which that within American Republic and every Re­ > Faith is the direct source and sole be­ public in American continent, might ere > getter.” termination of this glorious century em­ > To parallel the spirit, dedication, and brace the light of the Faith of BaháVlláh, > self-sacrifice of the Dawn-Breakers, the and establish structural basis of His World > American Baha’is arose to achieve the goal Order.” At that time there were Spiritual > set for the seven year plan, and in so doing Assemblies in twenty-six of the sixty States > to lay the foundation for the world teaching and Provinces of the United States and > mission envisaged in the Divine Plan. Did Canada, including Alaska, Hawaii, and the > not Shoghi Eifendi call for this spirit of District of Columbia. During the first > dramatic and dynamic effort on their part, forty-three years of the development of the > in his message of June 21st, 1932: "Feel Faith in N orth America, the Faith had es­ > impelled to appeal to entire body of Ameri­ tablished its administrative posts in twentycan believers to henceforth regard Nabil’s six States and Provinces, whereas the Seven > soul-stirring Narrative as essential adjunct Year Plan contemplated establishment of > to reconstructed teaching program.” Spiritual Assemblies in a seven year period > In fact, in order to get the spiritual in the remaining thirty-four areas. At that > setting for the accomplishment of the time ten States and Provinces did not have > arduous tasks of the Seven Year Plan, we even one Baha’i. Furthermore, these States > 172 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > and Provinces were found to be the most As the Plan progressed and its needs be­ > backward of the country, not only from the came more apparent, many souls arose to test > standpoint of religious intolerance, but also their strength in the field of spiritual serv­ > from the standpoint of educational develop­ ice, so that since the inception of the Plan > ment, cultural achievements, and economic 22 5 "holy souls,, have "scattered more > welfare. widely throughout the length and breadth > The status of the Faith then, in North of the American continent”—and earned > America, in 1937 presented a picture of the "lasting gratitude of the present genera­ > seventy-two Spiritual Assemblies in twenty- tion of believers in both the East and West,” > six States and Provinces; twenty-four and have, as the Guardian in his latest mes­ > Bahá’í Groups, 246 isolated Bahd’is, with sage acclaimed, "vouchsafed the special > the Faith established in 303 cities. benediction of the Concourse on High, and > On December 31, 1943 (five months made the recipients of the imperishable > before the close of the Seven Year Plan), bounties of Him Who is the Divine Author > there were 132 Spiritual Assemblies, 220 of the Plan itself.” > Bahá’í Groups, 984 isolated Bahd’is, with The first year, of the Plan was marked > the Faith established in every State and by a deepening of consciousness on the part > Province, and in over 700 cities. On the of all the friends of the magnitude of their > same date there were only five areas without task, and the sacrifice and devotion required > Spiritual Assemblies, but the Bahd’is in the for "resounding victory.” Some twenty > key cities are working diligently and Spir­ pioneers left their homes and established > itual Assemblies should be formed shortly. themselves in virgin areas; circuit teaching > Thus as the Bahá’í year draws to a close, we was expanded, and follow-up work and > see before us the attainment of the complete assistance aggressively carried forward. > victory of the Seven Year Plan. The second year found deepening con­ > Little did the Bahá’ís, assembled at the sciousness and devotion to duty translated > 1936 Convention, realize the sacrifices, ef­ into action on all fronts. Action on the > forts and deeds of spiritual valor, the tasks part of individuals, action on the part of > which they were assuming would entail; as groups, action on the part of Assemblies; > well as the separations from home and and a more complete orientation of our > family, the continuous adjustment of the collective activities to the tasks of the great > lives and fortunes of so many to the greatest teaching program. The doors of guidance > spiritual campaign ever attempted. The opened and the confirmations became so > friends however were firmly united in their overpowering, that no effort, however feeble, > determination to fulfill the divine tasks was without result. The Guardian himself, > assigned them by their beloved Master, and expatiating on the confirmations of the > now set in motion by the Guardian. While Holy Spirit on the intrepid pioneers of the > they planned on itinerant teachers to carry new day, dramatically challenged every > the work forward, with carefully laid plans Baha’i with his urgent appeal: "Let the > of follow-up; yet the achievement of the doubter arise and himself verify the truth > goal required the settlement of ever- of such assertions.” > increasing numbers of Bahá’í pioneers in the In January, 1939, the Guardian aroused > virgin areas of the country. This was greater enthusiasm and created a spiritual > brought poignantly before the believers by upheaval by his call for the settlement of > Shoghi Effendi, by his cable of May 19, the nine remaining virgin areas by "nine > 1936: "Convention plea addressed to Ameri­ holy souls, who, independently or as depu­ > can believers cannot achieve its purpose ties, will promptly, fearlessly volunteer to > unless dauntless pioneers promptly arise and, forsake their homes, cast away their attach­ > forsaking their homeland, permanently re­ ments and definitely settle in these terri­ > side in countries where light of Faith has tories to lay firm anchorage of the Admin­ > not yet penetrated.” Some twenty daring istrative order of this undefeatable Faith.” > souls immediately left their home ties, and Within a few weeks the National Spiritual > went to the newly opened areas as settlers. Assembly had approved the application of > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 173 > > three of these holy souls; and before the new areas. Up to this time, teaching work > Impetus of this call had waned, not only in the virgin areas had been directly super­ > nine had offered their lives and services for vised by the National Teaching Committee, > this divine mission, but nine times nine, a but with the settlement of these virgin > total of eight-one had arisen for the victory areas, and the increasing work in connection > of the Faith. with the developing projects throughout the > The third year was marked by an energy country, it was found desirable to place all > of enthusiastic service such as the Faith had sections of the country under auxiliaries of > never demonstrated in this country. The the National Teaching Committee, and thus > entire continent arose as one unit, throbbing ten additional Regional Teaching Commit­ > with an insatiable desire for service in this tees were appointed, bringing the total to > greatest spiritual drama. twenty-two. During this year, while many > Early in the third year, all the virgin areas were strengthened, the over-all pic­ > areas were settled; teaching circuits for the ture found seven less Assemblies at the end > newly established centers were arranged, of the year, and an increase in the virgin > and follow-up work actively under way. areas from twenty-six to twenty-nine. > In the sixteen Southern States the Faith The fifth and critical year of the Seven > spread very rapidly. Up to the beginning Year Plan, found a new resurgence to > of the Seven Year Plan, there were only sacrificial service, and increase in the number > eight Assemblies, two groups and sixteen of pioneers and settlers, as well as sustained > isolated Baha’is; while in six states there teaching activity throughout the country. > were no Baha’is. By the end of the third During this year the Guardian gave > year, the sixteen States could boast of nine greater responsibility to the believers by > Assemblies, twelve groups, and ninety iso­ indicating that each State and Province > lated Baha’is, with some Baha’is in every must have a Spiritual Assembly by the end > State. of the first Bahd’i Century. With this in­ > In Canada likewise the Faith spread like creased responsibility, there was increased > wildfire from East to West. In 1936 there activity on the part of the friends. This > were two Assemblies, no groups, and only enlarged task, at the same time, necessitated > four isolated Bahd’is. By the end of the third the focusing of all activities on the unfin­ > year, there were five Assemblies, and all ished tasks of the Seven Year Plan; and con­ > virgin areas settled. Teaching circuits were centration on key cities in each virgin area. > taking place everywhere and study groups During this year the problems were > developing in most of the larger cities. further increased by a great many As­ > Even the most northern outpost of the semblies reverting to group status through > United States, Alaska, felt the warmth of the application of the administrative prin­ > the Bahd’i spirit by settlement of one of ciple that only Bahd’is living in the civil > the "holy souls,” followed quickly by limits could belong to an organized com­ > another pioneer, and the confirmation of munity. Thus during the fourth and fifth > the first Bahá’í in Alaska under the Seven years of the plan twenty-two Assemblies > Year Plan. reverted to group status. > During the third year, the Guardian Notwithstanding these problems, the new > spurred the Baha’is to even further effort, resurgence of spirit and service brought the > by calling for 100 Spiritual Assemblies by virgin areas without Assemblies down from > the end of the Bahá’í year. Notwithstand­ thirty-one to twenty-four, and the number > ing two Assemblies were disbanded during of Spiritual Assemblies in the country up > the year, the Convention found 102 Spirit­ from ninety-five to 101. > ual Assemblies in the roll call, as contrasted "Upon the crucial year ahead hinge the > to the 100 suggested by Shoghi Effendi. fortunes of this historic crusade,” was the > The fourth year (1940-1941) called for challenge of the Guardian to the Bahd’is > close consolidation of the gains won during at the 1942 Convention. The "fate of the > the first three years of the plan, as well as seven year plan is periously hanging in the > steady expansion of the Faith in all these balance.” "The present tempo of teaching > 174 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > activities is clearly insufficient to insure ing campaign to fittingly close the first > definite all-embracing victory.” “Swift century of the Bahá’í Era, and third, prep­ > action, boldly conceived, unanimously sup­ aration for the great celebrations and > ported, systematically conducted, can alone teaching activities of the Centennial period. > retrieve present situation.” At this writing there are only five re­ > The Convention of this sixth year fo­ maining virgin areas without Spiritual As­ > cussed its entire attention on the unfinished semblies, requiring only nine Bahd’is to > tasks of the Seven Year Plan. The “Guard­ complete the task, and thus fulfill, in its > ian’s Summons to Teaching” was issued in entirety, the Seven Year Plan, and achieve > September, carrying the startling informa­ for America the first step in its glorious > tion that our progress had not been suf­ spiritual mission. > ficient since the Convention to insure suc­ The One Hundreth Year teaching cam­ > cess, and calling for eighty-one pioneers to paign throughout the country surrounds > complete the establishment of Spiritual four main themes, the principle causes of > Assemblies in all the virgin areas. Within a the ills of the world today, as well as the > few weeks the National Teaching Commit­ pillars of the divine plan of Baha’u’lldh for > tee received a flood of pioneer offers, and by the healing of the nations:—Race Unity, > January 1943, over thirty-two were in the Religious Unity, World Unity, and The > new fields of service. Manifestation of God. This national pro­ > The spirit of activity aroused by the gram gives for the first time, an over-all > seriousness of the plight of the Seven Year teaching program toward which the teach­ > Plan, brought new victories, and the most ing resources of the Faith might be oriented, > critical year, on whose activities hung the and the plans of all National committees, > fate of the Seven Year Plan turned out to Assemblies, Regional Committees, Groups > be the most successful year of the Plan. and Isolated Bahd’is be focussed. Thus the > During the year, 105 pioneer settlers entered entire Bahá’í Community, from East to > the virgin areas; there were established West, from N orth to South, shining in > twenty-eight Spiritual Assemblies, the the splendor of complete and resounding > largest number in any one year of the victory of the Seven Year Plan, has set the > history of the Faith in North America; and country aglow with a conflagration of > the virgin areas were reduced from twenty- spiritual power, bringing to a fitting climax > four to seven. The total number of As­ the power of Bahá’u’lláh in these closing > semblies rose from 101 to 124, the number days of the first Bahd’i century. > of groups from 203 to 220, and the number While, of course, statistics do not carry > of isolated Bahá’ís from 872 to 984. anything of the spirit, or devotion of those > The Guardian indicated his joy over the who make the history they portray, yet the > manner in which the believers had responded fortunes of the Seven Year Plan may be > to the crying needs of the eleventh hour, followed in the statement appended to this > with his usual gracious words of encourage­ report, which shows how the Faith has ex­ > ment: “I acclaim magnificent victory in panded during the period when the Seven > the teaching field during the course of the Year Plan was successfully carried to its > sixth year of the Seven Year Plan. I appointed goal. > heartily congratulate the National Teaching It is entirely impossible to portray even > Committee and feel proud of its high in the slightest degree the inspiring services > endeavors; and of the self-sacrifice of the of the friends individually or collectively > beloved pioneers.” in the greatest spiritual drama of American > The last year of the first Baha’i Century, History; nor to pay proper tribute to the > the last year of the Seven Year Plan, set sacrifices of our glorious pioneers—to say > for its unique goal, and service to the Faith nothing of the deep gratitude for their > of Baha’u’llah, three distinct teaching activ­ spiritual conquests. Each and every one > ities; first, the completion of the unfinished has recounted how the doors of guidance > tasks of the Seven Year Plan; second, the have opened before them—each has most > carrying forward of a great national teach­ enthusiastically told of the overwhelming > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 175 > > confirmations which have come to them of the two local centers, East and West. > from the realms on High— all have felt The most significant fact concerning the > themselves drawn ever nearer to Baha’u’llah Faith in Montreal is that when ‘Abdu’las they have striven to grow closer to Him. Bahá came to North America in 1912 there > Indeed, the spiritual tum ult of the past were devoted Baha’is in that city to attract > seven years has deepened the spirit of faith the Master and to arrange for meetings at > in every heart; has enlarged the vision of which He might address representative > every one; and laid a firm foundation for audiences. 'Abdu’l-Baha was introduced to > the more glorious teaching work of the the Montreal public by the Rector of Christ > second Baha’i Century. It is the prayer of Church Cathedral, Dr. Herbert Symonds. > the American Baha’i Community that it It was on September first of that year that > may be found worthy to serve the Beloved ‘Abdu’l-Baha delivered an address at the > Master, follow in His Footsteps, respond Church of the Messiah, Dr. Frederick G rif­ > to His behests, in the Divine Plan, and thus fin, Minister. On the same day He spoke > aid in more quickly establishing the World twice at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William > Order of Bahd’u’llah. Sutherland Maxwell, the pioneer believers of > > America During Period of Seven Year Plan > ■1944 > > 8. B a h a ’1 T e a c h in g I n C a n a d a Canada, and a third time on the following > day, while on September 5 the Master > The Baha’i Faith has spread through addressed the congregation of St. James > Canada from two centers, Montreal and Methodist Church. During this visit He > Vancouver. Believers were active in Mon­ spoke to a meeting of Socialists, but this > treal as early as 1902. In Vancouver the address is not included in the two volumes > date of active participation in the Faith is of "The Promulgation of Universal Peace.” > 1920. From the local communities of be­ The Montreal "Star” published interviews > lievers in these cities the Message of Bahá’- with ‘Abdu’l-Baha obtained by Archie Ed­ > u’lláh has been carried out to other cities dington, of the editorial staff. > and Provinces, reinforced since 1937 by The master remained three days and four > pioneers and settlers who have established nights at the Maxwell home, 1 548 Pine > residence in Canada under arrangements Avenue West, and the remainder of the > made by the National and Regional Teach­ visit He was a guest at Windsor Hotel. > ing Committees. As the first Baha’i Century At that time, the daughter of Mr. and > draws to a close we see an active Baha’i Mrs. Maxwell, Mary, now Ruhiyyih Khanum > community of Canada, but the historical rec­ Rabbani, the wife of the Guardian, was a > ord of development requires consideration child of two years. > 176 THE B ^ H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > In 1916 and 1917, when ‘Abdu’l-Bahd Delegates representing all local communi­ > revealed Tablets to the Baha’is of five ties of the United States and Canada met > regional areas in which He divided the in Montreal for their Nineteenth Annual > Bahd’i communities of the United States Convention and Congress in 1927, bringing > and Canada, the two Tablets addressed to to the Canadian friends a strong reinforce­ > Canada were sent through Mrs. May Max­ ment and encouragement. The public > well, and these messages gave the believers of World Unity conference held in the Uni­ > Montreal a vivid realization of the spiritual versity auditorium presented a program of > bounties destined for their country. distinguished speakers advocating the Bahd’i > Mrs. Maxwell, whose Memorial designed ideals. > by Mr. W. S. Maxwell stands in white and The eminent Persian Bahd’i teacher, > radiant beauty at her grave near Buenos Jenabi-Fadil, held many meetings in Mon­ > Aires, was a teacher distinguished by rare treal during the winter of 1920-21, and > intuition, sympathetic understanding of again during his second American visit, > personality, clear perception of the Bahd’i making many contacts for the Bahd’i com­ > teachings and a spirit of intense activity. munity. > Despite her physical frailty she traveled In April, 193 5, the Spiritual Assembly > extensively, carried on a large correspond­ adopted incorporation papers registered with > ence, lectured frequently, and conducted the authorities of the Province, the first > study classes and informal home meetings official recognition by the civil government > whenever possible. The Maxwell home was of the Dominion. More recently, the Na­ > for years the Bahd’i center not only of tional Spiritual Assembly has obtained trade > Montreal but for the entire Dominion. It mark registration in Canada of the symbol > was there, on December 10, 1922, that the of the Greatest Name and of the word > first local Spiritual Assembly of Canada "Bahd’i” ; and has filed with the Defense > was established in accordance with the Ministry a statement concerning the Bahd’i > directions issued that year by Shoghi Effendi. Teaching on Universal Peace. > The cities developed by the Montreal Turning now to the development of the > Baha’is through travel and correspondence Faith in Vancouver: > were St. John, N. B., Toronto, and Van­ The story begins with the journey of > couver in those days. As public interest Marion Jack to Vancouver in 1920 to lay > developed following the inspiration released the foundation for the coming of Jenabiby £Abdu’l-Bahd, a number of important Fadil in January of 1921. Accompanying > public meetings and conferences became this distinguished Persian teacher, besides > landmarks of quiet, steady growth. Thus, an interpreter, were George O. Latimer of > William H. Randall presented the Bahd’i Portland and Laura Luther from Seattle. > peace program to the Men’s Canadian Club Jenabi-Fadil’s stay in Vancouver lasted > during the war years 1914-1917, a series about five or six days and included as many > of Race Amity Conferences was conducted, public lectures and private gatherings as > and a strong Bahd’i youth group later the time would allow, as well as brief visits > evolved whose experience and activity stimu­ to West Vancouver, New Westminster and > lated a national youth activity cherished Victoria. > by the Guardian and administered by a Many hundreds heard of the Faith during > Committee of the National Spiritual As­ this short but intensive teaching campaign > sembly. More recently, summer teaching and the first five believers were confirmed. > classes and conferences have greatly stimu­ These were Mrs. Rhoda Anne Harvey, Mrs. > lated the work of the believers in the Grace Ethel Joyce, Mrs. Frances Elizabeth > eastern Provinces. Collin and Austin F. L. Collin, who were > Besides the Maxwell home, Bahd’i centers joined by Mrs. Christine Monroe, a Seattle > conducted in Montreal have been situated Bahd’i, who took up residence in Vancouver > in Fellowship Hall, St. Catherine Street at that time. > West, in the Guy Block and in the Corona­ Miss Marion Jack and Mrs. Laura Luther > tion Building. remained in Vancouver for several months > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN NORTH AMERICA 177 > > after Jenabi-Fadil’s departure, leaving books followed by the settlement in Vancouver of > and literature and encouraging the con­ Rowland Estall, who had been active in > tinuance of a study class. Between the period Youth groups in Montreal for some years. > from January 1921 to the forming of the It was largely from the influx of new young > first local Spiritual Assembly in 1927 many believers in the following years that the > early teachers came to help, including such Vancouver community was able to supply > nationally known figures as Louis G. pioneer settlers and teachers to the other > Gregory, Charles Mason Remey, George O. western provinces. > Latimer, Horace Holley, Elizabeth Green- With the help of these recent additions > leaf and May Maxwell. Mrs. Maxwell and to the community who rapidly equipped > Mrs. Greenleaf visited Vancouver together themselves with a good knowledge of the > in June, 1926, the latter going on to Vic­ Faith, especially its humanitarian aspects, > toria. Mrs. Maxwell gave many talks and this mother Assembly of Western Canada > lectures, leaving behind a study group of ten was able to lend its assistance during the > which met faithfully together for weekly Seven Year Plan to the expansion of the > meetings during the remainder of the year. Faith to Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatche­ > In January, 1927, John Bosch and George wan. In the Fall of 1937, at the opening > O. Latimer visited the group and the first of the Seven Year Plan, an eleven weeks’ > Spiritual Assembly was subsequently formed, radio program, one of the first of its kind > with the following members: George Mon­ undertaken by any Bahá’í community, car­ > roe, Stanley Kemp, Mrs. Evelyn Kemp, ried the principles of the Faith to a large > Mrs. Rhoda Harvey, Mrs. Christine Mon­ potential audience, and invited listeners to > roe, Mrs. Seifert, Mrs. Warnicker, Mrs. Flor­ attend fireside meetings held simultaneously > ence Sherborne, Mrs. M. Clark. to discuss the subject of the evening. Mrs. > A milestone had been passed with the Dorothy K. Baker, representing the National > establishment of the first Spiritual Assembly Spiritual Assembly, went to Vancouver > in Western Canada. From then on the be­ during this time and laid special stress on > lievers in Vancouver met frequently to the needs of the Seven Year Plan, which > study and search the teachings for them­ was also emphasized by a later visit from > selves. None of them knew very much Mrs. Mamie L. Seto. Teacher training > about the Faith and were left alone for long classes were organized and with the help > periods at a time. They owed much in sub­ of the Regional Teaching Committee efforts > sequent years to the Portland believers and were made to establish the Cause in West > especially to the Latimers, Louise Caswell Vancouver, New Westminster and Victoria. > and Helen and Charles Bishop. After the Here was laid the foundation for the con­ > first few years a steady stream of teachers tribution which members of this community > visited Vancouver, notable among them be­ were subsequently able to make towards the > ing Keith Ransom-Kehler. success of the Seven Year Plan and made > This period was also one of integration Vancouver a reservoir of teaching assist­ > into the national Bahd’i community. Be­ ance to the three. Prairie Provinces. Pioneer > lievers from Vancouver attended the first settlers from Vancouver were Doris Skinner, > summer school at Geyserville in 1927 and Rowland Estall, Ann McGee and Cliff > an important teaching conference in Seattle Gardiner, and visiting teachers were Kath­ > in 1929. Delegates went to the 193 8 con­ erine Moscrop, Ruby China, Evelyn Cliff > vention; the Assembly sought and obtained and Muriel Warnicker, who were able to > incorporation in 1939. Important contacts spend some months in pioneer cities. > were made with the various racial groups Outside of Vancouver, as far as is known, > in Vancouver which served to establish the and up until 1937, other teaching develop­ > Bahá’ís as ardent promoters of race unity. ments in Western Canada were meagre. > The Youth Group idea, encouraged by Scattered visits had been made to Victoria > similar development in other communities, and New Westminster from time to time. > received special impetus from a further visit Mrs. Collin and Mrs. Joyce lived in Vic­ > of Mrs. Maxwell in the summer of 1934 toria for a time and then settled in Arm- > 178 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > strong, B. C., from which city Mrs. Pine of Rowland Estall later in the same year, > became a Bahá’í and moved to Vermilion, But these left few definite traces, and it was > Alberta, later assisting in the early develop- not until settlement under the Seven Year > ment of the Edmonton community. In Plan that work in Alberta, Manitoba and > 1934, Mrs. Maxwell visited Calgary, staying Saskatchewan went ahead. This, however, > for some weeks, followed by a similar visit is another story and is told elsewhere. > > BAHA’I T E A C H E R S GO T O EUROPE, > ASIA AND A F R IC A > > 1. F oreword who likewise provided teachers like Eliza­ > beth Stewart, Lillian Kappes, Genevieve L. > T h e world upheavals of these years have Coy, Dr. Clock, and Clara and Adelaide > sent millions of the youth of America to Sharp; the teachers who undertook to main­ > distant lands. They have been made by des­ tain the International Baha’i Bureau in Ge­ > tiny to mingle with all races and peoples, to neva, Switzerland, such as Helen Bishop; > witness for themselves the underlying unity the part played by American Bahá’ís in es­ > which the Creator imprinted upon His tablishing the Faith in Paris, London, S tutt­ > Image borne in the souls of all men. Here is gart and many other places; the fund do­ > enacted the supreme dispersal of history, the nated for a monument at the grave of the > great shattering of molds and the over­ revered Abul-Fadl in Cairo; and the full > throwing of all frontiers. responsibility assumed in the development > Preceding them went out the confirming of the Faith in Latin America. > light of truth revealed by Baha’u’llah, re­ One of the most significant international > flected through a host of pioneer souls in­ Baha’i matters in which American believers > tent upon bringing the world back into the have taken an active part was the case of the > divine embrace of peace and brotherhood. House of Baha’u’llih in Baghdad, seized > The outposts of this outpouring of spirit some ten years ago by hostile religious lead­ > are today symbolized by five monuments ers and later sequestrated by the civil gov­ > raised over the graves of heroic martyrs: ernment. The Bahá’i claim was eventually > Dr. Susan I. Moody, Tihrán, Persia; Keith carried to the League of Nations on appeal > Ransom-Kehler, Isfahan, Persia; Lua Get- and the verdict called upon the Mandatory > singer, Cairo; Martha L. Root, Honolulu; power to see that the House was restored. > and May Maxwell, Buenos Aires. They rest W ritten appeals were sent to Baghdad by > in soil which has become part of the destiny the American local Baha’i Assemblies, while > of America. Before the nations could be the legal papers were prepared by Mountfort > prepared for political and economic union, Mills under the direction of the Guardian > these souls realized that in reality the nations of the Faith. > are one. At the time of the ascension of ‘Abdu’l- > But scores of others also served the Faith Bahá, the keys to the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh > in distant lands, fulfilling each one his or in ‘Akka were wrested from the Bahá’i cus­ > her trust under the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l- todian by Mohamet-Ali, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s > Bahá. younger brother and for years the center > The following brief statements are but of dissention and antagonism seeking to de­ > glimpses at these great scenes. The full stroy the Center of Baha’u’llah’s Covenant. > panorama can only be depicted by later Immediately the American believers pro­ > students who gather the records together in tested this spoliation of the sacred Shrine > times of peace. and violation of the Will and Testament of > One can, however, at least point to cer­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in letters addressed to the > tain salient features in the historic record: Mandatory Power, joining with the believers > For example— the founding of the Tarbiat of the entire world in a mighty demonstra­ > Schools for boys and for girls in Tihrán, to tion of unity of faith. The keys were soon > which Dr. Moody devoted her life, gener­ given to Shoghi Effendi, named Bahá’i > ously supported by the American believers Guardian in that Will. > 180 THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY > > Over a long period of years beginning Pressing on to Japan I observed in Agnes > with the era of the Master, the American Alexander that untiring service that has > Bahá’ís have prepared and dispatched ap­ made her the trusted agent of ‘Abdufl-Bahá > peals to the authorities of various countries and of Shoghi Effendi in this ancient and > in behalf of the believers suffering oppres­ remarkable land; a land to which ‘Abdu’lsion: Turkey, Persia, Iráq, Germany, Egypt Bahá has given such unqualified promises of > and the U. S. S. R. Funds have also been do­ spiritual expansion and attainment. > nated for relief, as for example following How simple a thing when trees have been > the disastrous floods in Nayriz. felled and underbrush cleared, the unyield­ > ing earth broken, the seed sown, tended and > 2. A Survey by K e it h R a n s o m -K e h l e r watered; drought, hail, hurricane and flood > withstood; how exceedingly simple to walk > To have spread and established a religion "through the land at eve . . . and pluck the > throughout the world in less than four score ripened ears!” No name is worthy of men­ > years is eloquent testimony to the spiritual tion in any country except the name of those > quantum contained in the message of Bahá’- who with heroism and intrepidity first went > u’lldh. forth to face the odds and difficulties, yes, > Historians record as phenomenal the ac­ terrors of the untried and the unknown in > complishment of the followers of Muham­ order to plant the mighty standard of Bahá’- > mad in carrying His teachings from the Red u’lláh in the midmost heart of the world. > Sea to the Baltic, from India to Gibraltar, in The names of Dr. Augur and of Agnes Alex­ > eighty years; but in a corresponding period ander must ever remain the names to which > the Bahd’i Faith has become firmly rooted on all others are subsidiary in recounting the > all the continents of the earth. history of the Cause in Japan. Mrs. Ida > Needless to say this has not taken place of Finch, Mrs. Greeven (then Inez Cook), > itself. The divine rapture that sent our Per­ Martha Root, and later Mrs. Schopflocher > sian martyrs dancing to their death had its and Mr. George Spendlove have assisted in > more practical reflex in the worldwide pro­ furthering Bahá’í interests in this fascinat­ > jects of those who, scattering near and far, ing country. > bore to mankind the "imperishable evangel Reaching China I encountered for the first > of eternal salvation,” reiterated today by time on my journey the illustrious name of > Bahi’u’lldh. Martha Root as the pioneer Baha’i teacher. > Leaving California where the historic pio­ She had sojourned in other lands that I had > neers Thornton Chase, Lua, Mrs. Goodall, visited, but like myself was treading in the > Mrs. Cooper, and others prepared the way footsteps of others. Here she herself had > for the coming of *Abdu’l-Bahá, my first been the first to bring this great evangel, and > objective was Japan. Calling en route at the evidences of her strenuous and ceaseless > Honolulu, consecrated by the labors of Dr, toil in that great vineyard will be immortal. > Augur and Agnes Alexander, I found a bril­ In America she had given the message to > liant Bahd’i Community; alert, active, zeal­ President C. S. Liu of Sun Yat Sen Agricul­ > ous, ably abetted by the tireless enthusiasm tural College while he was an undergraduate > of Miss Julia Goldman. Charles Mason at Cornell; and later to his sister, President > Remey and George Orr Latimer, Mr. and Fung Ling Liu of Union Normal College, > Mrs. Charles R. Bishop, Orcella Rexford, then a graduate student at the University > Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, on their journey of Michigan. > to Australia, Martha Root who had left a At Tsing Hua University she confirmed > few months before my arrival; and since my President Y. S. Tsao and his wife in the > departure from America, Mrs. Schopflocher, Cause, and the Bahd’i world is aware of his > Mrs. Loulie Mathews and Mrs. Marion Little outstanding service in translating ‘Abdu’lare among the Bahá’ís who have made their Bahá and Dr. Esslemont into Chinese. > contribution to the advancement of the On her journeys through the Celestial > Cause in Hawaii: which incidentally I think Empire Martha carried on in her great tra­ > the most beautiful spot in all this earth. dition; interviewing statesmen, publicists > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 181 > > and dignitaries; speaking in the foremost spiritual attributes fit him peculiarly to > Universities; obtaining constant publicity teach the Bahá’í Cause. Mrs. Dunn has a > for the Cause through the newspapers; quality of faith that I have seldom met. She > broadcasting; receiving innumerable visit­ lives in the Presence of God with a kind of > ors. It was rewarding to meet those whom awe and candor that assure men of His > she had interested and gratifying to witness Power and Benignity; while her service is > the steadfast devotion of those whom she like the service of the earth to the sun, of > had confirmed. the magnet to the pole, of the lover to his > Miss Alexander and Mrs. Schopflocher beloved. When so ill, with a dangerous ill­ > have also paid several visits to China. ness, that any other woman would have been > The traces of a world pioneer I have found in a hospital, she was still ministering and > in many places where his foot has never serving and helping and soothing, until her > trod; our "ambassador without portfolio” as very persistence in doing carried its own > it were, Roy C. Wilhelm. Carrying on great message. > a world-wide correspondence, his cordial and What a simple matter then to harvest all > cheerful letters, his gifts of reading matter this effort and sacrifice and self-effacement > and Bahá’í books, his continuous encour­ in my joyous visits to Australia and New > agement and helpfulness to those scattered Zealand. Martha and Effie Baker, one of th: > beyond the confines of ordinary Bahá’í asso­ first Australian Bahd’is, visited New Zea­ > ciation, have made him, though personally land before me; and Martha and Seigfried > unseen, one of the most popular and beloved Schopflocher, Australia. > of the Bahá’í teachers. There was much activity among the > No more romantic story will embellish friends to receive me. Full and interesting > the history of the Cause than the recital of programs had been arranged, resulting in > how Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, then well confirmations in the various centers visited, > past middle-life, burning all their bridges and in the formation of active study classes. > behind them, answered the summons of Perhaps fuller details will be furnished by > ‘Abdu’l-Baha and arose to carry the Bahd’i the friends in the Southern Hemisphere; > message to Australia and New Zealand. "Down Under” as they say. > Their endeavors have been indefatigable, No tribute that I could pay would be ade­ > their accomplishments stupendous. "Whoso quate to express the heartfelt gratitude and > maketh efforts for Me in My way will I appreciation of the entire Baha’i world, for > guide them.” The trials, difficulties and vi­ the cordial welcome and sincere cooperation > cissitudes that they faced and conquered which is everywhere and continuously ex­ > must be recorded at length in a suitable me­ tended to us by the Theosophical Society. > morial. Wherever we may go this is alwiys the first > At last there was a happy, issue out of all platform open to us; these audiences, always > their afflictions. Mr.. Dunn found an excel­ intelligent and responsive, offer us our first > lent position that necessitated his travelling encouragement. > over the whole Commonwealth, so that he In Sydney I spoke twice in the great The­ > has actually given the message in every set­ osophical Auditorium and from their station > tlement on that vast continent. my lectures were broadcast to thousands of > Equally persevering, Mrs. Dunn remained listeners. I was entertained at "the Manor,” > behind in the larger cities, consolidated their their community center, and sent off with > joint labors, formed classes, conducted meet­ letters of introduction to other lodges in > ings, fostered Assemblies, until at last, as a different countries. Mr. and Mrs. van Gelder > reward of their efforts, the National Spir­ and their family, who live in beautiful Blaitual Assembly is in process of formation. vatsky Park in Batavia, extended to me the > Mr. and Mrs. Dunn (lovingly called Fa­ most exemplary kindness and hospitality at > ther and Mother by all Baha’is) are of sin- the request of the Sydney Theosophists. All > gular beauty both of person and character. over the world this Society displays toward > Mr. Dunn has the rarest and most charming us the same spirit and the same goodwill. > disposition: loving, forgiving, genial, his Mr. Grosfeld, our dear Bahá’í pioneer in > 182 THE B A H Á ’í CENTENARY > > Java, is awaiting' the arrival of an Egyptian ity, and the sincerity of their lives these > Bahá’í friend of his in order to carry on a village Bahd’is are a source of pride and > fuller program of activities. pleasure to the Western visitor. > My stay in Malay was not kmg enough to The Rangoon friends had arranged a com­ > admit of more than newspaper reports and prehensive program for me that they may > private interviews. perhaps discuss in their report. They were > Sharing the ardors and rewards of the first very efficient in their cooperation, arranging > mission to India and Burma were, among my conferences so that I met the most intel­ > others who assisted the saintly Jamál Ef- ligent, progressive and inquiring in the city. > fendi, Dr. *Abdu’l-Hakim, now of Ran­ By now their H aziratu’l-Quds must be > goon, Burma, an<í Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí of completed, which will greatly increase the > Mandalay, the latter accompanying Bahá’- prestige of the Cause. > u’lláh’s great emissary on his extensive jour­ The crowning joy of my visit was meet­ > neys to the East. ing in person those great pioneers of the Day > Arriving in Burma I went at once to of Bahá’u’lláh, Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí and > Mandalay where to my great delight I met Dr. Hakim, who had in their youth, with > Mrs. Schopflocher and Lionel Loveday just Jamál Effendi, helped establish the Cause in > down from a thousand-mile trip on the India and Burma. > Irrawaddy, "where the flyin’ fishes play.” The calm beauty of their lives seems a > These flying fish, by-the-bye, were the miracle amidst the haste and noise and vul­ > women who plied back and forth on the garity of our disintegrating civilization. I > river boats. know that they belong to that host whose > In addition to my many engagements in tread is measured to the tap of an unseen > Mandalay, we drove twice to the hill station drummer. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá expresses it, > of Maymyo where I spoke to the Young "the horse gallopeth though the rider is in­ > Men’s Union. I was very cordially received visible.” Their ears were constantly listening > throughout Burma and was especially happy for commands that mine were too gross to > in the great house of Ma Tin in Mandalay; hear. > designed and built to accommodate ‘Abdu’l- Later several Western teachers visited In­ > Bahá on His hoped-for but never accom­ dia; among, them Hooper Harris and Harlan > plished journey to Burma. Ober; Dr. and Mrs. Getsinger; Mrs. Lorol > Very handsome properties are owned by Schopflocher; on three occasions Mrs. Gree­ > the Bahá’í Community of Mandalay, the ven, Mrs. Stannard and Martha Root. > most recent acquisition being the estate of A large number of the Bahá’ís of Western > Siyyid Mustafá Rúmí, in which he is now India (Karachi, Bombay, Poona) are Persian > merely holding a life trust. Zoroastrians or Parsis. There are no Bahá’ís > Our tireless Martha has preceded me there in the world superior to those recruited from > as usual and has written a lively record of the Zoroastrian group. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá again > her visit. and again attested to their sincerity, their > The grace and charm of the Burmese simple faith, their purity of motive, their > young people are worthy of comment. The sacrifice and their utter devotion. > beautiful and accomplished daughters and A generous account of my activities in > grand-daughter of U. Nyunyu, chairman of Bombay and Karachi appeared in the pre­ > the Assembly; the son and daughter of Dr. vious number of this series. Professor Pri- > Hakim, so earnest and devoted; the lovely tam Singh, M. A., late of the chair of eco­ > and gentle Baha’i children that I met wher­ nomics in Allah Abad University, Secretary > ever I went, impressed me deeply. of the National Spiritual Assembly of the > So much has already been written about Bahá’ís of India and Burma, was designated > Daidenow Kalazoo Kungjangoon, "the vil­ to accompany me and to arrange my meet­ > lage of ‘Abdu’l-Baha,” that I cannot ings. Due to his initiative and connections > heighten the descriptions of Mrs. Greeven I spoke in all the great universities in the > and Mrs. Schopflocher. In the warmth of various Indian cities that I visited, and to > their welcome, the extent of their hospital­ many associations, churches, clubs and so- > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 183 > > cial groups, where the message was cordially language and supporting themselves as they > received. But it is practically impossible for established the Cause, their conquest of diffi­ > me to write of my own activities; I never culties, their unremitting perseverance, is > seem to myself to be accomplishing any­ surely written in ineffaceable letters "upon > thing. the preserved Tablet of God.” > Through the kind offices of Sir Akbar Martha Root has also visited several South > Hydarí I received an official invitation from American cities. > Hyderabad Deccan to be the guest of the Leonora had preceded me to some of the > state. I cannot sufficiently thank Mr. Růs­ islands of the West Indies, but to a few of > tům Khosrove, Secretary of the Spiritual them I was the first to carry the message. > Assembly of Poona who accompanied me, My longest teaching period on that tour was > acting as my personal secretary as well. in Barbadoes where Leonora had ably paved > It was very gratifying to meet here the the way for me a year or two before. > Minister of Finance, the Minister of Justice, Let me record that I have found nowhere > the Minister of Education, the Minister of people more eager, more receptive, more > Court, the former Prime Minister, the Min­ alert or kinder than the Barbadians. God > ister of State, Nabob Mehdi Yar Jung Ba- willing, I yearn to go back there for further > hádur, and others of the nobility and cabi­ teaching. I was very gratified to hear of the > net, and to discuss with them our teachings. visit of Miss Ella Robarts to this beloved > The programs arranged in Poona and Su­ spot. > rat, respectively, afforded me the liveliest Returning to Haifa for further instruc­ > pleasure, for the meetings proved very popu­ tions, Shoghi Effendi graciously permitted > lar and were attended by the representative me to come to the land of God’s pioneers, > people of these cities. Sir ‘Ali Delavi, Prime the Báb and Baha’u’llah; to walk the earth > Minister of the Bombay Presidency, acted deified by Their Presence; to visit the scenes > as my chairman on one occasion, and spoke sanctified by Their noble army of martyrs; > with great appreciation of the Baha’i teach­ to read in the lives of their survivors those > ings. lessons of sacrifice, patience and steadfast > The next continent that I touched upon faith that illumine the Cause. > was Africa, which I had visited several En route I spent a few days in the holy > times before; but alas! I was not able to city of Baghdad where Bahá’u’lláh declared > follow in the hallowed footsteps of Miss His Mission and, finally sojourning in the > Fanny Knobloch, who with her sister, Mrs. Garden of Ridván, gave to our Faith its > Pauline Hannan, established the Cause in most joyous festival. > South Africa. I disembarked at the Soudan These Bahá’ís are full of spirit and energy, > but approached no nearer to the scene of her and though I met only a few representatives > repeated activities. More advanced in age from other ‘Iráqí Assemblies I was im­ > than Mr. and Mrs. Dunn when she under­ mensely assured ^>f their devotion and zeal. > took this trip, with extremely straitened fi­ The monumental work of Mountfort > nances, again and again she literally taught Mills in representing before the League of > until she dropped; due to the exigencies of Nations Baha’i interests in Baghdad has al­ > the climate that brought on a dilatation of ready been fully recorded, in a volume of > the heart. Who can estimate the incalculable The Baha’i World. > harvests that will one day be garnered from Mrs. Schopflocher’s visit left a deep im­ > her love and sacrifice? pression and wrought good results. She had > My brief visit to the Northern coast of several audiences with His Majesty, the late > South America some years ago was equally King Feisal, and Martha, following her, also > remote from the pioneer work of Leonora had an audience with the King. > Holsapple and Maude Mickle; who like the Incidentally I know of no better place to > other American pioneers already mentioned, mention Mrs. Schopflocher’s memorable visit > answered the summons of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, to Russia; the only American Bahá’í, so far > proceeding to Bahia, Brazil. Their gallantry, as I am informed, to teach in the Soviet > their hard work in mastering an unknown Union. > 184 THE B A H A ’i CENTENARY > > Years since, M. and Mme. Dreyfus- ridden, so unconquerable is her spirit, so > Barney and Mason Remey had come to Per­ cheerful her disposition, so intense her eager­ > sia; then, to the Tarbiyat School, Miss Kap- ness for the Cause and its welfare, that > pes, Miss Coy, Miss and Mrs. Sharp; Dr. young and old throng to see her, and her > Clock had come to be near Miss Kappes; presence is a blessing to every meeting that > Mrs. Schopflocher had visited Persia on two she finds strength to attend. > occasions; Martha traveled through some She always reminds me of the lines of > of the provinces; and Effie Baker, photo­ Stevenson: > graphing for The Dawn-Breakers, reached > places that no western Bahá’í has seen before "I knew a silver head was bright beyond > or since. compare, > The important work of Miss Lillian Kap­ I knew a queen of toil, with a crown of > pes, who gave her life to the Bahá’í Cause silver hair; > in Persia, is attested by the present position Garland of valor and sorrow, of beauty > of the Tarbiyat School, so ably managed and renown; > by Miss Adelaide Sharp. She has today Life that honors the brave crowned her > brought it to a position of preeminence in himself with the crown.” > this educational field. Her unflagging zeal, > her sound management, her personal dedi­ Some of my most impressive experiences > cation to teaching as a profession, are here have been recorded in letters to Mrs. > crowning with success the hardships and Helen P. Bishop, published in the Bahd’i > difficulties that still surround the educa­ Magazine. At present (August, 1933) I am > tional activities of Persia. in Tihrán and have not yet visited the South > But foremost amongst the Western pio­ of Persia. > neers in this sacred land must ever stand the This would seem the appropriate moment > name of Susan Isabel Moody, M. D., who, to mention those immortal Persian pioneers > blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, was entrusted with to America, sent us through the bounty of > the great mission of spreading scientific ‘Abdu’l-Baha: Mí rzá Abu’l-Fadl-i-Gulpayimethods and hygienic measures amongst the gání, and Jináb-i-Fádil Mázindaráni. My > women of Persia. advent to the Holy Cause of God is so recent > At the time of her arrival not only crude that it exactly corresponds with Jináb-ibut barbarous practices sometimes obtained FádiPs first visit, but all America bears tes­ > in obstetrical work; infant mortality still timony to the outstanding achievements of > remains very high; the care and feeding of these powerful and notable pioneers. > children was little understood. For many Having been identified with the Baha’i > years she labored valiantly against the hosts Cause for only twelve years, there must have > of ignorance and resistance to change, work­ been countless teachers in the early days > ing on against great obstacles until the vio­ with whose names I am unfamiliar. I hope > lent fanaticism that ended in the murder of that all such oversights will be forgiven. I > Major Imbrie made it inadvisable for foreign have mentioned the name of every teacher > Bahá’ís to remain longer in Persia. in foreign fields known to me. Undoubtedly > When under the enlightened regime of the Jináb-i-Fádil in his forthcoming history > present ruler, Ridá Sháh Pahlavi, all danger will record the work of those whose names > was obviated, so deep was her devotion to I have unintentionally omitted. > her spiritual fatherland that she determined Though residing in Europe during several > to end her days in this beloved country; and years my itinerary has not yet taken me, as > though nearing eighty, took the long and a Bahá’í, to the scenes made memorable by > difficult trip from America back to Persia, early Bahá’í teachers. May Ellis Maxwell, > a few years ago. who also established the Cause in Canada, > Her work in founding the girls’ Sunday Alma Knobloch, George Latimer and Mason > School and in assisting the Tarbiyat School Remey, Dr. and Mrs. Getsinger and more > is still another monument to her greatness. recently Mrs. Louise Gregory, Miss Marion > Although very feeble and partially bed­ Jack, Orcella Rexford, Mr. Kluss, Mrs. > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 185 > > Emogene Hoagg, Miss Julia Culver, Mrs. Builder and Maker is God” ; that Holy City, > Stannard, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter, New Jerusalem, shall descend to earth and > Lady Blomfield, Mrs. Stuart French, Mrs. that the tabernacle of God shall be among > Amelia Collins, Miss Louise Drake Wright, men. The doors of that city "shall never be > and others have taught on the continent; closed by day and night; there shall be none; > but preeminently Martha Root, who has and into it will the kings of earth bring their > spread the message not only in the leading glories.” It is for the speedy fulfillment oi > universities and highest circles of Europe, this promise that Bahá’i pioneers are labor­ > but to royalty, confirming the present Dow­ ing so arduously throughout the world. > ager Marie, then Queen of Rumania, in the > Cause. 3. A St a t e m e n t by C h arles M aso n > Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher, a veteran R em e y > world traveler, has supplemented his fre­ > quent business voyages with Bahá’í teach­ In 1901 I made my first pilgrimage to > ing. Haifa to visit ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and in connec­ > In 1932 the Guardian bade me good-bye tion with this journey I spent several days > with a smile; that smile that soars like a bird with the Bahd’is in Egypt. > from his lips to its heavenly nest. "You Apart from having heard the Bahi’i mes­ > should be very grateful to Bahá’u’lláh for sage in France in 1899 and having spent the > extending to you this opportunity for serv­ first three years and a half as a believer in > ice,” he said. that country engaged in the work of the > Amidst the perplexities, hardships and Cause, my first real Bahá’í teaching travels > problems that often beset my path I think in foreign lands began in the summer of > that my abiding protection is a sense of deep 1907 when in company with Frank Phipps > and reverent gratitude; gratitude that I of Washington, I visited the Master, > have been privileged, not to hear about, but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in ‘Akka, going over by way > to witness, in a thousand gleaming camp of the Mediterranean by ship to Egypt and > fires round the world the marshalling of the Syria. There Frank and I parted, he return­ > army of the Lord of Hosts; to behold in ing direct to America, I going up the Le­ > every land the unsheathing of His terrible, vantine Coast visiting Baha’i friends in > swift sword; to see, with mine eyes, the Beirut and Alesandretto on my way to Con­ > Glory of the Coming of the Lord. Men and stantinople and from there on to Munich in > women from every tribe and kindred of the ^Germany. > earth, forgetting their age-old tutelage of In Munich, I had several Bahd’i contacts > hatred and antagonism, abandoning their with people interested in the Faith, so re­ > prejudices and racial inhibitions, rejecting mained there for two days before going on > the animosities of ancient creed and dogma, to Stuttgardt. In this latter place I spent > learning new and shining lessons of forbear­ several days with Dr. Fisher who was at that > ance, love and forgiveness; pressing forward time interesting a few people in the Cause. > in deadly, deadly earnest against man’s eter­ We spent some time going about calling on > nal foes: ignorance, oppression, superstition, people and talking with them, but there > greed, crime, war, poverty, injustice; put­ were no gatherings that could be called > ting aside every personal consideration to "meetings.” > serve the mighty ends of peace and right­ From Stuttgardt, I went on to Paris where > eousness. Surely gratitude is the only appro­ I spent six weeks busily engaged in looking > priate emotion with which to regard the up the friends and attending gatherings. It > spectacle of life at the flood tide of its spir­ had been but less than four years since I had > itual ardor. For in this Cause every Baha’i lived there, so I was able to follow up a > is a pioneer; a pioneer in a new manner of number of former personal contacts as well > living, a new outlook on life; a new assur­ as meet with the groups of Bahd’is at that > ance; a new fortitude, because ours is a new time, continuing the work as established > promise; the promise that at last that celes­ there seven or eight years previously by > tial city "eternal in the heavens, whose May (Bolles) Maxwell. > 186 THE B A H Á ’í CENTENARY > > While in Paris, I went over to England to ‘Ishqábád—back to Bakou and into > for a two weeks’ stay in London with Syd­ Persia as far as Tihrán. This, however, could > ney Sprague who had made many contacts not come under the classification of Bahá’i > there. Our time was busily spent meeting teaching, since I was learning from the > the Bahd’i friends and attending meetings many old and firm Believers in those parts > of various kinds of thought where Sydney rather than teaching, although here and > had made openings to speak of the Cause. there I did meet people attracted to the > On my return to America at the Master’s Faith and talked with them. > instruction, I made some travels to Mon­ Leaving Sydney Sprague in Persia I re­ > treal in Canada and visiting the Baha’i turned to the Holy Land by way of Bakou, > centers as far West as Chicago and the near Batoum and Constantinople, meeting the > points in Wisconsin— Racine, Kenosha and Baha’i friends in Beirut. > Milwaukee. While Stanwood Cobb was the only Ba- > The following year, in 1908, I sailed early há’í I met at that time in Turkey, at the > in April for England where I visited the Master’s definite instructions on going out > Bahá’ís in Manchester where Miss Ridgeway to Persia I called on the Persian Ambassador > had attracted a small group that was found­ to Constantinople who was a friend of the > ing the Bahá’í cause in those parts. From Master’s and was kindly disposed toward the > there I went on to London for a few days Cause. This gentleman received me very > with the friends where Sydney and I made graciously and gave me several books of his > the round of contacts as we had done the own w riting on World Peace. (These are > previous *summer. with my other documents now in the Na­ > Then on to Paris for a week where I at­ tional Archives in the Temple in Wilmette.) > tended several gatherings of friends and I had a few days with the Master in > those interested, from there going on to ‘Akká. The Revolution of 1908 had taken > Stuttgardt in Germany. By then Miss place while I was in Persia and the land > Alma Knobloch of Washington had settled was then under the Young Turk rule. It > herself in Stuttgardt at the Master’s, was easy for the Baha’i pilgrims to come > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s, instruction, as a Baha’i and to go to and from the Holy City—the > teacher and already a group of enthusiastic old Turkish reign of oppression was at its > believers was in progress. There I remained end. > for several days before going on to Italy (by On my return through Europe I visited > way of Vienna), where in Florence I spent Sr. Bonsignori in Milan, then went on to > a day or two with Sr. Artura Regini, the Stuttgardt, Paris, London and Manchester, > leader of a group of Philosophers who re­ meeting the friends in those cities. „ > ceived me very kindly. I had been in corre­ It was in the Fall of the following year > spondence with this gentleman for some that Howard Struven and I started forth on > time, had fuťnished him with Baha’i litera­ our world tour. I am under the impression > ture and he had published some articles on that we were the first Baha’is to make the > the Cause locally in Florence. entire tour of the world, but I may be in > So far as I know Sr. Edouardo Bonsignori fault on this point. > of Milan was the first Baha’i in Italy. He Leaving Washington and Baltimore, in > received his message from Mrs. H. Emogene June, we traveled westward visiting almost > Hoagg in about 1900. I had met him in all of the centers of Baha’i teaching in this > Paris some years .before this visit to Italy. country from Green Acre on the East to the > From Italy I went on to Egypt, to the length of the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles > Holy Land, where I spent some days near to Seattle and Spokane. It was in November > the Master— then on to Constantinople that we sailed for Hawaii where we spent > where I visited Stanwood Cobb at Robert three weeks with the friends of the Group in > College, meeting with him and his friends Honolulu that Agnes Alexander had formed, > and there joining up with Sydney Sprague, and it was Christmas week before we > we two going from there by sea to Odessa reached Japan where we spent some days in > and acrcss Southern Russia to Bakou—east Tokyo meeting with individuals and groups > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 187 > > attracted to the cause. Our first meeting in > Tokyo was in the Chapel of the American Mirza Mahmoud Irani to Baroda to teach, > Y.M.C.A. and numbered about 12 5 people. therefore we placed ourselves in correspond­ > The Honourable Mrs. Gordon, an Eng­ ence with Mirza Mahmoud who asked us to > lish lady who had lived for years in Japan, include Baroda in our travels. > Professor and Mrs. Dodge (American) and On our arrival in Baroda the Gaikwar was > others were most friendly and were instru­ absent from the City. We therefore awaited > mental in arranging this one very large for some days his return. A day or two > meeting as well as several smaller ones. after his arrival the Gaikwar received us > Shanghai was our next Bahá’í field of and we stated our cause with the result that > activity. There we met with the groups of a few days later a meeting was arranged for > Persian believers of the "Ommid Tea Com­ us in the rotunda of the University presided > pany.” Through these friends we met the over by the President of the University (an > Rev. Timothy Richard, a Missionary Amer­ Englishman whose name I do not recall) > ican who, unlike most American Mission­ and attended by the Gaikwar and his court > aries, had been most friendly to the Cause. and the principal people of the city, both > His associate, the Rev. Gilbert Reid was also British and native. > most cordial and on his return to America It was an impressive gathering and I must > shortly before his death, was associated with say a somewhat terrifying one to me, at > the Baha’is in meetings in New York and least so until I was launched in my talk, > Washington. when embarrassment passes from one. > These Missionaries founded "The Interna­ We were all assembled when the Gaikwar > tional Institute of China” for the harmoni­ arrived and seated himself on a throne ele­ > ous relations between the Religions of the vated on a dais and flanked by two attend­ > Far East, and in their publications men­ ants who fanned him with large long-han­ > tioned the Cause and gave it publicity. dled fans throughout the ceremony. > Our next Baha’i contacts were in Burma The introduction by the President was > in Rangoon and Mandalay and in Quongoon very friendly as was the entire procedure. > not far from the former place. In these So far as I have been able to ascertain this > parts we spent six weeks—very busy ones— occasion was the first time in the history > holding meetings daily and meeting people of our Cause for a king or ruler to openly > of many religious groups, Christian, Mus­ receive in a friendly way representatives of > lim, Hindu, and Buddhist. the Bahd’i Faith. The earliest recognition > Calcutta in India wa% our next Bahd’i of the Bahá’í Cause by Persian kings was to > field of activity. Here the community of persecute, but this kingly gesture of the > friends had a house for their center of ac­ Gaikwar was friendly. This meeting was on > tivity. We visited neighboring towns, made March 20, 1910. > contacts with educational and other groups, From Baroda we went to Bombay where > both Muslim and Hindu, one week or there­ we spent six weeks or thereabouts teaching, > abouts passed quickly with these friends. meeting groups of Hindus, Muslim and > Twice during the two or three years be­ Parsees. One meeting that stands out in my > fore the time of which I write, the Maha­ memory was in the auditorium of Elphmisrajah of Baroda, or more commonly known ton University attended by several hundred > as the Gaikwar of Baroda, traveled in Amer­ students. We were kept very busy in Bom­ > ica and on each occasion he visited Wash­ bay. From Bombay we went to the Holy > ington. It was in Washington that I first Land where we had some days with the > met him and spoke with him about the Master before parting one with the other, > Bahá’í Cause. Some others of the Bahd’is Howard returning to America by one route, > made similar contacts with him and he re­ I by another, my travels taking me by the > sponded by showing his friendliness to our quickest way possible to America while > Faith. About the time that Howard Stru- Howard visited the friends in Germany be­ > ven and I started on our travels we learned fore returning home. > that the Master, ‘Abdu’l-Baha, had sent In the early summer of 1913 George O. > Latimer and I spent some time in Honolulu > 188 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > engaged in Bahd’i activities and in the fol­ Late in September of that year we four > lowing spring of 1914, at the Master’s call traveling Bahd’is left Germany going into > we went to Europe on a teaching mission, Switzerland and Italy where we embarked > landing in France and spending three months at Venice for Egypt and the Holy Land. > in Paris holding gatherings and meeting We remained on Mount Carmel for about > many people. two weeks with ‘Abdu’i-Bahd at the end of > From Paris we went to London for sev­ which time George and I returned to Egypt > eral weeks. By that time there was a very and from there to Italy and America arriv­ > active Baha’i community in London with ing home shortly before the end of Decem­ > several large meetings each week and small ber, having been able to travel in comfort > groups meeting in homes. during these first few months of the World > This was a momentous time for during War I. > our visit Fareed and his family arrived in Commissioned by the Master to visit the > London from the East and the Master ca­ Bahd’i communities in this country and > bled to us in London that they should be Canada, George and I went to Montreal for > "avoided” by all Bahd’is. These were in­ some days arriving there during the upset > deed turbulent times. For the most part the occasioned by the adherence of the Wood­ > friends obeyed without question, but a very cock family to Fareed and his family. > few clung to Fareed. Finally the division or During the years of World War I, George > separation was formed and established and and I made two visits to Hawaii and I alone > the problem was solved definitely, and made one visit there— then for several years > shortly after that George and I took a ship foreign travel wa% not possible. > from England for the Netherlands. There Finally after peace had been established > in Blaricum in North Holland we visited the Master instructed me to go to Germany > Mr. Van Winkle, a Theosophist, with whom on my way to the Holy Land. I sailed in > I had been in correspondence for some time June, 1920, landing in Rotterdam, going on > and who was interested in and attracted to to The Hague where I met Jenab Eben > the Faith. We first met this gentleman in Astaque of Russia whom the Master had > Paris, then in Amsterdam, and while in the sent thither as bearer of His Tablet to The > Netherlands through his kindness we went Committee on Durable Peace. There with > to The Hague and there spoke of the Cause this Persian friend and his companions, I > to some members of the Netherlands For­ met people attracted to the Cause— then I > eign Service. went on to Amsterdam where Mr. Van > The last few days in that country were Winkle was there living and through him > spent with Mr. and Mrs. Van Winkle at I was introduced to some Theosophists who > their home in Blaricum where we met a were sympathetic to the Bahd’i teaching. > number of people to whom we talked. Several days passed with these friendly peo­ > From North Holland we went to Berlin ple in Amsterdam and through a Theoso­ > and to Leipzig arriving at this latter place phist, Miss B. Kerdike, I was invited by her > the day of the Declaration of World War I. brother and his wife to visit them at Appel- > There we met Miss Alma Knobloch and a doorn in Eastern Holland on my way to > group of friends in a public meeting on the Germany. Mr. Kerdike was an architect and > night of our arrival carried out as planned during the two days I spent in that home, I > regardless of the tumult of war that was met several of their friends, whose names I > going on in the city about us. no longer recall, but who were all responsive > From Leipzig we traveled to Stuttgardt and friendly to the Bahd’i teachings. > where we remained for several weeks teach­ That season I spent about six months in > ing and holding Bahd’i meetings in that city Germany. This was a time of much Bahd’i > and the towns nearby. Here our efforts activity among the believers there. The war > were reinforced by those of two Persian was over and the Revolution was also at an > Baha’is, Mirza Azizullah Bahadur and Mirza end. Most of my time was spent in the > Habibellah Khodabasah whom the Master vicinity of Stuttgardt. I did much traveling > had also sent there to teach. about making repeated visits to Karlsenke, > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 189 > > Heidelburg, Tubingen, Leipzig, Manheim, in Paris attending the gatherings of the Ba­ > Ludwigshafen, Freiburg and several other ha’is and meeting former old friends there > small towns in Wurtenberg. Also I made of many years of service in the Cause. > five different trips going to Switzerland to > hold meetings in Zurich where a group of 4. A R eport o n I n t e r n a t io n a l > Bahá’ís was formed. A ctivities of M a r t h a L. R oot > While in Germany I met Malcolm Mac- Space is not available for the description > Gillvray from America who was there for of all the teaching activities carried on by > several weeks and we were associated to­ Martha L. Root since her first journey to > gether in Bahá’í work. South America in 1919 and up to the time > Late in December I left Germany and the of her lamented passing in Honolulu twenty > friends with whom I had been so happy and years afterward. Hailed by the Guardian > started for the Holy Land by way of Italy. of the Faith as the foremost teacher and > In Naples I met Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg Hand of the Cause, Miss Root exemplified > and others of the Faith. A few days— then complete and immediate response to ‘Abdu’ltook ship for the Holy Land where I re­ Bahá’s call for teachers uttered to America > mained for almost two months, during in 1916 and 1917 in Tablets which could > which time I was joined by my brother not be conveyed to their destination until > William and other American Believers on the termination of the war. > pilgrimages to the Holy Places. This believer traveled well-nigh continu­ > My brother and I made the return to­ ously in Europe, Asia and Africa, as well > gether to Italy where we spent some days in as Australia, New Zealand, and Central and > Naples with Mrs. Hoagg and her small South America. She interviewed prominent > group of believers. From there my brother persons, educators, statesmen and rulers, > returned home by the Mediterranean and and she carried the banner of the Faith to > Gibraltar while I went across Europe stop­ heights beyond the capacity of her fellowping in Milan to see Sr. Bonsignori and from believers in those years. > there to Stuttgardt and the vicinity where The following brief notes, taken from > I met with the believers— then to Paris, "The Bahd’i World,” Volume VII, cover a > London and Manchester, contacting with period of two years only but are typical of > the friends of the Cause in these places, her effort and achievement throughout her > sailing for Canada f(fom Liverpool, with a twenty years of service in the teaching field. > visit in Montreal, then home. A firmly established faith, a centered will, > In 1922 I visited the Holy Land, Switzer­ and indefatigable activity, have given to > land, Germany and France, and in subse­ Miss Martha L. Root an international sphere > quent summers in 192 5 and 1927, I went in the realm of teaching. In her, the ordi­ > to Europe, on the former occasion going nary restrictions placed upon personal life, > direct from New York to Italy where I spent limiting it to one local environment, have > several months engaged first in Baha’i activ­ been broken through and the world is be­ > ity with Mrs. Hoagg in Florence and then come her spiritual home. > going to Geneva, Switzerland, for some days Miss Root’s activities from April, 1936, > with a group that Mrs. Elizabeth B. Nourse to April, 193 8, were successively, the United > and her family had assembled there during States, Japan, China and India. The follow­ > their stay of several months in that city. ing reports can but briefly indicate and out­ > From Geneva I went again to Stuttgardt line the full story of her Bahi’i teaching > and the vicinity holding meetings there, during those two years. > and in neighboring towns including Karl- Miss Martha L. Root had served the > senke. Then to Paris for a few days with the Bahá’í Faith vigorously with great efficiency > Baha’is and again to Manchester on my way and without stopping for rest and comfort > to Liverpool and back to America. for many years, but in the summer of 1936, > In 1927 I repeated my visit to Florence, our beloved Guardian cabled her (she was > going to Paris, but not to England, and working in Europe) to return to United > again in 1930 and 1931 I spent some time States for a rest. She returned July 29, > 190 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > 1936, very broken in health. Mr. Roy C. in that important island country. Jamal > Wilhelm invited her to 'Evergreen Camp,* Effendi had gone to Colombo for a few days > his summer home in Maine, for two months, in 1877 and met a few merchants > where everything was done for her recupera­ Miss Root reached Bombay, India, Octo­ > tion. ber 15, 1937; the N. S. A. of India and > Then she met the friends and lectured in Burma and several hundred Bombay Baha’is > Green Acre, the Northeastern States, the welcomed her warmly. After the N. S. A. > Regional Committee arranging very care­ meeting of consultation, and working under > fully to protect her health. This was fol­ the fine planning of the N. S. A. of India > lowed by a short program of lectures in and Burma, Martha Root has done great > New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and service in India and Burma with their help. > Washington, D. C. She first visited Surat and Poona, then > In January, 1937, when she was on a lec­ crossed the continent from Bombay to Cal­ > ture tour, she was very ill with influenza cutta and on tó Burma. She toured Burma > in Buffalo and as soon as she was able to where many lectures had been arranged for > travel she went across the continent to Cali­ her in Rangoon, Mandalay, Toungoo and > fornia, stopping over in Lima, Ohio, and in Daidanaw and Kunjangoon. Returning to > Chicago, where she spoke once in each city Calcutta she took part in the Second Allto believers, on teaching the Cause. People India Cultural Conference and the First > came to Lima from all the Bahá’i cities in Convention of Religions, both held in Cal­ > the State of Ohio. cutta in December, 1937. Her talks on the > Resting in California for several weeks, Cause were broadcast throughout India. > she later addressed the friends in Los An­ After the lectures and work in Calcutta, she > geles, San Francisco and Portland. These next visited Dr. Rabindra Nath Tagore. > were really regional gatherings, for believers Miss Martha Root arrived in India from > came from many surrounding cities. Ceylon on October 15. The believers of > Miss Root sailed May 20, 1937, from San Bombay accorded her a right royal reception. > Francisco for a Far Eastern tour. June was The National Spiritual Assembly had also > spent in Japan where several lectures were fixed their half-yearly meeting to be held in > given in Tokyo, Kyoto and Kobe. Editors Bombay in order to meet the beloved sister. > used Bahá’í articles, and she visited nearly Miss Root stayed in Bombay for five days > every Baha’i in Japan. and these five days were gala days for the > Sailing to Shanghai the last of June, she believers of the place. While the Bombay > was working in China with the devoted friends held meetings and arranged for lec­ > faithful Bahá’ís when the war came. She tures, which were fully reported by the press, > was in the deadly bombings in Shanghai in the N. S. A. in consultation with Miss Root, > August and barely escaped alive. A refugee chalked out a program for her. > on the steamship President Jefferson, she After attending the public meeting on > reached Manila, August 20 in the evening, the Birthday of the Báb, which was presided > and five minutes later endured the worst over by an ex-Mayor of the Town, Miss Root > earthquake Manila has known in a century. left for Surat. > Still, though ill and with a temperature of Su r at —During her two days’ stay here > 102, she courageously gave the Message in Miss Root met lawyers, judges and other > Manila. notables of the town at the home of Mr. > Miss Root took the first ship on which Vakil and delivered a public lecture in the > she could get passage out from Manila and Arya Samaj Hall. This was attended by 2 50 > came to Colombo, Ceylon. Here she recu­ to 300 people— students, lawyers and other > perated and during the month met the notables. The press published elaborate ar­ > Mayor of Colombo, gave three radio talks, ticles and thus good publicity was achieved > spoke before the League of Nations Union, for the Divine Faith. > the university students and was one of the P o o n a —Owing to her brief stay here no > first Bahá’í teachers to go to Ceylon to lec­ public lecture was arranged; but she met > ture, work and try to establish the Faith press representatives and the believers of the > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 191 > > place. She visited the Baha’i School and the later on to see Miss Root and asked ques­ > Baha’i Cemetery. To the friends she deliv­ tions. Baha’is who live in towns near Man­ > ered a talk on teaching. Miss Root will visit dalay came all the way to see their beloved > Poona again when she returns from her tour guest. > in South India. T o u n g o o —On leaving Mandalay Miss > R a n g o o n —Leaving Poona on October Root detrained at this town of about 23,000 > 26 she stayed one day at Bombay and then inhabitants. No Bahá’i teacher has ever be­ > left for Burma where she arrived on Novem­ fore visited this place. It was through the > ber 2. The believers of Rangoon had efforts of Dr. M. A. Latiff, that the town > chalked out a busy and elaborate program was opened. He had gone to the place and > for her. She spoke at the Y. M. C. A. had arranged for a lecture in the Jubilee > (Town Branch), Arya Samaj (Central), Library. Dr. Bahl, Civil Surgeon of the > Theosophical Society, Brahmo Samaj, Mala­ district, presided. He also gave a dinner in > bar Club and Rotary Club. Press publicity his home after the lecture and four inter­ > had preceded her arrival and when she ar­ ested people came to meet the Bahd’i teacher. > rived all the leading dailies of Rangoon pub­ Miss Root took the train that same night > lished glowing articles about her and about and nine people who had attended the lec­ > the Cause she had come to teach. Rangoon ture were on the station to see her off. It is a > "Times,” widely circulated English daily, great thing for our Faith that Toungoo is > published an interview with her about Bahd’i opened and we have our dear brother Dr. > work in Shanghai. Rangoon "Times” has M. A. Latiff to thank for it. > been devoting weekly two to three column D a id a n a w (Kunjangoon) —Accompanied > space to Bahd’i articles for the last eleven by Siyyid ‘Abdu’l Hussain Shirdzi and Mr. > months. Rangoon "Gazette,” another Eng­ Siyyid Ghulám Murtaza ‘Ali, Miss Root > lish daily, had an equally fine interview of reached this Bahd’i village of 800 believers > more than a column and in addition there on November 20. The believers of the place > was an editorial about the history of the had made elaborate preparations for the re­ > Baha’i Faith. Miss Root’s lectures attracted ception of their beloved guest. A special > a large number of hearers and were presided roadway was cut through the grass from the > over by religiously inclined public men. In main road to the Assembly Hall, which was > fact, Miss Martha Root created a stir in the tastefully decorated. The Assembly Com­ > religious circles of that great city of 500,000 pound was full of believers when Miss > souls comprised of almost all civilized na­ Root’s car arrived. Mrs. Kahn garlanded > tions of the world. her amidst the acclamations of Ya-Bahd’u’l- > Miss Root had two meetings with the Abhá. She met these friends and they > Bahá’ís of Rangoon in the H aziratu’l-Quds chanted holy songs and prayers. > (Bahá’í H all). The meetings with the chil­ At 4 p. m. Miss Root drove to Kunjan­ > dren were very interesting. She started a goon, an important town of 6,000 people > children’s class and gave first lesson to situated about three miles from the Bahd’i > youngsters. This class the Rangoon Spiritual Village. The lecture was held in the N a­ > Assembly is determined* to continue in ré- tional School under the Chairmanship of Dr. > membrance of the visit of our beloved sister. Gurbaksh Singh. It was translated into > M a n d a l a y —Miss Root arrived in this Burmese by U. Sein, the headmaster of the > ancient city of Upper Burma on November School. There were about 150 people pres­ > 10. She was received at the station by the ent including the Township judge, the staffs > believers led by our revered Baha’i teacher of the National and Board Girls’ High > Siyyid Mustafa Roumie. She delivered a Schools. The lecture was well received. Dr. > public lecture in Mandalay Municipal Li­ and Mrs. Gurbaksh Singh called on Miss > brary. The attendance was the largest of Root that evening and had a long talk with > any public Baha’i lecture given up to this her. > time in Mandalay. The Headmaster of the Next day the friends again met in the > Normal School, U. Thet Swe, B. A., B. L., Assembly Hall. After the usual prayers, > was Chairman. Some of the hearers came Mr. M. I. Kahn read a beautiful address of > 192 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > welcome to which Miss Root replied in suit­ Questions were asked and answered. They > able words and the meeting closed in an brought all the Bahá’i books for an exhi­ > atmosphere of spiritual joy and happiness. bition in the hall, and near the close of the > Mr. Murtaza ‘Ali describes the scene of lecture I explained the books, one by one. > Daidanaw as follows: Mr. BaHitiari was invited to chant some > "The friends of Daidanaw gave a right Bahá’i prayers in íránian. (Many of the > royal reception to our sister Miss Martha cultured people of India know íránian, and > Root. She was deeply moved. They laid out the Urdu language, which is used by several > the heavenly table for us for supper that millions of people, is akin to íránian). > night and each family brought in their share The Associated Press and the United > to feed us. We were immensely touched and Press used interviews and one professor > we thanked Bahá’u’lláh for the love and whom I had known in Marburg University > spirit of service which He has taught to His and who knows the Cause well wrote an > followers. We spent one heavenly night in article about the lectures for the Associated > this village of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who used to call Press of India. > it fondly 'Deed-a-Naw’ which in Persian When can a Chair of the Bahá’i Faith be > means the 'New Sight/ ” established at Shantiniketan? Bahá’ís must > Miss Root returned to Rangoon on Nov. help in this. > 21 and attended the farewell meeting at the T r iv a n d r u m , T r a v a n c o r e . Mr. Baldi- > H aziratu’l-Quds (Bahá’i H all). * tiari and I worked in Trivandrum, Decem­ > On Tuesday, November 23, Miss Root ber 19-23, 1937. I do not know that any > sailed for Calcutta. Bahá’i teachers had ever visited Trivandrum > Sh a n t i n i k e t a n , India, at the Interna­ and given lectures and press interviews be­ > tional University of Dr. Rabindra Nath fore. It is a very progressive State where the > Tagore. Miss Root’s own report follows. young Maharaja of Travancore, twenty-six > Mr. Isfándiar Bakhtiari of Karachi, a years old, has recently opened the Hindu > member of the National Spiritual Assembly State Temples to peoples of all castes—a > of India and Burma, and I visited Shanti­ most courageous, thrilling move that may > niketan on February 13, 14, 1938. We were help untouchables in other States likewise to > guests in the School Guest House. It was a receive similar privileges. > great privilege to meet Dr. Tagore and to We had a charming, illuminating audi­ > hear him talk with deep love and apprecia­ ence with the Maharaja of Travancore and > tion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá whom he had met in his very cultured progressive mother the > Chicago in 1912. I am writing the inter­ Maharani of Travancore, at the Palace. I am > view for Baha’i World, volume VII. Dr. sure they know very well all the modern re­ > Tagore said that the Baha’i Faith is a great ligious movements, for they are most liberal > ideal to establish and that they in Shanti­ Hindus, and awake to the needs of world > niketan welcome all great religious aims and unity. (I am writing an article about the > will be most glad if a Bahd’i Chair of Reli­ audience.) > gion can be arranged in their school. Mr. Clarmont P. Skrine, British Resident > He and Mr. BaHitiari spoke of Írán (Mr. of Madras States, received us graciously, at > BaMitiari is an Iranian, he came from Yazd the British Residency in Trivandrum. He > to India about twenty years ago), and of Dr. has known much about the Bahá’í Teachings > Tagore’s trip to Írán. The Poet asked par­ and met many Bahá’ís during his visits to > ticularly about the progress of the Bahá’í Írán. We learned from him that the late > Faith in the land of its birth, and praised the F. H. Skrine of London, who wrote a book > tolerance and fineness of the Bahá’is. about the Bahá’í Faith nearly thirty years > Dr. Tagore’s School has a very excellent ago, was his father. The Resident told us his > selection of Bahá’í books in the Library and father had been very interested in the Cause. > they take great interest to have it as com­ We lectured in the Theosophical Hall of > plete and up-to-date as possible. Trivandrum. The President of the Lodge, > A lecture was given in the hall before the Professor R. Srinivasan, Principal of the > whole student body and the professors. Maharaja’s College of Science, arranged it. > TEACHING IN EUROPE, ASIA AND AFRICA 193 > > Dr. and Mrs. Jayaram Cousins were present but up to this time he had never met a > and both spoke a little. Dr. Cousins, one of Bahá’i. His face is full of light. He said the > the great scholars of Travancore, said that Bahá’i books are drawn out and much read. > thirty years ago they had been given Eric (We later found many who have been read­ > Hammond’s Book "The Splendour of God” ing the books.) > and that they have always loved this Bahd’i Adyar Theosophical Library, at Adyar, > book. Mrs. Cousins who is a friend of Lady Madras, also has a good collection of Baha’i > Blomfield stopped over in Haifa on her’way books, and we found that many university > to India and visited Shoghi Effendi. She students living in that section háve been > spoke with enthusiasm of Shoghi Effendi, his reading these books. We visited editors of > spirit, his culture, his charm. Dr. Cousins all the leading newspapers of Madras and all > sometimes accompanies the Maharaja on the used interviews followed by other articles > latter’s trips abroad. I hear from others, but about the Faith and résumés of our lectures > I do not know, that the great Dewan (Prime later. Over two hundred articles about the > Minister) of Travancore is a fervent The- Bahá’i Faith have appeared in the news­ > osophist. papers of Ceylon and India from September > One reason that we went to Trivandrum 13 to February 13, 1938. > just at this time was because the N inth All- A large public lecture was given in Ra- > India Oriental Conference, which convenes nade Hall, a cultural center whose directors > only once in two years, was to be held there are connected with the university and some > December 20-22, and it seemed most impor­ newspapers. Dewan Bahadur K. S. Ramastant to try to get the Bahd’i Teachings to as wami Sastri, retired District Sessions Judge > many Oriental scholars as possible—for who and one of the brilliant scholars of Madras, > will be the Professor Edward G. Brownes, presided; the lecture was under the auspices > the Count Gobineaus, the Baron Rosens of of the South Indian Cultural Association. > India if we do not interest the scholars? We In introducing us he spoke concisely about > wish the great Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, the Cause, quoted "The Dawn-Breakers” and > Zoroastrian scholars to write about the Ba­ Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, has since presided > ha’i Faith in its relation to their own Faiths. again and has written for me to use in the > I gave a very short talk in the Conference West, two short articles, which were really > on the Bahd’i Faith from the standpoint of his introductions. These are most interest­ > great Oriental scholars. Mr. BaHitiari gave ing because they show the Bahá’í Faith in > a short talk about Qurratu’l-‘Ayn, Iran’s its relation to Hinduism. He is a great > great woman poet. Hindu Indian scholar who has arisen to > Articles about the Cause were prepared write about the Faith. I lectured in the > for the press from the very first day we Y. M. C. A. in Madras, Mr. BaHitiari > arrived, and then the Travancore Journal­ chanted and we both spoke before the > ists’ Association gave a tea in our honor in Brahmo-Samaj Soci^y of Madras. Brahmotheir clubhouse. They wrote several articles Samaj is a very quickened spiritual move­ > and they will write articles in future about ment of India, a little like our Unitarianism > the Cause. They wish news of the progress of the West, its members are always friendly > of the Cause in different parts of the world. and very sympathetic to the Bahá’í Teach­ > M adras . Mr. Bakhtiari and I worked in ings. The Madras Brahmo-Samaj has since > Madras, December 25-January 3, 1938. We translated into Telugu language, "What is > met the few friends and talked about how the Bahd’i Movement?” and one thousand > to promote the Faith, and had the Feast. copies are being distributed. This is the first > We visited all the large libraries to see what booklet, I think, that has ever been published > Baha’i books they have. The University of in Telugu, and it is a fruit of the visit to > Madras Library has an excellent collection Madras. > and the Librarian, Mr. S. R. Ranganathan, Also, two thousand booklets, "The Dawn > is keenly interested to build up the depart­ of the New Day” translated into Tamil lan­ > ment of Bahá’í books. He is in correspond­ guage, are being published (were to be finence with American Baha’is, and the N.S.A., ished by February 15). Mr. Ishaq Pahlaván, > 194 THE BAHÁ1 CENTENARY > > a devoted faithful Bahd’i in Madras, helped out to Adyar to three sessions of the Inter­ > with this. The Tamil newspaper that pub­ national Theosophical Convention held De­ > lished the booklet used the history and prin­ cember 26 to January 3, 1938; we met many > ciples in a nearly three column article that friends. The Vice-President of the Inter­ > has a circulation of twenty thousand. We national Theosophical Society, Mr. Datta, > felt very happy about these booklets because said to me that the Bahd’i Teachings are the > Tamil is much used in Southern India, highest essence of Hinduism. > Ceylon, Straits Settlements and a large col­ Mr. Bakhtiari, who did such great work, > ony in Durban, South Africa. returned to Karachi the evening of January > Mr. BaMitiari, Mr. Pahlaván and I went third. > > i > BAHÁ1 T E A C H I N G I N LATI N > AMERICA TO 1940 > A St a t e m e n t by L o ulie A. M a t h e w s > > VV ELL do I remember the day and the fierce scramble to reach the wharf before the > hour that my husband announced that we steamer moved on. I remember one short > might visit China, India and the Islands of cut that led under three successive water­ > the South Seas. I could scarcely believe my falls without a pause to undo the damage. > ears! To journey through the Arabian Sometimes the boat, proud and independ­ > Nights on a magic carpet. That night I ent, would have begun to move out from > unfolded ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Tablet and read the shore, when we dashed up. Then, with > again the transforming words: "Be thou tooting and churning of water beneath the > humble, be thou submissive and some day big paddle, it would back up so that we > thou wilt become ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s lion and could be pulled and pushed on board. > roar across the seven seas.” At the head of the largest lake is the town, > We sailed from San Francisco towards the of Bariloche. Here a brand new train service > lands where the sun is rising as our sun sets. had been just opened. Each Sunday a train > Wonderful Bahá’í experiences we had and left for Buenos Aires where it arrived some > thus emboldened we wrote Shoghi Effendi time Thursday. It was considered a miracle > upon our return and asked him if there of rapid transit. And was the occasion for > was a special mission we could undertake. a special festival. Young girls carrying > A country, perhaps, that would be helpful bright colored silks pretended to polish the > for us to visit. While waiting for a reply spotless engine. Children sold bunches of > we talked of various lands to which we might wild flowers to those favored beings travel­ > be called, but never thought of the continent ing on the magic road. > at our doors. It was a great surprise when Leaving the Argentine for Brazil the cities > the Guardian wrote that Central and South of Bahia and Belam can be reached only by > America and the West Indies must be sur­ water, no road exists to connect them with > veyed. The destiny of the Americas was in Rio de Janeiro. In all the vast continent we > the making. We should serve the Cause of knew only one Baha’i, Leonora Holsapple. > BaháVlláh by such a journey. We spoke neither Spanish nor Portuguese. > It was early in the Autumn of 193 5 that An entrenched religion barred our^path. A > we started on a long trek that covered the new adaptation was required as we moved > countries designated by the Guardian. from one country to the other. It was like > Travel by air was, in that day, reserved for no other voyage. It was set apart. We real­ > aviators, the earth was still the medium of ized that a great spiritual drama was about > travel for common mortals. There were to be enacted and the land must needs be > stretches of country that had no means of accurately remembered. > communication except by decrepit motors. Upon our return, Shoghi Effendi inaugu­ > The wild lakes of Chile connected by small rated the work of sending pioneers to these > islands were navigated by old fashioned side countries. We scarcely realized the scope > wheelers. They cast you up on one of the and meaning of the undertaking. We took > islands and departed leaving you for an in­ one step at a time, guided by the Guardian, > definite period, as there were no time tables until the Convention of 1939 when Shoghi > and no regular schedules. You remained on Effendi sent to America a strong appeal for > the island until the shrill blast of an incom­ settlement of the Faith in Latin America. > ing steamer announced itself. Then ensued a His book on "The Advent of Divine Justice” > 196 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > opened our eyes to the gravity of the under­ Bahia. Loulie and Edward Mathews jour­ > taking. Believers young and old pressed for­ neyed throughout South America in 193 5 > ward to share in the settling of Latin and again in 1937. Nellie and Stuart W. > America. French were there in 1936. Frances Stewart > The Bahd’is of the second century will taught in 1937 and again in 1939. > want to know who made these early journeys B o livia : La Paz had no early pioneer. > so I have affixed a list known to me. Visitor Sra. Cravioto, wife of the Mexican ambas­ > indicates one who stayed less than six sador, who had embraced the faith in Mex­ > months; teacher or pioneer indicates those ico City, lived there for one year. She could > who remained longer. not teach publicly, but interested her friends > M e x ic o : City of Mexico was first visited in the Faith. > by Mr. and Mrs. Frankland of California C o l o m b ia : City of Bogota had no early > in 1912 at the suggestion of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. pioneer. Mrs. W. D. McMillan lived for > Mark Toby went there in 1919. Mathews awhile in the El Canada Mines at Pasto. > in 1939. Early in 1937 Beatrice Irwin be­ E c u a d o r : Quito has had John Stearns of > came a resident teacher and later that same Jamestown, N. Y., since 1939. > year Frances Stewart brought into the Faith P e r u : City of Lima. Here the first resi­ > the first Latin American Assembly. Orcella dent teachers were Mrs. Joel Stebbins and > Rexford spent a winter teaching on the Isabel Dodge in 1936. Sra. E. R. de Garcia > Mexican border. Rosell, a well known writer and lecturer, > Y u c a t a n once an independent country, opened her home for their meetings. Iris > now part of Mexico, was visited by us in Wigington, married to a Peruvian, inter­ > 1939. The newspaper "El Yucatan” cham­ ested many people at Huanta, Peru in the > pioned the Cause and printed articles on the early days. > Bahd’i principles. C h il e : City of Santiago. Frances Stew­ > G u a t e m a l a : Guatemala City had Ger- art taught in 1937 and 1939. Otto and > rard Sluter as pioneft- in 1939. Ruth Maier lived here for a year in 193 8 > E l Sal v a d o r : City of San Salvador was and the de Burmuihts of Puerto Varas sur, > settled by our youngest pioneer, John taught a large group between the years of > Eichenauer, Jr., who was not quite eighteen 1935 and 1939. > when he went there. Clarence Iverson soon A r g e n t in a : City of Buenos Aires. > followed and worked with him. Frances Stewart gathered a large group that > H o n d u r a s : City of Telucigalpa had as its became an Assembly in 193 8. Here May > earliest teacher, Antonio Roca of Milwaukee, Maxwell died in March 1940. The teachers, > in 1939. pioneers, groups and Assemblies of South > N ic a r a g u a : Mathew Kaszab arrived here America, Central America, the West Indies, > in 1939 and taught in the cities of Managua, united with the friends in North America > Cortino, Granada and in the mines of Blue- for a memorial service on April 26th at 8 > fields. His untimely death in 1943 was due o’clock. This marked the first unified action > to the hardships he had endured. of the Americas. Under Maria Casati and > C osta R ic a : Amelia Ford and Gayle Frances Stewart the leaders of the Pata­ > Woolson settled in San Jose in 1939. Roy gonia Indians received the Message. The > C. Wilhelm spent the year of 1896 in Costa Hon. Ernin Arslan, who had been one of > Rica. the leaders of the Young Turk’s revolution > T h e P a n a m a C a n a l Z o n e : Louise Cas­ in 1908 that freed ‘Abdu’l-Baha, assisted > well and Cora Oliver went out as the first the growing Assembly, though not himself > pioneers in 1939. a Bahá’í. > P a r a g u a y : Our pioneer teacher was Sra. > So u t h A m erica > Maria Casati of Formosa, whose untimely > The first journey to South America was death in January, 1940 was greatly la­ > made by Martha L. Root in 1921. That mented. > same year Leonora Holsapple left her home U r u g u a y : City of Montevideo had Wil­ > in California and settled permanently in frid Barton, who arrived in 1939. > BA H Á ’Í T E A C H I N G IN LATIN AMERICA 197 > > B r a zil : Resident pioneer, Leonora Hols- following year. They became our first pio­ > apple. Mr. and Mrs. Roy Worley were sta­ neers. > tioned at Santos in 1939. Miss Eve Nicklin H a it i : Mr. and Mrs. Louis G. Gregory > spent some months in Bahia in 1937. In the spent six months here in 1934. Our first > early days our literature was distributed in pioneers were Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell of > South America through the courtesy of Chicago. > Charles O’Hanion. J a m a ic a : An English believer, Mrs. Con­ > British G u i a n a : Georgetown was vis­ nie Langdon-Davies, spent the winter here > ited by Dudley and Elsa Blakeley in 1936. in 193 8, sending constant news of her prog­ > D u t c h G u i a n a : Taught by Miss Hols- ress in teaching to the Inter-America Com­ > apple in 1927. mittee. Our first pioneers were Mr. and > V e n e z u e l a : City of Caracas visited by Mrs. John Shaw of San Francisco in the > Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley in 1936. Our first Autumn of 1939. > pioneers were the Emeric Salas of Canada D o m in ic a n R e p u b l ic : William de Forge > and Priscilla Rhoades of New York, March, visited here in 193 8 and Margaret Lentz > 1939. became our resident teacher in 1939. > T r in id a d : Visited by the Blakeleys in > T h e I slands > 1937 and by the Mathews in 193 5 and 1937. > P uerto R ic o : Visited by William de C u r a c a o : Miss Holsapple taught here > Forge in 193 8. Pioneers, Katharine Disdier in 1927. > and Rouhieh Jones in the Spring of 1940. B e r m u d a and B a h a m a s : Visited by the > C u b a : Havana visited by Mr. and Mrs. Mathews in 1935. > Ward Calhoon in 1938; also by Philip Ma- B ar bado s : Visited by Wilfrid Barton on > rengella, who returned with his wife the his way to South America. > BAHA’I T E A C H I N G I N LATIN > AMERICA, 1940-1944 > T o SUMMARIZE the wonderful growth ess. Portuguese translations are to be had in > of the Faith in Latin America during Brazil. > these three years is a difficult task. So much One of the most outstanding accomplish­ > is due to the splendid foundation work done ments cf the recent period has been the > before by those intrepid pioneers who either work done with children in Havana where > went to Latin America to reside perma­ the classes are constantly increasing and > nently or traveled throughout the Re­ where the children are memorizing the > publics sparing no effort to awaken the Words and the Prayers and are sparkling > people and building a permanent base upon with enthusiasm and love for the Faith. > which to rear a superstructure of surpass- Many Youth Groups throughout Latin > ing glory. America have participated in the annual > By 1941 there were already three local celebration of Baha’i Youth Day in co­ > Spiritual Assemblies, those of Mexico City, operation with the National Youth Com­ > Buenos Aires and San José, Costa Rica. mittee of North America. > Much valuable publicity had been secured Radio has played an important part in > especially in Costa Rica and Chile; traveling introducing the Faith, notably in Buenos > teachers were addressing public meetings in Aires where brief quotations for some time > most of the Republics and some radio work formed part of a regular program, but > also ha Convention time to Convention time, a re­ dor. In this latter city a season of regular > markable growth took place and by the broadcasts sponsored by our resident pioneer > Convention of 1942 beside the local Spirit­ teacher has presented Baha’i Readings in > ual Assemblies already mentioned there were connection with classical musical programs > added to the list those of Montevideo, offered by the Symphony Orchestra of > Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Port-au-Prince, Quito. > Havana, Puntarenas, Costa Rica, San Sal­ A Spanish presentation of the history and > vador and Puebla, Mexico. During the past teachings of the Faith made by one of our > year, while two local Assemblies were dis­ pioneers was graciously received by a select > solved because of changes of residence, Gua­ group of members and friends of the Uni­ > temala City, Santiago, Chile, and Bahia, versity of Chile at Santiago and the Press > Brazil were added to the list while in Ecua­ of that city has been most cooperative. > dor, Panama, Mexico and Argentina there The Alma Tica magazine of San José, Costa > are groups lacking only one or two members Rica, has repeatedly published lengthy ar­ > to reach the required nine to form a Spir­ ticles with rich illustrations and Central > itual Assembly. America generally has been very well pub­ > The question of literature has been a most licized. The Costa Rican Government has > anxious one as translations can only be made legally recognized the Faith and granted a > by those who understand the Faith and charter to the Local Assemblies of which > have become accustomed to its unique there are two in that country. > phraseology. Of French books there were The Inter-America Committee has issued > almost none to supply the need of Haiti monthly bulletins to all pioneers, Assem­ > as the abundant supply reposing in France blies and groups, contributing in this way > was unavailable. However little by little a to the unification of the two continents and > limited library in Spanish and French has advancing the teaching work as much as > been provided with other additions in proc­ possible. > BA H Á ’Í TEACHING IN LATIN AMERICA 199 > > Too much cannot be said in appreciation fulfill the requirements set by the Guardian > of the services of our pioneers and also of for the Seven Year Plan, which is now > the local believers who have arisen so sin­ drawing to an end, there remains still some > cerely and with so much enthusiasm to fu r­ very important work to be done. As we es­ > ther the spread of the Faith. Our teachers timate the growth and awakening of Latin > have encountered many difficulties not the America, however, we appreciate that the > least of which was the acquisition of the steps there have been more rapid than was > language, for to teach and speak eloquently our progress in the early years of the Faith > in so short a time is a task which could only in North America and we raise our hearts > have been accomplished with the assistance in prayerful gratitude for what has already > of the Hosts of the Supreme Concourse. been attained, rejoicing at the same time > At the present writing and in order to in the glorious promise of the future. > AMERI CAN BAHA'I TEACHERS > W H O SE R V E D I N O T H E R LANDS > > 1. E urope Louise Erickson > May Ellis Maxwell Sylvia Matteson > Laura D. Barney Julia Goldman > Charles Mason Remey Bertha Matthisen > H. Emogene Hoagg Ruhanghiz Bolles > Herbert Hopper Jeanne Bolles > Marie Hopper Loulie A. Mathews > Edith Sanderson > Edwin Scott 2. A frica > Mrs. Scott Martha L. Root > Mountfort Mills Fanny Knobloch > George O. Latimer Pauline Hannen > Sydney Sprague Charles Mason Remey > Martha L. Root Lorol Schopflocher > Bertha D. Herbert E. R. Mathews > Howard Struven Loulie A. Mathews > Alma Knobloch > Dr. Fisher 3. A sia > Malcolm MacGilvray > Juliet Thompson Dr. Susan I. Moody > Grace Krug Martha L. Root > Lua Getsinger Elizabeth Stewart > Edwarď C. Getsinger Lillian Kappes > Stanwood Cobb Genevieve L. Coy > Horace Holley Keith Ransom-Kehler > Harry Romer Laura D. Barney > Annie Romer Charles Mason Remey > Charles Bishop Howard Struven > Helen Bishop Lorol Schopflocher > Mary Maxwell Howard Carpenter > Siegfried Schopflocher Marzieh Carpenter > Lorol Schopflocher R. Y. Mottahedeh > Amelia E. Collins Mildred Mottahedeh > Mrs. Emery Clara Sharp > Marion Jack Adelaide Sharp > Louise Gregory Agnes Alexander > Gita Orlova Dr. George Augur > Nellie S. French Ida Finch > Julia Culver Inez Cook > Claudia S. Coles George Spendlove > Mr. Wragg Mark Tobey > Mary Hanford Ford Siegfried Schopflocher > Albert R. Windust Hooper Harris > Marjorie Morten Harlan Ober > T E A C H E R S W H O SERV ED IN O T H E R L A N D S 201 > > Sydney Sprague Iris Wiginton > Lua Getsinger Elisabeth Cheney > Lionel Loveday Wilfrid Barton > Stanwood Cobb Roy Worley > Mountfort Mills Eve Nicklin > Marjorie Morten Emeric Sala > Dr. Frank Clark Rosemary Sala > Mrs. Clark Priscilla Rhodes > William de Forge > 4. C e n t r a l a n d So u t h A merica Katherine Disdier > Martha L. Root Rouhieh Jones > Roy C. Wilhelm Ward Calhoon > Leonora Sterling Holsapple Mrs. Calhoon > Maud Mickle Ellsworth Blackwell > Keith Ransom-Kehler Ruth Blackwell > Mr. Frankland John Shaw > Kathryn Frankland Mrs. Shaw > May Ellis Maxwell Mary Barton > Frances B. Stewart R. Y. Mottahedeh > E. R. Mathews Mildred Mottahedeh > Loulie A. Mathews Carol Wood > Louis G. Gregory Gertrude Eisenberg > Louise Gregory C. E. Hamilton > Isobel Stebbins Dodge Mrs. Hamilton > May Stebbins Benjamin Schreibman > Philip Marangella Eve Nicklin > June Marangella Ella Guthrie > Dudley W. Blakeley Edith Marangella > Elsa Blakeley Lucien McComb > Amelia E. Collins Ayned McComb > Philip G. Sprague Marcia Stewart Atwater > Mark Tobey Margaret Lentz > Margarita Smyth Josephine Kruka > Juliet Thompson H. Emogene Hoagg > Helen Campbell Jean Silver > Charles Bishop Eleanor Adler > Helen Bishop Flora Hottes > Beatrice Irwin Ruth Shook > Orcella Rexford Winnie Lou Baker > Gerrard Sluter Gwenne D. Sholtis > Mathew Kaszab Dr. Malcolm King > John Eichenauer, Jr. Lorol Schopflocher > Marshall Eichenauer Siegfried Schopflocher > Clarence Iverson Virginia Orbison > Antonio Roca Julia Regal > Amelie Ford Florence Keemer > Gayle Woolson 5. Ic e l a n d > Louise Caswell Martha L. Root > Cora Oliver Amelia E. Collins > Nellie S. French 6. T a h iti > Mrs. W. D. McMillan John Bosch > John Stearns Louise Bosch > TEACHING ACTIVITY SERVING > RACE U N I T Y > HEN the Lights of the Splendor of Word, has revealed universal ideals for > the King of Oneness are seated upon the world betterment and among these there is > throne of the heart and soul, His Light none more important than that which di­ > becomes manifest in all the parts and mem­ rects the unity of mankind. In no uncertain > bers.”—Bahd’u’lldh. terms He directs His followers to work for > Race unity as a title suggests the new that exalted aim. ‘Abdu’l-Baha during the > treatment of an old disease. Old theories, years of His ministry, held before His Amer­ > however popular, are now largely discred­ ican friends the great service they could > ited by their evident ineffectiveness to re­ render the nation, and the nation in turn > solve the most difficult of human problems. the world, by proclaiming and acting upon > If the right talisman is discovered it will the principle of the oneness of humanity > work a mighty transformation on earth. It as the foundation for universal peace. He > will call into action the hidden springs often mentioned this to His visitors; among > and motives of life. It will oil the machin­ these were two colored Americans to whom > ery of civilization. It will elevate mankind he was especially gracious and kind, perhaps > to the highest plane and aid every one’s in view of their state of oppression. Tablets > quest for God. What is needed is to widen to His friends in various forms conveyed the > the circle of our thoughts so as to consider same significances. During His visit to > world as well as local conditions. What will America which covered a period of nine > make people truly friendly to those of all months in 1912, this absorbing theme > races? As all men have the ills of maladjust­ reached many audiences with overpowering > ment vividly and increasingly forced upon eloquence. As exemplar of the Teachings, > their attention, what is now needed is not He put these ideals into visible action at > diagnosis, but the remedy for existing ills every opportunity. > caused by. prejudices. The only answer is Following the former world war, He gave > that of Guidance from the Supreme World. instructions for the first convention for race > The more man knows about his Maker the unity to be held. This was undertaken and > more he realizes his own being and his duty carried through with great success in Wash­ > to be God-like in striving for the well-being ington, D. C., in 1921. He was well pleased > of all his fellow men. with this historic gathering and to it sent > The Bahá’í Teachings are a reservoir of the following message through Mountfort > inspiration and power freely supplied to all Mills: > who would put into action new ideals for "Say to this convention that never since > the New Day. The Holy Books of the past the beginning of time has one more impor­ > record the Promise of God to remove the tant been held. This convention stands for > veils and clouds that cover mankind in the the oneness of humanity; it will become the > latter days. The creational days of Moses, cause of th^ enlightenment of America. It > Jesus and Muhammad were progressive steps will, if wisely managed and continued, check > to the Great Day of God which has now the deadly struggle between these races > appeared. In this Day of Days, God has which otherwise will inevitably break out.” > vowed to remove the superstition, preju­ The effect of this effort upon the atmos­ > dices, oppressions and idol worship which phere of the national capital was truly won­ > obscure the reality of man. Wisdom testi­ derful. It lifted the gloom of a bloody riot of > fies that His promises do not fail. races about a year before. It restored hope > Bahá’u’lláh, the mighty Speaker of the and confidence to hearts inflamed by hatred. > TEACHING ACTIVITY SERVING RACE UNITY 203 > > It unfolded a vision of reality, the high local Race Unity Committees in holding > possibilities of humanity when aided and conferences. It has been especially success­ > guided by Divine Favor. It brought a wave ful in arranging circuits for Bahá’i lecturers > of spirituality which was life to many. It to convey the Divine Plan of race relations > had wide publicity and assembled great au­ to many colleges North and South. Such > diences in which could be seen a number of tours have brought cordial receptions and > the most eminent and influential people, as happy responses from many progressive souls, > well as the rank and file, whose need may be eagerly looking for a way out of the impend­ > greater. ing and deepening gloom. This activity is > The following is a partial list of its work­ continuous. Press acceptances of Baha’i edi­ > ers and helpers: Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, the torials extend the teachings over a vast area. > noble Bahá’í lady whose sacrifices financed Social sciences have sprung up in this > it and who in consultation directed it; Dr. new day, doubtless due to the creative Spirit > Jason Noble Pierce, pastor of the First Con­ of the Manifestation of God. Special courses > gregational Church in which all the meet­ have been arranged in Baha’i schools in > ings were held; Hon. Moses E. Clapp, former which the Bahd’i teachings have been cor­ > Senator from Minnesota; Senator Samuel related with facts and laws scientifically > Shortridge of California; C. Lee Cook, fa­ brought to light. Hearts and minds are thus > mous southern business man and philanthro­ trained. And thus we may discover that > pist; Dr. Alain L. Locke, professor of philos­ human beings, regardless of race, have the > ophy, Howard University; Hon. Martin B. same essential human characteristics; that > Madden, Congressman from Illinois; Alfred the soil of human minds and hearts is a > W. Martin, leader of the Ethical Culture So­ most fertile field, with amazing possibilities > ciety of New York; Dean and Mrs. George of development through education, environ­ > W. Cook of Howard University; Lieut. Gen. ment, better economics and spirituality; that > Nelson A. Miles, commanding the American cultural excellence has been limited to no > Army. Prominent among the Baha’is who race; that the savage is lacking in no basic > rendered whole-hearted aid were Howard trait found in civilized man; that the fore­ > MacNutt; Albert Vail; Mountfort Mills; front of civilization has veered during the > Martha L. Root; Roy C. Wilhelm; Mariam ages from one group to another; that pro­ > Haney; Louise D. Boyle; William H. Ran­ gressive peoples learn from each other; that > dall and Janab-i-Fadil-i-Mazandarani of the amassing of wealth is not necessarily a > Irán. proof of culture; that the civilized man can > This activity led to the holding of thirty- learn much from, as well as bestow much > five similar conventions or conferences in upon, his savage brother; that the mingling > Washington and other cities as follows: of races so increasingly apparent today, need > Springfield, Mass.; New York City; Phila­ not cause fear, since it has happened before > delphia; Dayton, Ohio; Green Acre, Maine; during the ages without debasing mankind; > Chicago; Montreal, Canada; Urbana, 111.; that due to the overlapping of races, a uni­ > Wilmette, 111.; Geneva, N. Y.; Portsmouth, versal condition, racial differences are fanci­ > N. H.; Rochester, N. Y.; Boston, Mass.; ful rather than real; that "as humanity > Detroit, Mich.; Atlantic City, N. J.; Pitts­ advances the idea of race recedes” ; that in > burgh, Pa.; Cincinnati, Ohio. Besides these, the past similar cultures have appeared on > racial amity dinners and meetings on a all the continents; that as God is one, Truth > smaller scale have been held in many cities, is one, humanity is also one. > those in New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, The Baha’i Teachings are an inexhaustible > Peoria, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Urbana, treasury of both scientific and spiritual > Chicago, Columbus and Cincinnati, being knowledge. They establish divine justice and > the most outstanding. Over a period of years prove the oneness of humanity beyond all > a National Race Unity Committee has been possible doubt. The majestic Utterances of > an arm of service to the National Spiritual Bahá’u’lláh are a veritable Sun of Truth. > Assembly. It has stimulated this phase of Other sources of knowledge are the Tablets, > service nationally and has cooperated with printed addresses in Paris and America of > THE > BA H Á ’Í > CENTENARY > Third Annual Amity Conference, August, 1929, at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. > T E A C H IN G A C T IV IT Y S E R V IN G R A C E U N IT Y 205 > > ‘Abdu’l-Baha, and His Instructions to next great letter, "The Promised Day is > friends who find joy in the great work of Come,” he classifies racialism as one of three > reconciliation. Harmony in diversity is the idols, all of which are being demolished by > noble, inspiring theme. the greatest upheaval known to mankind. > Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, has The Bahd’i Publishing Committee has > vigorously yet with loving kindness, upheld many books of the Faith. The Baha’i > the standards of the Great Ones Who pre­ World, biennial publication, includes ar­ > ceded him; but as a wise approach to in­ ticles on this all important subject through > quirers and a willingness to give everyone all of its numbers. The World Order Maga­ > an opportunity, he has authorized separate zine and the Baha’i News, the former con­ > study classes, in the South, for those inves­ tacting the general public and the latter > tigating the Faith. But he maintains the the confirmed Bahá’ís, not infrequently > highest standard of justice and freedom carry articles on this subject and record > from prejudices on the part of those who ac­ activities. > cept the Faith. The wisdom of this is clear. The fiftieth year of the evolution of the > It cannot be expected that the college en­ Faith in America may well record pleasing > trant should have a college education; but gain within the Faith as well as much en­ > when he gets knowledge he is guided to act couragement visible without, as the world > with wisdom. Those who are heart-attracted develops through afflictions and trials, > find themselves becoming free from the lim­ greater capacity to evaluate and execute the > itations of the old order. Divine Will, which today calls into being a > The Guardian has summarized in his let­ limited world. > ter, "The Advent of Divine Justice,” the Bahá’u’lláh enjoins it upon His followers > Teachings on Race Unity. This summary, "not to fear in a day when all men fear.” > though brief, is most comprehensive, cover­ ‘Abdufl-Bahá gives this assurance: > ing every aspect of race relations and stimu­ "If ye make an effort, this Light shall > lating the highest and noblest efforts on the shine; this soul-refreshing Breeze shall waft; > part of mortals regardless of race. In his this sweet-scented nectar shall be diffused.” > T H E BAHA’I FAITH I N T H E > C OLLEGES > O v E R a long period of years, Baha’is mittee, later known as the Bahi’i College > have, without organized assistance, inter­ Speakers Bureau, definitely transferred the > ested themselves in presenting the spirit of college emphasis from the field of race re­ > the Bahá’i Faith to colleges. The well- lations to the general teaching field. > received lectures of Mrs. Beatrice Irwin in Under the direction of the Race Unity > the west, the Carolina college contacts of Committee alone, one hundred and sixty > Mrs. Gail Woolson and Mrs. Marguerite schools have entertained Baha’i speakers. > Sears, the twenty-seven colleges and nine­ Mrs. Joy Earl visited eight Southern col­ > teen high schools visited, and in many in­ leges, spending a number of days in each > stances revisited, by Mrs. Ruth Moffet, and one; Mr. Lothar Schurgast visited two lively > finally, the twenty-five years of magnificent schools; Mr. Louis Gregory lent inspiration > service in the Negro Institutions of the to no less than fifty schools, covering a large > South by Mr. Louis Gregory, whose achieve­ area of the South; and Mrs. Dorothy Baker > ment at Tuskegee in forming a permanent visited over a hundred schools and col­ > Baha’i Group, leads the list, all these and leges of the South and Southwest, including > undoubtedly other unrecorded adventures Indian territory and coming as far north as > in meeting American youth, have helped Iowa. Under the subsequent committee > immeasurably to carry news of the World Mrs. Baker’s college visits have been ex­ > Faith to American colleges. tended to Vermont, Ohio, Michigan, and > It was in the winter of 1940, under the upper New York. The total number of > auspices of the Bahd’i Race Unity Commit­ schools and colleges to receive Bahd’i speak­ > tee, that the colleges received the first or­ ers is now over two hundred and it is esti­ > ganized service from Baha’i Institutions. mated that some three hundred and fifty > The southern college project came out of actual talks have been delivered before > keen awareness of the problem that exists chapels, assemblies, classrooms, and student > between the two great races of that area clubs. > and the conviction that such a problem, Books have been left in all school libra­ > spiritual in its nature, could be solved by ries and pamphlet literature distributed > the healing agencies of the Message of freely to all students. Special interest was > Baha’u’lldh to a stricken world. shown in the "World Order” pamphlets > Under the Race Unity auspices, Mrs. written by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the > Dorothy Baker undertook a tour of investi­ Baha’i Faith, and there was no. little interest > gation through Southern colleges to ascer­ in the Guardian himself as a point of stabil­ > tain whether interest in the South war­ ity in a rising civilization. One youth, at > ranted speaking tours especially built the close of a discussion period, came for­ > around college platforms. Thirty confer­ ward and said, "Where does the Guardian > ences were held with college leaders, with live? I am to be inducted next week, and > the result that eleven colleges made imme­ may find myself in Haifa! Perhaps I shall > diate openings for talks, and the rest, with see the Guardian of the new civilization > few exceptions, encouraged a project of before you do!” > platforms scheduled with advance notice. Older school men showed like interest in > Thereupon the Race Unity Committee the writings of Shoghi Effendi. At one col­ > launched its campaign in earnest, a cam­ lege in North Carolina the president sympa­ > paign lasting from 1940 to 1943 when the thetically prepared the speaker for a bleak > formation of the College Foundation Com­ reception. "My students,” he remarked, > THE BA H Á ’Í FAITH IN THE COLLEGES 207 > > "almost stopped the last speaker who men­ Spanish-American Normal College. These > tioned peace, and he is a minister wearing students spoke Spanish and English equally > the cloth, mind you!” Looking carefully well. They were fiery, ardent young people, > through the Baha’i pamphlet, "A Pattern who felt keenly the Baha’i view of Ameri­ > For Future Society,” he said, "O but I un­ ca’s spiritual leadership. One young woman > derstand. You Bahá’is do not teach paci­ said, "After the war we might be able to > fism; you offer a program. Every college travel, as you do, and go about in the Latin > should hear this.” The talented head of an countries, telling these things in Spanish!” > Indian Normal College where no speaking On the campus of a large State Negro > appointment had previously been made, said, University, the members of the faculty > after scanning the pamphlet, that if neces­ came forward at the close of Chapel, and > sary, classes could be disbanded to hear such talked for almost an hour, giving up their > a subject. As a matter of fact, a tubercu­ lunch period to do so. The Bahi’i princi­ > losis clinic of some importance was actually ples interested them not at all, but they > postponed the following Monday because were held by the thought that a spiritual > that was the only day that could be offered. commonwealth had been born, indivis­ > The subject almost always dealt with the ible in its nature, and committed to a uni­ > need for a unified world with a universal fied racial life in its essential pattern; that > Faith at its heart. Class-room discussions it could never be rent apart religiously, and > often followed the chapel presentations and that its unique organism, under the Guar­ > in these instances the great, warm, spiritual dian, was already an actual, living, breath­ > side of the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh were ing civilization, slowly growing up. This > more fully given. Questions moved around was no hollow promise but a tested Reality. > the historic religious cultures of the past The race question came up occasionally > and the hope of a great, new upward sweep but never offensively. The friendly reac­ > of civilization today through the spiritual tions of the Southern white schools to a > potency of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. colored Baha’i speaker, in the light of exist­ > Most of the colleges were on the beaten ing prejudices, are of deep interest. In the > track of civilization and city life. One, heart of Mississippi, where race feeling runs > however, offered a real contact with the high, the students waited in long rows in > "hill” type of youth. It was a Kentucky the hall to shake his hand and wish him > Junior College, so far removed that the well. It was their first adventure in re­ > speaker was strongly advised not to go. She ceiving a colored speaker, and only their > persisted in her intention, and was well re­ second experience with the Faith of Bahá’- > warded. She found that graduates of this u’lláh. Proof of the rising tide of sympathy > two-year college are accepted with full was the invitation of a white West Virginia > credit by every university in the country. College to this speaker to attend and ad­ > They have an International Relations Club, dress state-wide seminar on race relations > and invited the speaker to spend the week­ held by teachers and students in the college > end there and hold discussions. Unfortu­ auditorium in June of this year. A white > nately this invitation could not be accepted, speaker, while visiting one of the Negro > but the Club made the pamphlets the sub­ schools, found that a young Negro dean of > ject of discussion for several meetings, and unusual thoughtfulness and charm enter­ > requested further literature. So courteous tained some doubt of the wisdom of the > were these shy, soft-spoken people that after pattern of unity required in Bahd’i com­ > luncheon in the candlelighted, rustic dining munity life. "Don’t you think we might > hall, one of the young men offered to ride compromise a little because of the Ku Klux > over the mountain with her lest she be Klan?” he asked. A listener quickly rose to > fearful of going alone. It would be only a defense of the Baha’i pattern, saying: "The > short stretch back on foot, he assured her! speaker has said that this Faith is the King­ > Sixteen miles of Southern courtesy! dom of God in practice. If this is true you > A unique institution to hear the Message cannot compromise or divide it without los­ > of the Baha’i Faith and its Guardian was a ing it. In Europe we have class war; in India > 208 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > we have caste war; in the Holy Land we press the speakers to stay on for a day or > have religious strife; if Baha’is do not com­ two, or send others. There were Baptist > promise the issue of a Ku Klux Klan in this schools, Presbyterian schools, Methodist > country then they are our hope of a real schools, and State Colleges; colored schools, > world community in all countries. There white schools, Indian schools; city schools > is enough unorganized aspiration and senti­ and hill schools, and one was a large and > mental feeling in every country and in every beautiful Quaker College. These schools > religion, but where except among the Ba- were worlds within a world, each college a > há’ís do we see a world organism with unit unto itself. Sometimes a college head > unbroken standards?” The dean became feared that his young world was hopelessly > thoughtful and then slowly said, "This is a self-sufficient, hopelessly disinterested in the > world Faith then. This Faith is different. world outside, and hopelessly disinterested > This Faith may be worth dying for.” in God. Often he would say, "The Bahá’í > One could never tell where the interest viewpoint is needed here; come often to our > would flare most brightly. Here an aristo­ young people; it is the thing they have been > cratic college in the heart of the "blue- waiting for.” > grass,” there a four-year business college of And so the long trek goes on, to win > practical turn of mind, and again one of American youth for God, for a common > the state colleges, colored or white, would humanity, and for World Order. > t e a c h i n g at t h e h o u s e o f > WORSHIP > Imette, > N THE Baha’i Hdusc of Worship at Wil- and see and learn about it for themselves. > the American believers have raised Records of daily visitors kept since July 1, > up their most potent and significant center 1932 show that the total number who > of spiritual influence, produced their great­ went through the building with Bahd’i > est instrument for public teaching of the guides up to October 1, 1943, was 164,360. > Faith. To deal with this throng of inquirers a body > Between 1919 and 1931, when the super­ of Temple guides has been rendering serv­ > structure was finished, the Baha’i Temple ice, its members prepared by a special course > constituted a unique subject for publicity. of instruction based upon long experience > The selection of the Bourgeois design with the types of question asked and the > by Convention delegates authorized by information desired. > 'Abdu’l-Baha to make the final choice, and In addition, the score of scaled models > the exhibit of Mr. Bourgeois’ model in New exhibited in cities throughout North Amer­ > York and Chicago, produced immediate ica in recent years, and especially at the > response. Newspaper and magazine articles three World Fairs in Chicago, New York > appeared not only in North America but in and San Francisco, the Canadian National > Europe and the Orient. The world became Exposition and many State Fairs, have de­ > familiar with the nine-sided, domed struc­ veloped an even larger range of general > ture and recognized in it an expression of interest. The registry at the House of Wor­ > principles needed to give direction and pur­ ship itself lists visitors from countries in > pose to the vast chaos of modern civilization. all parts of the world. Many come in parties > Later, when the superstructure gave ac­ and groups of members representing organi­ > tual substance to the Temple design, a zations located in the Temple area or con­ > mighty tide began to impel individuals and vening in Chicago and visiting the Baha’i > groups to visit this new type of institution Temple as one of the points of interest. > > Fellowship House, Green Acre School, Eliot, Maine. > > Interior of Green Acre Fellowship House. > PART S E V E N > BAHÁÍ SCHOOLS > 1. G reen A cre > > JtheULY 1, 1890, Moses Farmer signed on topics which will quicken and energize the > first line of the first Hotel Register— spiritual, mental, and moral natures.” On > Green Acre, Eliot, Maine. Green Acre Inn the opening day, July 3, 1894, a great white > had been built the year before on a high flag bearing the green lettered word "Peace” > point of land already famous as a spot was unfurled and Green Acre was dedicated > from which to view the beautiful sunsets to a unified humanity. Sixty-one lectures > over the New Hampshire hills across the were given that summer. > broad Piscataqua River. It was planned to The foreword of the second year’s pro­ > bring more summer boarders to Eliot. The gram read: "for the express purpose of > four townsmen who formed the partnership bringing together all who are seeking earn­ > for the undertaking were soon joined by a estly for the new day which is surely > woman, Sarah Jane Farmer. The Inn was a breaking over the entire world.” That year > success from the start. But it was not des­ there were eighty lectures. The third sea­ > tined to remain a simple summer boarding son’s program added: ". . . and by the recog­ > place. The Farmers were always mindful of nition of truths held in common, to bring > the welfare of man. peace and unity throughout the world.” In > One day in June, 1892, Miss Farmer conferences for Peace, Comparative Reli­ > was in Boston listening to a lecture. She gions, Education, Home, Anthropology, > recounts her experience: "The day was hot Evolution, Nature, Art, Sociology, there > and through the open window came a noise were eighty-two lectures. There were Peace > of traffic that almost drowned the speaker’s Day, Emerson Day, W.C.T.U. Field Day > voice. The people were so eager for knowl­ and a reunion of the Concord School of > edge that they sat patiently two hours at a Philosophy. The Green Acre School of Mu­ > time. I looked at them and thought of the sic provided entertainment of the finest > spot which Whittier loved and found so kind. There was no charge. "All classes > restful—Green Acre— and I saw them are open to those who apply to the secre­ > seated in a large tent on the green bank of tary, Miss Farmer. These and the lectures > the beautiful river, the cool breeze from are maintained through the generous co­ > the water fanning their cheeks, and I real­ operation of those in attendance.” > ized how much more receptive the mind and The Ideal of Green Acre caught fire in > heart would be in such a cool and healthful many hearts. Sometimes as many as two > environment. The details of the work came thousand attended the lectures in the big > quickly before my mind and when we left tent. People from all walks of life and > the room I had it all. Green Acre had a many races, nationalities and religious be­ > part in the great work of unification.” Her liefs mingled freely. > conception of a universal platform was con­ In 1900 Miss Farmer sailed for Egypt for > firmed the next year by her experiences at a much needed rest. On the ship were two > the World Congress of Religions at the Co­ friends who were on their way to visit > lumbian Exposition in Chicago. She invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the prisoner of ‘Akká, son of > some of the outstanding speakers to Green Baha’u’llah the Bearer of a new divine Rev­ > Acre. elation. Instantly attracted, she sought anil > Her first program of Lectures appeared obtained permission to visit Him. Record­ > in 1894. In the foreword, "Green Acre ing the meeting with ťAbdu’l-Bahá, she > proposes to add to its rural attractions and wrote in her diary, "I have found my Lord.” > comforts a series of lectures and classes on "Green Acre confirmed.” > 212 THE BAH Á ’Í CENTENARY > > The next year her Green Acre program In 1925, a resolution was adopted to place > announced "Believing that the Revelation Green Acre under the control and supervi­ > of Bahá’u’lláh of Persia is the announce­ sion of the National Spiritual Assembly of > ment of this great day . . . and finding that the Baha’is of the United States and Canada. > it provides a platform on which all great This was consummated, August 12, 1929, > religious bodies can stand together in love by a deed legally transferring to them the > and harmony, Miss Farmer feels that her title to all Green Acre properties. In 1941, > previous work has been but the preparation the N.S.A. voted that Green Acre be > for the greatest of all joys the giving of the known as "Green Acre Bahá’í School.” > Message to all who are willing and ready to The major properties of the school, the > receive it.” There were quotations from Inn and cottage annexes, a lecture hall, arts > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Bahá’u’lláh. Names of and crafts studio, Fellowship House, over > Bahá’í teachers appeared in the Monsalvat sixty acres of land on Monsalvat, forty acres > School. of the Pines, and other smaller plots, are > In 1902, the great Bahd’i scholar, Mirza but the visible housing for something more > Abul Fadl, was sent by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to intangible, the Spirit of Green Acre. There, > teach at Green Acre. Mirza Ali-Kuli Kahn for fifty years, men and women have given > was his interpreter. their energies and resources to an ideal. For > In these first years, Miss Farmer was re­ half a century, people have come seeking > sponsible for the program and the financing and left with gain. Today the Message > of it. Now her health began to fail. Partly taught there is vitally needed. It offers > to relieve her, the Green Acre Fellowship peace of heart and security in a war torn > was incorporated in the State of Maine in world. It is a place where brotherhood is > 1902 to "perpetuate the work of the Green real, where prejudice is erased, where unity > Acre Conferences.” It began to function is practical. > in 1904. Members pledged two dollars an­ "In the future, God willing, Green Acre > nually, more or less, for the support of the shall be a great center, the cause of the > school. unity of the world of humanity, the cause > Miss Farmer, in 1905 stated in her pro­ of uniting the hearts and binding together > gram that the Bahd’i religion "is not a new the East and the West.”—‘Abdu’l-Baha > *ism’ to stand side by side with and rival It is interesting today to compare two > former religious systems, but is a completion summer programs, one at the height of Miss > and fulfillment of all that has preceded it.” Sarah J. Farmer’s success and one con­ > Again Confirmation came. In the sum­ ducted since Green Acre became wholly > mer of 1912, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd spent a week at Bahi’i. > Green Acre. Once more He and Miss Farmer The program of 1901 was announced as > met. He lectured, held interviews, ex­ "The Monsalvat School for the Compara­ > amined the Fellowship properties, served a tive Study of Religion.” > feast for the people of the Community. He Topics > attended a picnic on Monsalvat, walked Lectures on Social Science and Applied > about on the summit, prayed, sent word to Religion—Fillmore Moore, M. D. > Miss Farmer that the great University Lectures on Social Conditions and Mission­ > which she had envisioned there was a reality. ary Work in India—M. L. Rallia Ram > At the annual meeting in 1913, the by­ Lecture on the Religious Systems of Japan > laws of the Green Acre Fellowship were —Rev. Joseph S. Motoda > amended. A nine-member Board of Trus­ Lectures on the Revelations of the Báb and > tees was established. A majority of the new Bahá’u’lláh of Persia—Mirza Abu’l-Fazl > Board were Bahd’is. The Conferences were Lectures on the Eastern Wisdom—Charles > continued. However, the World War Johnston, M. R. A. S. > brought about a change of emphasis. More Lectures on Science and Philosophy—Pro­ > and more the teaching centered on the fessor Egbert Morse Chesley > World Order of Baha’u’llah as the lasting Lecture on Ecclesiastical History—Rev. Al­ > solution for Peace. bert Danker, Ph. D. > r > > B A H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 213 > > Bahá’í Hall, Green Acre School. > 214 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > Lecture on Science and Theism—Professor five sessions, with a final summary and re­ > A. C. Dolbear view. > Lectures on Literature—Mrs. Mary Han­ As Green Acre is the only Bahd’i School > ford Ford blesssed by the Master’s presence, His tab­ > Lecture for Training for Workers—Rev­ lets revealed at different stages in its devel­ > erend H. B. Frizzell, S. T. D. opment are cherished by all who participate > Lecture on the Kingdom of God— Rev. in the work today. The collection of Tab­ > Edward Everett Hale, D. D. lets addressed to Miss Farmer between 1900 > Lectures on the Talmud and Jewish History and 1908, now preserved in the National > — Rabbi Joseph Krauskopf, D. D. Archives, lay a bridge across the wide > Lectures on Heredity— Rev. E. P. Powell chasm between general religious and philo­ > Lecture on the Persian Revelation—Fred­ sophical culture on the one hand, and faith > erick Reed in the Manifestation of God on the other. > Lecture on Philosophers— Frank S. Sanborn To her He said: "I hope that through the > Lectures on History—Miss Jane De Groff favor of the Blessed Perfection thou wilt > Thompson become the lamp of the society of Green > Lectures on the Old Testament and Swe­ Acre, and wilt become the cup bearer of > denborg— Professor J. E. Werren the wine of the love of God; that thou wilt > Miss Sarah Farmer herself opened the invite a great number unto the Kingdom > season on July 3 with an address on "The of the powerful Lord, and wilt teach nu­ > Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh and Its Relation merous souls. . . . O thou beloved maid­ > to the Monsalvat School.” In addition to servant of God, exert thyself with all heart > the above list of lecturers, we note the and soul that Green Acre may become the > name of Prof. Nathaniel Schmidt, who arena for the action of the beloved of Bahá > spoke on "The New Jerusalem, or the and its administration pass into the hands > City We W ant,” and the name of Sister of the friends. If such become the case, > Mariam of England, whose topic was "U t­ good results will ensue, otherwise all en­ > terances of Bahá’u’lláh.” Mrs. Mary Han­ deavors will come to naught.” > ford Ford, who lectured on Literature, later In 1933, the Guardian wrote to the Eliot > wrote books and pamphlets on the Faith Bahá’í community: "Your group occupies > and taught the Message continuously for an important position in the Bahd’i world > many years in a number of cities. for you are situated in that locality where > In 193 8 a program was conducted in the Green Acre Summer School is held— the > which the early lecture method had become most important institution of its kind in > superseded by the study class and discus­ the world.” > sion. The courses prepared by the School 2. G eyserville > Committee included: Education for the "O my brother, the gems of the Supreme > New Humanity, Dr. G. A. Shook; The Knowledge can only be obtained from the > Art of Growing Up, Orcella Rexford; Spir­ Divine Mine; the Fragrance of the Ideal > itual Development and Law, Dorothy Myrtle can only be inhaled from the Rose- > Baker; Esperanto, Lidia Zamenhof; Com­ garden of Reality; and the Flowers of the > parative Religion, Doris and Willard Knowledge of Unity only grow in the city > McKay; Prayer and Meditation, Lorol of pure hearts!”—Baha’u’lldh > Schopflocher; The Transformation of H u­ "Everyone without exception is urged to > man Society, Horace Holley, a general take advantage of attending it (summer > study of the teachings, conducted by Mamie school)—Let him consider such an occasion > L. Seto. In addition a youth program, pre­ as a welcome and precious opportunity so > pared by a committee of young people, fea­ to enrich, through lectures, study and dis­ > tured a course by Dorothy Baker on The cussion, his knowledge of the fundamentals > Bahd’i Life, a discussion of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s of his Faith as to be able to transmit, with > Will and Testament by Caroline Rogers, greater confidence and effectiveness, the > and a series of lectures by different youth Message that has been entrusted to his > on Bahá’í books. Each course consisted of care.”—Shoghi Effendi > B A H Á ’1 S C H OOL S 215 > > Early in 1927 great interest was being north of San Francisco on one of the main > displayed by the public in the social and highways serving the entire Pacific Coast, > spiritual teachings of the Baha’i Faith, re­ and on a railroad, facilities are excellent for > sulting in the establishment of many Bahá’í public and private transportation. There > study classes. There were an insufficient were two ranch houses, a small dormitory, > number of teachers, and thus the work of with accessory buildings, permitting the > caring for these classes devolved on too few housing of approximately forty people on > of the believers. This led to the suggestion the property. > that steps be taken to establish a school on The first sessions of the school were held > the Pacific Coast for the training of Baha’i in 1927 during the entire month of August. > Teachers, and the deepening of the under­ The Committee felt that for this first > standing of the Faith. year, if only nine believers sincerely desirous > In response to this suggestion, the N a­ of perfecting their services in the Faith > tional Spiritual Assembly appointed a Com­ could come together, it would be a most > mittee consisting of Mr. John D. Bosch, successful beginning. However, the open­ > of Geyserville, Mr. George O. Latimer, of ing Unity Feast, held under the wide- > Portland, and Mr. Leroy Ioas of San Fran­ spreading boughs of a majestic fir tree, > cisco, to study the possibility of working found some 130 friends from various parts > out plans for a summer school in the West, of the Pacific Coast gathered in spiritual > and its development into a permanent in­ joy and enthusiasm to open the school and > stitution. dedicate the property to the Cause of God. > While a number of locations were sug­ Over forty remained throughout the school > gested, it was decided that the Bosch prop­ for study and preparation for teaching > erty in Geyserville, California, should be work; as well as fellowship and association > selected as the site of the first Baha’i School under the benign influence of the spirit > of the West; in fact, the first Baha’i educa­ of the new day of unity and order. > tional institution in North America, con­ In the succeeding years, the numbers in > ceived for, and dedicated exclusively to the attendance increased steadily, until there > training of Bahá’i teachers, and the study was insufficient housing on the property for > of the teachings of Baha’u’lldh. In connec­ those in attendance, making it necessary to > tion with this selection, it developed that the secure accommodations at various homes in > owners of the property, Mr. and Mrs. John the vicinity. > D. Bosch, had for years planned on their In the ninth year, Mr. and Mrs. Bosch > property being dedicated to Bahd’i service. deeded the property to Trustees for the > In fact, they had written ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in benefit of the National Spiritual Assembly. > 1911: During this nine year period they had been > "May this simple place on the hills, and hosts to the friends, housing them without > directly west of Geyser Peak be dedicated cost, demonstrating that hospitality which > to the Universal Spirit of the Teachings of is the new spirit of the social principles of > Bahá’u’lláh, combining the good of all the the Faith; and is the touchstone of love > Messengers of God. which melts all hearts into one— and estab­ > "I pray that the atmosphere here will lishing the basis of creative and unified > henceforth be filled with the true spiritual­ service. > ity and power, and be guided by the strong The Geyserville school grew in this spirit > hand of the Almighty; that it may be a of fellowship, lov£, and eagerness for activ­ > natural source of pure water for the be­ ity in the Faith. Studies and activities were > lievers to drink and to flow to all good participated in by young and old alike— > hearts which are earnestly seeking enlight- establishing a social institution catering to > ment.” all ages, and becoming a true prototype of > The property consisted of some forty- the Bahá’í "way of life.” The Guardian > two acres of land in the beautiful rolling commenting on this aspect of the Geyser­ > foothills in and behind the village of Gey­ ville school, wrote: "It would be no exag­ > serville. Located about seventy-five miles geration to say that the unique contribution > 216 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > The Dormitory, Geyserville Summer School. > > Interior of Bahd’i Hall, Geyserville Bahá’i School. > BA H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 217 > > which the Geyserville Summer School has the Redwood Highway Association includes > made to the extension of the teaching work the Bahá’í Summer School as one of the > during the last few years has been to teach places to visit on this famous motor high­ > the friends, and inspire them to live up to way. > the high standard which the Teachings in­ In 1936 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Collins > culcate, and thus teach the Cause through erected and presented to the Cause a very > the power of example.” attractive Baha’i Hall of rustic redwood, > Illustrating how effective the spirit oi for the study classes and public meetings. > love and unified action is, the following This generous contribution was followed > is quoted from a noted educator of the West in 1937 by the gift of a then much-needed > who attended one of the sessions of the dormitory of corresponding rustic material, > school: . "My greetings I send to you; and fully equipped and modern in every detail, > everlasting gratitude for an experience that with a housing capacity for approximately > has enriched my whole life. May I not send fifty people. > through you my sincerest expression of lov­ Since that time two friends have built > ing appreciation to all those dear Baha’is attractive cottages on the property and > with whom I have just enjoyed a season of others have plans to erect summer homes in > unique happiness and spiritual growth.” the future. > Also this same spirit is portrayed in the The Baha’i Hall was dedicated on July > annual *report of the 1942 program Com­ 12, 1936 in a simple, direct, and spiritually > mittee:. "For the Geyserville school leaves impressive ceremony. Beautiful bouquets of > with those.who take part in it, a rich and flowers were received from Geyserville citi­ > lasting memory— a memory of peaceful, zens. Opening with the words of Shoghi > orchard-covered hills, where believers from Effendi received by cablegram: "Heartily > near and far gather to know one another, join celebration opening Auditorium gen­ > to acquire a more comprehensive view of the erously founded by well beloved distin­ > Cause; to be cheered and inspired by living guished friends Mr. and Mrs. Collins. Assure > and working together as one Bahá’í Com­ them profound abiding gratitude. Love to > munity, the proving ground for a new assembled friends.” A short history of the > world.” development of the summer school was > Many are the stories of the effect the dy­ given by Leroy Ioas. Then followed a beau­ > namic and spiritual lives of the Baha’is tiful presentation of the services of the > have had on non-Bahá’ís, especially in the School by Mrs. Louise Bosch and the turn­ > early days of the Faith. This same influence ing over of the property to the Trustees by > was felt in the village at Geyserville, as the Mrs. Robert Norton of San Francisco, a > school grew into a permanent part of the cousin of Mrs. Collins. Mr. George O. Lati­ > life of the city. Originally the local citizens mer acted as chairman and received the > were quite opposed to the Faith. They even property on behalf of the Bosch Trustees > went so far as to warn newcomers to beware for the benefit of the National Spiritual > of the Bahd’is and their "pernicious teach­ Assembly. Fitting messages were sent to the > ings.” Disregarding such attitudes, the Guardian and to Mr. and Mrs. Collins, who > Bahd’is followed their teachings of serving were in Bad Nauheim at that time. The > those who dispitefully use you— and seeing meeting was closed with the reading of a > only the good in every one. This resulted in cablegram just received from Mrs. Collins: > those who were warned against us investi­ "Utmost gratitude for the Name that has > gating the teachings, and some becoming taught us there is no separation.” > declared Bahd’is. Furthermore, the local The following year on July 3, there was > press gradually increased the space devoted a dedication of the new dormitory, follow­ > to the School activities, and now full page ing the Annual Reunion and Feast of > announcements are made of the school pro­ friends and their guests, with about 2 50 in > gram and messages of welcome by the attendance. Attractive pictures of both > Chamber of Commerce and business men buildings were taken for the permanent rec­ > carried regularly. A brochure published by ords of the School. A truly international > 218 THE B A H Á 5f CENTENARY > > spirit was manifest at this opening gather­ tailed presentation; which is followed by > ing of the school, there being ten nationali­ creative discussion, questions, answers, and > ties represented at the meeting, with ad­ contributions by students. Many teachers > dresses in Esperanto and French. are used, instead of one lecturer; thus giv­ > After the dedication of the Dormitory, ing a more rounded out program; and at the > Mr. Leroy Ioas read a fitting memorial serv­ same time, permitting the development of > ice for Mr. Thomas Collins who had passed Bahá’í teachers^ not only through their > from this life shortly before the opening of study, but also their participation in the > the School. All present felt the great loss conduct of the classes themselves. > of this friend who had done so much to­ The youth have their own round table dis­ > ward the recent development of the Gey- cussion group, arranged and conducted by > serville educational institution and his mem­ themselves. In all other respects they are > ory will be enshrined in the hearts of all an integral part of the school, attending > students who attend the school sessions in regular classes, assisting with the devotional > the future. meetings, providing entertainment for the > The school library has been dedicated to recreational hours, contributing to the mu­ > the memory of Mr. Collins, being named sical programs, etc. They participate in full > the "Collins Memorial Library.” The li­ measure with the adults in the entire activ­ > brary now contains over 500 books. Re­ ities of the Baha’i community life. > cently Mr. Leroy Ioas arranged a gift from Separate classes are conducted for the > the Estate of Mrs. Mary M. Rabb of a full children. Skilled supervisors teach the chil­ > set of the bound volumes of the "Star of dren the true bases of religion and the effect > the West,” containing those early volumes upon the life of the individual as well as > which are now out of print. society. There are classes also in the useful > The curriculum of Bahd’i Schools is of a arts, and suitable recreational arrangements. > distinctive type; distinctive, because the The School has always undertaken public > Word of God is the measure against which teaching meetings, not only in Geyserville, > the civilizations and cultures of the world but also in surrounding cities such as Cloare oriented. The findings of history and verdale, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, etc. > social science have their true meaning in re­ The Summer School provides an educa­ > lation to the development of world religion. tional center where the believers can gather > The faith and devotion of people, under together in large numbers to study the > the creative influence of the teachings of the Teachings of Baha’u’llah, and their effect > Prophets, are the elements which evolve on society; exchange views and experiences, > society; and only an understanding of the associate with one another in an active com­ > emergent which the Holy Spirit gives to munity life, and thus deepen their knowl­ > human aspiration, can give meaning to a edge and understanding of the Faith in a > planned evolutionary process for the hu­ distinctive Bahá’í atmosphere. The impor­ > man race. All truth is rooted in the teach­ tance of these institutions has been stressed > ings of the Prophets; all human knowledge over and over by the Guardian. The Gey­ > is derived from our search of the realities serville Committee is ever seeking the goal > of life and nature. This search is ever set by Shoghi Effendi for the Geyserville > pushed forward by the impact of a soul­ School; namely, he "hopes that through the > stirring message calling humanity to wider combined and united efforts of the friends, > horizons, and a more universal civilization. the Geyserville Summer School, which is so > Thus knowledge, scientific and spiritual find ideally situated, will draw an increasing > their true relationship in the Bahá’í teach­ number of visitors, both believers and non­ > ing that these are the two wings upon believers, and will thus gradually develop > which the soul of man may reach the into an important and world-wide known > realms on high. center for the training of Bahd’i scholars > Classes at the Geyserville school are con­ and teachers. The first pioneers under the > ducted on the creative discussion plan. The Seven Year Plan went forth with the > speaker introduces the subject with a de­ inspiration of this School. > B A H A ’I SCHOOLS 219 > > Louhelen Ranch, Davison, Michigan, the site of the Bahá’í School of the Central States. > > 3. Lo u h elen building. This not only furnished a place > for books and study, but made it possible > On the first day of August, 1931, a > to have a short winter session of the School. > score of Baha’is and their friends, respond­ > There has been a gradual enlargement of > ing to an invitation issued by Mr. and Mrs. > the scope of the School and an increase in > L. W. Eggleston after consultation with > the number of sessions until now Louhelen > Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í > Baha’i School has five summer sessions and > Faith, and with the National Spiritual As­ > is in active operation during most of July > sembly, gathered at a farm near Davison, > and August, besides the winter session of a > Michigan, which had recently been acquired > week. Many conferences and special cele­ > by Mr. Eggleston, to study and spread the > brations have been held there and even sev­ > Baha’i Faith. Others came later for a day > eral Bahd’i weddings. > or more so that all told some ninety souls The aim of the school is three-fold: to > were present that first summer. Mr. and have a real school, a place to learn Truth, to > Mrs. Harlan Ober and Mr. and Mrs. How­ find the root of all knowledge, the knowl­ > ard Ives planned the splendid nine days’ edge of God and of His Will for today as > program and did much of the teaching. revealed by Baha’u’lldh; to have a place > Among others who contributed to the suc­ where people may live for a time as a > cess of this first session were Miss Fannie Baha’i community, practicing the oneness > Knobloch and Mrs. Dorothy Baker. At the of mankind, promoting unity in the Cause; > end of the nine days all agreed that plans and to have one more spot whence the Light > should be made for the next summer. of the New Day is radiated. The plan so far > By the summer of 1932 the school had be­ has been for short sessions, eight to twelve > come more fully organized and publicized days, or even as few as four for some youth > through the program committee appointed sessions, with three or four teachers who > by the National Spiritual Assembly. It give daily lectures or talk or conduct > was now a recognized Bahd’i institution. classes on some specified subject. Thus a > During the year the Egglestons had added great amount of ground is covered in a short > buildings to the property. Since then other time at each session. This rather intensive > buildings have been added so that now work at the school furnishes a basis for > seventy-five or more can be accommodated more study at home and a stimulus to teach > in summer and about twenty-five in win­ others. There are hours for freedom and > ter. In 1939 through gifts from Mrs. recreation, fellowship, conferences with > Amelia Collins and Mrs. Dorothy Graf it teachers or each other. All this with the > was possible to erect a long desired library common dining rooms, the nearby lodgings, > > I > 220 THE BA H Á ’í CENTENARY > > the outdoor life gives opportunity for real ence with him gave a constant urge to the > Baha’i community life. Committee to make these summer sessions > From year to year study courses and even more of an aid in learning to really > projects in all sessions have varied to in­ study, in deepening in the Faith and in > clude such subjects as: History and Prin­ learning to teach others. In 1938, therefore, > ciples of the Bahd’i Faith, Understanding a ten day session was planned with two spe­ > and Practice of the Baha’i Administrative cial projects, one a course of study care­ > Order, Studies in the Islámic Faith, Studies fully outlined by Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, > in Christian and Jewish Prophecy, History the other a project in systematically spread­ > of the Christian Church, Prayer and Medi­ ing a knowledge of the Cause in neighbor­ > tation, Deepening in the Spiritual Life, ing places. Volunteers in this project went > Survey and Classification of Bahd’i Sacred out in pairs to nearby communities, litera­ > Writings, Teaching Methods and Problems, ture was left in libraries or with individuals > Public Speaking, History and Culture of and an invitation extended to come to a > Latin America. special public meeting at the school. Sim­ > The development of Louhelen Bahd’i ilar sessions but with varied projects each > Youth School is outstanding. For the first year since have attracted a large number > three summers just one joint session for of earnest students and workers. Much val­ > adult and youth was held. The young peo­ uable study aid has been developed at these > ple were the first to call for another session. sessions and made available to others. > A strong group of young people was pres­ The School has used various means be­ > ent the second summer which increased so sides the one just mentioned to reach out > much in number and enthusiasm the third to the general public. Newspapers have co­ > summer, that plans were made at the request operated in publishing feature articles and > of the young people themselves for a sepa­ announcing public lectures. Many individ­ > rate youth session and in 1934 this became a uals and groups who have some common > reality under the direction of Mrs. Dorothy interest with Baha’is have been invited and > Baker. This Bahd’i school attracted youth come to the school. Teachers at the school > from nearby and a distance since it was the have been invited by Rotary and other clubs > only Bahá’í school distinctly for young peo­ to give talks. The library, which contains > ple. It grew so rapidly that in a few years over 2700 books on many subjects, is free > it was necessary to have two youth sessions. to the public. Hundreds of Bahd’i books > At first only youth over fifteen were al­ have been sold at the school in the thirteen > lowed to come but now they are divided years of its history and much free literature > according to age, those from twelve to fif­ distributed. The Flint .Bahd’i community > teen making one group and those over fif­ was rebuilt and strengthened through its > teen another. Young people of any and all influence and the Davison Township Bahd’i > races and creeds are welcome to come and community is in the process of building. > learn about the Bahd’i Teachings of the A recent project using part of the school > New Age and to live the Baha’i life. Rec­ grounds and equipment is a play school for > reational activities reflect the Baha’i spirit young children. This is privately conducted > of cooperation and high standards of con­ on Bahd’i principles for children from both > duct and fellowship. From the beginning Bahd’i and non-Baha’i families and is an­ > the young people have been consulted in other link connecting the school with the > regard to study program, teachers, recrea­ public. > tion and simple necessary rules and in 1942 Although the School is in active session > the National Spiritual Assembly added only eight or nine weeks in the year its > three young people to the Louhelen program influence is continuous since it is the home > committee. of the Eggleston family and Bahd’i gather­ > Another distinguishing feature of Lou­ ings are held there throughout the year. > helen Bahd’i School is the so-called Labora­ And who can estimate the influence of the > tory Session. Suggestions which came from magic words "Bahd’i School” swinging in > the Guardian through annual correspond- full sight of passers on state highway Ml 5? > BA H Á ’Í SCHOOLS 221 > > 4. I n ternatio nal Public meetings are held in the city of > The International School in Pine Valley, Colorado Springs to further the teaching > Colorado Springs, is the youngest member work and a Regional Conference is held > of our Baha’i summer schools. It held its whenever possible. > initial session in 1940, having been deeded A cable, dated June 13, 1940, was re­ > to Trustees for the benefit of the National ceived from Shoghi Effendi at the opening > Spiritual Assembly by Loulie Mathews to of the School: > supply a future gathering place for Bahd’is "Delighted at opening of school. Praying > from Latin-America and other countries. for increasing success, loving appreciation.” > Its present program, as suggested by Shoghi (signed) Shoghi Rabbani. > Effendi, is devoted to Latin-America. On June 10, 1940, the National Baha’i > Temerity accommodates only about six­ Assembly sent this message: > teen guests; therefore, we try to fill this "Loving best wishes for successs of school > quota from those believers who have ded­ session representing foundation structure > icated their lives to teaching. of institution dedicated to education for in­ > Each year we bring out a few notes that ternational teaching of the New World > our efforts may have a wider field through­ Order.” The conference teaching method is > out the Baha’i world. employed. > > International Baha’i School, Pine Valley, Colorado Springs. > PART E I G H T > > T H E A M E R I C A N BAHA’I C O M M U N I T Y > > 1. Cities and Townships having Assemblies C o nnecticut > New Haven > A labama > West Haven > Birmingham > D elaware > A laska > Wilmington > Anchorage > D istrict of C olumbia > A rkansas > Washington, D. C. > Little Rock > A rizona Florida > Phoenix Jacksonville > East Phoenix Rural Miami > St. Augustine > C alifornia > G eorgia > Alhambra > Berkeley Atlanta > Beverly Hills H awaii > . Burbank > Honolulu > Burlingame > Maui > Cloverdale Township > Glendale Idaho > Los Angeles Boise > Oakland > Pasadena Illinois > Sacramento Chicago > San Diego Danville > San Francisco Evanston > Santa Barbara Maywood > C anada Peoria > Springfield > Edmonton, Alberta > Urbana > Vancouver, British Columbia > Waukegan > Winnipeg, Manitoba > Wilmette > Moncton, New Brunswick > Winnetka > Halifax, Nova Scotia > Toronto, Ontario I ndia na > Charlottetown, P.E.I. Indianapolis > Montreal, Quebec South Bend > St. Lambert, Quebec > Regina, Sask. I owa > Cedar Rapids > C olorado > Colorado Springs K ansas > Denver Topeka > THE AMERICAN BA H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 223 > > K entucky Newark > Teaneck > Louisville > N ew M exico > Louisiana > Albuquerque > New Orleans > N ew Y ork > M aine > Binghamton > Eliot > Buffalo > Maryland Geneva > Baltimore Jamestown > Cabin John New York > Chevy Chase— Bethesda Rochester > Syracuse > M assachusetts • Yonkers > Beverly > N orth C arolina > Brookline > Boston Greensboro > Springfield N orth D akota > Worcester > Fargo > Michigan > O hio > Ann Arbor > Cincinnati > Detroit > Cleveland > Flint > Columbus > Grand Rapids > Dayton > Lansing > East Cleveland > Muskegon > Lima > Minnesota Toledo > Minneapolis > O klahom a > St. Paul > Oklahoma City > Mississippi > O regon > Jackson > Portland > Missouri > P en n sylvania > Kansas City > Philadelphia > Mo n t a n a Pittsburgh > Helena Scranton > West Chester > N ebraska > P uerto R ico > Omaha > San Juan > N evada > R hode I sland > Reno > Providence > N ew H ampshire > So u th C arolina > Portsmouth > Greenville > N ew J ersey > So u th D akota > East Orange > Montclair Sioux Falls > 224 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > T ennessee C alifornia > Memphis Atascadero > Bakersfield > T exas Big Bear Lake > Houston Compton > Elsinore > U tah Fresno > Huntington Pk. > Salt Lake City Inglewood Township > Inglewood > V erm ont Knightsen > Brattleboro Long Beach > Lynwood > V irginia Monrovia > Alexandria Monrovia Twp. > Arlington Napa > Pacific Palisades > W ashington Pasadena Twp. > Piedmont > Richmond Highlands > Riverside > Seattle San Bernardino > Spokane San Marino > Tacoma San Mateo > Santa Barbara > W est V irginia Santa Rosa (Analy Twp.) > Charleston Santa Rosa > South Gate > W isconsin > C anada > Kenosha > Madison Calgary, Alberta > Milwaukee Armstrong, British Columbia > Racine Vernon, British Columbia > Shorewood West Vancouver, British Columbia > Wauwatosa Hamilton, Ont. > Ottawa, Ontario > W yoming Westmount, Quebec > Laramie C a na l Z one > Balboa > 2. Cities having Groups > C o nnecticut > A labama Hamden > Tuskegee Hartford > Norwich > A rizona Orange > Washington > Glendale Rural > Phoenix Rural (West) Florida > Poston Florida City > Tucson Pine Castle > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’Í COMMUNITY 225 > > Illinois Plainville > Cicero Princeton > Glenview Salem > Hollywood Sharon > Melrose Park Upton > Melrose Township Wenham > Moline West Brookfield > Northbrook Woburn > Oak Park > M ichigan > Park Ridge > Pekin Davison > Limestone Township Dearborn > Rockford Flint (Burton Twp.) > Villa Park Fruitport > Western Springs Grand Haven > Grosse lie > India n a Grosse Pointe > Fort Wayne Highland Park > Kalamazoo > I owa Lake Harbor > Independence Lansing > Waterloo Lincoln Park > Marysville > Kansas Muskegon Heights > Burlingame Nirvana > Elwood Pentwater > Topeka (Mission Township) Plymouth > Wichita Roseville > St. Clair Shores > Louisiana Smith’s Creek > Covington Van Dyke > Wyoming Park > M aine > Canaan M innesota > Portland Duluth > South Windham > Stoneham M issouri > Independence > Massachusetts St. Louis > Arlington St. Louis County > Auburn > Belchertown M o n ta n a > East Hampton Butte > East Longmeadow > Fitchburg N ew H am pshire > Ipswich Ashuelot > Malden Dover > Natick Hinsdale > Needham New Market > Newton > No. Scituate N ew J ersey > Norton Atlantic City > Palmer Bloomfield > 226 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Dumont So uth D akota > Englewood Lead > Hackensack > Haworth T ennessee > Jersey City Knoxville > Marlton Nashville > Maywood > T exas > Neptune > Red Bank Carrizo Springs > Riverton Winter Haven (Dimmit County) > Tenafly San Antonio > Weehawken > V irginia > N ew Y ork Loudoun County (Waterford) > Albany Franklin > Ballston Spa Newport News > Little Falls > W ashington > Mamaroneck > Ransomville Brooklyn > Roscoe Halford > Geneva (Seneca Township) Kirkland > Victor Monroe > Waterloo Sultan > > O hio W isconsin > Akron Bristol > Bucyrus Chenequa > Circleville Eagle River (Lincoln Twp.) > Cleveland Heights Green Bay > Columbus Grove Lake Geneva > Cuyahoga Falls Manitowoc > Dayton (Harrison Twp.) Oconomowoc > Findlay Somers Twp. (Kenosha) > Lakewood Whitefish Bay > Mansfield Wisconsin Rapids > Medina (Granger Township) > Mechanicsburg (Union Township) 3. Cities and Postal Zones having Isolated > Hinckley Twp. (Medina County) Believers > Waynesville > A labama > P en n sylvania Birmingham (Homewood) > Ingomar Birmingham (Jefferson County) > New Castle Fair hope > Wilkensburg Huntsville > Mobile > R hode I sland Springhill > Pawtucket Tuskegee > Warren > A rizona > So u th C arolina Buckeye > Charleston Coolidge > Columbia Douglas > N orth Augusta Glendale > THE AMERICAN B A H A ’I COMMUNITY 227 > > Kingman Puente > Payson Reedley > Phoenix Richmond > Prescott Sacramento > Sonita St. Helena > Tucson Salinas > San Bruno > A rkansas San Diego > Camp Robinson San Francisco > Eldorado San Gabriel > Harrison San José > Malvern San Pablo > No. Little Rock Santa Barbara > Ola Santa Clara > Santa Cruz > C alifornia Santa Maria > Alma Santa Paula > Arcadia Santa Rosa > Arroyo Grande Sausalito > Beaumont South Laguna > Bell South Pasadena > Beverly Hills Twp. (Los Angeles) Templeton > Chula Vista Turlock > Claremont Valley Center > Corte Madera Walnut Park > Culver City West Los Angeles > Downey Whittier > El Monte Wilmar > Escondido Woodlake > Exeter > Fresno C anada > Gardena Ardmore, Alberta > LaCanada (Glendale Twp.) Calahad, Alta. > Verdugo City (Glendale Twp.) Taber, Alberta > Montrose (Glendale Twp.) Cultus Lake, British Columbia > Glen Ellen Kamloops, British Columbia > Gridley Penticton, British Columbia > Hayward Victoria, British Columbia > Healdsburg Elgin, New Brunswick > Hondo Lewisville, New Brunswick > Kenwood Debert, Nova Scotia > Lakeport Halifax, Nova Scotia > La Mesa Bartonville, Ont. > Livermore Bluevale, Ontario > Long Beach Farran Point, Ontario > Los Angeles (outside city limits) Rice Lake, Ontario > Los Gatos London, Ontario > Millbrae Toronto, Ontario (York County) > Modesto Summerside^ Prince Edward Island > Oakland Arvida, P. Q. > Palo Alto Huntingdon, P. Q. > Palmdale Longueuil, P. Q. > Paso Robles Montreal West, P. Q. > 228 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Mount Royal, P. Q. Keesville > Outremont, P. Q. Midville > Riv. Beaudette, P. Q. Savannah > Verdun, P. Q. Wrens > Carmichael, Sask. > H awaii, T. H. > C anal Zone > Naalehu > Corundo, C.Z. > Idaho > C olorado > Boise > Arvada Coeur d’Alene > Boulder > Climax Illinois > Denver Alton > Pine Valley, Colorado Springs Antioch > Fountain Batavia > Loveland Champaign > Wheat Ridge Charleston > C onnecticut Chillicothe > DeKalb > Bridgeport > Dixon > N orth Stoning ton > Downers Grove > Meriden > Elmhurst > Norwalk > Glen Ellyn > Y alesville > Glenview > D elaware Greenup > Arden Harvey > Henry > Florida Highwood > Boynton Hinsdale > Coral Gables Jacksonville > Daytona Beach Joliet > Fernandina LaGrange > Gainesville LaGrange Park > Hollywood Lake Forest > Jacksonville Beach Lincolnwood > Lakeland McHenry > Miami Marengo > Miami Shores Markham > Okechobee Melrose Park > Orlando Morrison > Palm Beach Morton > Ruskin Oak Lawn > St. Petersburg Peoria > West Palm Beach Peoria Heights > Winter Haven Phoenix > Quincy > G eorgia River Forest > Atlanta Riverside > Augusta St. Charles > Daniel Field Serena > Decatur Tower Hill > Griffin Watseka > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 229 > > Waukegan Halethorpe > West Peoria Hyattsville > Wheaton Laurel > Silver Spring > Indiana > Taney town > Anderson > Bloomington Massachusetts > Fort Wayne Belmont > Gary Bernardston > Mishawaka Buzzards Bay > Monroeville Cambridge > Monticello Everett > Muncie Fitchburg > New Haven Marblehead > South Bend Marlboro > Winamac Medford > Iowa Norfolk > Petersham > Belknap Sherborn > Correctionville South Dartmouth > Davenport South Hamilton > Des Moines Springfield > Dubuque Wellesley Hills > Independence West Somerville > Walker Whitman > Waterloo > Michigan > Kansas > Ann Arbor > Kansas City > Battle Creek > Kentucky Berkley > Cave City Birmingham > Elizabethtown Brighton > Franklin Cassopolis > Louisville Clio > Coloma > Louisiana Dearborn > Baton Rouge E. Fruitport > Ferry sburg > Maine Flint > Bangor Goodrich > Cortland Grand Rapids > Gardiner Grosse Pointe > Lovell Hazel Park > South Berwick Inkster > South Portland Lansing (Grand River Twp.) > Springvale Lawrence > Wells Lawton > Ludington > Maryland Mears > Chestertown Mt. Clemens > Cheverly, HyattsvilK Mt. Morris > Dundalk Muskegon > Essex Niles > 230 THE BA FI Á ’ f CENTENARY > > Olivet Bradley Beach > Port Huron Cranford > Selfridge Field Grenloch > Ypsilanti Hamburg > Harrington Park > Minnesota > Irvington > Detroit Lakes Little Falls > Halsted Maywood > Hopkins Millburn > Mankato Morristown > Moorehead Ocean Grove > Northfield Palisades Park > Preston Passaic > Red Wing Paterson > Sabin Point Pleasant > Mississippi Princeton > Ridgefield Park > Columbus Ridgewood > Greenwood Rochelle Park > Money Short Hills > Vicksburg South Orange > Missouri Spring Lake > Tenafly > Carthage > Westfield > Independence > Wyckoff > Jefferson > Kansas City N ew Mexico > Poplar Bluff > Alamogordo > St. Joseph > Las Vegas > St. Louis > Albuquerque > Montana > N ew Y ork > Fairview > Winifred Babylon > Bayshore > N ebraska Bellmore > Brock Farmingdale > Waterbury Floral Park > Glenwood Landing > N evada Hempstead Gardens > Boulder City Locust Manor > Hawthorne Lynbrook > Las Vegas Mineola > Reno Auburn > Binghamton > N ew H ampshire Cortland > Fitzwilliam Dunkirk > Eden > N ew J ersey Elmira > Basking Ridge Freehold > Bayonne Geneva > Bergenfield Hamburg > Bogota Jamestown > Bordentown Jamesville > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 231 > > Johnstown Cleveland > Kenmore Dayton > Lima Doyles town > Linwood Eaton > Little Falls Fremont > Lockport Geneva > Massena * Jerry City > Mayville Kent > Norwich Lima > Penn Yan Loudonville > Pike Loveland > Port Chester Marietta > Port Dickinson Milford > Port Washington Montezuma > Potsdam North Bloomfield > Rochester North Olmsted > Rye Norwood > Saratoga Springs Rocky River > Schenectady Salem > Snyder Springfield > Trumansburg Upper Arlington > Unadilla Urbana > Union Worthington > Utica Xenia > Wolcott > Woodbourne O klahoma > Youngstown Carmen > Briarcliife Manor > Mt. Vernon Oregon > Port Jervis Corbett > Mt. Kisco Corvallis > Merrill > N orth Carolina Newport > Asheville Seaside > Durham Taft > Hendersonville Talent > Kannapolis The Dalles > Lenoir Timber > New River > Raleigh Pennsylvania > Rich Square Allentown > Winston-Salem Bellevue > Breinigsville > N orth D akota Broomall > Glenfield Cheney > Sutton Clifton Heights > Dunmore > O hio Elkins Park > Bethesda Fallsington > Brady Lake Glenolden > Bryan North Hills > Celina Oxford > Chagrin Falls Upper Darby > 232 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > West Chester Outside city limits Tooele > Cambridge Springs Topaz > Eau Claire > Gettysburg V ermont > Needmore Burlington > Saltsburg Rutland > Union City > Warfordsburg V irginia > Wesley ville Cartersville > Puerto R ico Farm ville > Fredericksburg > Arecibo Grottoes > Juncos McLean > Rio Grande Millers Tavern > Petersburg > R hode Island > Richmond > Ashton Staunton > Cranston > Newport W ashington > Almira > South C arolina > Bothell > Aiken Bremerton > Belvedere Chelan > North Augusta Ferndale > Monroe > South D akota Moran Prairie > Wall Olympia > Watertown Omak > Seattle > T ennessee Snohomish > Knoxville Vancouver > McMinnville > Manchester W est V irginia > Nashville Huntington > Oliver Springs > W isconsin > T exas Eagle River > Austin Madison > Big Springs Manitowoc > Conroe Mauston > Corpus Christi Milwaukee—Fox Point > Dallas Oshkosh > Flatonia Racine > Greenville Ripon > Houston Schofield > Lubbock Stoughton > Port Arthur Waukesha > South Houston Wauwatosa > West Allis > U tah > Murray Wyoming > Salt Lake City Cheyenne > THE AMERICAN B A H Á ’1 C O M M U N I T Y 233 > > 4. Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, > 5. Bahd’i Properties Held in Trust > North America a. Bahá’í House of Worship, Wilmette, > Illinois > 1932— Chicago, New York > b. Bahd’i Headquarters, Wilmette, Illi­ > 1933— Teaneck, Washington, D. C. nois > 193 5—Montreal c. Green Acre Bahá’i School, Eliot, > 1937— Detroit, Kenosha Maine > d. Geyserville Baha’i School, Geyserville, > 1938— Racine, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Calif. > Minneapolis, Cleveland, Seattle, e. Wilhelm Estate, West Englewood, > Cincinnati, San Francisco, Co­ N. J. > lumbus f. Wilson House, Malden, Mass. > 1939— Lima, Vancouver, Portland, Phoe­ g. International Bahá’í School, Pine Val­ > nix, Philadelphia, Jersey City, ley, Colorado Springs, Colo. > Winnetka > 1940— Wilmette, Boston, Peoria, Helena, 6 . Literature Distributed by the Publishing > Honolulu, Miami, Binghamton Committee > 1941— Pasadena, Urbana, Berkeley, Oak­ > land, Indianapolis, St. Paul > 1943— Springfield, Illinois, Flint, Evans­ > ton > B AH A I S A CR E D R E L I C S I N > NATIONAL ARCHIVES > ( L I S T O F 1934 ) > 1. TABLETS. Ten framed Tablets of “The Divine > Illuminated Tablet containing in one Plan.” > section, the original handwriting of Two framed Tablets of General Tablets. > BaháVlláh. Original Tablet to Counsel Board, Chi­ > The “Cock” Tablets, illuminated. cago, prior to organization of the > “Star” Tablet (photographic copy of “House of Justice,” framed. > original in the British Museum. This Original Tablets to “House of Justice,” > Tablet is in the form of a five-pointed Chicago and to the Ladies of Assem­ > star. It was written by the Báb to bly of Teaching. > celebrate the Station of the Greatest Illuminated Tablet done by Mishkin > Name, and is said to contain 365 Qalam of the Tablet to the “House > derivatives of this N am e). of Justice.” > Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to American Seventeen Tablets to the “House of > believers and to Spiritual Assemblies Spirituality,” Chicago. Originals and > or Bahd’i Communities. translations. > (a) The first group of approxi­ Letters from Shoghi Effendi, a number > mately 600 to 700 Tablets, arranged of envelopes containing letters to As­ > in alphabetical order, according to semblies and individuals also an en­ > names of those to whom Tablets are velope containing cables to the NSA. > addresssed, those to a given individ­ Probably not over 50 letters in all. > ual or Assembly being filed together It is reported that there are several > in a single large envelope. Original manuscripts in this country contain­ > translations are filed with the Tablets ing the hand-writing or signature of > in this group and copies have been BaháVlláh. There is only one Tablet > made of each translation. in the archives with a small section > (b) The second group of approx­ containing His writing. Perhaps more > imately 3 50 to 400 Tablets has been than one-third of the Tablets ad­ > arranged in a similar manner to those dressed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha to American > in the first group, but no copies have friends have never been forwarded to > been made, because the originals in the archives. > many cases are not accompanied by > translations. (It is also true that 2. OBJECTS OF SACRED OR HISTOR­ > many translations of Tablets which ICAL INTEREST. > have been sent in to the Archives are > copies of original translations and Coat of BaháVlláh. > have been accompanied by neither the Master record of the voice of ‘Abdu’loriginal Tablet nor the original trans­ Bahá. > lation.) Book of íqán used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > (c) A third group of Tablets, Pens, pen case, and case covers used by > have neither been collected and ar­ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > ranged alphabetically nor copied. ‘AbduVBahá^ comb. > There are probably half as many of Locket containing two hairs of Bahá- > these as are in the second group. u’lláh and one hair of ‘AbduJ-Bahá. > BAHÁ’Í SACRED RELICS lN NATIONAL ARCHIVES 235 > > Cup and saucer used by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in of Mr. Wm. H. Randall as Treasurer. > New York. Package containing receipt records of > Cup and saucer used by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in Baha’i Temple Unity for August 5, > Minneapolis. 1907 to April 17, 1913. > Spiced apple presented to Mrs. Bonds Report of Baha’i Committee of Inves­ > by ‘Abdu’l-Baha. tigation 1917-1918. > Silk handkerchief and bottle of attar Printed Book containing history of Baof rose with history. há’i Cause in Manchester, England > Sheet taken from bed on which ‘Abdu’l- sent by Mr. E. T. Hall. > Bahá slept while at the Wilson home Notes on "The Death and Burial of > in Minneapolis. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” By Louise Bosch. > Diaries, travel records, report 1920- > RECORDS AND MANUSCRIPTS OF 1924 by Chas. Mason Remey. > HISTORICAL INTEREST. > List of Bahd’is in America in 1912. 4. P H O T O G R A P H S , N E G A T IV E S , > Seven bound books (journal form) DRAWINGS. > containing names in order in which Package containing about forty un­ > believers entered the Cause in the mounted photographs of \Abdu’l-Bahá > following cities: Chicago, Kenosha, alone and in groups, America and > Cincinnati, New York, Baltimore, Europe, published in the "Star.” > Washington, California and miscel­ Architects drawing of Mashriqu’llaneous locations. Adhkár in ‘Ishqábád (framed). > Directory of Bahd’is, Chicago and vi­ Large mounted photographs of New > cinity. York, Baltimore and Kenosha Assem­ > Record book containing entries of blies. > monthly contributions by names, Package containing about 20 to 25 pho­ > Chicago 1897-1900. tographs, chiefly of Chicago Baha’is. > Paper bound note-book containing "In­ Package of used photographs published > formation concerning the Cause,” in the "Star.” > from Mrs. I. D. Brittingham. Photograph of Baha’i friends of Central > Wooden box 12"xl 8"x6" containing States attending first meeting held in > letters, papers, early pamphlets, etc., Temple structure, July 9, 1922, in > preserved for the archives by Mrs. commemoration of the martyrdom of > Eva W. Russel. the Báb. > About fifty 9 "x l2 // envelopes labeled Photograph of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s hand. > "National Baha’i Archives Experi­ Photograph of first all-India Baha’i > ences” (Name of oné of early Amer­ Convention. > ican Believers) and containing rec­ Photographs of Baha’is of Western > ords of personal experiences. States, chiefly California, sent by M. > List of first subscribers to the Baha’i L. Fenn, La Jolla, Calif. > News. Photograph of Baha’i martyrs in Persia. > Loose-leaf account book showing finan­ Elevation for the Temple—blue print > cial receipts classified by foreign of drawing by Mr. Brush. > countries and by cities of the United Approximately 200 negatives (on glass > States and Canada, with entries of in­ plates) of Bahd’i subjects taken in the > dividual donors and amounts for the United States, Palestine and Persia by > years 1907 to 1913. Total receipts the companion of Dr. Moody, Mrs. > shown $52,430.20. Eva Russel. > Similar account book showing receipts > 1913-1923 which, with those of 5. MISCELLANEOUS MATERIAL. > 1907-1913, total $343,099.51. Two black metal cases, about 22//12//x > Account book of Building Fund and 10" sent to the archives by Mr. Chas. > Bahá’i Temple Unity during service Mason Remey and containing miscel- > 23 6 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > laneous printed matter published by Proof of Abu’l-Fadl’s book "The Baha’i > Baha’is, and copies of newspapers and Proofs,” given to Mr. Windust by > periodicals containing articles on the ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > Cause. Manuscript used by printer in setting up > Three 9"x 12" envelopes containing ma­ Hidden Words, Seven Valleys and > terial similar to above. Tablet of Ishrdqdt. > Plat of Temple Grounds on tracing Original copy, Persian section of the > cloth (large scale) made by Chicago "Star” marked ‘for preservation.’ > Guaranty Survey Co. > Abstract of Title to Temple Grounds, (Supplementary List, 1943) > Wilmette. > A. -R E L IC S OF B A H Á ’U ’L L Á H : > Volume 1 of ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s Tablets, > GIFTS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI. > containing writing by the Master. > Two printed copies, "Letters of 'Abdu’l- Illuminated Tablet in the hand-writing > Bahá to the children.” of Bahd’u’llah containing a prayer > Baha’i hymn book by Mrs. Waite con­ revealed for the Greatest Holy Leaf. > taining ‘Abdu’l-Baha’s statement re­ Two illuminated' Tablets in the hand­ > garding the "Benediction.” writing of Bahd’u’llah which were > Music Plates— "The New Jerusalem,” addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > by Mrs. Waite. Three Locks of Hair of Bahd’u’lldh ar­ > Bound book containing translations of ranged by the Greatest Holy Leaf. > all Tablets, 86 in number, ‘Abdu’l- (Contained in silver case bearing the > Bahá to Chas. Mason Remey. Greatest Name on cover.) , > Architectural designs of Baha’i edifices G ifts of Believers > by Chas. Mason Remey, some of > Four original Tablets of BaháVlláh, > which were made at the request of > one in His Hand. (From Dr. Moody > Shoghi Eifendi. > collection.) > Bound documents of Chas. Mason Re­ > Illuminated Cock Tablet, framed, done > mey, regarding the Mashriqu’lby Mishkin-Qalam. (From Dr. > Adhkdr. > Moody collection.) > Five miscellaneous bound manuscripts > Three separate gifts of dried Blood of > of Chas. Mason Remey, 1922-1923. > Bahd’u’lldh. (One of these gifts is > Framed letter of Mrs. Josephine Cowles > contained in two small gold boxes.) > as a memorial to her father. > Eight separate gifts of Hair of Baha’u’­ > Two packages of miscellaneous printed lldh. (Four of these are contained in > matter labelled, "Windust.” gold lockets. They vary in number > Mr. Louis Bourgeois’ architectural from one to many hairs from the > Plans for the Baha’i Temple. Head of Bahd’u’lldh.) > Comb of Bahd’u’lldh. > "COPY” AND PROOF USED IN THE Red silk handkerchief used by Bahd- > ‘STAR OF THE WEST’ AND BOOKS u’lldh. > ON THE CAUSE. Pieces of sugar "made by the Blessed > Perfection.” > Original translation of the Ishrdkat and > the Glad Tidings by Ali Kuli Khan. Piece of wood from the window frame > Proof sheets of addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Baha of Bahd’u’llahs room in the prison of > in America sent by Howard Mac- ‘Akkd. > Gold ring mounted with ruby which > N utt. > Proofs, Vols. 1, 2 and 3 of the Tablets was blessed by Bahd’u’lldh. > Small gold coin which belonged to > of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. > Bahd’u’lldh. > Original manuscript of Addresses of > ‘Abdu’l-Baha published in the Star of * It appears that the Guardian uses the term "Sacred > Relics” or "sacred objects” with a meaning which > the West. would include Tablets. > BAHAI SACRED RELICS IN NATIONAL ARCHIVES 237 > > B. RELICS OF THE BÁB. Steamer rug blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > Ringlet of a single Hair of the Báb Comb used by ťAbdu’l-Bahá. > mounted between transparent paper Five Bahá’í rings and unmounted ring > at center of an illuminated matt stones blessed by the Master. > contained in small circular frame. Cut glass flask "containing attar of > Photographic reproduction of miniature rose.” > of the Báb. Brass bowl, cut glass pitcher, and towel, > used in ablutions by the Master. > C. RELICS OF ‘ABDUT-BAHÁ. Several pieces of bread, rock candy, etc., > Eight framed Tablets of the Divine from the Master’s plate. > Plan. (This is a correction of the Seventeen British gold pound coins > 1934 report of ten framed Tablets, brought to America by the Master. > since two of the long Tablets to the Turkish gold guinea which belonged to > United States and Canada are con­ the Master. > tained in two frames each. These One negative and one positive 3 5 mm. > Tablets bear the Persian signature of motion picture film taken of ‘Abdu’l- > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.) Bahá in New York and Brooklyn, > Six original Tablets of the Divine Plan, 1912. (The original matrix record of > unframed. (These six Tablets of the ‘Abdud-Bahá^ voice was listed in the > 1917 series bear numerous hand w rit­ 1934 report.) > ten corrections made by the Master.) > Approximately 2000 original Persian or D. RELICS OF THE GREATEST HOLY > Arabic Tablets bearing the seal and LEAF. > initials or the signature of ‘Abdu’l- Three handkerchiefs and five scarfs be­ > Bahá, addressed to Assemblies, groups longing to the Greatest Holy Leaf, > and individual believers in America some of which were made by her. > and other parts of the world. (1934 Shawl made by the Greatest Holy Leaf. > report contained about 1050 Tablets.) Undergarment worn by the Greatest > Three coats or cloaks (abas) worn by Holy Leaf. > ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. One of these was Three old Persian coins owned by the > ripped apart, and left in this condi­ Greatest Holy Leaf. > tion, in order to obtain a pattern for Fan and eye stick used by the Greatest > a new cloak. Holy Leaf. > Five taj or fez type caps and one turban Approximately twenty-five original let­ > worn by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ters in English bearing the seal or > Six gifts of ringlets or locks of hair of signature or both seal and signature > \Abdu’l-Bahá. of the Greatest Holy Leaf. All of > Seven Persian scarfs or large handker­ these were written to American be­ > chiefs used by the Master. lievers. > Two rosaries used by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > A pair of Persian shoes or boots and a E. RELICS OF OTHER MEMBERS OF > pair of woolen socks, both worn by THE HOLY FAMILY. > ťAbdu’l-Bahá. The boots were used Eye stick used by the Mother of > in America. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. > A small leather handbag used by the Handkerchief which belonged to the > Master for carrying important Tab­ Holy Mother. > lets of BaháVlláh. > Pen with which ‘Abdul-Bahá signed the F. MISCELLANEOUS RELICS. > Divine Plan Tablets. Large white cloth with the Greatest > Metal tube in which the Master buried Name worked in beads. > His Will and Testament. Glass plaque bearing an inscription of > Pen case, pen, inkwell and scissors used the Greatest Name. > by the Master. (These two gifts came from the Na- > 238 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > tional Spiritual Assembly of India with illuminated title page, the Tab­ > through Martha Root.) lets to the Kings, and numerous Tab­ > The Greatest Name embroidered and or­ lets and poems of Bahá’u’lláh. > namented in colors by Bahi’i Zoroas- Bahá’í seal made and used by Thornton > trián women of Bombay. Chase. > Three copies of the Greatest Name Phonograph record, Tablet of Ahmad > written on parchment and paper by and prayer, Martha Root’s voice. > Mishkin-Qalam. "Finger nail” copies of the Writings, > Collection of fifty-five copies of Baha’i done by Mishkin-Qalam. > Writings in Persian and Arabic from Tile from the Bahd’i House of Worship, > Dr. Moody. This collection includes ‘Ishqábád. > numerous handwritten as well as "Star tile” from the Masjid-i-Vahil, > printed volumes. Among them are a Shiráz, where the Báb spoke to the > beautifully illuminated, unbound congregation. # > copy of the Aqdas, the Persian Bayán > BAHA'I LITERATURE > 1. W ritings of Bah A’u ’llAh Promulgation of U niversal Peace > Edited by Howard MacNutt. Public ad­ > (Book of Certitude) > K it A b - i - Í q A n > dresses delivered by ‘Abdu’l-Baha through­ > Translated by Sboghi Effendi. An interpre­ out the United States and Canada in 1912. > tation of the Sacred Scriptures of the past This work contains ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s spiritual > to demonstrate the oneness of the Prophets message to the American people, whom He > and their significance as the expression of summoned to establish the "Most Great > the Will of God. 198 pp. Peace.” 492 pp. > H idden W ords T ablets of ‘A bdu ’l -Bah A > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. The essence Edited by Albert Windust. Intimate letters > of the teachings of all the Prophets. 54 pp. written by ‘Abdu’l-Baha in reply to ques­ > T he Seven V alleys and T he tions addressed by individuals and groups. > Four V alleys Volumes I, II, III, 238-730. > Two treatises revealed by Baha’u’llah on the T he Bah A’í Peace Program > nature of spiritual evolution. Translated by (Tablet to the Committee on Durable > Ali-Kuli Khan, N. D. 60 pp. Peace, the Hague, and Tablet written by > Gleanings from the W ritings ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to the late Dr. Forel of > of Bah A’u ’llAh Switzerland.) An exposition of the princi­ > ples of Universal Peace. 48 pp. > Excerpts from the Sacred Writings of BaháV lláh selected by the Guardian of the ‘Abdu’l-B ahA in N ew Y ork > Faith. This work presents the largest vol­ Selected addresses delivered by ‘Abdu’lume of Baha’u’lldh’s writings available in Bahá at Columbia University, a number of > the English language. 3 54 pp. churches, and at public meetings of peace > Epistle to the Son of the W olf societies and other organizations. Issued by > the Bahd’i Community of New York to > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. Revealed by > commemorate ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s visit during > Bahd’u’llah toward the end of His earthly > 1912. 78 pp. > mission, this text is a majestic and deeply - > moving exposition of His fundamental prin­ A merica’s Spiritual Mission > ciples and laws and of the sufferings en­ Teaching Tablets revealed to Baha’is of the > dured by the Manifestation for the sake of United States and Canada by ‘Abdu’l-Baha > mankind. 186 pp. during 1916-1917. 54 pp. > Prayers and M editations by > T he Foundations of W orld U nity > B a h A’u ’l l A h > This work is a compilation of published ad­ > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. This supreme dresses from "Promulgation of Universal > book of devotions is issued in the same style > Peace.” 112 pp. > as the Gleanings. 348 pp. > T he R eality of Man > T hree O bligatory D aily Prayers > Words of ‘Abdu’l-Baha explaining the na­ > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 14 pp. ture of mind, soul and eternal life. 52 pp. > 2. W ritings of ‘A bdu ’l -Bah A W ill and T estament of £A bdu ’l -Bah A > Some A nswered Q uestions Selected passages from the document consti­ > Edited by Laura Clifford Barney. An expo­ tuting the authority under which the Ba­ > sition of fundamental spiritual and philo­ ha’is have, since the Ascension of ‘Abdu’lsophic problems. 3 50 pp. Baha in 1921, administered their collective > 240 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > activities. These excerpts are accompanied ment of ťAbdu’l-Bahá concerning the > by passages from the Writings of the Báb organic development of the Bahá’í com­ > and BaháVlláh which reveal the continuity munity. This volume constitutes the au­ > of the Faith, and by passages from the com­ thoritative interpretation of that Will and > munications of Shoghi Effendi explaining of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings on the subject of > the significance of the Will and Testament the principles determining the character of > itself. A pamphlet, uniform in size and the Faith as an evolving religious society. > appearance with the series of World Order These letters define the institutions of local, > letters of Shoghi Effendi. national and international Bahá’í adminis­ > trative bodies forming the nucleus of the > 3. W orks C ompiled from W ritings of new world order of BaháVlláh. The vol­ > Bahá V lláh and ‘A bdu ’l -Bahá ume also contains excerpts from ‘Abdu’l- > Bahá’s Will, and an Index. 198 pp. > Baha ’i Prayers > A selection of the prayers revealed by Bahá­ T he W orld O rder of Baha ’u ’llah > V lláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which By Shoghi Effendi. A letter (dated February > have been translated by Shoghi Effendi. 27, 1929) from the Guardian of the Bahá’í > 72 pp. Faith explaining the continuity of the Faith > after the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and re­ > Peace a D ivine Creation > lating Bahá’í institutions to the ideal of > Excerpts from the Writings of BaháVlláh world order and peace. 16 pp. > and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and statement on World > Order by Shoghi Effendi. 30 pp. T he W orld O rder of Bahá V lláh : > Further C onsiderations > Selected W ritings > By Shoghi Effendi. This letter (dated > Three 4 8-page pamphlets, one containing March 21, 1930) develops the subject with > selections from writings of BaháVlláh, one remarks on the distinguishing features of > from ťAbdu’l-Bahá, and one from writings Bahá’í world order, and on the essential > of Shoghi Effendi. differences between the Bahá’í Faith and > ecclesiastical organizations. 16 pp. > Bahá ’í W ritings > Prayers and passages for meditation chosen T he G oal of a N ew W orld Order > from the writings of BaháVlláh, the Báb, By Shoghi Effendi. In this communication > and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (dated November 28, 1931) the Guardian > analyzes the existing international, political, > C ommunion with G od economic and social problems, points to the > A brief collection of Bahá’í prayers. signs of impending chaos, and emphasizes > the guiding principles of world order estab­ > Baha ’i' W orld Faith lished by BaháVlláh. The goal of world > The most extensive selection of Bahá’í w rit­ federation is upheld, and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s > ings in one volume. 465 pp. Index. Refer­ prophecy of the failure of the present civili­ > ences to sources. zation is called to the attention of Bahá’ís. > 32 pp. > 4. W ritings of Shoghi Effendi > T he G olden A ge of the Cause of > Bahá ’í A dministration Bahá V lláh > The letters written by Shoghi Effendi to the By Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian’s letter > American Bahá’í community, from Janu­ (dated March 21, 1932) referring to the > ary, 1922, to July, 1932, in his capacity of spiritual importance of America in the new > Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, to encourage, world order, the progressive character of > guide and instruct the believers in carrying divine Revelation, the station of the Báb, > out the provisions of the Will and Testa­ the release of spiritual forces for human > BA H Á ’Í LITERATURE 241 > > regeneration, and the non-political charac­ istrative bodies, and the virtue of chastity. > ter of the Baha’i Faith. 24 pp. It refers to the increasingly crucial charac­ > ter of the old order, and summons the > A merica and the Most Great Peace American believers to extend the Faith to > By Shoghi Effendi. A letter addressed to other nations. > American Bahd’is, dated April 21, 1933. > This communication summarizes the forty Spiritual Potencies of T hat > years of American Bahd’i History (1893- C onsecrated Spot > 1933), and develops in greater detail than This letter from Shoghi Effendi, dated Oc­ > in the preceding letter, the responsibility tober 25, 1939, conveys to the Bahd’is of > laid upon America in the divine plan for the the West the significance of the interment > establishment of universal peace. 28 pp. of members of Bahd’u’lldh’s Family near the > Shrine on Mount Carmel. 8 pp. > T he D ispensation of Bah A’u ’llAh > By Shogbi Effendi. A letter addressed to the Messages from the G uardian > Bahd’is of the West, dated February 7, 1934. Messages from Shoghi Effendi t>o the Ameri­ > In this letter the Guardian of the Baha’i can Bahd’is, between the years 1932-1940, > Faith clarifies, with numerous quotations written in the form of cablegrams and as > from Bahd’i sacred writings, the spiritual postscripts to letters written through his > station and mission of Bahd’u’lldh, the Báb, Secretary. This text has not been included > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and the nature of the World in "Bahd’i Administration” or "The World > Order which Bahd’u’lldh established. In Order of Bahd’u’lldh” but was published > this statement, prepared by the one author­ for the Bahd’is in "Bahd’i News.” 80 pp. > ized in ‘Abdu’l-Bahd’s Will and Testament > to be the sole interpreter of Bahd’i writings, T he Promised D ay Is C ome > students of the Faith possess the first com­ > By Shoghi Effendi. General communication > plete and authentic outline and summary > addressed to the believers throughout the > of the Bahd’i Faith in its development from > West, dated March 28, 1941. This work is > the Announcement of the Báb in 1844 to > a powerful exposition of the thesis that cur­ > the Administrative Order defined by > rent world events reflect the results of the > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd for the era following His > repudiation of the Message of the Báb and > departure from this world in 1921. 66 pp. > of Bahd’u’lldh by the religious and civil > leaders of this age. 130 pp. and Index. > T he U nfoldment of W orld > Civilization > G od Passes by > By the Guardian of the Faith. A letter > By Shoghi Effendi, with Introduction by > dated March 11, 1936, giving an analysis > George Townshend, Archdeacon of Clonfert > of the death of the old order and the birth > and Canon of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dub­ > of the new. 46 pp. > lin. The Guardian’s survey of the first cen­ > tury of the Bahd’i era: a vivid narrative of > T he W orld O rder of Bah A’u ’llAh > its history, presenting the Báb, Bahd’u’lldh > This book contains the seven successive and Abdu’l-Bahd in Their lives, Their mis­ > World Order letters from the Guardian. sions and Their written teachings and expo­ > February 1929 to March 1936. 226 pp. sition of the Faith; delineating the evolu­ > tion of the religion through its successive > T he A dvent of D ivine Justice stages; etching the heroism of its heroes and > A general letter written by Shoghi Effendi saints, and the motives of its enemies and > to the American Bahd’is, dated December betrayers; with a summary of the Bahd’i > 25, 1938. This communication emphasizes truths and principles against the background > the Bahd’i teachings in the encouragement of the time and place where these truths > and protection of racial and religious mi­ were given life and effect. (On the press at > norities, the quality of integrity in admin­ time of this writing.) > 242 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > 5. W ritings on the Bahá ’í Faith contemporary Persian scholar, the manu­ > script having been presented to the trans­ > T he D aw n -Breakers: N abi'l ’s lator by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Printed from the > N arrative of the Early D ays original plates by Cambridge University > of the Baha ’i' R evelation Press. 178 pp. > Translated by Shoghi Effendi. This work is > Baha ’u ’llah and the N ew Era > essential to a true understanding and appre­ > ciation of the spiritual character of the By J. E. Esslemont. An authoritative and > Bahá’í Faith. The text was written by an comprehensive survey of Bahá’í history and > eye-witness to many of the most moving teachings as related to present religious, sci­ > incidents of the early days of the Faith, and entific and social conditions in Europe and > contains a detailed account of the m artyr­ America, with many quotations from the > dom of the Báb on July 9, 18 50. The trans­ writings. New edition revised by the Na­ > lator has added an Introduction, a Conclu­ tional Spiritual Assembly under the direc­ > sion and footnotes which amplify the vivid tion of Shoghi Effendi. 3 50 pp. > narrative with important historical refer­ T he Bahá ’í Proofs > ences. 736 pp. Standard Edition, bound in > By Mírzá Abu’l-Fadl Gulpaygan. The bestleather. > known book of this Oriental scholar, philos­ > T ranslation of French Footnotes opher and disciple of Bahá’u’lláh translated > of the D a w n -Breakers into English. It presents the reality of the > Bahá’í Revelation as the true theology, with > Translated by Emily McBride Périgord. > a biographical outline of the lives of the > Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 288 pp. > A T raveller’s N arrative > Translated by Edward G. Browne, M.A., T he Promise of A ll A ges > M.B. The Episode of the Báb written by a By George Toivnshend. An important con- > > Bahá’í Book Exhibit. > An exhibit of Bahá’í books placed on view at the Dean Hobbs Blanchard Memorial > Library in Santa Paula, California. > BA H Á ’Í LITERATURE 243 > > tribution to the literature expounding the T áhirih the Pure > significance of the Baha’i Faith. The author By Martha L. Root. A study of the great > traces the true spiritual content of religion Bahd’i heroine by one who has travelled to > through the Dispensations of the past, to the places in Írán which are consecrated to > culminate in the World Order revealed by her memory. Miss Root’s book was com­ > Bahd’u’lldh. Originally published in London, pleted in India and published in that coun­ > England. American edition, 2 54 pp. try. > T he U niversal R eligion T he G lorious Kingdom of the > By Hippolyte Dreyfus. An introductory Father Foretold > work on the Baha’i Faith by a French Ori­ By Virgie Vail. A book dealing with proph­ > entalist, who translated many of the w rit­ ecy referring to the Cause of Baha’u’llah. > ings of Bahd’u’lldh. 176 pp. Bound in dark blue fabrikoid stamped in > gold. 262 pp. > T he H eart of the G ospel > A ppreciations of the Bahá ’í Faith > By George Toumshend. Helpful in present­ > ing the Faith to students of the Christian The series of remarkable statements made > Revelation. 188 pp. about the Cause by prominent persons in > many countries, which have been a feature > Security for a Failing W orld in successive volumes of The Baha’i World, > By Stanwood Cobb. A study of the Faith have been reprinted in pamphlet form. > as sole spiritual power able to overcome the Baha ’i' C entenary : 1844-1944 > political and economic differences of the > A volume compiled by the National Spiritual > nations today. > Assembly to commemorate the first century > T he C hosen H ighway of the Bahd’i era. Illustrated. Selections > from writings of the Báb, Bahd’u’lldh, > By Lady Blompeld. An intimate and heart- > ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and Shoghi Effendi. Articles > moving history of the Faith developed > narrating the development of Bahd’i activi­ > through the experiences of its Founder and > ties and institutions in North America since > the Center of His Covenant. > 1894 by a number of contributors. > Two Shall A ppear > 6. Bahá ’í R eprints > By Olivia Kelsey. A five act drama based The following titles provide reprints of > upon vivid scenes in the actual history of some of the passages in the Writings of > the Cause. Bahd’u’lldh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahd and Shoghi E f­ > R ace and Man fendi which throw clear light on important > current problems and situations. > Edited by Maye Harvey G ift and Alice > Simmons Cox. The most comprehensive No. 1. T he Image of G od > selection yet made of current writings on By ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Address delivered at the > race from non-Baha’i and Baha’i sources. Fourth Annual Conference of the National > Association for the Advancement of Col­ > A W orld Faith ored People. Chicago, April 30, 1912. 4 pp. > Studies in the Teachings of Bahá’u’lláh de­ > veloped by ten different contributors to a N o. 2. C hristians, J ews and > symposium published in World Order Mag­ Muhammadans > azine. 68 pp. By ‘Abdu’l-Bahd. Excerpts from address > delivered at Temple Emmanu-El, San Fran­ > Lessons in R eligion cisco, October 12, 1912. 8 pp. > By Shay kb Muhammad ‘Ali Qd’ini; Trans­ > lated by Edith Roohie Sanderson. Lessons N o. 3. Industrial J ustice > prepared especially for children by a Persian By 'Abdu’l-Bahd. An answer to a question > Bahá’i feacher. 98 pp. addressed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahd by Laura Clif- > 244 THE B A H Á ’1 C E N T E N A R Y > > ford Barney in 1907 and incorporated into dias and public organizations to be filed by > the work published under title of “Some An­ them for reference. Four-page folder, let­ > swered Questions.” 8 pp. terhead size. > > No. 4. R eligion a Living O rganism T he Bahá ’í Faith > By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpts from a letter By Horace Holley. Reprint of a magazine > addressed to the Baha’is of the West by the article explaining the nature of the Baha’i > Guardian of the Bahd’i Faith on March 21, community and outlining the history and > 1930. 8 pp. > teachings of the Faith. 14 pp. > No. 5. A Pattern for Future Society > T he Bahá ’í T eachings on > By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpt from a letter U niversal Peace > addressed to the Baha’is of the West by the > Guardian of the Bahd’i Faith on March 11, Reprint of statement submitted by the Na­ > 1936. 4 pp. tional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of > the United States and Canada to the United > No. 6. T he D estiny of A merica States Government in 1934 and to the Gov­ > By Shoghi Effendi. Excerpt from “The ernment of the Dominion of Canada in > Advent of Divine Justice,” a communica­ 193 5, as an authorized, authoritative and > tion irom the Guardian of the Bahd’i accurate explanation of the relation of > Faith, addressed to the Baha’is of the United Baha’is to war. 12 pp. > States and Canada, dated December 25, > A ssurance of Immortality > 1938. 8 pp. > A Compilation. A selection of passages > 7. Pamphlets from the Writings of Baha’u’llah and > ‘Abdu’l-Baha which create firm assurance > T he W orld R eligion that the spirit survives physical death and > A brief outline of the aims, teachings and is conscious of itself and of its new, heav­ > history of the Baha’i Faith, by Shoghi Ef­ enly environment. 4 pp. > fendi. > T he Baha ’i Movement > T he W orld Moves on to Its D estiny A statement of the history, purpose and > By Shoghi Effendi. A four-page leaflet re­ administrative principles of the Bahd’i Faith > printing excerpts from recent words of the reprinted from The Bahd’i World, followed > Guardian, including passages from The by excerpts from Bahd’i sacred writings. > Promised Day Is Come, explaining the spir­ 48 pp. > itual significance of the present worldstruggle. D eclaration of T rust > The Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of > T hree Spiritual T ruths for a the National Spiritual Assembly of the > W orld C ivilization Baha’is of the United States and Canada, > Words of Baha’u’lldh with explanation and with amendments adopted to April 1, 1933. > application to current conditions taken The legal instrument defining the nature > from the Guardian’s World Order letters. and functions of the institutions existing > Temple illustration as frontispiece. in the American Baha’i community, with > the By-Laws approved for use by Local > Bahá ’í T eachings for a W orld Faith Spiritual Assemblies. (Reprinted from “Ba­ > A compilation briefly outlining the Baha’i hd’i Administration.” ) 24 pp. > principles. 16 pp. > T he O neness of Mankind > T he W orld Faith of Baha ’u ’llah By Hussein Rabbani. An exposition of the > A brief outline and summary of the Faith Bahd’i teachings on the unity of races. > prepared for newspaper editors, encyclope­ 24 pp. > B A H Á ’Í LITERATURE 245 > > Victory of the Spirit available Bahá’í texts in the English lan­ > By Dorothy Baker. Presenting the Faith as guage, classified according to their source. > the power to regenerate personal life and A guide to the literature for all Baha’i stu­ > remold society. 24 pp. dents. Paper pamphlet, eight pp. > > Baha ’i' Principle of Civilization Baha ’i' Procedure > By Horace Holley. How the unifying spirit Compiled by the National Spiritual Assem­ > of divine truth is creating the future so­ bly. A compilation and codification of sec­ > ciety. 32 pp. ondary administrative material. Revised > edition 1942. 116 pp. > T he Spiritual Meaning of A dversity > Formerly under the name of Tests., Baha ’i' Study C ourse > By Mamie L. Seto. 2 8 pp. An invaluable aid for individual students > of the Teachings and for Baha’i Communi­ > T he Lesser and the Most Great Peace ties and Groups who desire to follow a defi­ > By George O. Latimer. nite course of study. The Course may be > A discussion of the evolution of World Peace obtained with or without the two books > from Political to Spiritual civilization. 32 pp. needed for reference. > T he Manifestation T he D ispensation of Baha ’u ’llah > By Albert P. Entzminger. Expounds the Compiled by the Study Outline Committee. > central mystery of religion: the relation of > the Messiah or Law Giver to God, and His Study O utline for the Kitáb-i-Í qán > relation to man. 32 pp. > (Bahá’u’lláh’s Book of Certitude) by Horace > R eligion and the N ew A ge Holley. Revised edition 1942, 6 pp. > By George Towns bend. This New Age is Study G uide for T he D a w n -Breakers > marked oif from previous eras by the knowl­ > edge of the Unity of God. 24 pp. An aid for classes and individuals in making > a careful study of this historical work. > Feast D ay and A nniversary Calendar 34 pp. > This four-page, card-size pocket reference > contains the list and the dates of the Bahd’i Study C ourse Based on Baha ’u ’llah > and the N ew Era > Anniversaries, Festivals, Days of Fasting, > Holy Days on which work should be sus­ By Gertrude Robinson. 8 pp. > pended, dates of the Nineteen Day Feasts, > and the Guardian’s letter of explanation. Information A bout the Baha ’i' > H ouse of W orship > Bahá ’í T emple , H ouse of W orship A source book prepared for Temple guides. > of a W orld Faith > 48 pp. > Statements on the meaning, architecture, > construction and history of the Bahd’i Study O utline on Public Speaking > House of Worship at Wilmette. 34 pp. Prepared by Study Outline Committee. 4 pp. > Illustrated. > Study O utline on the E ssential > T he Bahá ’í T emple . 16 pp. > Principles of Creative W riting > Illustrated teaching pamphlet in smaller size. > Prepared by Study Outline Committee. 7 pp. > 8. O utlines and G uides for Baha ’i' > Study O utline and A ids for T he > Study C lasses > A dvent of D ivine J ustice > Classification of Bahá ’í Study Sources Prepared by Study Outline Committee 1942. > By William Kenneth Christian. A list of all 26 pp. > 246 THE B A H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Introduction to the Study of the 10. Baha ’i' Literature in Foreign > Q ur ’an Languages > Prepared by Study Outline Committee 1942. Spanish > 25 pp. Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era > Muhammad a n £> the Founding Some Answered Questions > of Islam > Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahd > Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh > By Study Outline Committee. 36 pp. > French > D eepening the Spiritual Life > Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era > By Horace Holley. 4 pp. Le Vrai Baha’i > Les Sept Vallées. Seven Valleys in French. > T he W orld O rder of Baha ’u ’llah > 44 pp. > By Horace Holley. 5 pp. Les Paroles Cachées. Hidden Words in > French. 52 pp. > Fundamentals of Bahá ’í Membership > L’Economie Mondiale de Bahd’u’lldh. By > Prepared by Study Outline Committee. Horace Holley. 32 pp. > 11 pp. > Chinese > Study O utline and A ids for Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era > W orld O rder Some Ahswered Questions > Introduction to the Bahá’í Teachings. A ten > Dutch > lesson study course by Mamie L. Seto. > Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era > Prepared by Study Outline Committee. Let­ > ters of Shoghi Effendi. Paper cover, 70 pp. Russian > Bahd’u’lldh and the New Era > Index to Bahá ’í N ews > Kitáb-i-íqán > A key to the contents of Bahd’i News from > December, 1924 to November, 1933: No. 1 Esperanto > to No. 79. 58 pp. Parolado de Báb. Words of the Báb ad­ > Index to Bahá ’í N ews > dressed to Letters of the Living. 4-page > leaflet. > A key to the contents of Bahd’i News from > 1934 to 1936: No. 80 to No. 104. 2 5 pp. Icelandic > Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era. > 9. C hildren ’s C ourses > Creation . How to present the theme of 11. Periodicals > divine creation to small children. With pic­ W orld O rder > tures. Fifteen lessons. A monthly magazine, the public organ of > To Live the Life . Lessons and stories, the National Spiritual Assembly, of the > with cutouts of the Temple. Twenty-four Bahd’is of the United States and Canada. > lessons for children of six to ten. It aims to clarify the vital elements of the > Bahd’i Faith in relation to the problem of > Study C ourse for Bah A’u ’llah and social regeneration. First issue April, 1935. > the N ew Era for children. Vol. I April 1935-March 1936. Vol. II > C omprehensive Study O utline for April 1936-March 1937. Vol. Ill April > Children . In three parts, Creation, Pro­ 1937-March 1938. Vol. IV April 1938- > gressive Revelation, Bahd’i World. Twenty- March 1939. Vol. V April 1939-March > five lessons. For children in intermediate 1940. Vol. VI April 1940-March 1941. > and upper grades. Vol. VII April 1941-March 1942. Vol. > VIII April 1942-March 1943. Vol. IX April > C hild ’s Prayer Book. 36 pp. 1943-March 1944. > B A H Á ’Í LITERATURE 247 > > T he Baha ’i Magazine relations of the Bahd’i Faith to present-day > Founded in 1910 as Baha’i Netvs, later pub­ world problems. Each volume illustrated > lished as Star of the West. Name changed with many photographs. Bound in cloth. > to World Order, April 1935. The back Volume I, for the period April, 192 5-April, > numbers and bound volumes of this pe­ 1926. Published under the title of "Baha’i > riodical form an important part of the stu­ Year Book.” 174 pp. > dent’s library of Baha’i literature. Vols. I, Volume II, April, 1926-April, 1928. 304 pp. > II and III incomplete. Vols. IV to XXV in Volume III, April, 1928-April, 1930. > half leather. 378 pp. > Volume IV, April, 1930-April, 1932. > 12. T he Bahá ’í W orld 548 pp. > Prepared by an International Editorial Com­ Volume V, April, 1932-April, 1934. 712 pp. > mittee under the direction of Shoghi Ef- Volume VI, April, 1934-April, 1936. > fendi. The record of international Baha’i 772 pp. > activity; lists of Baha’i centers in America, Volume VII, April, 1936-April, 1938. > Europe and the East; Bibliographies of Ba- 916 pp. > há’i literature in various languages; trans­ Volume VIII, April, 1938-April, 1940. > lations of many important selections from 1088 pp. > the text of BaháVlláh, the Báb and ‘Abdu’l- Volume IX, April, 1940-April, 1944, on the > Bahá; and general articles dealing with the press. > PART N I N E > > APPRECIATIONS OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH > > A lfred W. Martin said deserves—nay, compels—our respectful > Excerpts from Comparative Religion and recognition and sincere appreciation. > the Religion of the Future, pages 81-91. . . . Taking precedence over all else in its > gospel is the message of unity in religion. > > I NASMUCH a5 a fellowship of faiths is at > once the dearest hope and ultimate goal of > . . . It is the crowning glory of the Baha’i > movement that, while deprecating sectarian­ > ism in its preaching, it has faithfully prac­ > the Bahd’i movement, it behooves us to take tised what it preached by refraining from > cognizance of it and its mission. . . . Todaybecoming itself a sect. . . . Its representa­ > this religious movement has a million and tives do not attempt to impose any beliefs > more adherents, including people from all upon others, whether by argument or brib­ > parts of the globe and representing a re­ ery; rather do they seek to put beliefs that > markable variety of race, color, class and have illumined their own lives within the > creed. It has been given literary expression reach of those who feel they need illumina­ > in a veritable library of Asiatic, European, tion. No, not a sect, not a part of human­ > and American works to which additions are ity cut off from all the rest, living for itself > annually made as the movement grows and and aiming to convert all the rest into ma­ > grapples with the great problems that grow terial for its own growth; no, not that, but > out of its cardinal teachings. It has a long a leaven, causing spiritual fermentation in > roll of martyrs for the cause for which it all religions, quickening them with the spirit > stands, twenty thousand in Persia alone, of catholicity and fraternalism. > proving it to be a movement worth dying . . . Who shall say but that just as the > for as well as worth living by. little company of the Mayflower, landing > From its inception it has been identified on Plymouth Rock, proved to be the small > with Bahá’u’lláh, who paid the price of pro­ beginning of a mighty nation, the ideal > longed exile, imprisonment, bodily suffering,germ of a democracy which, if true to its > and mental anguish for the faith he cher­ principles, shall yet overspread the habitable > ished— a man of imposing personality as globe, so the little company of Baha’is exiled > revealed in his writings, characterized by from their Persian home may yet prove to > intense moral earnestness and profound be the small beginning of the world-wide > spirituality, gifted with the selfsame power movement, the ideal germ of democracy in > so conspicuous in the character of Jesus, thereligion, the Universal Church of Mankind? > power to appreciate people ideally, that is, > to see them at the level of their best and to D r . H enry H. J essup, D.D. > make even the lowest types think well of From the World’s Parliament of Religion; > themselves because of potentialities within Volume II, 13 th Day, under Criticism > them to which he pointed, but of which and Discussion of Missionary Methods, > they were wholly unaware; a prophet whose page 1122. At the Columbian Exposi­ > greatest contribution was not any specific tion of 1893, at Chicago. Edited by the > doctrine he proclaimed, but an informing Rev. John Henry Barrows, D.D. (The > spiritual power breathed into the world Parliament Publishing Company, Chi­ > through the example of his life and thereby cago, 1893.) > quickening souls into new spiritual activity. This, then, is our mission: that we who > Surely a movement of which all this can be248 are made in the image of God should re- > APPRECIATIONS OF THE B A H Á ’Í FAITH 249 > > member that all men are made in God’s there is no true sense of proportion. I have > image. To this divine knowledge we owe never met any one concerned with the phi­ > all we are, all we hope for. We are rising losophies of life whose judgment might seem > gradually toward that image, and we owe so reliable in matters of practical conduct. > to our fellowmen to aid them in returning My regret is that my meetings with him > to it in the Glory of God and the Beauty of were so few and that I could not benefit by > Holiness. It is a celestial privilege and with a lengthier contact with a personality com­ > it comes a high responsibility, from which bining a dignity so impressive with human > there is no escape. traits so engaging. > In the Palace of Bahji, or Delight, just I wish that he could be multiplied! > outside the Fortress of ‘Akká, on the Syr­ > ian coast, there died a few months since, a C harles H. Prisk > famous Persian sage, the Bábi Saint, named Editor, Pasadena Star News > BaháVlláh—the "Glory of God”— the head > Humanity is the better, the nobler, for > of that vast reform party of Persian Mus­ > the Bahd’i Faith. It is a Faith that en­ > lims, who accept the New Testament as the riches the soul; that takes from life its dross. > Word of God and Christ as the Deliverer of > I am prompted thus to express myself > men, who regard all nations as one, and all > because of what I have seen, what I have > men as brothers. Three years ago he was > heard, what I have read of the results of the > visited by a Cambridge scholar and gave > Movement founded by the Reverend Bahá- > utterance to sentiments so noble, so Christ- > ’u’lldh. Embodied within that Movement > like, that we repeat them as our closing > is the spirit of world brotherhood; that > words: brotherhood that makes for unity of > "That all nations should become one in > thought and action. > faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds > Though not a member of the Bahá’i > of affection and unity between the sons of > Faith, I sense its tremendous potency for > men should be strengthened; that diversity > good. Ever is it helping to usher in the > of religions should cease and differences of > dawn of the day of "Peace on Earth Good > race be annulled. What harm is there in > Will to Men.” By the spread of its teach­ > this? Yet so it shall be. These fruitless > ings, the Bahd’i cause is slowly, yet steadily, > strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, > making the Golden Rule a practical reality. > and the ‘Most Great Peace’ shall come. Do > With the high idealism of Bahá’u’lláh as > not you in Europe need this also? Let not its guide, the Bahá’í Faith is as the shining > a man glory in this, that he loves his coun­ > light that shineth more and more unto the > try; let him rather glory in this, that he > perfect day. Countless are its good works. > loves his kind.” For example, to the pressing economic prob­ > H erbert Putnam lems it gives a new interpretation, a new > Librarian of Congress solution. But above all else it is causing > peoples everywhere to realize they are as one, > The dominant impression that survives > by heart and spirit divinely united. > in my memory of ‘Abdu’l-Baha is that of > And so I find joy in paying this little trib­ > an extraordinary nobility: physically, in the > ute to a cause that is adding to the sweet­ > head so massive yet so finely poised, and the > ness, the happiness, the cleanness of life. > modeling of the features; but spiritually, in > the serenity of expression, and the sugges­ > Prof. H erbert A. Miller > tion of grave and responsible meditation in > the deeper lines of the face. But there was In World Unity Magazine > also, in his complexion, carriage, and ex­ The central drive of the Baha’i Move­ > pression, an assurance of the complete health ment is for human unity. It would secure > which is a requisite of a sane judgment. And this through unprejudiced search for truth, > when, as in a lighter mood, his features re­ making religion conform to scientific dis­ > laxed into the playful, the assurance was covery and insisting that fundamentally > added of a sense of humor without which all religions are alike. For the coming of > 250 THE B A H A ’I CENTENARY > > universal peace, there is great foresight and your kind thought of me, and for the inspi­ > wisdom as to details. Among other things ration which even the most cursory reading > there should be a universal language; so the of Bahd’u’llah’s life cannot fail to impart. > Baha’is take a great interest in Esperanto What nobler theme than the "good of the > though they do not insist on it as the ulti­ world and the happiness of the nations” > mate language. No other religious move­ can occupy our lives? The message of uni­ > ment has put so much emphasis on the versal peace will surely prevail. It is use­ > emancipation and education of women. less to combine or conspire against an idea > Everyone should work whether rich or poor which has in it potency to create a new > and poverty should be abolished. . . . What earth and a new heaven and to quicken > will be the course of the Bahd’i Movement human beings with a holy passion of service. > no one can prophesy, but I think it is no (In a personal letter written to an American > exaggeration to claim that the program is Baha’i after having read something from > the finest fruit of the religious contribution the Braille edition of "Bahd’u’lldh and the > of Asia. New Era.” ) > . . . Shoghi Effendi’s statement cannot > be improved upon. The Baha’is have had D avid Starr J ordan > the soundest position on the race question > of any religion. They not only accept the Late President of Stanford University > scientific conclusions but they also imple­ ‘Abdu’l-Baha will surely unite the East > ment them with spiritual force. This latter and the West: for He treads the mystic > is necessary because there is no other way way with practical feet. > to overcome the emotional element which > is basic in the race problem. . . . Ex -G overnor W illiam Sulzer > I have not said enough perhaps in the While sectarians squabble over creeds, > first paragraph. Please add the following: the Bahd’i Movement goes on apace. It is > The task of learning to live together, growing by leaps and bounds. It is hope > though different, is the most difficult and and progress. It is a world movement— > the most imperative that the world faces. and it is destined to spread its effulgent > The economic problem will be relatively rays of enlightenment throughout the earth > easy in comparison. There are differences in until every mind is free and every fear is > the qualities of cultures but there are no banished. The friends of the Bahd’i Cause > differences in qualities of races that corre­ believe they see the dawn of the new day— > spond. This being recognized by minorities the better day— the day of Truth, of Jus­ > leads them to resist methods of force to tice, of Liberty, of Magnanimity, of Uni­ > keep them in subordination. There is no versal Peace, and of International Brother­ > solution except cooperation and the grant­ hood, the day when one shall work for all, > ing of self-respect. and all shall work for one. > Miss H elen K eller (Excerpt from the Roy croft Magazine) > The philosophy of Bahd’u’lldh deserves > the best thought we can give it. I am re­ Luther Burbank > turning the book so that other blind people I am heartily in accord with the Bahd’i > who have more leisure than myself may be Movement, in which I have been interested > "shown a ray of Divinity” and their hearts for several years. The religion of peace is > be "bathed in an inundation of eternal the religion we need and always have needed, > love.” and in this Bahd’i is more truly the religion > I take this opportunity to thank you for of peace than any other. > R E F E R E N C E S TO T H E BAHA'I F A I T H > IN BOOKS A N D PAMPHLETS > Adams, Rev. Isaac: Persia by a Persian, Dos Passos, John: Between Journeys. > 1900. Edwards, Arthur Cecil: A Persian Caravan. > Andrews, Fannie Fern: The Holy Land Harper, New York, 1928. > Under Mandate. Houghton Mifflin Com­ Ehrenpreis, Marcus: The Soul of the East. > pany, Boston, 1931. Viking Press, New York, 1928. > Annual Report, by Near East College Asso­ > Ellwood: Reconstruction of Religion. > ciation, 1930-1931. > Encyclopaedia Britannica. > Atherton, Gertrude: Julia France and Her > Times. Stokes and Co., New York, 1912. Encyclopedia of the Social Sciences, Vol. 7, > Atkins, Gaius Glenn: Modern Religious Macmillan, New York, 1932. > Cults and Movements. Fleming Revell, Ferguson, Charles W.: The Confusion of > New York, 1923. Tongues. Doubleday, Doran and Co., > Barrows, Rev. John Henry: The World’s Inc., Garden City, New York, 1928. > Parliament of Religions. 2 Vols. The Gazvini, M. J.: A Brief History of Bahd’- > Parliament Publishing Co., Chicago, 1893. u’lldh, the Founder of the Bahd’i Religion. > Baudouin, Charles: Contemporary Studies. San Diego, Calif., 1914. > Fr. trans., E. and C. Paul. E. P. Dutton, Gibbons, Herbert Adams: Wider Horizons. > New York, 1925. Century Co., New York, 1930. > Bell, Archie: The Spell of the Holy Land. Hammond, Eric: The Splendor of God. E. > The Page Co., Boston, 1915. P. Dutton & Co., New York, June, 1919. > Benjamin, S. G. W.: Persia and the Persians. Harmon, W. W.: Microcosm, Macrocosm. > Ticknor & Co., Boston, 1886. By the Author, Boston, 1915. > Bentwich, Norman: The Religious Founda­ > Harrison, Marguerite: There’s Always To­ > tions of Internationalism. George Allen > morrow. Farrar and Rinehart, New York, > & Unwin, London, 1933. > 1935. > Bibesco, Princess G. V.: The Eight Paradises. > Harry, Myriam: A Springtide in Palestine. > English translation. E. P. Dutton, New > Houghton Mifflin, Boston, 1924. > York, 1923. > Higgins, Harold H.: Shadows to the Unseen. > Chapman, John Jay, and His Letters, by > The Driftwood Press, Montpelier, Vt., > M. E. De Wolfe Howe. Houghton Mifflin, > 1937. > Boston, 1937. > History of the nineteenth Century Year by > Columbia Encyclopedia. Columbia Univer­ > Year. 3 Vols. (See page 1131.) P. F. > sity Press, New York, 1935. > Collier & Son, New York, 1902. > Cowles, Alton House: The Conquering > Horsemen. Christopher Publishing Co., Holmes, John Haynes: Palestine: Today and > 1923. Tomorrow. Macmillan, New York, 1929. > De Lorey, Eustache and Sladěn, Douglas: Hoover, W. I. T.: Religionisms and Chris­ > Queer Things About Persia. Lippincott, tianity. The Stratford Co., Boston, 1924. > Philadelphia, 1907. Hubbard, Elbert: Selected Writings. Vol. X. > Dodd, Edward M. and Rose Wilson Dodd: Jessup, Henry Harris: Fifty-three Years in > Mecca and Beyond. Committee on United Syria. Fleming Revell, New York, 1910. > Study of Foreign Missions. Jewett, Mary: Reminiscences of My Life in > Donaldson, Dwight M., D.D., Ph.D.: The Persia. Torch Press, Cedar Rapids, 1909. > Shi’it e Religion. Luzac Co., London, Jordan, Rev. F. M.: The Muhammadan > W.C. 1, 1933. World of To-day, 1929. > 252 THE BA H Á ’Í CENTENARY > > Kennedy, J. M.: The Religions and Philoso­ Sinclair, Upton: The Profits of Religion. > phies of the East. Werner Laurie, London, Pasadena, 18. > 1911. Spear, R. E.: Missions and Modern History. > Keyserling, Hermann: Travel Diary of a 2 Vols. > Philosopher. Harcourt, Brace & Co., New Spengler, Oswald: The Decline of the West > York, 1925. —Perspectives of World History. Alfred > Kohn, Hans: A History of Nationalism in Knopf, 1928. > the East. Harcourt, Brace, New York, Stark, Freya: Baghdad Sketches. E. P. D ut­ > 1929. ton and Co., Inc., 193 8. > Linton, Bishop J. H., D.D.: Persian Titus, Murray T.: The Young Moslem > Sketches. London. Looks at Life. New York, Friendship > Malcolm, Napier: Five Years in a Persian Press. > Town. E. P. Dutton, New York, 1907. Todd, A. J.: Theories of Social Progress. > Martin, Alfred W.: Comparative Religion Macmillan & Co., New York, 1924. > and the Religion of the Future. Appleton Vail, Albert: Heroic Lives. Beacon Press, > Co., New York, 1926. Boston, 1917. > Matthews, J. B., and Duvall, Sylvanus M.: Vaughan, John Gaines: Religion, a Com­ > Conflict or Co-operation, A Study Out­ parative Study. Abingdon Press, Cincin­ > line. The American Committee, World nati, 1919. > Youth Peace Congress. New York, 1928. Walstrum, Mary Price: The Nineteenth and > Miller: Bahd’ism: Its Origin, History, Twentieth Centuries Reminiscences. Dor­ > Teachings. Fleming Revell Co., New rance & Co., Philadelphia, Í935. > York, 1931. Watson, Albert Durant: Birth Through > Miller, Herbert A.: The Beginnings of To­ Death. McClelland & Stewart, Toronto, > morrow. F. A. Stokes, New York, 1932. 1920. > Miller, Janet: Camel-Bells of Baghdad. Watson, Albert Durant: The Poetical > Houghton, New York, 1934. Works of. Ryerson Press, Toronto, 1924. > Pemberton, L. B.: A Modern Pilgrimage to Watson, Albert Durant: The Twentieth > Palestine. Dorrance & Co., Philadelphia, Plane. George W. Jacobs & Co., Phila­ > 1925. delphia, 1919. > Randall, John Herman: A World Com­ Wells, Lady Dorothy: Beyond the Bospho­ > munity. F. A. Stokes, New York, 1930. rus. > Reinach, Salomon: A History of Religions. Wilson, Rev. S. G.: Bahd’ism and Its > Religious Bodies, 1926: Department of Claims. Fleming Revell Co., New York, > Commerce, Bureau of the Census. 2 1915. > Vols. Washington, D. C., 1929. Wilson, Rev. S. G.: Persian Life and Cus­ > Rudhyar, D.: Cycle of Culture and Sacri­ toms. Fleming Revell Co., New York, > fice. Harbinson and Harbinson, Oceano, 1895. > Calif. Wood, Clement: The Outline of Manys > Rudhyar, D.: Synthetic Drama As a Seed of Knowledge. Grosset and Dunlap, New > Civilization. Harbinson and Harbinson, York, 1927. > Oceano, Calif. World Fellowship, edited by Charles F. > Rudhyar, Dane: The New World Religion. Weller. Liveright Publishing Co., 193 5. > Article in American Astrology for No­ Zwemer, Samuel M.: Islam, a Challenge to > vember, 1939. Faith. New York, 1907. > ACKNOWLEDGMENTS > > T h e articles and data which have gone into the making of this Centenary book have > been contributed by a number of Bahd’i workers, and the National Spiritual Assembly > makes grateful acknowledgment. In addition, the book reprints selected passages from > Bahd’i literature already published, and these selections are each identified in the text. > > In Part Three, “The Baha’i Faith Comes to America” is by Garreta Busey; “ ‘Abdu’l- > Bahá in America” was written by Marzieh Gail for “The Baha’i World” several years > ago. > > In Part Four, “Formation of an Organic Religious Community” is by Horace Holley; > “Bahd’i Properties” by George O. Latimer. > > Part Five: The articles on the subject of the Temple are by Horace Holley, Corinne > True, Carl Scheffler and Allen B. McDaniel. > > Part Six: Corinne True and Mariam Haney provided information for the list of be­ > lievers who made pilgrimage to ‘Akka and Haifa. “Persian Teachers Sent to America,” > by Fannie Lesch. Data for “The Development of Baha’i Publications” was provided > by Mary Lesch, Albert R. Windust, Horace Holley, and Clara R. Wood. “Bahd’i Teach­ > ing in North America” : “Early Years” by Thornton Chase; “ 1894-1911” and “ 1912- > 1921” by Mariam Haney; “ 1922-1936” by George O. Latimer; “ 1937-1944” by Leroy > Ioas; “Eastern Canada” from information compiled by Anne Savage, Ernest Harrison, > and Elizabeth Cowles; “Western Canada” by Rowland Estall; “Baha’i Teaching in Latin- > America to 1940” by Loulie A. Mathews; “Baha’i Teaching in Latin-America 1940- > 1944” by Nellie S. French; “Baha’i Teaching for Race Unity” by Louis G. Gregory; > “The Bahd’i Faith Presented to Colleges” by Dorothy Baker; “Teaching at the House > of Worship” from data compiled by Mary Haggard. > > Part Seven: “Bahd’i Schools”— “Green Acre” by Bahiyyih Randall Ford; “Geyserville” by Leroy Ioas; “Louhelen” by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick; “International” by > Loulie A. Mathews. > > Part Eight: “The American Bahd’i Community,” data compiled by Sophie Loeding; > “Bahd’i Sacred Relics,” reported by the National Archives Committee through Edwin > W. Mattoon. > > Foreword and Introduction by Horace Holley. > > — *The Baha'i Centenary, 1844-1944 (Used by permission of the curator)*