Issue no. 7, September 1925: Green Acre Fulfilling its Spiritual Destiny

The Green Acre Fellowship at its annual meeting in August voted a special resolution, the result of which will be that Green Acre in August, 1926, will come under the direct supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly, and its unique tradition and splendid resources will be joined to the Baha’i Cause in North America. It is the great significance of Green Acre that it brings an opportunity of applying the Baha’i spirit and principles to the most practical problems of daily life, besides affording a most adequate platform for the spread of the Message in a dignified and universal way. This action on the part of the Fellowship is a truly gratifying indication that a new period of expansion has opened for the Cause.

Several Committees are already engaged in planning for an increase of the activities of Green Acre and details will be published in an early number of the News Letter.

Issue no. 7, September 1925: News of the Cause

The first fruits of the beautiful Green Acre Convention was the cordial invitation extended fey Dr. Leslie P. Hill that a Baha’i teacher be sent to speak at the National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools at Durham, N.C.

A letter from Dr. Hill informs us of the success of this trip:

“I want to let you know how deeply grateful I am that the N.S.A. decided to send Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler to Durham on July 29, 30 and 31st. Mrs. Ransom-Kehler arrived at the very beginning of these meetings and stayed through to the end. She spoke at Departmental meetings and made an address on Thursday evening before the whole Association. She was heard not only by the colored teachers in attendance but by the United States Commissioner of Education and a number of white superintendents, supervisors and specialists in our field.

“Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, moreover, in addition to her speeches, made a large number of direct personal contacts, and in that way made a more intensive impression. It was our general feeling that she was not only brilliant in her discussion of the whole big question before us, but that she brought to our cause a sincerity and a courageous consecration that touched the hearts of all who heard her. I believe that she created many centers of influence from which the light and the truth will spread.”

Issue no. 7, September 1925: National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada

Mountfort Mills: Chairman

Roy C. Wilhelm:  Vice Chairman

Horace Holley: Secretary

Florence Morton: Treasurer

Amelia Collins

Ali Kuli Khan

Allen McDaniel

Carl Scheffler

Siegfried Schopflocher

Office of the Secretary

169 Christopher Street

New York City

Office of the Treasurer

5 Wheeler Avenue

Worcester, Mass.

Issue no. 7, September 1925: National Baha’i Fund

The following summary has been prepared from the fully itemized and complete Annual Report presented by Mrs. Florence Morton, Treasurer, to the 1925 Convention.

This Annual Report covered the period from April 1, 1924, to March 31, 1925, as in the case of all previous financial statements.

The National Baha’i Fund represents several different funds, the records of which are kept as separate accounts in the office of the Treasurer, disbursements from each fund being according to the nature of the fund itself. In the current Annual Report, the records include: Central Fund, Teaching Fund, Temple Fund, Publishing Fund, and Special Fund for relief of the Nayriz flood sufferers.

On April 1, 1924, the then Treasurer, Mr. W.H. Randall, had on hand the following amounts: Central Fund, $1,483.17; Teaching Fund, $386.00; Temple Fund, $1,191.23; Publishing Fund, $1,033.65. These sums were turned over to Mrs. Florence Morton after her election to the office of Treasurer by the National Spiritual Assembly established at the 1924 Convention.

From April 1, 1924, to March 31, 1925, the contributions received were as follows:

Central Fund, $11,977.21; Teaching Fund, $589.95; Temple Fund, $20,179.62; Publishing Fund, $497.63; Special Nayriz Fund, $3,818.11.

The total of all contributions received during the year was $37,062.52. Adding the amounts on hand, April 1, 1924, or $4,094.05, the National Baha’i Fund in 1924-1925 held a total of $41,156.57.

Issue no. 7, September 1925: Change of Address of NSA

Beginning with October 5th, 1925, all letters and telegrams intended for the National Spiritual Assembly should be addressed as follows:

National Baha’i Assembly,

Office of the Secretary,

Green Acre, South Eliot,

Maine, U.S.A.

Cablegrams from foreign countries should be addressed “Baha’i,” New York.

The 169 Christopher Street address which has been used during the past seventeen months was placed at the disposal of the National Spiritual Assembly through the courtesy of Miss Nellie Lloyd.  

Issue no. 7, September 1925: Temple Committee

The detailed report presented by the Temple Committee to the recent Convention is now being published and copies will very shortly be placed in the hands of every recognized believer in the United States and Canada and also of Baha’i Assemblies in other countries.

This report contains a complete financial statement of all receipts and expenditures made in connection with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar at Wilmette. It contains a complete summary of the Temple activities since their inception in 1909, including the matter of the architect’s contract, statements by the engineer, and photographs of the Foundation Hall and Mr. Bourgeois’ studio on the Temple grounds.

From the remarkable effects produced by this report upon the delegates, it is certain that its publication will effectively stimulate a new and deeper spirit of devotion for the continuance of this edifice dedicated to the Glory of God.

Issue no. 7, September 1925: Teaching Committee

The following statement has been prepared by Mr. Albert Vail, secretary of the National Teaching Committee, and outlines the plans of the five regional chairmen for the coming year:

“At the recent National Convention at Green Acre it was resolved that we make an effort to build the Temple such as has not yet been known and that we teach the Cause with a universality, a wisdom, a spiritual radiance and power which will ignite all America. Shoghi Effendi has told us in many letters that now is the time to make a superhuman effort to teach the Cause and to live a life pure and severed and radiant and divine ‘so that the power of God in us may fill the world with all its glory.’

“The new National Teaching Committee at its first meeting, after the Convention at Green Acre, worked out a series of plans to make this, if possible, the greatest teaching year in all Baha’i history. First of all, it was realized that we need many more teachers. As ‘Abdu’l-Baha wrote some years ago, ‘There is need of a thousand teachers, each one severed from the world, attracted by the Holy Spirit in the Celestial Concourse and joyful through the Kingdom of God and in perfect sanctity, holiness and sufficiency (independence of spirit.)’

Issue no. 7, September 1925: Announcement

Since the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly by the Guardian of the Cause, the activities of the believers throughout the United States and Canada have centered around that body more and more. The responsibility placed upon the members, already considerable, will increase steadily, with the growth of the Cause itself.

For some time it has been apparent to those in touch with this phase of the work that there is urgent need for a central office with a secretary able to devote all of his time to the correspondence and other duties incumbent upon the National Spiritual Assembly.

The difficulty of finding a person with the necessary qualifications and at the same time so situated that he could enter upon this service with the compensation which could be voted at the present time, has been a serious obstacle to the establishment of this necessary office.

The National Spiritual Assembly is happy to announce that arrangements have been made whereby, early in October, a central office will be opened at Green Acre, South Eliot, Maine.

Issue no. 6, July-August 1925: A Message from Shoghi Effendi to the 1925 Convention

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.

Issue no. 6, July-August 1925: Letter from Shoghi Effendi

To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout the West.

My dear friends: --

From various reliable reports, recently received from Persia, it is becoming increasingly evident that this most unhappy country is passing through yet another crisis of extreme violence and far-reaching results. The growing instability of its affairs, the unceasing turmoil caused by conflicting personalities and factions, the economic stagnation of the country, are all signs that are highly disquieting to every well-wisher of Persia. These evidences of discontent may conceivably lead to an upheaval that might react most unfavorably on the fortunes of the Movement in Persia.

Already the exigencies of the present political life of the country have brought about a gradual recrudescence of religious fanaticism which, in its stubbornness and ferocity, can hardly find a parallel even in the semi-civilized countries of the world. I have just received a communication addressed by the secretary of the Qaghan Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly of Persia, dated January 7th, and recording the following facts: --

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.

Members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada

--Issue No. 6 July-August 1925:

Mountfort Mills: Chairman

Roy C. Wilhelm: Vice Chairman

Horace Holley: Secretary

Florence Morton: Treasurer

Amelia Collins

Ali Kuli Khan

Carl Scheffler

Siegfried Schopflocher

Office of the Secretary

169 Christopher Street

New York City

Office of the Secretary

169 Christopher Street

New York City

Office of the Treasurer

5 Wheeler Avenue

Worcester, Mass.

Message from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 6 July-August, 1925:

Dear Baha’i Friends:

We are all greatly indebted to Mr. Louis Gregory for the detailed report of the Convention appearing in this issue of the News Letter. For those unable to attend, Mr. Gregory’s faithful description will, in part at least, recreate a succession of truly significant days in the history of the Baha’i Cause in America. Those who were present will appreciate the fidelity with which a trained observer recorded the essential features of the sessions, enriching our personal memory and enlarging our individual observation of the moving scene.

Surely, every delegate and visitor will agree that it was not merely by what the delegates accomplished but even more by the underlying spirit not to be expressed wholly in word or deed, the Convention at Green Acre measured a distinct advance over any similar occasion held in past years.

For the first time, the delegates became a truly consultative body deliberating in turn upon every phase of the activities, with the result that the work of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly can more faithfully than ever reflect the unified wisdom and experience of all the friends. The new responsibility placed upon the delegates by Shoghi Effendi should, in fact, continue undiminished until the next Convention, contributing vital strength to the National Assembly and linking its members more closely to the hearts of the believers throughout Canada and the United States.

From the Writings

--Issue No. 6 July-August, 1925:

There is a power in this Cause, a mysterious power, far, far, far away from the ken of men and angels. That invisible power is the source of all these outward activities. It moves the hearts. It rends the mountains. It administers the complicated affairs of the Cause. It inspires the friends. It dashes into a thousand pieces all the forces of opposition. It creates new spiritual worlds. This is a mystery of the Kingdom of Abha.

- Abdu’l-Baha