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

Seventeenth Annual Convention of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada: Green Acre, Maine, July 6th, 7th and 8th, 1925 – Message from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 5 May-June 1925:

“I am deeply convinced that if the annual Convention of the friends in America, as well as the National Spiritual Assembly, desire to become potent instruments for the speedy realization of the Beloved’s fondest hopes for the future of that country, they should endeavor, first and foremost, to exemplify, in an increasing degree, to all Baha’is and to the world at large the high ideals of fellowship and service which Baha’u’llah and the beloved Master repeatedly set before them.”

- Shoghi Effendi.

Dear Baha’i friends:

By a thousand avenues, visible and invisible, the reality of the heavenly kingdom is rapidly entering the arena of human action and thought. Even those who know not its manifest source have become aware of what mighty powers are striving to regenerate humanity in this day, and there is not one soul, no matter how unconscious it may be, but has become an instrument either for the destruction of the old evil or the promotion of the new, divine good.

So resolutely have liberal minds the world over taken up the task of establishing the fundamental Baha’i principles that it is possible even for the sincerest believer occasionally to ask himself what the little company of Baha’is can accomplish comparable in importance with the effort of these well-endowed and noble men and women. But no group or association of individuals anywhere in the world has our special and unique privilege of creating that complete, unbreakable unity which is born of God. Clearly before our feet we may from day to day perceive those paths of conscious faith leading upward from the darkness of earth’s sad battleground to the heavenly dwelling place of the Most Great Peace. Pass though they may dire places and grievous tests avoided as calamities by the spiritually ignorant among mankind, nevertheless, we know that these paths were marked by the feet of the True One, and none who treads them to the end will miss the cup of abundant joy.

Letter from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 5 May-June 1925:

To the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.

My Dearly-beloved Fellow-Workers:

The communications lately received from your distinguished secretary, dated January 8th, February 6th and 13th, and March 17th, together with the enclosed minutes, reports and letters, have been read with profound interest and genuine satisfaction. The methods you pursue, the new measures for publicity which you have adopted, the increasing confidence you have achieved, and the degree of support, both moral and financial, which you have deservedly earned from the body of the believers are all encouraging signs that testify to the growing solidarity of a Cause destined to confer inestimable benefits upon mankind.

Great as is the promise of the Movement for the future, it has already revealed in a remarkable manner to every unprejudiced observer its indomitable spirit of loving sacrifice and true fellowship burning with undiminished ardor in the breasts of its followers both in the land of its birth and in the great Republic of the West. The heroism and fortitude lately displayed by its sorely-tried adherents in Persia, and the prompt and generous contributions of the American believers who have spontaneously responded to the call of their needy brethren of the East have served to kindle the flame of enthusiasm in many a heart, and forged fresh bonds of fellowship which will prove of the highest value for the advancement of the Baha’i Faith. I would specially request you to convey to all the friends in the name of the oppressed Baha’is of Persia, and particularly the homeless sufferers of Nayriz, the expression of their deepest gratitude and highest appreciation. May America’s noble donations draw even as a magnet the blessings of the Almighty Giver upon the task it has set itself to achieve!

Letter from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 5 May-June 1925:

To the esteemed members of the American National Spiritual Assembly, care of the secretary, Mr. H. Holley, New York City.

My Well-Beloved and Precious Fellow-Workers:

I have perused your recent communication, dated December 29th, and signed on your behalf by your vigilant and capable secretary, with an interest and attention worthy of the paramount importance of the issues it raises.

The matter of the revision of the English version of the Hidden Words, in view of the rapidity of the sale of the copies recently printed, is of urgent importance. I shall as soon as my multitudinous pre-occupations permit avail myself of the opportunity of Dr. Esslemont’s happy sojourn in the Holy Land to collaborate with him in any necessary alterations of the text. I strongly hope, except in the event of unforeseen circumstances, to undertake this task in the course of this coming month.

In connection with the fundamental questions of general policy referred to in your letter, I feel that the basic principles, laid down but briefly stated in my past letters, which must guide the administration of the affairs of the Baha’i Movement, pending the definite formation of the first authoritative Universal House of Justice, must be further affirmed, elucidated, and explained in greater detail, for the complete knowledge of all the individual members of the vast and growing community of the believers in America.

In Memoriam

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

The Community Church at Fruitport, Michigan, was the scene of an impressive Baha’i service held on January 12th for one of the beloved members of the Fruitport Assembly, Mrs. Emmaline King, who passed away on January tenth requesting with her last breath that at her funeral the words of Baha’u’llah and ‘Abdu’l-Baha be read, and that the Baha’i teaching concerning the immortality of the soul be explained to those attending the funeral. This service was conducted by Mr. Albert Windust of the Chicago Assembly, who states that it was a most remarkable experience. Those present were deeply moved by the spirit of conscious faith which they felt in the reading of the Baha’i words.

On the morning of January 27th our beloved brother Thomas Copeland, of Duluth, ascended to the life of reality after nearly three years of suffering. He was attracted to the Cause in 1918 and was among the first to open his home for the Assembly meetings in Duluth.

Mr. Copeland was a man of loving character, with a heart that drew to him many warm friends. He was a humble and faithful servant in the Cause of ‘Abdu’l-Baha and served to the limit of his powers in the Path of Unity.

News of the Cause

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

Writing under the instruction of Shoghi Effendi, our dear brother Mirza Azizullah informs us that Shoghi Effendi is highly pleased with the quick and generous response of the dear friends to his call for cooperation in behalf of the unfortunate Nayriz friends, for this constitutes a great example of the unification of the East and the West which is becoming realized through the influence of the Cause of God.

“We hope that through the sympathy and cooperation of all the dear Baha’i friends, those poor brothers and sisters will be soon re-established. I am sure that this reconstruction work will produce great results for the glory of the Cause among the Persians. This will open the eyes of the negligent natives to the creative power, humanitarian virtue and essential value of the principles of the Cause. This will achieve what the efforts of hundreds of teachers might fail to render the Cause.

“Our beloved Guardian is in good health and greatly encouraged by the vigorous efforts the friends are exerting to raise the banner of the Abha Kingdom.

“We have now the pleasure of having our dear sisters, Mrs. True, Miss Edna True and Mrs. Stannard with us. We are expecting five new Australian and New Zealand friends who are en route to the Holy Land.”

The total amount forwarded from America for the Nayriz sufferers through the N.S.A. up to April first, is nearly $3900.

Work of National Committees

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

The National Spiritual Assembly have recently appointed two new committees. A committee to compile a new and more complete prayer book includes the following members: Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mrs. Frankland, Mrs. Bosch and Mrs. Rabb. The members of this committee desire to have the friends cooperate by sending copies of Prayers they would like included in the new book. To undertake the preparation of a Baha’i Year Book in accordance with the recent instruction from Shoghi Effendi, another special committee has been appointed which includes: Albert Windust, Mason Remey, Mrs. Stewart French, Mrs. Mariam Haney, Ahmad Sohrab and Horace Holley.

The Archives Committee have available 200 copies of Mason Remey’s pamphlets entitled, “Baha’i Indexes” and “Baha’i Manuscripts”, containing extremely valuable information for students of the Cause. Copies may be obtained free on request by applying to the Baha’i Publishing Committee. Please enclose five cents for postage.

The Publishing Committee is now also prepared to supply the leather binders mentioned in the letter of the National Spiritual Assembly dated December 15th last. These binders are stamped with the Greatest Name in gold on the front cover and will hold securely up to three or four hundred sheets. It is hoped that each Assembly secretary will obtain one of these binders for preserving letters from Shoghi Effendi, from the N.S.A., and other communications and records. Individual believers will also find these binders very useful for preserving their important Tablets and other Baha’i papers. The price is $1.50 each.

Message from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

To the Assemblies of the United States and Canada.

Dear Baha’i friends:

On April 21st, according to the instructions sent us by Shoghi Effendi two years ago, the friends will gather in their local meeting places for the purpose of electing the Spiritual Assembly of nine for the coming year. Both from the clearer understanding that has come to us concerning the importance of this institution, and from the fact that this year the local elections do not so closely coincide with the National Convention that some of the most active workers need be absent, it is in our power to make this unique occasion an event of far-reaching importance.

Previous to the balloting, it would be well for the retiring Spiritual Assembly to report concerning the work of the past year, laying before all the members full details as to the various activities which have been under their supervision, such as teaching, Temple, correspondence, the sale and distribution of Baha’i literature, the relieving of distress among the friends, and also receipts and expenditures of the local Baha’i Fund. With this report might well be included such recommendations as the Spiritual Assembly deem most advisable to be undertaken during the coming year.

The question has been asked on many occasions as to what constitutes the qualification, or qualifications, of a voter in these Assembly elections.

Until specific instructions concerning this point have been received from Shoghi Effendi, it appears best to leave the selection of the local voting list entirely in the hands of the Spiritual Assembly by whom the meeting has been called. As between such lack of method as would permit even inactive persons to vote, although not attending other meetings during the year, and any over-strict basis of selection, such as whether one contributes regularly to the Baha’i Fund or is willing to sign some formal pledge of adherence, the truly Baha’i principle is unquestionably that the out-going Spiritual Assembly should consult together and draw up a voting list based upon perfect consultation, and invitations to the meeting be sent only to those on this list.

From the Writings

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

In short, whatsoever thing is arranged in harmony and with love and purity of motive, its result is light, and should the least trace of estrangement prevail the result shall be darkness upon darkness. ... If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to coolness and alienation that proceed from the Evil One.

- ‘Abdu’l-Baha

With these Assemblies, local as well as national, harmoniously, vigorously, and efficiently functioning throughout the Baha’i world, the only means for the establishment of the Supreme House of Justice will have been assured. And when this Supreme Body will have been properly established, it will have to consider afresh the whole situation, and lay down the principle which shall direct, as long as it deems advisable, the affairs of the Cause.

Pending its establishment, and to insure uniformity throughout the East and throughout the West, all local Assemblies will have to be reelected once a year, during the first day of Ridvan, and the result of polling, if possible, be declared on that day.

- Shoghi Effendi

Message from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 4 April 1925:

To my dearly-beloved friends, the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.

My dear and precious fellow-workers:

The three communications dated November 19, November 22 and December 22, which I have recently received from that indefatigable servant of Baha’u’llah, my esteemed spiritual brother, Mr. Holley, have given me great satisfaction and have cheered and sustained me in my work. I have read most carefully the minutes of your December meeting and am particularly pleased to note in many respects the notable advance you have made in establishing the Cause upon a wider and surer foundation.

With reference to the need, so often expressed, for an authentic and comprehensive history of the Cause, I am glad to inform you of the action contemplated by the National Spiritual Assembly of Persia in instructing and urging the local Assemblies throughout the country to take immediate steps for the formation in every locality of a special committee which will seek the assistance and the testimony of the remnants of the earliest believers and pioneers of the Cause in Persia in collecting most carefully all available evidence and data for the compilation of a comprehensive, reliable and representative history of the Movement from its earliest dawn to the present day. I have communicated with the National Assembly of Persia regarding this urgent and vital necessity, and I feel the time is not far distant when a free rendering into English of this stirring narrative as well as an abridged form of it will be made available for both the Baha’is and the general public in the West.

Booklet: Letters from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

This booklet can now be obtained for 20 cents each (postage 5 cents additional) from the Baha’i Publishing Committee, P.O. Box 348, Grand Central Station, New York City.

News of the Cause

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

After fifteen years of unique service to the Cause of interracial understanding and solidarity, the pioneer Baha’i servant, Dr. Moody has arrived in this country for a visit of probably one year or until improved conditions in Tihran enable her to resume her work. Accompanied by Elizabeth Stewart, Dr. Moody landed at Boston en route from Haifa on Wednesday, January 14th.

The New York Assembly, through Miss Nellie Lloyd arranged a reception for Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria, Sunday, January 18th, and the large Waldorf Gallery was crowded in anticipation of the privilege of meeting Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart and hearing at first hand their remarkable story.

Calmly, yet with the dramatic emphasis which always surrounds one who has actually participated in stirring events, Dr. Moody related her experiences in Tihran. None present will ever forget her vivid account of the splendid accomplishment of the Tarbiat Schools, the unfailingly ardent devotion of the Persian Baha’is, and the remarkable part played by Major Imbrie in saving the lives of thousands of the Persian believers, and probably also of Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart themselves, at the sacrifice of his own life. By the Persian friends Major Imbrie is held in reverent memory among those whose sacrifice has been of signal service to the Baha’i Cause.

The Mashriqu’l-Adhkar

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

The December 1924 News Letter served to acquaint the friends with the exact details of the several contracts proposed by the Temple Committee and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly in order to safeguard the Foundation Hall of the Temple from deterioration and redeem the grounds from their present condition of unsightliness and neglect.

In approving these contracts, the National Spiritual Assembly made itself responsible for a minimum of $7075.00 to be paid from the National Baha’i Fund on the Temple account this year. This amount represented the barest minimum actually required for the maintenance of the present Foundation Hall and by no means included any of that additional work which both the Temple Committee and the National Spiritual Assembly considered befitting the true progress of the Cause.

Up to the present time the National Treasurer has been unable to authorize the placing of more than a fraction of the work listed in our December News Letter, a condition which calls for decisive action on the part of every Assembly.

1925 National Baha’i Convention

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

By unanimous vote of the National Spiritual Assembly, the annual Convention will this year be held at Green Acre, Eliot, Maine, on July 6th, 7th and 8th.

Two circumstances combine to make the National Convention this year especially important, -- the fact that it is to be held in an environment so definitely blessed by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, so fully consecrated to a permanent service of the Baha’i ideals, and recently referred to in such significant words by the Guardian of the Cause; and secondly the fact that the date has been advanced from Ridvan to a period when it will be possible for a far greater number of the friends to be present throughout the sessions.

In a later News Letter will be given the essential details both as to the connection between Green Acre and the Baha’i Cause and concerning the arrangements which are available at Green Acre for the hospitality of delegates and friends during the Convention. The preliminary announcement is made at this time in order that all the believers, and especially those who live at a distance, may plan their summer vacations so as to include Green Acre for at least the period of July 6th, 7th and 8th. May we not all hope that the Convention of 1925 will be an impressive evidence of the power of the Baha’i Movement in this continent?

National Baha’i Fund – December 4, 1924 – January 22, 1925

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

Maintained by voluntary contributions made, as directed by Shoghi Effendi, to the National Treasurer and expended under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Assemblies and individuals are requested to send regular monthly contributions to National Baha’i Fund, in care of Mrs. Florence Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.

REPORT No. 6 -- FROM DECEMBER 4, 1924 TO JANUARY 22, 1925

Cash Received

1924

Dec. 4 -- Balance from Report No. 5: $1,195.71

Dec. 4 -- Add check of Dec. 2, 1924, to Terminal Hardware, which was cancelled and corrected: $400.00

Dec. 4 -- Contributions, December 4 to 31, 1924: $1,316.88

Dec. 4 -- Contributions, January 1 to 22, 1925: $4,721.55

Total: $7,634.14

Relief for the Baha’is at Nayriz, Persia

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

On February 6, the National Spiritual Assembly received the following cablegram from Shoghi Effendi: “Flood destroyed 500 Baha’i homes in Nayriz. Grave disaster. May America contribute her share.” In response to this urgent appeal, the National Treasurer transmitted to Shoghi Effendi by cable within a few days, the sum of fifteen hundred dollars. Telegrams were immediately sent to the ten largest Assemblies asking them to make a special contribution to the National Fund by wire, if possible, in behalf of our Persian brothers and sisters. Up to February 22nd, nearly three thousand dollars had been received.

In addition to these telegrams, a letter was sent to the other local Assemblies in order that all the friends might share in the privilege of coming to the assistance of the homeless Baha’is.

As the result of this action we feel sure that several thousand dollars additional will be received by the National Fund, and the total amount which will eventually be placed at the disposition of Shoghi Effendi will not fail to be a clear evidence of the spirit of helpfulness and also the deep sense of gratitude to the Persian Baha’is that exists among the American friends. Believers not members of any local Assembly are invited to contribute according to their means to this special fund. Not less valuable than the amount of our material assistance will be this unified expression of instant and cordial sympathy between two countries whose spiritual connection is so significant in this new age. On February 14th the National Spiritual Assembly received from Shoghi Effendi this acknowledgment of our contribution: “Both transfers received. Deeply appreciative.”

Letter from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 3 March 1925: 

To the Assemblies of the United States and Canada:

Dear Baha’i friends:

Many significant events are now taking place throughout the Baha’i world. We ask all the friends to give their special attention at the present moment to the details of the Nayriz disaster, to the announcement of the National Baha’i Congress and Convention of 1925, and to the recent appeal of Shoghi Effendi in behalf of the urgent need of the Temple, as given elsewhere in this News Letter.

If any sincere and well-informed servant of the Cause were to attempt to express the one fundamental subject to which the American believers should give their hearts and minds at this stage in the development of the Baha’i Movement, -- the one subject underlying every aspect of our individual and collective efforts of service -- the result would be unquestionably the advice that each and every believer forthwith acquaint himself with the letters of Shoghi Effendi.

Since that day when, three years ago, we received the first communication from him whom ‘Abdu’l-Baha had left as His precious legacy to His friends and followers, the National Spiritual Assembly have spared no effort to place these general messages in the hands of each local Assembly. There can be no doubt but that the letters of Shoghi Effendi have become the strongest unifying influence around which the vital life of each Assembly has revolved. There can be no doubt but that the spiritual strength of each Assembly at the present time can be estimated entirely by the degree to which its members have acquainted themselves with these letters and attempted to found their Baha’i activities upon the exhortations, the advices, the suggestions, and the decisions given us by the Guardian of the Cause.

Quotes from the Writings

--Issue No. 3 March 1925:

That the Cause of God should, in the days to come, witness many a challenging hour and pass through critical stages, in preparation for the glories of its promised ascendency in the new world has been time and again, undeniably affirmed by our departed Master, and is abundantly proved to us all by its heroic past and turbulent history. And yet, if it is the lot of the chosen ones of God, the people of Baha, to face adversity and suffer tribulation before achieving ultimate victory, are we to believe that whatever befalls us is divinely ordained, and in no wise the result of our faint-heartedness and negligence?

- Shoghi Effendii

News of the Cause

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

The friends will be delighted to learn of the arrival in this country of Monsieur and Madame Dreyfus-Barney from Paris, their plans including a visit of several months in California with Mrs. Dreyfus-Barney’s mother. The world-wide Baha’i experience of Mons. and Madame Dreyfus-Barney, their intimate knowledge of the history and teachings of the Cause, and their unique proficiency in the Persian language, bring to the American believers a mental and spiritual reinforcement that will assist us greatly in our effort to promote the international solidarity of the Cause.

The following cablegram was received on New Year’s Day by Roy C. Wilhelm: “Convention grateful for America’s cooperation and visitors. Greetings.” signed, Bhargava, Bombay, India. The reference to visitors from America refers to the party of Mrs. Cook who left New York for Haifa and the Orient in October.

At the present moment when every believer should strive with all his power to promote confidence and goodwill among all the races, it is most important to keep in touch with the Baha’i friends in other countries, through subscriptions to the foreign Baha’i magazines. Sonne der Wahrheit, the organ of the German Baha’is, is published at 35 Hoelderlinstrasse, Stuttgart, Germany; yearly subscription, 7.20 Gold marks. The Herald of the East, the Indian organ for the promulgation of the Baha’i Teachings, is published by Professor Pritam Singh, M.A., College of Commerce, Cawnpore, India, and subscriptions are payable to N.R. Vakil, Esq., Havadia Chakla, Surat, India, $2.00 a year, post free. The Dawn, the Baha’i organ of Burma, is a monthly journal published at Rangoon, subscription $2.00 a year, post free, communications to be addressed to Syed Mustafa Roumie, No. 2 B, 41st Street, Rangoon, Burma.

Work of National Committees

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

Hooper Harris, 157 West 103rd Street, New York City, has been appointed Chairman of the Teaching Committee for the North-Eastern States’ region, and is engaged upon plans to unite the local Assemblies of this region in a more concentrated effort to carry out the advices which Abdu’l Baha gave these Assemblies in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. Will the Assemblies throughout the North-Eastern States enter into communication with him?

The January number of the Baha’i Magazine will be devoted to the subject of education, and the friends are urged to place copies of this number in the hands of teachers and others particularly interested in the spiritual significance of education. In a recent letter addressed to the editors of the Baha’i Magazine, Shoghi Effendi says: “I am quite pleased to note a decided improvement in the general aspect of the Star of the West. The liberal policy you have adopted is wise, sound, and extremely helpful. ... I wish you the highest success in your endeavors.”

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

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

Mountfort Mills: Chairman

Horace Holley: Secretary

Florence Morton: Treasurer

Alfred E. Lunt: Acting Chairman and Assistant Treasurer

Elizabeth Greenleaf

May Maxwell

Agnes S. Parsons

Siegfried Schopflocher

Roy C. Wilhelm

Office of the Secretary

169 Christopher Street

New York City

Office of the Treasurer

5 Wheeler Avenue

Worcester, Mass.

Special Notice

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

Copies of the Tablets and Testament will be distributed among recognized believers, in accordance with the latest instruction of Shoghi Effendi, as soon as possible. Each local Spiritual Assembly should at once send a list of names and addresses of those entitled to a copy among their assembly; and isolated believers should apply to the chairman of their regional Teaching Committee.

National Baha’i Fund

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

Maintained by voluntary contributions made, as directed by Shoghi Effendi, to the National Treasurer and expended under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. Assemblies and individuals are requested to send regular monthly contributions to National Baha’i Fund, in care of Mrs. Florence Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass.

REPORT No. 5 -- FROM OCTOBER 16, 1924, TO DECEMBER 4, 1924.

Cash Received

Oct. 16 -- Balance per Report No. 4: $$4,071.07

Oct. 31 -- Collections, Oct. 16-31: $201.25

Nov. 29 -- Collections in November: $763.59

Dec. 4 -- Collections in December to date: $42.00

----------------------

Total: $5,077.91

Baha’i Publishing Committee Announce Change of Address

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

In ordering books and in all correspondence with the Baha’i Publishing Committee, will the friends hereafter address their letters: --

Baha’i Publishing Committee

P.O. Box 348, Grand Central Station

New York City

The Publishing Committee is very glad to announce that Mrs. A.B. Romer is now in full charge of the Publishing Office, and her devoted interest in the work and thorough business training will enable the Committee to extend greatly the field of their service. 

Message from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

To the Assemblies of the United States and Canada

Dear Baha’i Friends:

We who, in however humble a capacity, consider ourselves members of the Baha’i Movement, have voluntarily associated our lives with a power which, though invisible to eyes and imperceptible to hands, offers itself inexhaustibly to the inmost heart. Wherever this power truly penetrates, in that life there can no longer be loneliness or discouragement, aimlessness or bewilderment, suspicion or fear. With the faintest awareness that such a power exists, there is born a serene faith that what this power wills, so it shall be.

But to that power first of all we bring a human stubbornness to make it fulfill our own personal ambitions and satisfy our individual desires. It is at that point where the heart first realizes that it must serve the power to retain it, and give up ambition in order to become part of a universal accomplishment, that so many people turn from the path of religion and relapse into the routine life of the world. For us all the supreme moment has surely come to bring forth some fruit of all these years of association with the Cause in individual and also group action which will make the power of the Cause perceptible to the world.

A Special Period of Supplication and Prayer: February 19th -- March 9th, 1925

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

The time has come when all the believers are given the privilege of uniting spiritually to pray and supplicate as one heart, one mind and one soul in behalf of the beloved Guardian of the Cause, in order that new and broader channels may be created through which his unique devotion to the Cause may flow outward ever stronger and more effectively through all parts of the Baha’i world. 

Therefore the members of the National Spiritual Assembly request the friends throughout the United States and Canada to set apart the period of nineteen days beginning February 19th as a time consecrated to daily supplication and prayer, individually and collectively invoking Divine guidance and favor that the hopes of the Guardian of the Cause may be fulfilled.

These hopes are that nine Baha’i helpers may be gathered together at Haifa to assist Shoghi Effendi in the details of his work, especially the translation of the Creative Word. After the period of prayer, any believer who feels the call to this Service may lay his or her name and qualifications before Shoghi Effendi for him to consider. The friends will understand that these nine helpers are desired for specific, temporary services, and are not to be regarded in the light of those nine souls who, in the fulness of time, will be permanently associated with the Guardian of the Cause. It is suggested that the friends unite, during the nineteen days, in the use of Shoghi Effendi’s favorite prayer: --

Message from Shoghi Effendi

--Issue No. 2 January 1925: 

To my dear friends and fellow-workers, the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly c/o the Secretary, Mr. Horace Holley,

New York City, U.S.A.

My Friends and Fellow-Workers:-

The letters which our able and devoted friend, Mr. Horace Holley, has addressed in your behalf to the Greatest Holy Leaf and myself have all been received, and, together with their enclosures, read with the closest attention. It is indeed highly gratifying to observe that notwithstanding the strain and stress of the critical period through which our beloved Cause is passing, the elected representatives of the friends in America have, with unflinching faith, undaunted courage, and conspicuous ability, persevered in their task and fulfilled their arduous duties.

The splendid contribution you have made to the efforts of your fellow-workers in England in connection with the Conference on the Living Religions within the British Empire, we all heartily appreciate and regard as a fresh evidence of the growing power and solidarity of the Cause of God. Both in the admirable paper which you arranged to be drafted and prepared, and in the person of your devout, trusted and talented President, who performed his duty with absolute fidelity and high distinction, you have rendered the Cause of Baha’u’llah a fresh and distinguished service. May the results achieved lend a fresh impetus to the onward march of the Cause in the West.

From the Writings

--Issue No. 2 January 1925:

In the Name of the Lord!

O Lord, my God, my Haven in my distress! My Shield and my Shelter in my woes! My Asylum and Refuge in time of need and in my loneliness my Companion! In my anguish my Solace, and in my solitude a loving Friend. The Remover of the pangs of my sorrows and the Pardoner of my sins!

Wholly to Thee do I turn, fervently imploring Thee with all my heart, my mind and my tongue, to shield me from all that runs counter to Thy will, in this, the cycle of Thy divine unity, and to cleanse me from all defilement that will hinder me from seeking, stainless and unsullied, the shade of the Tree of Thy grace.

Have mercy, O Lord, on the feeble, make whole the sick, and quench the burning thirst.

Gladden the bosom wherein the fire of Thy love doth smolder and set it aglow with the flame of Thy celestial love and spirit.

Robe the Tabernacle of Divine Unity with the vesture of holiness and set on my head the crown of Thy favor.

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

--Issue No. 1 December 1924:

Mountfort Mills: Chairman

Horace Holley: Secretary

Florence Morton: Treasurer

Alfred E. Lunt: Assistant Treasurer

Elizabeth Greenleaf

May Maxwell

Agnes S. Parsons

Siegfried Schopflocher

Roy C. Wilhelm

Office of the Secretary

169 Christopher Street

New York City

Office of the Treasurer

5 Wheeler Avenue

Worcester, Mass.

News of the Cause

--Issue No. 1 December 1924:

Space does not permit in this number of the News Letter to give an adequate survey of the many important meetings that have been held during the past few months.

On September 26th, 27th and 28th, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Cooper, the Teaching Committee of the Western States Region held its second annual Baha’i Conference and Congress, at the California Club, San Francisco. The sessions of the Conference were attended by delegates from twenty-one Assemblies, including Honolulu and British Columbia. It was the Western States Region which first inaugurated this ideal method of linking together the local Assemblies for consultation in response to Abdu’l-Baha’s advices in the Tablets of the Divine Plan. No other method can overcome the inherent difficulties presented by the size of this country and Canada, and as time goes on we can confidently expect that such regional conventions will assume a significance second only to that of the National Convention itself. The public meetings presented the teachings to many interested people, the addresses being delivered by Willard P. Hatch, Howard MacNutt, George Latimer, and the Baha’i Juniors under the direction of Mrs. Kathryn Frankland.

On October 17th and 18th, the Teaching Committee of the Central States held a Convention in the Foundation Hall of the Temple at Wilmette, preceded by a feast given by the Chicago Assembly in the studio of Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois.

Work of the National Committees

--Issue No. 1 December 1924:

For many years past, the Archives Committee has been collecting original copies of Tablets and other irreplaceable documents and souvenirs of the Cause, and keeping them properly safeguarded in bank vaults at Chicago.

All the beautiful messages from Abdu’l Baha made accessible to us through the three printed volumes of Tablets were originally collected by the Archives Committee. Had this work not been done, the publication of those three volumes could never have been accomplished.

It will be remembered that Volume Three of the Tablets appeared in 1915, while many of Abdu’l Baha’s most important communications to individuals and groups in this country were received between 1915 and 1921, a period which gave us the Tablets of the Divine Plan and likewise Abdu’l Baha’s final messages of exhortation and of love.

To make possible in the near future a fourth and final volume of authoritative Tablets, it is most essential that all believers and Assemblies possessing original Tablets shall as soon as possible entrust them (accompanied by the original signed translation, if possible) to the Archives Committee. Otherwise, within the lapse of a few years, as the recipients inevitably pass away, many priceless Tablets will be lost to the Cause, and the task of collecting the other Tablets will be increased a hundredfold.

Report of Temple Division of the National Baha'i Fund & National Baha'i Fund

--Issue No. 1 December 1924:

From April 1, 1924 to October 16, 1924

CASH RECEIVED

April 1 -- Balance from W.H. Randall, Treasurer   $1,191.23

April 30 -- Contributions in April: $3,705.75

May 31 -- Contributions in May: $4,886.57

June 30 -- Contributions in June: $61.00

July 31 -- Contributions in July: $1,031.17

Aug. 31 -- Contributions in August: $402.92

Sept. 30 -- Contributions in September: $683.55

Oct. 16 -- Contributions to October to date: $205.03

Total received: $12,167. 22

CASH PAID

April 1 -- A.E. Lunt, Secretary: $75.00

April 1 -- L. Bourgeois, salary April, May and June: $750.00

April 10 -- Mrs. True, expenses: $200.00

April 12 -- Telegraphing Convention: $19.30

April 21 -- Paid on acct. Temple note: $2,500.00

April 21 -- Paid interest and stamps on same: $70.50

April 30 -- Discount on checks at bank: $8.59

May 2 -- A.E. Lunt, Secretary: $75.00

May 2 -- Telegrams at Convention: $16.13

May 5 -- Taxes on Temple property: $1,503.13

May 5 -- Paid on acct. Bourgeois Note: $2,000.00

May 12 -- Building material: $421.50

May 14 -- Check returned protested: $21.43

May 19 -- Mrs. True, expenses: $200.00

May 31 -- Exchange on checks: $1.18

June 17 -- Mrs. True, expenses: $200.00

July 1 -- L. Bourgeois salary, July, Aug. & Sept.: $750.00

Message from the National Spiritual Assembly

--Issue No. 1 December 1924: 

To the Assemblies of the United States and Canada

Dear Baha’i Friends:

In order to extend the purpose of the general letters issued by the National Assembly, and increase their usefulness as a means to completer understanding and more active unity among all the friends, it has been decided to publish them in printed form, amplifying the letter itself with details of Baha’i activities as brought to our attention by Assemblies and individual believers throughout the world.

With the assistance of local Spiritual Assemblies, a copy will be placed in the hands of every active believer. A quantity of this News Letter is being sent to each secretary on our records, and the secretaries are requested to distribute them to the believers in their Assemblies. As hitherto, the letters of the National Assembly will be sent to all isolated Baha’is; and we urgently request that the names of all believers not members of local Assemblies be sent to the National secretary at the above address. We believe also that it will be of interest to Assemblies outside of the United States and Canada to receive copies regularly.

The subject to which all the friends are urged to give their closest attention at the present time is that of the decisions arrived at by the National Assembly in consultation with the Temple Committee and the believers who met in the studio of Mr. Bourgeois on the Temple grounds, Wilmette, Illinois, Sunday, October 19th. The purpose of this special meeting of consultation was fully explained in our general letter No. 3 dated September 25th.