No. 11 Baha'i News BAHA'I YEAR 115 JANUARY 1959 Need for Pioneers The Most Vital Matter for Western Hemisphere The most vital and pressing matter for the whole of the Western Hemisphere is the urgent need for pio- neers. The Latin American national assemblies are pleading for dedicated, active pioneers in twenty na- tional assembly goals. In addition to these crucially important goals, pioneers are needed in some of the virgin territories and for consolidation goals. One hundred new pioneers flowing into Latin America at this moment could cause an upsurge of spiritual power so mighty as to sweep past the goals and beyond!' There are two practical paths to these "heights never before attained." Approaching the problems of pioneering in Latin America realistically, the greatest obstacle for the many who ardently desire to pursue this course is the matter of jobs, to provide food, shelter, and the necessities of life. There is no gain- saying the vital importance to the individual and to the Cause of self-maintenance. Jobs are an ever in- creasing difficulty in Latin America as the Cause spreads from the capital city centers into the smaller towns and rural communities. The spread is essential to gain the goals. The North American pioneer finds less and less opportunity to earn a livelihood in these areas unless he is highly specialized. Our plea at this moment is for pioneers to these vital spots who have some independent income. Shoghi Effendi said long ago in timeless words, "It would, no doubt, be of exceptional importance and value, particularly in these times when the various restrictions imposed in those countries make it dif- ficult for a considerable number of BahP'i pioneers to establish their residence and earn their livelihood in those states, if certain ones among the believers, whose income, however slender, provides them with the means of an independent existence, would so ar- range their affairs as to be able to reside indefinitely in those countries. The sacrifices involved, the cour- age, faith, and perseverance it demands, are no doubt very great. Their value, however can never be prop- erly assessed at the present time, and the limitless reward which they who demonstrate them will receive can never be adequately depicted." At this very moment in the United States are pioneers ready and anxious to leave for Latin America as soon as they can be replaced. They are needed in their communities to maintain assembly status or to build to that point. The second path to "heights never before attained" leads directly to these communities. They are, to mention a few, in the states of Oregon, Wyo- ming, and Nebraska. Shoghi Effendi had this to say to those who are unable to leave this country to pioneer, "Should they find it impossible to take advantage of so rare and sacred a privilege, let them, mindful of the words of Baha'u'llhh, determine, each according to the means at his or her disposal, to appoint a deputy who, on that believer's behalf, will arise and carry out so noble an enterprise. 'Center you energies,' are BahB'u'llPh's words, 'in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soul to be dumb- founded.' " To change residence, to settle in one of these com- munities is a wonderous way to deputize, by freeing a pioneer for His Service. -WESTERNHEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE Administrative Titles and the Name of the Faith I.t is important that believers, assemblies, and com- mittees make a distinction between the title of an ad- ministrative body, like a local assembly or national committee, and a designation employed to refer to the Faith in general and as a whole. An administrative body or institution has a title which defines its functions and its area of jurisdiction. For example, an assembly letterhead like "Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Jonesville," or a committee letterhead like "Area Teaching Committee for Maine and New Hampshire," properly identifies the body which is acting. On the other hand we say "Baha'i World Faith," "The Faith of Baha'u'llih" or "Bah5'i Revelation,"
Transcript
No. 11
B a h a ' i N e w s BAHA'I YEAR 115 JANUARY 1959
Need for Pioneers The Most Vital Matter for Western Hemisphere
The most vital and pressing matter for the whole of the Western Hemisphere is the urgent need for pio- neers. The Latin American national assemblies a re pleading for dedicated, active pioneers in twenty na- tional assembly goals. In addition to these crucially important goals, pioneers a re needed in some of the virgin territories and for consolidation goals.
One hundred new pioneers flowing into Latin America a t this moment could cause an upsurge of spiritual power so mighty as to sweep past the goals and beyond!'
There a re two practical paths to these "heights never before attained." Approaching the problems of pioneering in Latin America realistically, the greatest obstacle for the many who ardently desire to pursue this course is the matter of jobs, to provide food, shelter, and the necessities of life. There is no gain- saying the vital importance to the individual and to the Cause of self-maintenance. Jobs are an ever in- creasing difficulty in Latin America as the Cause spreads from the capital city centers into the smaller towns and rural communities. The spread is essential to gain the goals. The North American pioneer finds less and less opportunity to earn a livelihood in these areas unless he is highly specialized.
Our plea at this moment is for pioneers to these vital spots who have some independent income. Shoghi Effendi said long ago in timeless words, "It would, no doubt, be of exceptional importance and value, particularly in these times when the various restrictions imposed in those countries make it dif- ficult for a considerable number of BahP'i pioneers to establish their residence and earn their livelihood in those states, if certain ones among the believers, whose income, however slender, provides them with the means of an independent existence, would so ar- range their affairs as to be able to reside indefinitely in those countries. The sacrifices involved, the cour- age, faith, and perseverance it demands, are no doubt very great. Their value, however can never be prop- erly assessed at the present time, and the limitless reward which they who demonstrate them will receive can never be adequately depicted."
At this very moment in the United States are pioneers ready and anxious to leave for Latin America as soon as they can be replaced. They are needed in their
communities to maintain assembly status or to build to that point. The second path to "heights never before attained" leads directly to these communities. They are, to mention a few, in the states of Oregon, Wyo- ming, and Nebraska. Shoghi Effendi had this to say to those who are unable to leave this country to pioneer, "Should they find it impossible to take advantage of so rare and sacred a privilege, let them, mindful of the words of Baha'u'llhh, determine, each according to the means at his or her disposal, to appoint a deputy who, on that believer's behalf, will arise and carry out so noble an enterprise. 'Center you energies,' are BahB'u'llPh's words, 'in the propagation of the Faith of God. Whoso is worthy of so high a calling, let him arise and promote it. Whoso is unable, it is his duty to appoint him who will, in his stead, proclaim this Revelation, whose power hath caused the foundations of the mightiest structures to quake, every mountain to be crushed into dust, and every soul to be dumb- founded.' "
To change residence, to settle in one of these com- munities is a wonderous way to deputize, by freeing a pioneer for His Service.
-WESTERN HEMISPHERE TEACHING COMMITTEE
Administrative Titles
and the Name of the Faith
I.t is important that believers, assemblies, and com- mittees make a distinction between the title of an ad- ministrative body, like a local assembly or national committee, and a designation employed to refer to the Faith in general and as a whole.
An administrative body or institution has a title which defines its functions and its area of jurisdiction. For example, an assembly letterhead like "Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Jonesville," or a committee letterhead like "Area Teaching Committee for Maine and New Hampshire," properly identifies the body which is acting.
On the other hand we say "Baha'i World Faith," "The Faith of Baha'u'llih" or "Bah5'i Revelation,"
JANUARY 1959
when we mean our religion in general, its teachings, its aims, its international community, and its institu- tions. That is not the administrative body which acts in a particular local, regional, or national area, but the Faith for which all our individual or collective actions are performed.
Thus, if a local public meeting is held, the program must designate the sponsoring body. The public pro- gram, however, can also identify the religion for which the meeting is held - Bahi'i World Faith, for ex- ample. In such cases, the typographical arrangement should make it clear to the non-Bahi'i that "Bahi'i World Faith" is not holding the meeting, but the meet- ing i,s held by such-and-such a body in, of, or for Bahi'i World Faith. Similarly, letterheads must not convey the idea that the letter is written by the Bahb'i World Faith, but by a particular assembly or committee.
For the same reason, the use of a cut of the Bahh'i House of Worship should not be used on local letter- heads and envelopes.
-U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Contributions to World Center Some of the friends have been sending to the Na-
tional Treasurer's office contributions earmarked for the World Center Fund which the National Treasurer is requested to forward to Haifa. It is evident that these friends are under the impression that contributions handled in this manner will be deductible for income tax purposes in the United States.
Such is not the case, for the National Fund is merely acting as a channel for transmission of these contribu- tions to their ultimate destination, the World Center, a t the control and direction of the donor. Thus such donations come under the rule which denies the de- ductibility of contributions to charitable and religious organizations located outside of the United States.
It is therefore requested that, in the interest of saving time and effort, such contributions be sent directly to:
Bahi'i Custodians' Fund P . 0. Box 155 Haifa, Israel
The only donations to the National Fund which are deductible a re those which are fully subject to the control and discretion of the National Spiritual As- sembly, or a re to be expended within the United States on a officially approved project. In this connection, the friends should remember that a substantial portion of the annual budget adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly is allocated to the World Center, and for teaching work abroad.
-U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Travel in Soviet Countries Any American Bahi'is planning or expecting to travel
in Soviet-controlled or satellite countries for any rea- son whatsoever a re requested to first communicate with the National Spiritual Assembly for advice and guidance.
-U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
First Bahii'i Pioneers Settle on Hopi Reservation in Arizona
The American Indian Service Committee announces with great joy that for the first time there are now Bah6'i pioneers on the Hopi reservation, thus fulfilling a long felt need in the Indian teaching field.
Melvin and Irene Vanderhoof, formerly of Geyser- ville, Calif., have taken up residence in Hoteville, Ariz., where Melvin is employed in construction work and Irene expects to be placed as.nurse in one of the Hopi clinics or hospitals.
The committee also announces new job opportunities on this small reservation, located in northern Arizona entirely surrounded by the large Navajo reservation, the home of the Hopis, whose name means "Peaceful Ones." Employment is available in several trading posts. A clerk-typist is needed in another Hopi location. Housing is available.
Teaching positions are still open, even a t mid-year, in a number of locations on the Navajo reservations, some of them in exceedingly isolated spots. Several reservation teaching positions a re available also in Montana. In most government positions good, or in some cases, excellent housing may be had at low rent.
Pioneers in the field keep the American Indian Serv- ice Committee informed as new job opportunities come to light, so additional ones may be known by the time this issue of BAHA'~ NEWS is being circulated. There- fore, all Bahi'is who are considering pioneering in the Indian teaching field a re urged to write immedi- ately to this committee with information regarding employment experience, so that they can be apprised of job opportunities as soon as they appear.
Held in Tucson and Phoenix, Ariz. Conferences sponsored by the American Indian Serv-
ice Committee took place in Tucson, Ariz., on Novem- ber 1; and in Phoenix on November 15, to bring to the attention of Arizona Bah6'is the unfinished task of reaching members of tribes lying adjacent to those cities.
Wallace Heath, a member of the Tucson community and coordinator for that Conference, presented inter- esting and little-known facts about the Papago Indians in conjunction with a film, "The Desert People." Consultation followed. In Phoenix, Rhoderoi Myers, a member of the Phoenix Suburban Area North Com- munity, as Conference chairman, arranged the ma- terial for group study, with Charmion McKusick of Globe giving background information on the Indians
National Convention Bah6'is of the United States
April 23-26, 1959
U.S. SUPPLEMENT
of the southwest, and David Villasenor of Pasadena, Calif., sharing his unique understanding of the relation- ship of native Indian art and religious beliefs. A film, "The River People," depicting the life of the Pima Indians, was another valuable prelude to the con- sultation, which featured a sharing of experiences by those actively engaged in serving the Indians in the Phoenix area.
In the process of planning and holding these Con- ferences, much useful information came to light. Any Community wishing to plan a similar Conference is invited to write to the American Indian Service Com- mittee for suggestions.
10s Angeles Community Holds Institute
on Administrative Order and Voting In order to promote a better understanding of the
Administrative Order and the role of the individual Baha'i, the Los Angeles, Calif., Local Spiritual As- sembly asked its Teaching Committee to "set up a workshop centered around the Administrative Order with emphasis upon the responsibility of voting in Baha'i elections." The Teaching Committee, with the assist- ance and approval of the Assembly, developed a pro- gram entitled, "An Institute Studying the Administra- tive Order with Emphasis on Voting."
On Saturday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m., the mod- erator called the meeting to order and the first speaker began outlining the function, responsibilities, and sta- tion of the institution of the Guardianship, with a discussion of its attendant bodies: the Hands of the Cause, the Auxiliary Boards, and the International Baha'i Council.
Following the outline of the Teaching Committee's program this portion took up the entire morning. A period of time set aside for questions and answers was directed by the moderator while a secretary made notes of the proceedings.
The afternoon was devoted to discussions concern- ing the institutions of the Universal House of Justice, the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Local Spir- itual Assembly, with a summary which included com- ments on the institution of the annual convention.
Each subject was treated with a fifteen minute talk presented by a different individual, with an equal amount of time devoted to questions and answers.
The brief talks stimulated active discussion periods, with many pertinent questions being asked. From these it was evident that the participants were looking to the future development of the World Order of Baha'u'llah. Much interest was shown in the functions of the International Baha'i Council, the role it plays a t the present time, and its relationship to .the es- tablishment of the future Universal House of Justice. The functions and responsibilities of the Hands of the Cause as the "Chief Stewards" were emphasized.
The role of the individual BahP'i was clearly deline- ated by the material presented in the afternoon. State- ments of the responsibility of the individual Baha'i to vote underscored each of the talks. The importance of voting during the state conventions was stressed, since the delegates from these conventions elect mem- bers of the National Spiritual Assembly, who will in
the future participate in the election of the Universal House of Justice, the future legislative body of the Baha'i Faith.
The meeting came to a close at 4:00 p.m., and its success can best be gauged by the attendance. Those who came in the morning stayed, and more joined the group in the afternoon. There was a good response from the Los Angeles community, more than half the total number, and Baha'is from ten or more surround- ing communities attended.
Augmented Audio-Visual Education Committee
Plans to Issue New Teaching Materials To the end that the Audio-Visual Education Com-
mittee may be enabled to improve and expand its services to the American Baha'i community, particu- larly in carrying forward its homefront campaign, the National Spiritual Assembly has added to the com- mittee membership this year several believers with special training and experience in the audio and visual education fields. With this new talent available, the committee will soon be able to offer new and better teaching materials, including slides, tapes, records, and motion pictures.
In order to keep the Baha'i communities informed of new items, and to provide them with suggestions, tips on latest equipment and ideas for special pur- poses such as television shows, the committee re- quests that each local spiritual assembly and each Baha'i group appoint one person in that community to act as an audio-visual education representative to whom this information will be mailed regularly, and who will not only be expected to report this informa- tion to the friends at the Nineteen-Day Feasts, but who will also be the community's representative through whom orders for audio-visual education material will be sent to the committee in the same manner in which orders for Baha'i literature are sent by local Baha'i librarians to the Baha'i Publishing Trust.
As soon a s appointed, the name and address of the local audio-visual education representative is to be sent to the Audio-Visual Education Committee, c/o Burton Dezendorf, 126 Evergreen Place, West Engle- wood, N.J.
--US. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Bahi'i Sales Committee Offers Slides, Plaques, Temple Models for Distribution
The BahA'i Sales Committee announces the following items ready for distribution:
A new set of the forty color slides now being shown to visitors to the BahP'i House of Worship, at $11.00 per set. Each set is accompanied by a mimeographed copy of the script.
Tan leather plaques with the Greatest Name in gold lettering, imported from Italy, at $4.00 each.
Models of the Baha'i House of Worship, plaster with antique finish, approximately ten inches in height and eleven inches in diameter, at $20.00 each plus shipping
4 JANUARY 1959
charges. dren's classes. There is great need for good stories Orders of these items with accompanying remit- for children which the committee would be pleased to
tances should be sent to: Baha'i Sales Committee; receive. Also reports of class activities and teaching Harry E. Walrath, chairman; 909 W. Foster Avenue; programs for children would be useful. Chicago, 40, Ill. -U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Folder of Baha'i Quotations Available "Baha'i Gleanings for the Press," a folder of quo-
tations from the Baha'i Writings suitable for small advertisements, newspaper filler, and inspirational pro- grams on radio and television, is available without charge from Baha'i Press Service, 434 Thomas Ave., Rochester 17, N.Y.
Deprived of BahB'i Membership The U. S. National Spiritual Assembly has found it
necessary to deprive the following Baha'is of their membership and voting rights: Donald R. Greer, New Orleans, La., and Robert J. Gagnon, formerly of Hel- ena, Mont., but present whereabouts unknown. Any Baha'i identification cards in the possession of these individuals a re now void. Dr. Lambert J. Case, St. Louis, Mo., has withdrawn by his own volition and is no longer a member.
-U.S. NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
Contributions to "Child's Way" The National Baha'i Child Education Committee re-
ports that it has received a number of articles from friends throughout the country apparently intended for publication in Child's Way. Since most of these ar- ticles are in ,the nature of reports of teaching experi- ences they are not suitable for use either as stories or as teaching guides for parents and teachers of chil-
WORLD CRUSADE BUDGET Sixth Year: 1958-59
Annual Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $450,000.00 Total Requirements: May 1 to November 30 . . 262,500.00 Total Contributions: May 1 to November 30 . . . 155,000.00
-NATIONAL SPIFUTWAL ASSEMBLY
Marriaqes - Wilmington, Delaware: Miss Phoebe Ann Bent to Mr. Albert
Asminskas on June 22, 1958 Detroit, Michigan: Miss Dorothy Howells to Mr. Harvey Hasel-
huhn on August 23, 1958 Portland, Oregon: Miss Alberta Jackson to Mr. Howard
Herrick on August 7, 1958 Flint, Michigan: Miss Nayan Hartfield to Mr. James K. Brown
on September 17, 1958 Detroit, Michigan: Miss Pauline Rushing to Mr. Bernard
Streets on September 2, 1958 Oakland, California: Miss Winnifred E. Bennell to Mr. Wil-
l iam H. Smith on September 13, 1958 Phoenix, Arizona: Mrs. Louise Deppe to Mr. William Wing
on October 4, 1958 Wilmette, Illinois: Mrs. Lucille Eurich to Dr. Reino W. Harju
on October 29, 1958 Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Miss Liselotte Schlossbauer to Dr.
Amir H. Missaghian on October 22, 1958 Glendale, California: Miss Carol Dee Sherman to Mr. Curtis
Lional Adams on November 8, 1958. Los Angeles, California: Miss Barbara Yazdi to Mr. James
Markert on November 8, 1958.
In Memoriam Mrs. Edna Shelton Miss Betty Bedford Washington, Missouri Snyder, New York
July 6, 1958 October 14, 1958
Mrs. Ella J. Hardison Mr. D. Wesley Crutcher Nashville, Tennessee Nashville, Tennessee
July 27, 1958 No date
Mrs. Donna Burroughs Mr. Warren McQueary Boise, Idaho LOS Angeles, Calif.
November 1958 November 9, 1958
Miss Roberta Maybin Harpersville, New York
November 8, 1958
BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES ADDITIONS TO COMMITTEES
Southern California Area Teaching Committee--North Atlantic States Riverside: Robert Hart, chairman, 5438 Arlington Ave. Mrs. Mary Burnet
Northern Illinois Chicago: Mrs. Myrtle Wendler, acting secty., 4038 N. Ash- Area Teaching Committee--Centra1 States
land Ave., Z. 13. Dr. Fazley Melany
Montana Helena: Mrs. Ruth Saunders, P.O. Box 310
Area Teaching Committee-East Central States Donald Streets
Nevada Las Vegas: Mrs. Alice Morgan, 401 N. 15th St. (new address) Area Teaching Committee--Rocky Mountain
Ohin Mrs. Maureen Hightower ----- Lima: Miss Dolly Clark, 902 W. Spring St. Western Hemisphere Teaching Committee
Mrs. Mary Sawicki RESIGNATIONS FROM COMMITTEES Child Education Committee
Area Teaching Committee--North Atlantic States Mrs. Lilian Cloonan Miss Helen Greg Mrs. Marjadene Konishi
