--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.
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.
Jinab-i-Fadil expressed gratitude for the Divine Favor which
permitted his presence in so brilliant a gathering, uniting various races and
nations of East and West and demonstrating what the Baha’i Cause came to
establish in the world. The prophets and Manifestations of the past sacrificed
their lives to bring to people a knowledge of the glories of this day. The
Cause is growing. One kind of progress is visible. All can see it with the
outer eye. But the second kind of progress is that which is due to the
invisible Confirmations of the Spirit. He related two incidents, one that of a
Christian clergyman in the West who ably defended the Baha’i Cause against
attacks, and another in the East, where a very able and eloquent Sufi leader
has recently embraced the Heavenly Cause. Jinab-i-Fadil referred very tenderly
to his own last meeting with Abdu’l-Baha.
Among other speakers at the banquet were many who had
recently returned from the Holy Shrines and who radiated with voice and mien
those inspiring scenes. Mountfort Mills spoke of the passing of ‘Abdu’l-Baha as
the greatest calamity to the world; yet it is most inspiring to be with Shoghi
Effendi and to see how he is now grappling with world problems. Dr. Susan I.
Moody, back in America after fifteen years in Persia, declared that it all
seemed to her like a dream. But now, she said, I have time to give only the
loving messages showered by the Persian friends. She spoke of the great
services rendered by the American friends in Persia, Miss Stewart and the late
Miss Lillian Kappes and Dr. Sarah A. Clock. Before her own journey to Persia
she had had three memorable days with ‘Abdu’l-Baha at Aka, who told her it
would require much patience to accomplish her task. She reported that the
school for girls, which started with thirty, now numbers three hundred. Although
she is now here, yet her spirit is still in Persia. She concluded by paying a
warm tribute to Shoghi Effendi, whom she had recently visited.
Mon. H. Dreyfus-Barney of Paris expressed the hope that the
time would soon come for the holding of an international Baha’i Convention to
help our Guardian in the accomplishment of his noble purposes. An agenda should
be an incident of such a body and all questions to be raised should be stated
three months in advance, so as to be referred back to the countries represented
for mature consideration.
Mirza Ali Kuli Khan spoke of the great servants of the
Cause, Miss Sarah J. Farmer and Mirza Abu’l Fazl, with whom he had labored at
Green Acre a quarter of a century ago. He contrasted the restraints and
opposition then with the tolerance and freedom of the present. When the Master
was sending me to America twenty-five years ago he gave me various
instructions. “Let there be unity, harmony and agreement among the believers
about me and my mission of service. I am only the servant of Baha’u’llah. But I
am under the special protection of Baha’u’llah, who protects me from error.”
Twenty-five years later, Shoghi Effendi uses similar words to me about himself
and the protection and guidance of the Master, in order that there may be
perfect unity and harmony among the friends about himself. Both Shoghi Effendi
and the Universal House of Justice are under the special protection of
‘Abdu’l-Baha. What can be greater than to be protected by ‘Abdu’l-Baha from
error? With a new application, the words of ‘Abdu’l- Baha twenty-five years ago
and those of Shoghi Effendi today are the same.
Stanwood Cobb emphasized the great power of love found in
the new day and exemplified in the life of Shoghi Effendi.
Mrs. S. Schopflocher said, if I were to try to deliver all
the greetings from the Oriental friends it would take many hours. But the
greatest love comes from Shoghi Effendi, who wishes us to realize unity and
harmony and not simply to talk them. I am sure this will live in my memory
always. She pictured the spiritual atmosphere and the profusion of flowers
which seemed to pervade all things in that consecrated spot. She also told of
Professor Forel, the great scientist of Switzerland, who is now making strong
protests to the European nations against the persecutions of the Baha’is in
Persia. She gave a brief account of her invasion of Persia in a Ford car and of
the Mashriqu’il Adhkar of Askabad and felt convinced that with the completion
of such a structure in America there would come a Confirmation that nothing
else could bring. She reported Askabad transformed through the presence of the
great temple.
Following the reading of a beautiful prayer by Miss Jessie
Revell, Mother Beecher spoke, eloquently portraying the transforming effect of
Divine Love.
Mrs. Edna Belmont told of meeting on her last visit Shoghi
Effendi, with whom she had played as a child, this being her first meeting
since his appointment as Guardian. She perceived his greatness and recognized
his mastery.
Mrs. Frankland of San Francisco said this is all so real
that all the evening I have been in Haifa. She voiced cordial greetings from
the California friends.
Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher reported the great services of
Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn who, in Australia, on a continent full of race
prejudice, can now count 150 confirmed believers. Shoghi Effendi, he declared,
wants us to consider the point of view of the other fellow and to forget
ourselves. Mrs. Grace Krug said that three years ago in mingling with the
beloved friends, she told of the wonderful funeral of ‘Abdu’l-Baha. “Tonight I
can tell you of Shoghi Effendi, who wishes heavenly unity to be realized by
every heart.”
Devotional
On Sunday morning an informal devotional service was held.
It was led by Albert Vail, who laid stress upon the important provision of the
Most Holy Book to read the verses of God morning and evening. He referred to
Shoghi Effendi as the inspired translator of an inspired book. Mirza Ali Khan
delivered a brilliant address on immortality.
The Baha’i Congress
On Sunday afternoon the congress for teaching opened with
the general subject: “The Dawn of Peace.” Howard MacNutt presiding, referred to
the expression, “This is a heavenly meeting,” so often used by ‘Abdu’l-Baha
when addressing audiences in America. Universal peace is the apex, he said; but
the fundamental teaching is the oneness of humanity. Dr. Alain LeRoy Locke of
Washington, D.C., delivered a polished address, portraying the great part which
America can play in the establishment of world peace, if alive to its
opportunity. The working out of social democracy can be accomplished here. To
this end we should not think in little arcs of experience, but in the big,
comprehensive way. Let our country reform its own heart and life. Needed
reforms cannot be worked out by the action of any one group, but a fine sense
of cooperation must secure universal fellowship. He praised Green Acre, which
he declared to be an oasis in the desert of materiality. He urged all who were
favored by this glorious experience to carry forth its glorious message and
thus awaken humanity. In final analysis, peace cannot exist anywhere without
existing everywhere.
Miss Juliet Thompson, representing Mme. D’Arcis, President
of the World Union of Women for International Concord, spoke upon her favorite
theme of peace. The world, she said, was sick unto death and we must understand
its symptoms before prescribing a cure. The movement represented by Mme.
D’Arcis is an effort to amalgamate the women of the world for ideal and lasting
peace; but this can be realized and established only by the Manifestations of
God. She then read an address of Mme. D’Arcis, upholding many of the Baha’i
ideals.
William H. Randall, speaking to the subject, “The Dawn of
Peace,” declared that we must change our whole relation to life before we can
bring about peace. Only love can change the condition of hearts. Without this
magnetic power we cannot, either outwardly or inwardly, bring to pass the
fellowship that is enduring. We need to subdue the tiger that is in all of us,
more or less. The Holy Spirit of Abha is the great bounty, inaugurating
religion for the whole world and laying the foundation of harmony that will
endure for all time.
Informal Conference
On Sunday evening preceding the convention, according to the
wise suggestion of Shoghi Effendi, the delegates and friends met in an informal
conference to consider matters that might arise during the formal sessions of
the convention. Alfred E. Lunt presided, saying that it is blessed to obey the
wishes of Shoghi Effendi. Ideas advanced by speakers in this gathering of true
consultation were many. Among them, that the way to create an atmosphere of
unity that would attract the Divine Power and Guidance was to be severed from
mere human processes and methods; that no name of a single person should be
mentioned in the election, but that everyone should have a free voice; that
frankness from hearts of love should be voiced and felt. Instead of applause in
the usual way, the use of the Greatest Name was approved. The universal aspects
of the Cause should be upheld and things of a sectarian nature avoided. The
qualifications of membership upon the National Spiritual Assembly were
considered and the highest possible standards of spiritual, mental and moral
experience and proficiency approved. No one should decline or resign if
elected. Explanation of the importance of maintaining the National Baha’i Fund;
the Mashriqu’il Adhkar and the importance of its completion; solid and hearty
support of those called to service, were among other ideas approved by this
luminous and loving conference. Most of them were prompted by Shoghi Effendi,
whose two recent letters were read with reverent attention.
The Convention
The convention was opened by a chant by Jinab-i-Fadil and
the reading of the letter of June 30 from Shoghi Effendi, which called for
selfless devotion. In brief words Jinab-i-Fadil expressed the hope that the
unity of the friends would attract Shoghi Effendi to America; that the
convention should be held in various cities so as to favor more than one
section with this blessing; that the progress of the Cause implied intensive
teaching, and that the radio and the film of ‘Abdu’l-Baha should be used as
adjuncts of teaching.
The convention organized by the election of Mountfort Mills,
chairman, and Horace Holley, secretary. The National Spiritual Assembly, acting
as a credentials committee, reported the presence of seventy delegates, also
expressing regret that the full quota of ninety-five was lacking, owing to the
absence of some delegates from the Western assemblies.
Jinab-i-Fadil, Dr. Susan I. Moody and Mon. H. Dreyfus-Barney
were elected honorary delegates, representing Persia and France respectively.
Mon. Dreyfus-Barney reported progress of the Cause in France. He commended the
progress of Green Acre and expressed the hope that like all other activities,
it might come under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. He
upheld the wisdom of the creation of the National Baha’i Fund, which he
compared to the budget of a state. The existence of nine national spiritual
assemblies were recognized as follows: The United States and Canada, Persia,
Germany, Great Britain, India and Burma, Egypt, Caucassus, Turkestan and
Iraq.
The chairman read an extract from the News Letter saying:
“In all elections the believers must be entirely free from personalities and
thus purify the Cause from every trace of human policies.”
The report of the National Spiritual Assembly for the year
1924-5 was read by the secretary, Horace Holley. It was the first of such
reports ever rendered in such form and made a profound impression. It was a
condensation of the minutes of this great body for eleven meetings covering a
period of fourteen months, showing in succinct, graphic and beautiful phrases
the strides made by the Cause, the activities of its committees or arms of
service, the fields covered by the national teachers, the relief extended
Persia, the convention for amity between the races held in Philadelphia, the
connection with the various assemblies of the Cause, its reliance upon the
Guardian and the spirit of harmony which characterized its deliberations. The
convention showed its approval by a vote of thanks.
The report of the National Treasurer, Mrs. Florence Morton,
was made. It covered the period from April 1, 1924, to March 31, 1925. Among
other interesting items it shows that the Assembly of Washington, D.C., has
been the largest contributor to the national fund. A vote of unanimous thanks
was recorded.
A friend reported the wishes of Shoghi Effendi to the effect
that one activity should not suffer at the expense of others. It was voted to
follow out the wishes of Shoghi Effendi, the idea being that while the
individual wishes of contributors shall always be respected, it is preferable
to make contributions unlabeled, so that they may go to the National Baha’i
Central Fund.
Hooper Harris, regional chairman of the Northeastern States
Teaching Committee, read a letter from Dr. John Herman Randall with regrets and
loving greetings. He urged intensive teaching, declaring that the hour had
struck for unity throughout the world. Mr. Harris also reported the teaching
convention held in Boston and recommended the establishment of forums upon
which various living questions can be discussed as a means of spreading the
Cause.
Mrs. Louise D. Boyle, speaking for the vast region of the
Southern states, gave a fascinating description of the scattered friends and of
the efforts to widen their circles. Her statements were supplemented by Miss
Klebs, Mrs. Kehler and Mr. Oglesby.
Albert Vail reported for the Central states the teaching
convention held in Chicago and of the classes started for the training and
instruction of young teachers. He reported the increasing and urgent need of
teachers, both of the resident and travelling kind and of the wisdom necessary
to meet the points of view of various truth-seekers in spreading the message.
His report was supplemented by Mr. Black of Pittsburg.
George Latimer, acting chairman of the Regional Teaching
Committee of the Pacific States, told of the recent activities of Jinab-i-Fadil
and of the convention for amity among all races held in San Francisco last
spring.
The Congress, Monday Evening
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler, presiding, urged the great need of
teaching, as nothing else, she said, would relieve the sorrow and suffering of
the world. With the coming of a new spiritual springtime, God creates in the
hearts a capacity to receive His glorious message. The general subject of the
evening was, “The Economic Foundation of World Brotherhood.”
Prof. Leslie P. Hill of Cheyney Institute, made an address
so remarkable in its beauty and power that it drew the audience to its feet
with great applause. If I were to speak out of my heart, he said in part, which
I want the privilege of doing, I am convinced that I cannot add to what has
already been said or augment what has been done. I am the beneficiary of what
has been so lovingly given. I can see no height greater than that reached and
so beg to take with me the memory of these sweet faces, the wise counsel of
your convention and the spirit of fellowship that overwhelms me. Thus beginning
in a major note, the speaker descended to an eloquent minor pathos in his
powerful portrayal of the woes of mankind, scourged by economic oppression and
ruin and buffeted by prejudices of race, stirring the deepest emotions of
sorrow and laughter by turns, and returning at the close to the major note of
light, love and hope. He exhorted suffering humanity not to strike back but to
believe in God. He paid an eloquent tribute to Jesus of Nazareth, Baha’u’llah
and ‘Abdu’l-Baha. To many of the friends, his address was a revelation of
certain conditions in our own land.
Mrs. Kehler said, How just the arraignment of this
unforgettable address! Although we have carried our civilization to the ends of
the earth, yet it is soulless, and in our arrogance must we turn to the lowly
and weak to get our spiritual lessons. We burn with zeal to lighten the burdens
of those who suffer.
George Latimer, the next speaker, reviewed some of the
efforts to untangle the economic skein and to relieve suffering and oppression
in Europe and elsewhere. He decried the prevailing system which crushes its
victims, at the same time upholding the Baha’i ideals of cooperation and
conciliation. He made many humorous sallies to prove the inadequacy of the old
order. ‘Abdu’l- Baha said that the odium attached to manual labor must be
removed. The man who works is as valuable as the man who prays. He assailed
vast combinations of capital used for selfish ends and declared that the state
of master and man, badge of industrial slavery, must go. He drew a picture of a
new and greater Green Acre, where the Divine Civilization would appear as a
model for the world.
The Convention, Second Day
Howard MacNutt spoke of the teaching work in the Far West
and of the visits paid isolated friends. One of these lived in the desert of
Arizona, in a spot where no rain had fallen for seven years.
Carl Scheffler, secretary of the Mashriqu’il Adhkar Committee,
presented a complete and admirable report. At the beginning he read a letter
from Myron Potter, chairman. He also read Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and epistles
of Shoghi Effendi bearing upon the work. This report was divided into sections
which traced the early history, beginning with the purchase of the land, the
selection of the Bourgeois model and its history, the contract with the
architect, the approval of ‘Abdu’l-Baha of this model after the selection by
the convention, the status of the present Bourgeois house upon the temple
grounds (a beautiful structure which will finally be either taken over by the
friends as an accessory building to the temple or removed at option), the
engineer’s contract, plans to beautify the grounds and also to make the home of
the very faithful caretaker more habitable, the exemption of the present
structure from taxation, the present valuation of buildings and grounds, about
ten times the original cost, the plan to paint the foundation through a gift of
paint from Mr. Schopflocher, plans for the enlargement of the present heating
plant for better preservation, and the estimated cost of cleaning up the
present indebtedness and of completing the structure. This report was received
with great approval and the convention pledged $9,000 to remove the present
indebtedness.
On motion of Mrs. Kehler the thanks of the convention was
voted the retiring National Spiritual Assembly.
Instructions of Shoghi Effendi regarding elections were
placed before the convention by Mrs. May Maxwell. These were, in effect, to
take into consideration the whole body of the Cause in America, to love deeply,
to avoid political suggestion and to seek Guidance. It should be borne in mind
that the believers are the only body of people in the world to whom God has
promised to guide their deliberations and to confirm their decisions.
A succession of ballots resulted in the election of the
following members of the new National Spiritual Assembly: Horace Holley, Mrs.
Florence Morton, Siegfried Schopflocher, Mountfort Mills, Roy C. Wilhelm, Allen
B. McDaniel, Carl Scheffler, Mirza Ali Kuli Khan and Mrs. Amelia Collins.
Another ballot showed the election of alternate members to the National
Spiritual Assembly as follows: Alfred E. Lunt, Mrs. A.S. Parsons, William H.
Randall, Mrs. May Maxwell, George Latimer, Louis G. Gregory, Mrs. Elizabeth
Greenleaf, Mrs. Mariam Haney and Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler.
The convention voted a message of appreciation and
encouragement to the Temple architect, Louis Bourgeois. Messages of devoted
love were also cabled by the Convention to Shoghi Effendi and the eight other
National Baha’i Assemblies.
William H. Randall, addressing the Convention, said: You are
welcome to Green Acre, which is blessed by your presence. It was the wish of
‘Abdu’l-Baha that Green Acre should become a Baha’i center, and that people
might come here and see a Baha’i home. Spiritually, Green Acre is now under the
jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly; but that this should be
expressed in form as well as spirit is the wish of Shoghi Effendi. The
indications are that as soon as certain legal changes can be made and the
matter voted, Green Acre will be officially joined to the body of the Baha’i
Cause in America. No human difficulties can keep apart that which God has
joined together. In the plant there have been great improvements and much
increase in valuation during ten years. We are now working toward the ideal of
‘Abdu’l- Baha, who paid Green Acre a wonderful tribute upon returning to Aka
after his American tour. Many of the friends have made great sacrifices in the
direction of a larger and more glorious Green Acre.
The Publishing Committee, reporting through its chairman,
Mr. Randall, stated that this activity was self-supporting. Mrs. Romer was reported
as a fine addition to their work. A new catalogue of books is soon to be
issued. A prayer book and Volume 2 of “The Promulgation of Universal Peace,”
are among the new publications.
The Congress, Tuesday evening
Miss Margaret Randall presided and Mrs. Mary Lucas sang. The
chairman said, It is a great pleasure to stand before you as one enrolled in
the great army of Shoghi Effendi. She then read the Words creative of the new
springtime.
Miss Wagner of Philadelphia, under the general subject of the
evening, “The Awakening of Youth,” unfolded the Dallas plan of education, now
used in Philadelphia. This plan, in brief, adapts the work to the abilities of
the students as individuals, and while giving full play to individual
initiative and industry, yet maintains group consciousness and the spirit of
cooperation. It presents many novel advantages.
Albert Vail spoke with his usual charm. If we lived always
in night or winter our ideas of life would be quite vague. Now must we become
alive to the light and warmth of a glorious new day. The great educators have
appeared upon the horizon of the world. The wondrous men are the Prophets of
God, who reveal and correlate the intellectual, moral and spiritual processes
of education which will give to all beings endless light. He then described
with beauty the educational work of Moses, Jesus, Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha,
showing how superior they were to all the wise men and philosophers of the
world. In future, schools will be so attractive that pupils will run to them
instead of away from them. There is a glorious crowning beauty in the new
spiritual education. The vision of God is so beautiful that men will be ashamed
of littleness and narrowness. Apprehending the Divine Unity men will realize
the purpose of existence. They will live their lives so perfectly as to
visualize the alluring gardens of the Glory of God.
Convention, the Third Day
Mrs. May Maxwell, chairman, reported the activities of the
Canadian teaching committee. The work in Montreal, St. Johns, N.B., Toronto,
and Vancouver, and the increase of numbers were described. Spiritualists,
Theosophists, and Unitarians were among those attracted. The visits of Dr. John
Herman Randall, Mrs. Kehler and other teachers to Montreal were commended.
Classes formed by Mrs. Greenleaf and the teaching convention were a great
success. Alexander De Levier, one especially adapted to it, has started a work
among the Esquimaux. Mrs. Amelia Collins told of a trip to Iceland, Lapland and
other Scandinavian countries, used for teaching and the distribution of Baha’i
literature.
Mrs. Mariam Haney told of the entertainment for several
days, by Washington friends, of delegates to the Women’s International League
of Peace and Freedom. Professor Stanwood Cobb, reporting for the Baha’i
Magazine, told of the efforts of the staff to make the magazine universal,
fulfilling the wishes of Shoghi Effendi. He appealed for increase in the number
of subscriptions and for the contribution of articles by the friends. It was
further suggested that a way to help the magazine was to purchase the bound
volumes. The price of additional copies to be given to inquirers has been
reduced to ten cents. A vote of thanks was extended the editors and managers.
Mrs. A.S. Parsons, chairman, reported for the Committee on
Amity Conventions. She told of the instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and the
preparations for the first amity convention at Washington, also gave a brief
review of those that have followed, culminating in the last at Philadelphia.
She thought, in view of the instructions of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, repeatedly warning of
dangers, and the pathetic and tragic talk of Mr. Hill at this congress, all
ought feel inspired to help. The efforts to remove the distressing conditions
caused by human prejudices is divinely assisted. The Chairman of the Convention
added a word, deprecating the hostile propaganda aimed at fomenting prejudices.
Harlan F. Ober reported for the Baha’i Village Committee a
plan worked out by Mrs. Victoria Bedikian that may be feasible in future. It
was complete with many commendable suggestions.
Miss Elizabeth Hopper, for the Library Committee, reported
that between 450 and 500 libraries of the country had responded favorably to
the inquiry sent out and had requested Baha’i books. Between 800 and 900
libraries in many parts of the country are now supplied.
Mrs. Coristine, for the Reviewing Committee, reported six
manuscripts reviewed during the year.
Mrs. Frankland extended an invitation from the Pacific Coast
Assemblies to hold the 1926 Convention in San Francisco.
General Consultation
The convention, with Mr. Lunt as chairman, now resolved
itself into a committee of the whole for consultation with the new National
Spiritual Assembly. Mrs. Howard Ives, Hooper Harris, and George Latimer made
talks showing the great possibilities of the teaching work under the Divine
Plan. Albert Vail spoke of the necessity of some training in public speaking,
the study of comparative religions, the history of the Cause, and of the method
of approaching different groups in the most effective way with the message. He
referred to the American addresses of ‘Abdu’l-Baha as ideal in method.
Jinab-i-Fadil said that each believer should strive to make at least one
believer during a year.
The Congress, Wednesday Evening
Jinab-i-Fadil, the first speaker, enlivened the proceedings
by humorous accounts of his teaching experiences throughout America. He showed
how unconscious people are of their own prejudices and called upon everyone to
abandon them both for the sake of their own ideal progress as well as the
attainment of human fellowship.
Harlan F. Ober, speaking to the general theme of the
evening, “The Oneness of Humanity,” reviewed his teaching experiences in India
with an American friend as companion and the difficulties and dangers that were
faced on account of the prejudices of the people. He felt that conditions were
far less difficult in America and that light and hope were now apparent
everywhere through the might and power of God.
Mirza Ali Kuli Khan made one of his brilliant addresses on
the general theme. He felt that human solidarity was now an assured reality,
since the Creative Power had set it in motion and it was decreed for the earth
in Heavenly Realms. He commended the progress of the colored race in America,
which he had observed in meeting their leaders and expressed the hope that,
relying upon God and His great Cause, they would look with confidence to the
future.
Convention, Fourth Day
Mrs. Frankland, for the committee on the revision of the
prayer-book and the collection of prayers, reported progress.
The archives committee reported many original Tablets of
‘Abdu’l-Baha, also translations and letters of Shoghi Effendi and of the
Greatest Holy Leaf, as well as cablegrams, received during the year for record
and safe keeping.
Mr. Lunt reported for the magazines Baha’i World Fellowship
and the Children of the Kingdom, recently merged. He voiced high appreciation
of Miss Ella Roberts and Mrs. Victoria Bedikian and felt that the union of the
two magazines meant an increasing power to serve not only the dear children but
the world of humanity as well.
Howard Ives presented a financial plan for the building of
the Mashriqu’il Adhkar, suggesting that the outlay of a sum less than two
dollars per week on the part of each American believer in the course of a year
would net a sum almost sufficient to build the next section of the temple. Mrs.
Boyle mentioned the relation between the temple and teaching and urged that the
Bourgeois model be used as an asset to the teaching.
The friends were now called forward to share rose leaves
sent by Shoghi Effendi from Haifa.
El Bab, Memorial
As this date, July 7, was the anniversary of the martyrdom
of the Great Bab, it was ordered that a memorial meeting be held. Addresses in
commemoration were made by Albert Vail and Jinab-i-Fadil, the former on the
mystery of sacrifice and the latter in high eulogy of this great character,
whom he described as one of the greatest Manifestations that ever came to
mankind. But martyrdom, he said, is found not only in being killed. When we so
lose ourselves in God as to find selflessness, that is martyrdom.
A Persian flag, with the lion and the sun, was unfurled by
Dr. Susan I. Moody, who eulogized Miss Lillian Kappes, Dr. Sarah Clock and Miss
Stewart for their glorious services in Persia. She told further of the growth
of the School of Tarbiat, the promise of ‘Abdu’l-Baha for its success and of
the circulation of the book of subscriptions among Persians, Englishmen and
Americans.
Announcement of the first Baha’i school at Green Acre for
the training of teachers, to be conducted by Albert Vail, was here announced.
And here it may be stated that this school has awakened an enthusiasm and has
discovered among the friends, especially those who are timid, a capacity for
giving the message and proofs that is all very pleasing. It will be continued
throughout the season.
Impressions
The consensus of opinion seemed to be that the Convention of
1925 attained to a new standard in the history of such gatherings. It bore no
trace of in harmony, and there was a perfect equilibrium between the various
activities of the Cause, no one being rated out of proportion to the value of
all the others. The frankness of viewpoint, the proficiency of committees and
the accuracy of their reports, the confidence and understanding among the
delegates and friends, the endurance of the long physical strain which business
imposed, the patience, sweetness and unity of the atmosphere, the deep
impression made upon strangers, the many new faces present, all seemed to
indicate that the friends have profited by the experiences of the past and have
attained, we hope, to the good pleasure of our Glorious Lord. The Convention
seemed adorned with His Light and Glory, and perhaps a new period has come in
the history of the Divine Cause by which the hearts are cheered and the realm
of humanity blessed.
Louis G. Gregory,
Convention Reporter.