A Message from Shoghi Effendi to the 1925 Convention

Issue No. 6 July-August 1925: 

To the beloved of God and the handmaids of the Merciful, the delegates and visitors to the Baha’i Convention, Green Acre, Maine, U.S.A.

Fellow-Laborers in the Vineyard of God:

Once again the hand of divine power has gathered together the chosen representatives of the American believers, assembled this time amid the pleasant surroundings of a blest and beloved spot, to deliberate upon the most effective measures that will ensure the advancement of the Cause of Baha’u’llah. I feel it a pleasure and privilege to offer you these few thoughts as my humble contribution to the proceedings of your annual Convention.

May I at the outset reaffirm my feelings of gratitude and keen appreciation for the eminent share which the friends in America, individually as well as by their collective efforts, have contributed to ease the burden of responsibility and care that has so often oppressed my heart. Your steadfastness, your unsparing devotion; your self-sacrifice in upholding and fostering the institutions of the Cause; the notable advance you have achieved in the coordination of your activities; the remarkable solicitude you have shown, and the magnificent response you have made on behalf of the oppressed and needy among your brethren; the measures you have initiated, the hindrances you have removed and the means and methods you have perfected -- these and others beside have established you in the confidence, the esteem and the admiration of all the Baha’i world. I personally appreciate and am thankful for your unfailing supplications and special prayers on my behalf. I am deeply touched by your expressions of unwavering faith, of loyalty and affection, and fully reciprocate your brotherly sentiments and your keen desire and readiness to collaborate with me more closely and effectively than ever before.

Foreign Baha’i News

Issue No. 6 July-August 1925: 

General letters received from the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa dated January 19th, February 7th, March 2nd and March 21st, bring a necessarily brief but most interesting survey of Baha’i activities throughout the Orient.

“The Baha’i ladies in Ishqabad have arranged a special course of study for young women, and marked progress has been achieved. The number of students is increasing and the prospect is very bright.

“As the result of the visit of one of the teachers to Cairo, a new spirit has been infused into the assembly of the friends and new committees and associations have been formed. The ignorant and fanatical element in one of the towns in lower Egypt have recently lodged a complaint against the Baha’i Movement in the Moslem Religious Court in Cairo, claiming that those who embrace this new movement have thereby deprived themselves of the privilege of the Moslem Faith. The case has been heard several times but no decision has as yet been rendered.

“From Merv, Russian Turkistan, we learn that the two local Baha’i schools are rendering excellent service. A special committee interested in the progress and advancement of women has been established and an increasing group of young women are taking advantage of these new educational facilities.

The Baha’i Magazine for July

--Issue No. 6 July-August 1925:

The Baha’i Magazine, Star of the West, in editorial reference to the recent trial of the theory of evolution in Tennessee, quotes illuminating passages from the words of Abdu’l Baha showing the true relation between science and religion. From month to month, in fact, the editors are taking advantage of current events to point out strikingly the fulness with which the Baha’i teachings satisfy the sincere seeker unable to accept either extreme of truth as commonly presented.

The contents of the July issue also include: Truth -- and Its Counterfeit Aspect, by Alfred E. Lunt; The Holy Grail of the Ages, by D.S. Cole; A Conference for World Unity at San Francisco, March 20-22, 1925, by Professor J.V. Breitwieser; Conquest of Prejudice, by Jinab-i-Fadil; In Quest of Truth, a drama given at the Third Baha’i Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, by Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlege; and A Notable Fellowship Dinner, by Mrs. Nellie S. French.

Member of Spiritual Assembly of Persia Visits American Baha’is

--Issue No. 6 July-August 1925:

During June the National Assembly received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi:

“Doctor Youness Kahn, distinguished member Persia’s Assembly, visiting American Baha’is. Expecting far-reaching results from consultation with him. Praying for successful Convention.”

Dr. Youness has now arrived, and will be present at the next meeting of the National Assembly. He plans to remain in the United States during August and, meanwhile, will visit as many Assemblies as possible. Our Baha’i brother was sent to Europe by the Persian government on an official mission in connection with his position as physician of the Military School of Persia, and at Shoghi Effendi’s suggestion extended his journey to include a visit to the American Baha’is. It was the privilege of the New York Assembly to have Dr. Youness present at the Nineteen-day Feast, held after the return of the delegates from Green Acre.

Dr. Youness feels profoundly the need for closer material and spiritual association between the Baha’is of Persia and the United States, and we hope to publish in the next News Letter his message to the American friends. Thoroughly familiar with the need of modern industrial developvelopments [sic] in his native land, Dr. Youness is most enthusiastic over the possibilities of new and permanent forms of cooperation between the believers of the two countries. While in America, he is studying hospital methods in modern institutions of New York and Boston.

Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 6 July-August 1925: 

On July 25 the National Spiritual Assembly received the following cabled message from Shoghi Effendi, sent through Bahiyyih Khanoum: --

“Guardian wires following: Heartily endorse Convention’s choice. May America’s National representatives fulfill our fondest expectations. Resumption Temple building operations conditioned, upon raising full sum of four hundred thousand dollars. Abundant blessings shall crown your self-sacrifice. -- Shoghi.”

(signed) Bahiyyih.

The reference to the Temple in this message is the Guardian’s answer to the following cablegram sent him by the Convention delegates: “Convention contributed sufficient pay all remaining Temple obligations including bank loans. Lovingly request your instructions next step Temple building plan.”

The Seventeenth Annual Convention and Baha’i Congress

--Issue No. 6 July-August 1925:

The time and place of the seventeenth annual convention were such as to lend a unique interest and charm. Green Acre, rustic in scenes, beautiful in location, famous for its universal spirit, was the place selected. These rural scenes were a pleasing departure from the background of a large city, hitherto inseparable from such an event. The season of summer, July 4 to 9, enabled many to use the time usually allotted to vacation, to attend. The annual banquet, usually held during the festive season of Ridvan, attracted one of the largest gatherings ever seen on such an occasion.

Alfred E. Lunt, for long years the sturdy and faithful servant of the Cause, presided with accustomed grace. William H. Randall, chairman of the Board of Green Acre Trustees, voiced hearty welcome to all visitors on the part of the Green Acre Fellowship. This event, he said, brings joy to every heart, as it is a true expression of the universal fellowship for which Green Acre stands. It is a great and glorious bounty. The journey ends where love meets! May all your wishes be fulfilled by those of us who love to serve this magnificent gathering!

The chairman referred feelingly to the time, thirteen years ago, when ‘Abdu’l-Baha walked around Green Acre, the vision he had of a greater Green Acre and the Creative Words which the Master spoke. These are precious memories. He directed the friends year by year to come to this favored spot and to show forth such love for each other that all the surrounding country would be astonished.