Arohanui
Arohanui
(Picture of:) Margaret Stevenson
(Picture of:) Sarah Blundell
(Picture of:) Emily Axford
(Picture of:) Ethel Blundell
(Picture of:) First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah‡'’s of Australia and New Zealand, 1934.
Standing (from left): Mr P. M. Almond, Miss E. Blundell, Mr O. A. Whittaker, Mr R. S. Brown.
Seated (from left): Mrs S. M. Jackman, Mrs C. Moffitt, Mr H. Hyde-Dunn, Miss M. B. Stevenson, Miss H. M. Brooks.
(Picture of:) First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah‡'’s of New Zealand. Seen here with "Mother" Dunn, 1957.
Seated (from left): Beryl Van Der Vaart, Margaret Harnish, Dora Weeks, Ella Brightwell, Florence De Lisle, "Mother" Dunn, Shirley Charters, Hugh Blundell. Foreground (from left): John Carr, Precy Leadley.
(Picture of:) Marked spot on hilltop indicates center of New Zealand, where the dust from the Holy Land was placed by Bah‡'’s. The city of Nelson is in the valley below. (See Note 1.)
(Picture of:) First Bah‡'’ Feast held in Auckland, New Zealand, January, 1923.
Mr and Mrs Dunn in center standing.
Introduction
Miss Margaret Stevenson is recognised as the first Bah‡'’ in
New Zealand, and, indeed, of Australia and the South Pacific
Ocean area, during or about 1912. This was during the lifetime
of 'Abdu'l-Bah‡.
In 1974 I met Maurice Chambers in Havelock North. He told
me about his having accepted the Faith prior to his departure
to Egypt in 1914. Mr. Chambers learned of the Faith from
Dr. Robert William Felkin* who was a Bah‡'’. Dr. Felkin
presented him with two Bah‡'’ ring stones; one Mr. Chambers
had set in silver and which was lost in Egypt; the other,
set in gold, is still in the possession of a New Zealand believer.
Historically, there is little known about Dr. Felkin except
that he had an article on the Bah‡'’ Faith published in a
local newspaper about the same time.
John Henry and Clara Hyde-Dunn arrived as pioneers to the
continent of Australia on 18th April, 1920. During Mr.
Dunn's holidays at the end of December, 1922, and early
January, 1923, they visited New Zealand. Meetings were
held in the home of Mrs. Sarah Blundell, "Lymbury", Ridings
Road, Remuera, and it was there that Miss Margaret
Stevenson met the Dunns and records the surprise of Mr.
Dunn at meeting another Bah‡'’. Margaret Stevenson writes,
"On being introduced, I noticed the Bah‡'’ ring on his finger.
I was also wearing one and turned my hand to him. When he
*We have been asked, however, to state that inasmuch as Mr. Maurice
Chambers, who is known to be one of New Zealand's earliest Bah‡'’s,
himself testifies that Dr. Felkin was a Bah‡'’ and, in fact, that it was Dr.
Felkin who taught Mr. Chambers the Faith, there seems to be no reason to
doubt that Dr. Felkin was a believer."
(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of
Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of New
Zealand, 29th June, 1976.)
saw my ring his pleasure and astonishment will always be
something to remember, for when Mr. and Mrs. Dunn arrived
in Auckland they did not know there was a believer in
New Zealand". This was the first recorded Bah‡'’ meeting in
New Zealand. After Mr. Dunn returned to Australia, Mrs.
Dunn stayed in New Zealand and formed a study group which
was held in Miss Stevenson's home, "Clunie", in Cowie
Road, Parnell. It was here that what Mrs. Dunn called "the
first Bah‡'’ Feast" took place.
In 1925, the first group of pilgrims from the Antipodes attained
the presence of the Holy Shrines and met the Guardian,
Shoghi Effendi. The party was made up of Miss Margaret
Stevenson, Mrs. Sarah Blundell, Miss Ethel and Mr.
Hugh Blundell, although Hugh had not then accepted the
Faith, and were joined by Miss Effie Baker, the first woman
believer in Australia, who later remained in Haifa to serve at
the World Centre. In the same year the first issue of a Bah‡'’
magazine in New Zealand was published by Mr. Bertram
Dewing and given its name by Shoghi Effendi, "Herald of
the South".
The first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah‡'’'s of Australia
and New Zealand, which was elected at Ridv‡n, 1934,
had two members from New Zealand. Progressively, local
spiritual assemblies were established and a summer school
and a temple site acquired during the Six Year Plan, 1947-1953,
and the early years of the Ten Year Crusade. Under the
direction of the Guardian and as part of the Ten Year
Crusade, New Zealand became a separate National Spiritual
Assembly at Ridv‡n, 1957, with Hand of the Cause Clara
Dunn as Shoghi Effendi's representative on this historic occasion.
The messages of the Guardian have always been a source of
guidance, inspiration and love to all Bah‡'’'s. Those now
published in "Arohanui" are addressed to both individuals
and institutions. This compilation of messages from the
Guardian should be read in conjunction with those sent to
Australia and New Zealand and published by the National
Spiritual Assembly of Australia on the fiftieth anniversary of
the arrival of Mr. & Mrs. John Henry Hyde-Dunn in Sydney,
Australia.
Collis Featherstone.
Rockhampton. April, 1982
Index
This guide to subjects treated in the letters is not exhaustive. It does so
more than provide the reader with an initial step in the study of the
compilation. Listings are made by the number of the letter.
'Abdu'l-Bah‡
connection with, 1
home of, 21
intuitive knowledge, 80
laws of nature, 75
no finality in statements of, 80
philosophers of West and East, 80
shrines, 4
Administration
Australian jurisdiction, 59, 67
consolidation of, 44
half-yearly reports, 49
institutions, 33, 60
meetings in Australia, 54
multiplication of centres, 61
Alcohol
legislation, 74
prohibition, 74
Allenby, 11
B‡b, the
centenary of Declaration, 55
photographs of Shrine, 4
Bah‡'’ Cause
broad minded, 7
denunciation of, 19
dynamic spirit, 15
first Dutch believer, 3
growth of, 1, 8, 50, 57, 61
liberal, 7
need to follow Bah‡'’ law, 38, 39
obtain a hearing, 6
pioneer services, 6, 10
progress of, 19
purpose of, 1
selfless service in, 24, 53
significance of, 19
South African seeker, 32
unique and mighty, 10
universal faith, 36, 37
Bah‡'’ ring, 5
Bah‡'’ World Committee in America, 25
Baha'u'llah
connection with, 1
invincible power, 16
salvation of world, 22
sufferings, 11
significance of Revelation, 37
Baptism
no Bah‡'’ ceremony, 34
secondary matter, 34
Believers
chosen people, 1
deepening, 4, 23
devoted and whole-hearted, 4
enemies of Isl‡m, 16
enthusiasm, 4
obstacles and trials, 12
receptive hearts, 1
regeneration, 1
sound understanding, 14, 36
travels, 21, 22, 33
unity, 4, 31, 58
vicious criticism, 39
worid-wide fellowship, 31
Bereavement
earthly separation, 28
In Memoriam, 57
passing of Oscar Blundell, 9
passing of Miss Stevenson, 52
passing of Mrs Blundell, 26, 28
peace and joy, 28
prayers for departed, 28, 52
Divine help and guidance, 3, 20
Divinity
attributes of, 23
mercy and justice, 23
punishment, 23
Education
divinely inspired Educators, 75
mottoes, 1
Endowments
need for, 61
Esperanto, teaching of, 16
Esslemont, J.E.
health of, 2, 3, 5
relatives, 5
Evolution
beginning of creation, 75
man evolved, 75
Funds
contributions, 6, 8, 12, 17, 42, 43, 65
heavy demands on, 37
inauguration of National Fund, 64
love and devotion, 17
God
justice of, 23
perfection, 23
power of, 1, 15
wrath of, 23
Haz’ratu'l-Quds
means of unity, 41
purchase of building, 60, 61
Herald of the South
contributions, 77
desire to help and promote, 4
difficulties, 78
drain on resources, 67
expansion of, 7
extension of sphere of, 16
first issue, 7
high hopes for, 14
high standard of, 15
inspiration, 7
letters from Haifa, 4
link in chain, 7
need to persevere, 76
object and purpose, 7, 13, 79
photographs of shrines, 4
prayers for, 15
printed form, 15
reflects dynamic spirit, 76
regular copy to Guardian, 13
subject matter, 7, 15, 79
teaching medium, 77
title, 4
youngest Bah‡'’ magazine, 7
Holy Family
Greatest Holy Leaf, 2, 3, 5, 8
Holy Mother, 2, 3, 8
Holy Ghost
power of, 1
Holy Land
cancellation of trip, 31, 35
disturbances in Palestine, 34, 35
safe journey, 46
visit to, 21
Hospitality
English Bah‡'’s, 2, 20, 29
German friends, 3, 5
love and affection, 6
Sister Challis, 2, 5
Individual qualities
affection, 31
commitment, 66
disheartened, 5
herald of the Message, 18
high-minded, 66
receptive hearts, 1
sacrifice, 15, 27
service to Cause, 2, 6, 9
trust, 5
unceasing labour, 5
unity, 4
zeal and determination, 15, 38, 76
Isl‡m
fanatical mullahs, 16
Jesus Christ
disciples, 1
saviour, 1
Local Spiritual Assembly of Auckland
efforts of, 18
half-yearly report, 49
prayers for friends, 19
registration of, 47, 48
Maoris
active participation of, 64, 66
contact with tribes, 69
conversion of, 60, 64
noble qualities, 66
pamphlets, 23, 44
Marriage
recognition of Bah‡'’ certificate, 64
Mashriqu'l-Adhk‡r
foremost objective, 66
select site, 64
size and economics, 66
Material civilization
evils of, 1
materialistic philosophers, 80
negligence of mankind, 1
no political solution, 37
Missionaries
attitude to the Cause, 10
seekers misled, 10
wrong source, 10
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah‡'’s of New Zealand
Australian support, 64, 67
efficiency, 66
epoch-making event, 64
formation of, 25, 64
independent Assembly, 60, 67
need for strong basis, 59, 61
organic nature, 66
responsibilities of, 67
separation from Australia, 59
significance in Pacific Area, 64
Naw-Rœz
blessed occasion, 51
greetings, 51, 53
spirit of service, 51
New Delhi
conference, 40
accommodation, 40
Newspapers
references to the Cause, 14
New Zealand
development of Cause, 9, 14, 19, 61
difficulties in progress of the Faith, 24
distant and troubled, 7
far-away outpost, 18, 29
Guardian requests localities, 66
land of promise, 7, 10
newly opened, 6
no traditional drawbacks, 14
open-minded and receptive, 9, 14, 16
prayer for New Zealand Bah‡'’s, 12, 39
seeking souls, 15
social conditions, 10
Persia
cable to êr‡n, 68
danger to Bah‡'’s, 16
incitement of people, 16
money sent from New Zealand, 17
persecution, 16
spread of Faith, 16
Philosophy
Western and Eastern teachings, 80
Pilgrimage
hopes and plans, 31, 35
permission for, 49
prevented by disturbances, 31, 35
renewal of zeal, 30, 46
spiritual refreshment, 3
strengthening of believers, 4
welcome assured, 29, 35
Pilgrim House
contributions to, 8, 11
removal to, 9
work on, 8, 9
Politics
ambition of politicians, 37
no party in agreement with all Bah‡'’ teachings, 37
party membership, 37
Prayer
additional daily prayer not needed, 11
daily prayer, 11
effect of, 1
healing, 11
Property
Bah‡'’ endowment, 56
development of, 56, 58
naming of, 56
purchase of, 56
Summer School site, 56, 57
Prophets
divinely inspired Educators, 75
Psychic practices
conjecture, 79
not authenticated, 79
Publications (see also Herald of the South)
Bah‡'’ World, 45, 47
circular letter, 44
Dutch translation, 3
editors require reports, 17
Maori pamphlets, 23, 44
News Letter, 36, 63
Quarterly, 36
Religion
growth of, 1
inexhaustible capital, 1
living religion, 80
primary adherents, 1
small numbers, 1, 12, 14
Ridv‡n, feast of, 2, 3
Rumania, Queen of
acknowledges Muhammad, 16
articles written, 16
Sacrifice, 1, 27, 28, 51
Science
truth of, 75
Scout Movement
discipline, 81
educational value, 81
evils of war, 81
Shoghi Effendi
appreciation for Mr and Mrs Dunn, 1
collecting newspaper references, 14
health of, 2, 5, 8
high estimation for New Zealand friends, 1
letters source of joy, 11
manuscripts, unable to review, 37
memory of New Zealanders pilgrimage, 9, 10
no prominence to writings, 27
pleased with devotion of friends, 53
prayer or Australasian friends, 3, 4, 10, 11
recording of voice, 27
work on Gardens, 2, 3
Shrines
'Abdu'l-Bah‡, 2, 3
gardens laid out, 2, 3
Guardian's work on, 39
photographs, 4
safeguarding neighbourhood, 42, 43
Six Year Plan
Holy Days, 64, 66
Maoris, 64, 66
marriage certificate, 64, 66
National Fund, 64
numerical strength, 64, 66
South Island, 64, 66
stepping-stone to achievement, 66
swift expansion, 66
Temple site, 64, 66
Soul and Spirit
definition of, 82
immortality, 82
Summer School
inspiration from, 60
visit by Mrs Dunn, 60
Teaching
capacity of believers, 1
consolidation, 14, 29
gratification of Guardian, 29
impetus to, 67
judgement and tact, 18
literature to South Africa, 32
mottoes of education, 1
most urgent task, 65
needs of seekers, 18
obligation universal, 24
obstacles, 11, 15
patience and perseverance, 6
Power of God, 1
prayers for, 30
problems in Persia, 16
public speaking, 24
Regional Teaching Committee, 63
responsibility of young and active, 24
sacrificial effort, 1
sowing the seeds, 1, 8
trustees of Divine Message, 22
vision and zeal, 11, 38
visiting teachers, 24
work among Maoris, 66
Tests
benefits from, 31
courage in, 31
use of, 31
United Kingdom
visits by New Zealand pilgrims, 2, 3, 5, 6, 29, 35
Vivisection
no Bah‡'’ teachings, 62
Voting
removal of name, 38
conduct of friends, 38
World Order of Baha'u'llah
skeleton of, 67
solution to problems of the world, 37
Page References for Letters
Letter no. | Page | Letter no. | Page | Letter no. | Page |
1 | 3 | 29 | 43 | 56 | 64 |
2 | 4 | 30 | 43 | 57 | 65 |
3 | 6 | 31 | 44 | 58 | 66 |
4 | 8 | 32 | 45 | 59 | 66 |
5 | 9 | 33 | 46 | 60 | 67 |
6 | 11 | 34 | 47 | 61 | 68 |
7 | 12 | 35 | 48 | 62 | 69 |
8 | 13 | 36 | 49 | 63 | 70 |
9 | 14 | 37 | 50 | 64 | 70 |
10 | 19 | 38 | 52 | 65 | 72 |
11 | 20 | 39 | 53 | 66 | 72 |
12 | 21 | 40 | 53 | 67 | 76 |
13 | 22 | 41 | 54 | 68 | 77 |
14 | 23 | 42 | 57 | 69 | 78 |
15 | 24 | 43 | 57 | 70 | 81 |
16 | 25 | 44 | 58 | 71 | 81 |
17 | 27 | 45 | 59 | 72 | 81 |
18 | 28 | 46 | 60 | 73 | 81 |
19 | 28 | 47 | 60 | 74 | 85 |
20 | 29 | 48 | 60 | 75 | 85 |
21 | 30 | 49 | 61 | 76 | 86 |
22 | 31 | 50 | 61 | 77 | 86 |
23 | 32 | 51 | 61 | 78 | 87 |
24 | 33 | 52 | 62 | 79 | 87 |
25 | 39 | 53 | 63 | 80 | 88 |
26 | 40 | 54 | 63 | 81 | 88 |
27 | 40 | 55 | 63 | 82 | 89 |
28 | 42 | | |