From Bahaitext

←Volume 2 Index

Star of the West Volume 2 - Issue 1

Issue 2→

See also: Original scans

We are working hard to have proofread and nicely formatted text for you to read. Here is our progress on this issue: Add page scans Add the raw text output from OCR (this may be very messy) Proofread the text using the pdf files or images below Format the text for size and style

VOL. II.

MARCH 21, 1911.

NO.1.

Diagram showing location and dimensions of the land of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.	2
The Message—By Mirza Assadollah	3
Persian-American Educational Society	4
News from the Occident	7
Photograph of the Oakland (Cal.) Assembly	9
New Year's Greeting from Abdu'l Baha. 10
The Mashrak-el-Azkar in America	11
Assemblies in the Occident	13
Persian Section	14-20

—DIAGRAM—

The above diagram shows the location and dimensions of the land of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. It was made for the Bahai Temple Unity by a draftsman of the Drainage Board of the Sanitary District. What we believe to be of considerable advantage for our purpose has been gained by the swinging of Greenleaf Avenue eighty feet to the north of its original route. This was accomplished by our giving up a tract of ground off the south boundary of the triangle, which lies north of Sheridan Road, for the use of the street. By this exchange with the village of Wilmette and by the closing of the fourteen foot alley way running east and west through the ground, the bulk of our land lies in one beautiful piece, having an area so large that a circle with a diameter of nearly 500 feet can be inscribed within it. At once the architects will see how beautifully this will lend itself to the nine-sided structure with its nine avenues and fountains, as desired by Abdul-Baha. To Mr. Charles Mason Remey and Mr. Howard C. Struven, when visiting Acca in 1910, Abdul-Baha said: “The Mashrak-el-Azkar must have nine sides, doors, fountains, paths, gateways, columns and gardens, with the ground floor galleries and domes, and in construction and design must be beautiful”—Corinne True.

Vol. II

Chicago (March 21, 1911) Baha'

No. 1

I testify with my being and identity that verily He is God. There is no God but Him. He hath ever been God, and will be forever more the One, the Self-subsistent, the Eternal.

And I testify that verily the Blessed Perfection, His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH, is no other than the Most Great Manifestation—magnified is His Grandeur and Glory!—who was promised in all the Holy Scriptures, and that the most great Mystery of God, the Branch. extended from the Ancient Root, who hath decorated his head with the crown of Servitude and named himself Abdul-Baha (the Servant of Baha), is the Successor of the Blessed Perfection, the Center of His Covenant, and the Aim of His Testament.

And I testify that the hands of the Cause of God, bearers of His Ordinances to the servants and preachers of His Manifestation in the countries, are the saints of God and His chosen ones. By them the standard of the Cause of God is raised and His Signs are promulgated among the creatures. They are the lamps of God for all in the heaven and upon earth. Upon them be the Glory of God, His Praise and His Mercy!

O ye, our brothers, who believe in God and in the Books of all His religions! Know that all of us are unanimously believing in the Ancient Entity, the Eternal God; that He is the Creator of all things; that, verily, He hath ever been and will continue to be forever.

We also believe that the Prophets and the Manifestations of God were all bearers of the Message of God, and that the Holy Scriptures are His books. Accordingly, our belief and religion is that all the Prophets are of necessity as one light, one reality and as the rays of one sun, even though they may appear to be different each from the other and each as a different person talking in a different tongue. Therefore, all their laws and books must needs be as One Law and One Book, even though some of the ordinances be, in form, contradictory to others; because all of them have spoken on the part of God, the One, the Unit, and all the Ordinances and Laws are also revealed on His part. This assertion is in no need of further rational proof.

Now we submit that there are in the Holy Scriptures references concerning the most great Manifestation, and other predictions and signs regarding the end of the days. These prophecies are recorded in various texts, both chronological and symbolical. All the nations have awaited the appearance of such signs, and the coming Manifestation of their Promised One, with earnest

---

• First of a series of prestations of “The Message.”

expectation. Yet, to the present day, the Sun of their hopes has not appeared to them from the horizon of their expectation.

As to the honorable and faithful Baha'is, they believe that, verily, the promises and prophecies given in the Holy Scriptures have become fulfilled during the nineteenth century after Christ by the appearance of the Prince of the Universe—the most great BAHA'O'LLAH, exalted is His Glory! This claim, held by them, is the best tidings to the expectant ones and a great joy to the seekers. But only those can approve it who are endowed with a pure heart and fortified with the confirmation of God, and who hearken with sincerity to perfect proofs, to decisive and satisfactory arguments.

The Bahai people is ready with all power and strength to prove its claim and to unfold the truth of its religion, not through material force, but by spiritual power; not through the strength of this world, but by that of the Kingdom. The Bahais wage war with all the armies of the nations of the world, not with swords and weapons, but through the power of Utterance and the unfoldment of the mysteries and meanings of the Divine Words. They subdue the cities of hearts, not with assaults of armies of men, but rather by indisputable proofs, by love, compassion and affection. Their sword is the Word of God; their hosts the divine Inspiration; their ranks, submissiveness, humbleness, meekness, unselfishness and pure servitude in the presence of every soul, of whatsoever religious nation and toward every being in existence.

Their religion is to serve the people in the world; their principle is obedience to government; their teaching is summoning people unto God, the True One; their rewards and recompense come only from God; they freely offer to people the Bread of Life and freely give them the Water of Life. Let him who hungers and thirsts partake freely of their Table. Verily the doors of heaven are opened by the keys of the Knowledge of His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH, the paradise of Enlightenment is decorated, the rivers of Inner Significances are flowing, the birds of Sacred Mysteries are soaring around, and the Spiritual Foods are prepared. Blessed are they who eat! Blessed are they who drink!

---

O Thou Almighty! Illumine Thou this Association and make Thou this gathering the bright candle of the world! For their intention is for the public good and their aim is Service to humankind.

O Kind and Compassionate God! Such a Society merits Thy Favors and such a Body deserves inexhaustible Bounty and Providence.

Verily, Thou art Powerful, Mighty and Omnipotent, and verily, Thou art the Peerless and Incomparable God!

The following is a resume of the work of the Society, since its inception, in the early part of 1910:

Seven hundred dollars in cash has been sent to Teheran; the number of scholarships enrolled is 63; associate members, 19.

The Librarian has forwarded or arranged for the sending of considerable valuable material to the Tarbiat School in Teheran. During the past two months boxes of books have been received and forwarded to the Teheran Library from Mrs. L. E. Ruddiman, of Gobleville, Mich.; Mr. Frank D. Clark, of Buffalo, N. Y.; Mr. Nelson, of Racine, Wis., and Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, of San Francisco, respectively, the latter containing magazines. In addition to this, nearly $30.00 in stamps has been furnished by the Society to provide for sending packages by mail. Mrs. Goodall has agreed to pay the postage from here to Persia on all her packages. Our thanks are tendered to these generous contributors,

as well as to all who have aided in carrying on the work in numberless ways and countless instances. Really, the generosity developed by this undertaking is marvelous, even in a Cause which is marked by consistent altruism.

As it seemed important to secure catalogues of agricultural, mining, telephone and railway machinery and supplies, etc., the Society has been fortunate enough to obtain the insertion of a notice in the Daily Consular and Trade Reports of the Bureau of Manufactures. This has been followed by the receipt of many letters from all over the United States, from various factories. Catalogues to the number of 150 have been sent, covering a wide field of manufactures. These catalogues, received almost daily, are forwarded to Teheran at the close of each week. It is proposed to open an office in Teheran, display these catalogues, invite the public, and have an interpreter on hand to explain to visitors the usefulness of the machinery described. Beside this, the addresses of the friends in ten cities have been supplied to the various factories, so that they may send their catalogues direct to the friends in Persia, and we have received replies from these factories advising us that they have forwarded the literature.

The matter of telephone installation in Esphahan and photographic supplies for Tabriz has been taken up, and we have forwarded to each of these cities catalogues and general information along these specific lines, and hope good results will be accomplished.

Through these means the attention of the people of Persia is being directed, in a practical way, to the products of America, and through this means commercial intercourse will be established, to the advantage of both the East and the West.

From the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior, the Commissioner of Education and the Marine Hospital Service, we receive regularly all bulletins issued from these various departments and mail them at the end of every week to Teheran. It is suggested that a Board of Translators be formed in Teheran, to translate and circulate these splendid bulletins among the public, for the diffusion of culture and the spread of knowledge.

It is also suggested that all the Bahai schools in the different parts of Persia be merged into one administration and one name, “Tarbiat,” and a complete and thorough system of preliminary education be evolved by the Educational Committee in Teheran with the co-operation of the Society here for all these schools.

Through the active co-operation of Mrs. Herman, of Philadelphia, we are in communication with the Director of the Commercial Museum of Philadelphia, and after advising him of our various needs he has inserted our name in the weekly bulletin of that institution, and this, going all over the country to manufacturers, has produced very gratifying results.

The appointment of five Americans as Financial Advisers to the Persian Government, recently arranged through the State Department, will, no doubt, stimulate our work. These advisers sail for Persia during the current month, and this official recognition of American prestige will naturally be followed by a public desire to know more about our country, which this Society will be able to gratify.

Our hearty thanks are due to the Assistant Librarian, Miss Margaret Green, who is working for the Society most effectively and unselfishly.

The increasing expense of postage, while nearly all the funds received have been for scholarships, makes it necessary that additional cash be made available, and contributions for the postage expenses will be welcomed from our sympathetic friends.

The following new scholarships have been subscribed since the last report, viz:

Schoarships renewed for the second year as follows:

No. 57.	Pasadena Bahai Assembly, Pasadena, Cal.
No. 58.	N. R. Vakil and Mr. Hashtmatullah, Bombay, India.
No. 59.	Mr. Mountfort Mills, New York City.
No. 60.	Mrs. Harriet M. Cline, Los Angeles, Cal.
No. 61.	Mr. and Mrs. Killius, Spokane, Wash.
No. 62.	Mr. Frank D. Clark, Buffalo, N. Y.
No. 63.	Mrs. Frank D. Clark, Buffalo, N. Y.
No. 2.	Madame Vera de Blumenthal, Russia.
No. 4.	Mrs. J. C. de Lagnel, Washington, D. C.
No. 5	Prof. Arthur D. Mayo, Washington, D. C.
No. 7.	Miss Flora Raymond, Washington, D. C.
No. 10.	Mrs. Claudia S. Coles and Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Washington, D. C.
No. 12.	Jos. S. Sauss, Cincinnati, O.
No. 13.	Mr. and Mrs. Goodale, Kenosha, Wis.
No. 16.	Mr. B. R. Taylor, Cincinnati, O.
No. 17.	Mrs. J. F. Roberts, Brockville, Ontario, Canada.
No. 33.	Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, Washington, D. C.
No. 35.	Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, San Francisco, Cal.

The following Tablet has been received from Abdul-Baha in regard to the important matter of sending two teachers to the School of Tarbiat:

They have written from Teheran that there is need of a scientific teacher for the School of Tarbiat. He must be efficient in science as well as the English language; for at present there is no man in the School of Tarbiat who is a scientist or linguist. They are in need of both, science and the English language.

Therefore, consult with the believers of God and select one soon, from among the American Bahais, who is efficient in science and arts, and send him to Teheran. He will receive a salary, sufficient to sustain him with the utmost ease while there.

Likewise select a woman teacher who may fill the position of principal as well as teacher, and send her without delay. The woman must have a share of the knowledge of sciences and be proficient in woman's work, such as sewing, housekeeping, hygiene and household economics, etc.

This matter is very necessary, and you must give to it the utmost importance and exert yourselves to bring this about; so that the association of the Interdependence of the West may render this assistance to the East.

Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!

Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, February 23, 1911.

In line with the foregoing, we shall be glad to hear from volunteers who may be able to teach the above branches. Within a month after the publication of this article the choice will be made.

Following the command of Abdul-Baha, the

is being formed, to carry on in a larger way the work of the Persian-American Educational Society. A Central Executive Board has been established, with headquarters at Washington, composed of the following: Charles Mason Remey, Chairman; Arnauld Belmont, Vice-Chairman; Jos. H. Hannen, Secretary; Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Treasurer; Stanwood Cobb, Edwin C. Reed, Mrs. L. J. Young-Withee, Mrs. C. S. Coles and Mrs. E. C. Dunlop, Assistant Secretary.

A National and an International Executive Board, respectively, have been planned. The following have accepted membership on the former: Mr. Thornton Chase, Los Angeles, Cal.; Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Helen Campbell, Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Agnes Parsons, Washington, D. C.; Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse, Atlantic City, N. J.; Mrs. Louise R. Waite, Chicago, Ill.; Mr. Frank D. Clark, Buffalo, N. Y.; Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen, Kenosha, Wis.; Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Washington, D. C.

As soon as replies are received from the letters sent to the proposed members of the International Board, its personnel will be announced. We have received a favorable response from Mr. Maxwell, of Montreal, Canada.

The work which these Boards are expected to accomplish has been summarized under nine headings, as follows:

1. A proposed General Conference, either in the late Spring or early Autumn of the current year.

2. The arrangement of a program for this Conference.

3. The invitation of various speakers.

4. The translation of the Constitution into French, Russian, German, Italian, Persian, Arabic, Japanese, Turkish, Hindustani, etc.

5. The adoption of the Constitution at the Conference.

6. Printing literature and conducting a world-wide campaign of education.

7. Selecting suitable General Officers of the Orient-Occident Unity.

8. For the foregoing and other purposes of the Association, Two Thousand Dollars ($2,000) is needed, which should be in the Treasury as soon as possible.

9. General publicity in all legitimate ways.

Abdul-Baha, in a recent Tablet written by his own hand, says: “I have read the Constitution of the Orient-Occident Unity, and enclose herein the original and the translation. Collect the criticisms and suggestions, the ideas and improvements of all the wise and intelligent souls, and after the complete correction and perfecting of the Constitution, organize this movement.”

It is hoped that all who feel they have some new ideas may write to us, so that they may be incorporated in our Constitution, if compatible with the general plans and not already covered. We shall wait one month from the appearance of this article, as everything must be in readiness for the annual meeting of the Society in May. Copies of the proposed Constitution may be obtained upon application to the headquarters of the Orient-Occident Unity, 1800 Belmont Road, Washington, D. C.

The following contributions have been received up to this time for the initial expenses of the Orient-Occident Unity:

Mlle. Odette M. d'Astre, Paris, France	$4.14
Mrs. Elizabeth Nourse, Atlantic City, N. J.	4.00
Mr. Thornton Chase, Los Angeles, Cal.	4.00
Mrs. Agnes Parsons, Washington, D. C.	50.00
Mrs. J. D. Bosch, Geyserville, Cal.	4.00
Mrs. L. J. Young-Withee, Washington, D. C.	2.00

Another friend has promised a contribution of $50.00. It is earnestly hoped that enough contributions will be received to organize this Universal Association with dignity and simplicity, yet effectively, as it will be realized that much depends upon first impressions, and the nature of the foundation will determine the possible massiveness and lasting qualities of the edifice.

It is in compliance with the wishes of Abdul-Baha that we present these facts to the friends, for he says: “The friends of God must encourage each other to be firm and steadfast, to reason and consult with each other, so that day by day this Society may progress.” Again he says: “The believers of God must give great importance to this Society and arise to perform its fundamental principles and essential duties with heart and soul”—for—“in the future it will become the Association of the union of the realm of men, it will thoroughly combine and harmonize the East and the West and accomplish a great service to humanity.” “This Society must be so organized and in the course of time its policies so well defined, that since the beginning of the world until now, no such Association has ever been founded. This must become the first Society embracing such aims and objects.”

---

STUTTGART.—Universal success to the Star of the West. We hope this will be the first universal publication of the world; therefore, we suggest a few pages be added in German and French, then in Russian, Spanish, Danish, etc., adding a language every year until a universal language becomes manifest and accepted. Should you do this, we believe hundreds of souls will arise with willingness to assist you from all corners of the earth.

A Bahai Home has been established in Stuttgart since the beginning of January. It contains six rooms. Large meetings are held every other day, and we are ready to hold meetings or answer questions every evening. Our largest room is already too small to hold the increased attendance. There are also small meetings in other parts of the city.

HONOLULU.—Our regular weekly spiritual meeting is held Fridays, 2 p. m., at the home of Mrs. Augur.

During the month of January, evening meetings were held at the homes of the believers.

From our Japanese students here, has come the call for translations of Bahai literature into their language. This we feel is very important.<colbreak>

We have had the pleasure of meeting Miss Lane and extending to her some of our Island hospitality. She was on her way to Japan. In response to Abdul-Baha's wishes for teachers to travel to the Orient, we sincerely hope that this assembly may be indeed a half way station where spiritual refreshment may be found.

A very delightful afternoon was recently spent by eleven of the friends, in a visit to the tubercular and non-tubercular patients of Leahi Home. The home is situated in a locality noted for the purity of the air and commands an unsurpassed view of both harbor and mountains. We went in company with the Hawaiian Band, whose selections were thoroughly enjoyed. All the visitors carried either homemade cookies, candy or flowers, and were received most heartily.

BOSTON, MASS.—During the recent visit to Boston hf Miss Alice Mary Buckton, of London, England, the Bahai teachings were presented to hundreds of eager listeners. God's blessings have been manifest on every hand and in His power alone will be the “increase” to the seeds thus sown.

A question that Abdul-Baha asked Miss Buckton during her stay in Acca is one that might well be asked of every Bahai. He said: “Do you not say in the West

that this is the ‘Day of the Comforter?’” To which she replied in the affirmative. He then said: “Are you comforting? Are you doing the work of the Comforter?”

Requests have been made for a Sunday afternoon study class in order that those who are allied with different churches (and therefore find it impossible to attend the eleven o'clock meetings) may have the opportunity of looking more deeply into the teachings of this Revelation.

What a glorious opportunity is today offered to emphasize the points of union among men instead of points of difference, as has been the case in the past! May this indeed be the day in which both men and women lay aside the personal self and come more and more into the consciousness of the universal—that God's Kingdom—not man's—may indeed be established upon earth.

BUFFALO N. Y.—Words cannot express the joy we have had in reading the Bahai News}}. May the beautiful new name given by the Blessed Servant of God cause the subscription list to be many times increased and we feel assured that the Star of the West will grow and glow with a universal and everlasting light.

The Assembly sends greetings and praises to the friends. We know naught but unity in our little circle and our one prayer is that we may “see Him face to face.”

CHICAGO, ILL.—During the past month Dr Ameen U. Fareed and Mrs. Lua Getsinger spent two weeks with the friends in Chicago, en route to the Pacific coast. They carry with them the love and good wishes of all.

The last Nineteen-Day Feast was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James F. Carmichael, and was largely attended, the subject of the evening being, “The Establishment of Unity as a Means of Drawing Abdul-Baha ‘as a Magnet’ to America.”

The regular Nineteen-Day Tea of the Woman's Assembly of Teaching, was held at the home of Mrs. George Lesch. The subject most beautifully brought forth from appropriate readings was “Love.” The monthly report of the officers and chairmen showed a continued zeal in their services.

The following tablet to the Board of Officers, in answer to a supplication written to Abdul-Baha by the Corresponding Secretary, was received:<colbreak>

Through Agha Zia Effendi, son of M. Mostafa, to the maid-servants of God; Mrs. Ida Brush, Mrs. Mary B. Grayson, Mrs. Fannie G. Lesch, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, Mrs. Grace Foster, Mrs. Christine Loeding, Miss Laura E. Jones, Miss Mary Lesch, Shahnaz Khanum (Mrs. Louise R. Waite).

HE IS GOD!

Verily there have been various assemblies in America which were organized many times and out of these but few remained firm.

I supplicate to the Divine Majesty for the establishment of every assembly which hath turned its face towards God, left the scattered desires, abandoned the self and passion and become firm in the Cause of God as solid mountains, which are not agitated by the winds and violent storms.

Then, O ye maid-servants of the Merciful, it is incumbent upon ye to be firm, sincere and highly energetic and in great unity; severed from all save God; effaced and annihilated in the love of God; sacrificing yourselves under all conditions and circumstances; and glorious, so that ye may be filled with the love of El-Baha and that in ye nothing remains except the abundance of El-Baha. Should ye arise for these great gifts, ye may rest assured that the confirmations of the Holy Spirit will follow ye in every time and instant.

Upon ye be El-Baha-el-ABHA!

Translated by Zia M. Bagdadi, Feb. 9, 1911.

The coming convention is a matter of deep interest to all of the Chicago friends and a hearty welcome awaits the delegates and visitors who will honor us by their presence on that important occasion.

FRUITPORT, MICH.—The friends are firm and steadfast in the blessed Cause, and are working in harmony and doing all they can to spread the teachings and their mites to the fund for the great Mashrak-el-Azkar.

NEW YORK, N. Y.—MR. Paul T. G. Marshall, Secretary of the New York Board of Council, after suffering from pleuropneumonia for five days, passed peacefully out from the dim light of this earthly world on Friday, March 3rd, to the bright, glorious light of the Supreme Home. Bahai services were conducted at his late home, 139 Shippen street, Weehawken Heights, New Jersey, Sunday afternoon, March 5th, conducted by Mr. MacNutt and Mr.

Hoar. On Monday, March 6th, his remains were taken to Boston, Mass., and there interred, as Mrs. Marshall will shortly move to Boston.

OAKLAND, CAL.—At the time the accompanying photograph was taken in October, 1910, the Oakland Assembly numbered over one hundred and twenty members, so this group represents less than half the number. Since then, several have joined the San Francisco Assembly recently organized,

—PHOTO— PHOTOGRAPH OF THE OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, ASSEMBLY, TAKEN IN OCTOBER, 1910, AT THE HOME OF MRS. HELEN S. GOODALL, WHERE THE MEETINGS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HELD.

as they live on that side of the bay. The Oakland Assembly includes, also, Berkeley, Alameda and Fruitvale, besides a few isolated believers living in the country who have always attached themselves to this center.

In connection with the picture, there is a happy little anecdote which I feel sure will interest all the friends. One of the believers brought with her a young Jewish lady who had lately heard the Message. She wanted very much to come, but with the understanding that she could follow her own guiding and not be taken in the picture if she felt that she did not honestly belong there. This attitude she explained<colbreak> at some length and was, of course, assured that her honest scruples were understood and respected. So she stayed apart while the group was being arranged under the trees, but before very long, she quietly slipped in and sat by her friend. No notice was taken of it then, but afterward I said to her: “So you decided you would like to join us after all?” “Yes,” she replied, very earnestly, “while I sat there watching you people and noticed the different races, the little Japanese family, the <photobreak>

Negro, the Persian, etc., and the friendship and harmony so in evidence among you all, I saw something that I have never seen before, and I said to myself, here is something true; here is something real—and—I just could not stay away!”

It is interesting to note there are nine children present (out of nineteen belonging to the Assembly) and that although the group is small, there are actually represented nine different nationalities: English, French, Swiss, Irish, Negro, Japanese, Jewish, Persian and American. It shows how cosmopolitan we are in this corner of the world.

Sent postpaid throughout North America, including Canal Zone and Panama; and following islands: Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii, Philippines; also England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, and Shanghai City (China); Unsealed $1.00; single copy l0c. $1.25; single copy 12c.

Sent postpaid throughout other parts of Occident<colbreak> and adjacent islands, including Newfoundland: Unsealed $1.00; single copy 10c. Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c.

Sent postpaid throughout Orient, including Egypt and Russia: Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c. Note—Through agents when established in Oriental centers: $1.00 per year.

Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness!

MONTH	NAME	FIRST DAYS
1st	Baha' (Splendor)	Mar. 21
2nd	Jalal (Glory)	Apr. 9
3rd	Jamal (Beauty)	Apr. 28
4th	Azamat (Grandeur)	May 17
5th	Nur (Light)	June 5
6th	Rahmat (Mercy)	June 24
7th	Kalamat (Words)	July 13
8th	Asma (Names)	Aug. 1
9th	Kamal (Perfection)	Aug. 20
10th	Eizzat (Might)	Sept. 8

<tablebreak/>

11th Masheyat (Will)	Sept. 27
12th Elm (Knowledge)	Oct. 16
13th Kudrat (Power)	Nov. 4
14th Kowl (Speech)	Nov. 23
15th Massaollah (Questions)	Dec. 12
16th Sharaf (Honor)	Dec. 31
17th Sultan (Sovereignty)	Jan. 19
18th Mulk (Dominion)	Feb. 7
19th Ola (Loftiness)	Mar. 2
(Month of fasting.)

Vol. II

Chicago (March 21, 1911) Baha

No. 1

It is New Year; that is to say, the rounding of the cycle of the year. A year is the expression of a cycle (of the sun) but now is the beginning of a cycle of Reality, a New Cycle, a New Age, a New Century, a New Time and a New Year. Therefore, it is very blessed.

I wish this blessing to appear and become manifest in the faces and characteristics of the believers, so that they, too, may become a new people, and having found new life and been baptized with fire and spirit, may make the world a new world, to the end that the old earth may disappear and the new earth appear; old ideas depart and new thoughts come; old garments be cast aside and new garments put on; ancient politics whose foundation is war be discarded and modern politics founded on peace raise the standard of victory; the new star shine and gleam and the new sun illumine and radiate; new flowers bloom; the new spring become known; the new breeze blow; the new

---

• Revealed for the American friends in 1906, who had sent Abdul-Baha a New Year's (March 21st) Greeting.

bounty descend; the new tree give forth new fruit; the new voice become raised and this new sound reach the ears, that the new will follow the new, and all the old furnishings and adornments be cast aside and new decorations put in their places.

I desire for you all that you will have this great assistance and partake of this great bounty, and that in spirit and heart you will strive and endeavor until the world of war become the world of peace; the world of darkness the world of light; satanic conduct be turned into heavenly behavior; the ruined places become built up; the sword be turned into the olive branch; the flash of hatred become the flame of the Love of God and the noise of the gun the voice of the Kingdom; the soldiers of death the soldiers of life; all the nations of the world one nation; all races as one race; and all national anthems harmonized into one melody. Then this material realm will be Paradise, the earth Heaven and the world of Satan become the world of Angels.

---

Our Persian section this issue contains: (1) Naurooz (New Year's) Greeting to all the friends; (2) a statement of the policies of the Star of the West as it enters upon its second year; (3) dialogue between a Mohammedan priest and a Bahai; (4) translation of the “Exhortations” (5) Tablets regarding Abdul-Baha's coming to America; (6) translation of an article in a Russian newspaper; (7) review of the progress of the Bahai Cause in the West and record of the chief events; (8) invitation to the elderly and experienced Bahais of the East to write three articles concerning the lives of the Bab, BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha.

---

Having found that some of the friends feel inclined to send money to the Convention instead of a delegate, we desire to impress upon the Assemblies the privilege and importance of sending a representative for the reason that such a gathering is one of the greatest means of unity and the money thus spent will more than repay those who thus provide the means. The Convention instills new life and vigor and the returning delegates impart the knowledge gained regarding the progress of the work and carry the fragrances gathered wherever they go. So let us feel that we are not only erecting a building, but laying the foundation of Unity among mankind. Yours in service,

Your detailed letter was perused and from its contents it became evident that the debt on the land of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is clear. This news made the hearts happy and caused infinite rejoicing.

Now it is hoped that the believers of God may show magnanimity and raise a great sum for the building, so that the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar may be laid, and, perchance, God willing, the cornerstone of the foundation may be laid by the hands of Abdul-Baha.

This confirmation will descend upon the people of America if they will all arise and endeavor with great courage to establish union and harmony, so that every trace of difference may be uprooted and they may all become as one heart and one soul.

Convey the wonderful ABHA greeting to all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful.

Upon thee be Baha Baha-El-Abha!

(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.

Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, March 4, 1911.

---

PHILADELPHIA, PA.—Our Assembly has no especial news items to send for the first issue of the “Star of the West,” except that we have two meetings every week, at the homes of the believers, on Thursdays and Sundays.

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.—Much to the joy and satisfaction of the Bahais in Califoraia, the San Francisco Assembly has been established. The San Francisco friends met in January to organize and Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn was elected Chairman, Mr. Charles R. Lee was appointed Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Cordie C. Cline, Corresponding Secretary and Mrs. Emma C. Blum, Librarian. Forty-six members were enrolled. This was a good number for the beginning of an Assembly. The first regular meeting was held in the new room, Friday, February 24th, with twenty-four believers present. Great interest is already shown and two meetings a week are held. Committees will be appointed from time to time as the work progresses. The San Francisco and the Oakland Assemblies have already joined hands in good fellowship and love.

SEATTLE, WASH.—In addition to the regular Sunday meeting held at 2916 Beacon avenue, South, which is more particularly for worship and praise in this Glad Day, another gathering is held on Tuesday at the office of Dr. Lathrop, 213 Peoples' Bank Building, which is for the purpose of study.

Mrs. Emma H. Harmon, a Bahai sister from North Bend, Oregon, has been with us for some weeks, and Miss Lydia Rainey, from North Yakima, a few days, resulting in a stronger bond of unity and desire for more consecrated service. Mr. Grant, who has been quite active in giving the Message, is now located in Olympia, a few hours' ride from Seattle.

A gratifying feature of the Assembly is that many are keeping the fast. A very<colbreak> great degree of harmony prevails and the unity which is the result of the love of God is becoming manifest.

WASHINGTON, D. C.—Since our last report, the affairs of the Washington Assembly have been marked by continued activity along all lines, and there are many evidences of growth. The meetings are well attended and much interest is shown by the audiences. The system of rotation in Chairmanships, under which every member of the Assembly who is willing to serve, is selected in alphabetical order, to arrange the Friday meetings, is developing new speakers and leaders, while the plan of Unity Feasts, several of the believers being chosen for each, following the same alphabetical arrangement, enables all to participate actively in the work of the Cause.

On the first day of 1911, the Message was given at a meeting of the “Secular League,” Washington's open Forum, and was well received by the large number present. In February, Mr. R. C. Wilhelm spent several days in Washington, addressing a largely-attended meeting directed by our colored friends.

Mr. W. P. Ripley, who so ably served as Chairman of our Working Committee for a considerable period, and later as Vice-Chairman, has, with his family, gone to Orlando, Florida, for a prolonged sojourn. At the February meeting of the Working Committee, the vacancy caused by this absence was filled by the election of Mr. Louis G. Gregory as a member.

Miss M. C. Hudd, of Chicago, is a welcome addition to the ranks of the Washington friends.

On February 28th, a concert was given at the McNeal studio, under the direction of Professor Arthur D. Mayo, for the Mashrak-El-Azkar Fund. The following well-known musicians participated: Mrs. Walter A. Gawler, Mrs. William T. Reed, Mr. Richard P. Backing, Mr. J. Walter Humphrey, Mr. Edwin L. Borchardt and Professor Mayo. Over $40 was realized from this concert.

Mr. Gregory has planned to go to Egypt to meet Abdul-Baha, and it is his intension to sail from New York, on March 25th. He expects to visit the European Assemblies while on this trip.

On Thursday, March 9th, our dear brother, Elwin Moore, was called to the Higher life. Bahai funeral services were held at the residence of Dr. E. H. Egbert, and many of the friends were present. Although Mr. Moore has been away from<colbreak> us for about a year, his earnest and winsome personality will be greatly missed. Our tender sympathy and love are extended to the widow, formerly Miss Ursula Shuman, of this city, and to Mrs. Getsinger and Miss Hebe J. Moore, his sisters. In these strong tests of faith, the Bahai spirit is splendidly triumphant, and thus in long-delayed fulfilment of prophecy, death has lost its sting and the grave is despoiled of its victory.

---

MONTREAL, QUE.—Weekly meeting held Friday evenings at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Maxwell, 716 Pine Avenue.

LONDON, ENG.—Regular meeting of Assembly Friday, 8:15 p. m., at 10 Cheniston Gardens; Wright's Lane, Kensington High Street.

STUTTGART, WURTEMBERG.—REGULAR meetings of Assembly Friday evenings. Kanzlei strasse 24P. ZUFFENHAUSEN.—At the home of Herrn und Frau F. Schweizer, Karl strasse 26I.

AKRON, OHIO.—Meetings every Thursday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Russell L. Brooker, 29 Hawthorne Avenue.

BALTIMORE, MD.—Regular weekly meetings Tuesday evenings at 629 West North Avenue, and Sunday evenings at 516 Broadway. Residence of Secretary, 629 West North Avenue.

BOSTON, MASS.—Sunday mornings, at 11 o'clock, in Beckton Hall, 200 Huntington Avenue. Miss Grace Robarts, Corresponding Secretary.

BUFFALO, N. Y.—Meetings every Sunday and Thursday evening at 494 Elmwood Avenue.

CHICAGO, ILL.—Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m., at Corinthian Hall, 17th floor Masonic Temple, State and Randolph Streets. Address of Assembly, P. O. Box 283, George Lesch, Secretary.

CLEVELAND, O.—Meetings Wednesday evenings at the home of Dr. and Mrs. C. M. Swingle, 2101 Prospect Avenue.

DENVER, COLO.—Regular meetings, Sunday, 3:30 p. m., at 4141 Xavier Street; Monday, 8 p. m., at 1608 Broadway, and group<colbreak> meetings Thursday afternoon at homes of the friends. G. Nathaniel Clark, Secretary, 4141 Xavier Street.

FRUITPORT MICH.—Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 2:30 p. m. Mrs. John Deremo, Secretary

ITHACA, N. Y.—Regular meeting of Assembly, Friday evenings at the residence of Dr. W. E. House, 241 South Cayuga Street.

KENOSHA, Wis.—Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 10:30 a. m.; Sunday school, 9:30 a. m., at Gronquish Hall, 218 Park Street. Address of Assembly, Fountain Nicholas, Secretary, 868 Park Street.

LOS ANGELES, CAL.—F. B. Beckett, Secretary, 429 Citizens' National Bank Building.

NEW YORK, N. Y.—Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m. at Genealogical Hall, 226 West 58th Street.

OAKLAND, CAL.—Charles R. Lee, Secretary, 1523 Jackson Street, San Francisco. Mrs. Cordie Cline, Corresponding Secretary, 233 Griffith Avenue, San Mateo, Cal.

PHILADELPHIA, PA.—Miss Jessie E. Revell, Secretary, 1429 Mayfield Street.

PORTLAND, ORE.—Regular weekly meeting, Thursday, 2 p. m., at 501 Yamhill Street, corner Fifteenth Street. Mrs. M. M. Rabb, Secretary, 1146 Willamette Boulevard, Station F.

SEATTLE, WASH.—Regular weekly meeting held at 2916 Beacon Avenue, South.

SPOKANE, WASH.—Regular weekly meeting held Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Killius, 124 Fifth Avenue. Miss E. Mabel King, Secretary, E413 Mission Avenue.

SUMMERDUCK, VA.—Meeting on fourth Sundays; address care Mrs. R. H. Duckett.

WASHINGTON, D. C.—Regular meetings Friday evenings at 8:15; Sunday mornings at 11:15, at 1219 Connecticut Avenue. Mail address of Assembly, P. O. Box 192. Residence of Secretary, 1252 Eighth Street, N. W.

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

—PERSIAN TEXT—

Original scans

Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4
Page 5	Page 6	Page 7	Page 8
Page 9	Page 10	Page 11	Page 12
Page 13	Page 14	Page 15	Page 16
Page 17	Page 18	Page 19	Page 20