U. S. Baha'i News - H-Net: Humanities and Social …bahai/diglib/Periodicals/US_Supplement/...dian in 1944, in order to permit Baha'is outside the local communities to have the privilege

U. S. SUPPLEMENT

No. 69

B a h a ' i N e w s BAHA'I YEAR 120 NOVEMBER 1963

NSA Receives Resolution From The Universal House of Justice

On October 6 The Universal House of Justice ad- dressed the following letter to all National Spiritual Assemblies : Beloved Friends,

We wish to share with you the text of the following resolution :

"After prayerful and careful study of the Holy Texts bearing upon the question of the appointment of the successor to Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause of God, and after prolonged consultation which included consideration of the views of the Hands of the Cause of God residing in the Holy Land, The Universal House of Justice finds that there is no way to appoint or to legis- late to make it possible to appoint a second Guardian to succeed Shoghi Effendi."

Please share this message with the friends in your jurisdiction.

With loving greetings, (Signed) THE UNIVERSAL HOUSE OF JUSTICE

The State Convention The call for the annual State Conventions sched-

uled for December 1 will soon be issued to every vot- ing believer in the United States. These are your con- ventions. Participation in them is a direct expression of our Bahk'i life. Let us have full attendance, one hundred percent voting this year, and fruitful consul- tation on the important issues facing us!

The State Conventions were instituted by the Guar- dian in 1944, in order to permit Baha'is outside the local communities to have the privilege of voting for the delegate or delegates assigned to their state or electoral district, and to provide opportunity for a greater deepening of the spirit of fellowship among Baha'is throughout the United States. He emphasized the fact that the State Conventions are designed not only to elect delegates to the National Convention, but also "to promote Baha'i solidarity in every State . . . and, by bringing together the believers, enable them to function more efficiently and harmoniously and promote the work of the Cause that lies ahead." They should be conducted in such a manner as to evoke la- tent capacity, create fellowship, and kindle "accept- ance" of the Message into the flame of zealous service.

Thus, the State Convention is not merely an elec-

toral body called upon to elect a determined number of delegates, but also a consultative body dealing with important considerations of teaching and other Baha'i services. The messages presented at the Convention relate the individual believer to the larger national and international issues and inform him of the most important current affairs.

We Baha'is have a sacred obligation to strengthen the organic functions of the Faith, and this means at- tendance at Nineteen-Day Feasts, service on assem- blies when elected and on committees when appointed, and constructive participation in the State Convention. The Faith progresses by the interpenetra- tion of the Holy Spirit with the minds and hearts of men. When we affirm our decision to participate, we help raise the Baha'i community to the higher level of inspiration and understanding.

The institution of the State Convention may be de- fined as the link between the individual believer and the members of the National Assembly. Just as the annual election determines the quality and capacity of the local spiritual assembly for the coming year, so the State Convention can and should determine the quality of the National Spiritual Assembly. There is, however, this distinction, that whereas the local com- munity elects directly the members of the local as- sembly, the State Convention elects the delegates who constitute the annual National Convention which elects the National Spiritual Assembly during Ridvan.

While the institutions of the local and national as- sembly are based upon definite principles and have a constant character from year to year, their member- ship is expected to represent the highest qualities available at the time. The Guardian emphasized the qualities to be considered by delegates in elections, and stated that the friends must do all in their power to ascertain the qualifications of those whom they are electing for any national service.

The mechanics of carrying out the two functions of a State Convention are simple. The Convention call supplies to each Baha'i all the information he needs as to where and when his Convention is to be held, where to mail his ballot if unable to attend, the num- ber of delegates he should vote for in his state or electoral district, and the agenda and procedure.

In advance of the Convention, whether he can be present or not, each individual voter should study and reflect on the agenda and carefully consider the quali- fications of the delegates for whom he votes.

2 NOVEMBER 1963

NSA Asks Effective Use

of Baha'i Directory Each American believer has received the Bahh'i Di-

rectory for 1963-64 (in two parts). Issued annually for the sole purpose of providing valuable information to assemblies, groups, individuals and committees, the directory should be used systematically in planning and carrying out the teaching work.

Reference to the functions assigned to each commit- tee will indicate the type of assistance and informa- tion available from that particular source. The "Proclamation" and "Service" committees especially have much to offer in the way of materials and sug- gestions.

As an aid in channelling requests to the proper of- fice, the "Materials Directory" (last page of Par t 11) can be most helpful. In the past much valuable time and effort have been spent in forwarding orders that were sent to the wrong office or committee, or which combined requests from more than one source. The Publishing Trust, which is greatly under-staffed, has been the victim of far too many requests for services and materials which that office does not handle, and which would not have been sent there if reference had been made to the directory or the literature cata- log.

If the directory is to serve its purpose it should be carefully filed for ready reference and kept up-to-date by noting the changes that appear in the U.S. SUPF%E MENT.

Assemblies are Asked to Specify

Source of Free Literature The increasing volume of requests for literature

coming to the Baha'i Publishing Trust, the NSA and even to the Baha'i Temple from localities where there are Baha'is leads the National Assembly to believe that loeal assemblies and Baha'i groups do not state clearly in their advertising, in their radio announce- ments or in the pieces of literature they send out or distribute at public meetings, the local address from which further information and literature may be se- cured. None of these institutions have the means or personnel to handle these requests and it is not only time-consuming but it creates misunderstanding and delay if the request is referred back to the local as- sembly or group for action. What might be enthusias- tic interest at the time may very well cool off because of the delay or the search for the publisher's address.

On almost every pamphlet or mailing piece there is sufficient space to use a small rubber-stamped name, address and telephone number. It could read: "For further information please contact . . ." It should be small, neat, readable print, placed where it will not spoil the appearance of the pamphlet or brochure. Ob- viously, such stamped pieces should be used only for public distribution and not handed to personal con- tacts and friends.

Human Rights Day December 10, 1963

A Special Evenf for Proclaiming the Baha'i Faifh to the Public

Theme: United Nations - In Search of Personal Freedom

Suggested Materials: Oneness of Mankind, Baha'i Declaration of Human Rights and Faith for Freedom from Baha'i Publishing Trust.

Reports: Reports and good photographs of out- standing observances should be mailed at once to Baha'i News Editorial Committee.

Teachers Needed on

Indian Reservations The American Indian Service Committee appeals

for pioneers to settle on a number of Indian reserva- tions where some contact with the Faith has already been made and on others where contact should be made. To assist all pioneers who wish to teach among the American Indians the committee is compiling up to date information on employment opportunities and also can suggest locations which are most promising from a teaching point of view.

Baha'is not needed in their present location to maintain an assembly are urged to consider the op- portunity to serve the Faith on an Indian reservation and to write without delay to the American Indian Service Committee. Mrs. Nancy Phillips, secy.; 736 Encanto Dr., S.E.; Phoenix, Arizona (85007).

Baha'i Credentials It is important that all believers have current

Baha'i identification cards, and it is the responsi- bility of each member to see that his card is kept current. With the steadily increasing number of members it is impossible for individuals to rely upon other believers to identify them at confer- ences and similar meetings.

Members of Baha'i communities should apply to their local assembly for up-to-date identification cards, while isolated or group members apply to the National Spiritual Assembly.

U.S. SUPPLEMENT 3

ANNUAL BUDGET FOR 1963- 1964 ......................... ANNUAL BUDGET .$725,000.00

1111111111111111111lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Total Requirements: May 1 to September 30 . . 302,083.35 1111111111111111111lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll Total Contributions: May 1 to September 30 . . 189,178.41

1111111111111111111lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deficit to September 30 112,904.94

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contributions for September 50,481.12

Annual Winter Session a t the

Davison Baha'i School 3208 S. State Road Davison, Michigan

December 26, 1963 through January 1 , 1964

PIease send in reservations early for seven days of stimulating Baha'i study classes plus fun and fellowship around the cozy fireside in Unity House.

BAHA'I DIRECTORY CHANGES ASSEMBLY SECRETARIES

Arizona Tucson: Mrs. Isabelle S. Dodge, 2833 E. 2nd St.

Northern California Palo Alto-Mountain View Jud. Dist.: Miss Caryl Fuller, c/o

Lissner, 11482 Alford Ave., Los Altos Santa Rosa Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Beverly Stafford, 4752 Cam-

bridge Ct. Sonoma Jud. Dist.: Mrs. Jean Wielk, P.O. Box 86, Kenwood

Southern California District #1 South Bay Jud. Dist., Los Angeles County: (To correct

Assembly name)

Colorado Jefferson County: Mrs. Doris Kirkham (to correct spelling

of secretary's name) 1335 Brentwood St., Lakewood

Georgia Atlanta: Mrs. Nancy Larson, 237 Ashby St., S.W., Z 14

Southern Illinois Quincy: Mrs. Esther Markel, 1809 Maine St.

Indiana Kokomo: Mrs. F. Eva Eriksen, 606 E . North St. South Bend: Mrs. Ann Augustine, 709 N. Harrison Ave.

Maryland Baltimore: Miss F. Mildred Elmer, 5301 Gwyns Oak Ave.,

z 7

Missouri Clayton: Mrs. Clarice WeiI, 806 Audubon Dr., 63105

Western New York Syracuse: Mrs. Yvonne Handel, 558 Cortland Ave., Z 5 (to

correct street: name) Town of Tonawanda: (to correct Assembly name)

North Carolina Charlotte: Mrs. Thelma Cashion, 1209 Spruce St., 28203

Texas El Paso: Mrs. Catherine Arenas, 425 Sunset Odessa: Mrs. Geneva Bell, 4501 Redbud (to correct street

name)

Utah Ogden: Mrs. Clair Schneider, 1008 24th St.

Virginia Fairfax County: (to correct Assembly name, formerly Falls

Church)

Western Washington Kirkland: Mr. J. Keith Craig, 119 Lake St., W., 98033 - Makah Indian Reservation: Mr. Nelson Greene, Chr., Box 167, Neah Bay

Wisconsin Shorewood: Mrs. Jean Schwandes, protem, 1807 E. Olive

St.. 53211

Show Name and Address

ON YOUR LETTERS In writing to any of the national offices, please

make sure that the name and address of the sender, and of any administrative body involved, appear on the letter i tself . Otherwise, if letter and envelope become separated, i t is difficult to identify the sender and delay ensues.

NSA Announces

New Services Since the functions of the former BahA'i College Bu-

reau and the Baha'i Interracial Service Committee are now incorporated in the functions of the National Teaching Committee, students and teachers contem- plating enrollment or seeking teaching positions in southern Negro colleges may feel at a loss as to where to go for advice. At a recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly Dr. Sarah Martin Pe- reira was appointed to give this type of counselling service to believers requiring it. Therefore, teachers and students wishing advice about possible enroll- ment in southern Negro colleges should write directly to Dr. Sarah Martin Pereira, 2725 13th St., N.E., Washington 18, D.C. This counselling service will con- tinue until such time as there seems to be reason to make some other arrangement.

4 NOVEMBER 1963

Inexpensive Telephone Listing The Bah6'is of Bakersfield, ~al i fdrn ia , have been

able to list the name and address of one of the mem- bers in the Yellow Pages for only $18.00 per year. This charge includes sufficient space to give the time and place of regular meetings. Since the Bahi'i listing appears only in the Yellow Pages, interested persons must turn to the regular section and look up the name of the member in order to obtain the phone number.

Baha'i Marriages In accordance with Shoghi Effendi's instruc-

tions, the U.S. SUPPLEMENT reports only those marriages which are carried out by local as- semblies authorized by civil law to perform such ceremonies.

The purpose of the "Baha'i Marriages" list- ing is to give recognition to the legal status of assemblies, not to the marriage of individuals. Marriages which embody Baha'i ceremonies but which are not legal under state law are not published.

Los Angeles, Calif.: Mrs. Marjorie A. Butler to William E. Schumacher on July 7, 1963

Oakland, Calif.: Miss Zoreh Neshati to James F. Gallagher on August 3, 1963

Santa Monica. Calif.: Miss Carla Alberghetti to Paul Polena on June 22, 1963

Honolulu, Hawaii: Mrs. Helen S. Kelly to Milton Neiland Kelly on August 30, 1963

Evanston, Illinois: Miss Nancy Rieves Ford to Ashburn P. Searcy on July 6, 1963

Wilmette, Illinois: Miss Constance Hinds 'to Bruce D. Inglis on July 21, 1963

Muskegon, Michigan: Miss Joan Marie Franz to Edward A. Rivers on June 29, 1963

New York, N.Y.: Miss Ladan Haghpajuh to Zia Shamsy on July 20, 1963

Lima, Ohio: Mrs. Marguerite Cheney to Willard W. Evans on August 3, 1963

Seattle, Wash.: Miss Lurretta Queen Botts to William Rushing on August 10, 1963

Zip Code

The Z IP code for the National Spiritual Assembly as well as all services and committees located in Wilmette is 60091.

In Memoriam Mrs. Mildred Blackmer Mrs. Hattie Neal Johnson Portland, Oregon Linden, New Jersey

August 24, 1963 July 25, 1963

Joseph C. Bonner Don LaSalle . Saugus, Calif. Glendale, Arizona

August 11, 1963 September 19, 1963

Jesse Clark Miss Blanche Lear Salt Lake City, Utah Pine Grove, Penn.

No date July 20, 1963

Miss Vivian Cosby Mrs. Charles Manuelito Los Angeles, Calif. Tohatchi, New Mexico

August 11, 1963 July 31, 1963

Mrs. Minnie Cummings Mrs. Mildred Owens Atlanta, Georgia Sacramento, Calif.

August 8, 1963 May 1963

Mrs. Helen Miller Curtis Mrs. Charlotte S. Robinson Beverly, Mass. Binghamton, New York

July 25, 1963 July 30, 1963

Mrs. Ella W. Duffield Ervin A. M. Schmidt Nice, France West Bend, Wisconsin

1962 July 23 1963

Clarence Fisher Dr. Katherine True Philadelphia, Penna. Wilmette, Illinois

September 8, 1963 September 26, 1963

Hedley Gillespie Mrs. Mary Whiteford Brooklyn, New York Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 24, 1963 August 15, 1963

Charles M. Hanson Kenneth R. Whitehead Duluth, Minnesota Jacksonville, Alabama

No date August 1963

Mrs. Christine M. Harris Mrs. Yeith Na-bah Wilson Santa Ana, Calif. Houck, Arizona

July 27, 1963 April 1963