Thornton Chase Notes:
1905-1907
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YR 1905
T. Chase to Mrs. and Mr. Haney
c87 3p. Louisville, Kty, 2 Jan. 1905
Sister Sangamitta spoke in Chicago recently. It was taken down stenographically, and
must be corrected before distribution.
The Haneys sent Chase clippings from New York newspapers; he expresses his
gratitude and says he'll keep them for posterity.
Worship of `AB is a problem, like worship of Jesus.
Albert Hall has a great intellect, which is a barrier to accepting the Faith, but Chase
thinks he'll come around.
Mr. Winterburn's pilgrim's notes were written up at Chase's request.
T. Chase to George Winterburn
c87 5p. Chicago, 8 Jan. 1905
Chicago and New York Baha'i communities are in good shape.
The spelling "Beha" is wrong. Chase gives the history of the spelling.
The House of Spirituality has thought of gathering the originals of all tablets in one
place, but the time is not yet. The House may have that job eventually.
Dealy's book was to be published in New York, with another chapter added.
It would cost $60 to publish Winterburn's pilgrim's notes. The book containing the
Hidden Words and communes will be out at the end of the month.
A concert was recently held for the Temple Fund; it netted $100.00. It may be loaned
to the Publ. Society for printing books.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 2p. Chicago, 9 Jan. 1905
Chase is replying to a letter of hers of 6 January.
Ameen Fareed is badly overworked; this is a common comment.
Kheiralla has moved to New York City. Shu`au'llah is with him; he can't speak any
English and is at Kheiralla's mercy.
Chase sends her a copy of Sanghamitta's address. Bryant is sick; Chase says this is a
warning that we "are still under the law."
The MacNutts have left on pilgrimage. They are accompanying Abu'l-Fadl home.
Mrs. Harrison says she has received a "new and most wonderful and authoritative
revelation" and she wishes to tell Chase about it.
T. Chase to Mr. Clarence Smith, Honolulu
c87 4p. Chicago, 11 Jan. 1905
Ameen Fareed is studying at Hanneman Homeopathic College.
There are two new believers in Hawaii.
A book will soon be published with the Hidden Words, Words of Wisdom, and
communes. It will probably appear in early February.
`AB was serving dinner at His table recently when some beggars came to the door and
asked for food. He had the whole dinner given to them. Chase speaks about the lesson of
sacrifice this teaches.
Chase says that Abu'l-Fadl and the eight Americans left for Akka on 1 December.
T. Chase to Ben. R. Taylor of Cincinnati
copy 81 2p. [Chicago], 11 Jan. 1905
Kheiralla's life and history is described.
Most of the Kenosha Baha'is are Swedish or Danish. The community there is
described.
T. Chase to Postmaster
1p. Chicago, 14 Jan. 1905
Chase seeks to trace an item lost in the mails [it was mailed to Mrs. Bryant].
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 2p. Chicago, 17 Jan. 1905
Chase mentions a joint meeting of the officers of the House of Spirituality and the
Ladies Board "last Tuesday."
The New York Board of Counsel has agreed that all future publishing would be done
through Chicago. Chase was surprised. This was because of the poor quality of the New
York publications, and because one there is out of favor; Chase says, because of lack of
wisdom on the man's part, though he is sincere. (who? Sprague? Dodge?)
Charles Mason Remey is the "Main Stay" of the Wash. D.C. Baha'i community. Chase
describes him, but says he has never met him or corresponded with him. He calls Remey
the "salt of the earth."
Louise Waite to the Officers of the Woman's Assembly
and the Officers of the House of Spirituality
c87 4p. n.d. [mid Jan. 1905?]
The letter mentions the concert for the Temple fund, given at Christmastime 1904,
so the letter must date from that time. The letter also mentions a joint meeting of
officers, like the one mentioned in the letter above, so probably dates from mid January
1905.
Waite has been accused of teaching the Faith too widely and broadly. Insulted and
hurt, she resigns as corresponding secretary of the Woman's Assembly. The accusation
apparently stems from a broad-minded song she wrote, and which she quotes.
She should have all the concert money collected by Wednesday. The musicians who
performed are now interersted in the Faith.
The letter is earnest, but drips with bitterness and anger. It seems to capture the
way Waite deals with personal accusations.
T. Chase to "Sister Servant"
c87 1p. 17 Jan. 1905
A package has been lost in the mail. Many want the address you gave; please correct
the enclosed manuscript and return it. Miss Buikema will make copies on her
typewriter.
The letter must be to Sister Sanghamitta, who had just spoken in Chicago.
T. Chase to Mr. C. M. Gates of Chicago
1p. Chicago, 17 Jan. 1905
Chase mailed letters from Denver on 24 Dec 1904. Gates is a friend of Mr. and Mrs.
Chase; probably a non-Baha'i. Possibly he's Jewish; Chase sends him two letters
written by Jewish Baha'is in Iran.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 2p. Chicago, 22 Feb. 1905
Chase was in "Milwaukee and elsewhere since my return from the East." He was in
New York City also. He describes two visits with Sister Sanghamitta and Dr. Phelps at
their farm in N.J. Mother Beecher, May Maxwell, and Mrs. Br-ham visited as well, as
did other Baha'is.
Chase met with the New York Board of Counsel. He spoke to the friends at their
regular meeting at the Genealogical Hall, and in Brooklyn. MacNutt was able to stay in
Akka only one day; Mrs. MacNutt stayed a week. There are lots of troubles in Akka right
now.
Mrs. Getsinger has "changed greatly and for the better." She is "older, and more quiet
and reserved." She wears blue. She's studying Persian at the university [Columbia
Univ.?].
Chase has company permission for a two month vacation.
Chase may visit Denver this spring [he did on 9 Mar.]
Mr. Brittingham has a printing press in Mr. Sprague's house and is making his living
doing odd printing jobs. Mr. Sprague is interested in printing also.
T. Chase to Arthur Dodge
1p. Denver, 9 Mar. 1905
Chase was in Texas.
Chase leaves tomorrow for Omaha, thence to Des Moines, eventually to Chicago.
Chase was asked by Dodge to supply some essays for a book Dodge wants to publish.
Chase apologizes; he has no time, because of work.
T. Chase to Roy Wilhelm
c87 2p. Denver, 9 Mar. 1905
Chase was in Texas.
Chase--or Fareed--plans for a 1905 pilgrimage--Ameen Fareed has no money to get
there with, tho.
Costs of pilgrimage--$119 for a ticket, New York to Port Said. $20.00 more to get
to Haifa.
Chase is going to Omaha, then Des Moines, then Chicago by the middle of next week.
Then St. Louis, and Minneapolis even later.
It takes 40 days for a letter to go over and a reply to come back, or twenty days for a
letter with a cable reply. Twenty days is the fastest mail goes, one way, to Akka.
Various routes to Akka are discussed. Chase fears a delay because of quarentine. He
doesn't have much vacation time.
T. Chase to the Hon. John F. Shafroth, Denver
c87 1p. [Chicago], 16 Mar. 1905
Chase's wife also plans to go on pilgrimage. Chase asks Shafroth, or Senator Teller,
for a letter of introduction.
Chase visited him with Fred Coe several days earlier.
Chase plans to go on pilgrimage in late April or early May.
T. Chase to Mr. Wayland J. Chase, Dean
copy 81 1p. Chicago, 17 Mar. 1905
He is dean of the Morgan Park Academy.
Thornton Jr.'s escapade in a saloon.
T. Chase and Amen Fareed to Roy Wilhelm
copy 81 4p. Chicago, 17 Mar. 1905
Letter written by Fareed. Apparently Chase is in Chicago though; he is present (as is
Mrs. Chase) as Fareed writes.
Chase says: I just arrived yesterday from my business trip.
Pilgrimage plans, costs, etc.
T. Chase to Ahmad Yazdi
c87 1p. Chicago, 19 Mar. 1905
The letter is from the House of Spirituality. Enclosed are 29 letters to Baha'i
Assemblies throughout the Orient.
Fitz-Gerald stopped in Chicago recently and spoke about his pilgrimage. He stayed a
few days. [He's probably on his way back to Washington state from Akka.]
T. Chase to Mrs. Louise Waite
c87 1p. Chicago, 24 Mar. 1905
Chase edits her poem about New Years. He stresses that he's only trying to be of
service to her. The BPS may publish it.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
Chicago, 21 Apr. 1905
"I hope to visit Thee at this time in company with my loved brother and friend, Mirza
Ameen'ullah Fareed. Ten years ago, before any American had found Thee, I hoped then to
visit Thee."
T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah
c87 2p. Detroit, 25 Apr. 1905
Chase praises Ameen Fareed as "a good youth, upright in character, wise in action,
and an attainer in study. He is endeared to many hearts and has the confidence of all that
know him. A large burden of responsibility is already upon his young shoulders through
the love and trust of the friends and the respects of his associates."
There is much unity in Chicago now. The House of Spirituality and Bahai Publishing
Society are better recognized and respected now.
Chase lists the Baha'i centers as New York, Wash. D.C., Cincinnati, Kenosha, Racine,
Milwaukee, California, and Chicago [the list is mostly the same as 1899!]
T. Chase to Ellen V. [Mother] Beecher
copy 82 2p. Grand Rapids, 27 Apr. 1905
Chase is "on the road."
He apparently was booked on a passage to the Orient, but isn't going.
Chase refers to a vision he had many years ago. "It has been the anchor of my life
through many years"; but he doesn't give much of a description.
He asks her to convey his greetings to Sister Sanghamitta.
T. Chase to Sister Sanghamitta
c87 1p. Grand Rapids, 28 Apr. 1905
Mother Beecher wrote him that Sister S. has not been well.
"My hope of going East this month is destroyed by conditions in the Orient."
Fareed should meet Phelps in New York. Fareed sails today for the Orient.
T. Chase to Mr. Thomas F. Dawson
2p. Chicago, 3 May 1905
He is a non-Baha'i. Chase is trying to get a letter from Senator Teller, a letter of
introduction to go to Akka.
Chase refers to a poem he once wrote, "Tom Bowen's Ride," a "political doggerel." He
says this and other old articles by him are in Springfield.
Chase had pilgrimages dates, but had to cancel them because of conditions in Akka. And
he didn't have a letter of introduction from Senator Teller.
T. Chase to Mr. Phelps
2p. Chicago, 4 May 1905
Chase is replying to Phelps's letter of 23 [Apr.]. At the time he was on a trip to
Michigan.
Phelps wrote him to express sympathy that Chase can not go meet `AB this year.
Phelps invited him to Green Acre instead; Chase says he can't go. Apparently Phelps
referred to Ramanathan as the great teacher who will be at Green Acre; Chase says he
hopes to meet the man some time.
T. Chase to Arthur Dodge
1p. Chicago, 5 May 1905
Chase again apologizes for not sending Dodge any material. Dodge wants essays,
probably for a magazine. Chase says its premature for a magazine; the costs are too
high; the community is too small for it to show a profit. One could easily loose
$100,000. Dodge has no money, either.
T. Chase to I. Br-ham
copy 4p. Chicago, 10 May 1905
The last letter from her was "long ago" it referred to the situation in New York.
The Faith in Chicago is "in pretty good shape." There is "constant growth."
"Outwardly there is harmony"; no bickerings and jealousies. But the Baha'is are not
working together.
The major problem is too much enthusiasm and not enough wisdom. The Baha'is are
like children; when they learn a little they think they know better than their father;
later they realize how little they know.
A major problem is that the Baha'is bend the Faith to fit their own fancies--this is
the main cause of disharmony.
Chase seems to be at inner peace at this time.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copied 87 4 p. Chicago, 16 May 1905
A lot on Sister Sanghamitta. Chase complains that Phelps wrote him and said he didn't
have to go to Akka; a great spiritual Master would be at Green Acre this summer. Chase
notes that this is the sort of attitude Sister S. has to deal with.
The Baha'is tend to move a lot and thus scattered, starting the teaching work
elsewhere.
Marian [Kheiralla?] will stay at the Dodges for a few days on her way to England. The
MacNutts have returned from pilgrimage, radiant, and are teaching a lot in New York
City and Brooklyn.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 21 May 1905
Fareed should be in the "Holy City" by now [Akka]
Mrs. Greenleaf was just elected President of the Chicago Woman's Assembly of
Teaching.
Chase calls his son Joe.
Chicago will commemorate the Ascension of Baha'u'llah on Sunday, 28 May.
T. Chase to Sarah Farmer
1p. Chicago, 30 May 1905
Chase was at Green Acre at the end of July last year [1904]. Maybe he will be able to
go this year.
He thanks Farmer for the invitation to speak.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
copy 81 Chicago, 31 May 1905
Chase refers to Mrs. Chase and "Joe"--in quotes.
Phelps, Farmer, Sister Sanghamitta all urge Chase to speak at Green Acre this
summer. But he's undecided.
T. Chase to Arthur Dodge
1p. Chicago, 2 June 1905
About the teaching of deacons and ministers of Chicago churches. They invite them to
dinner, one or two at a time.
Chase has written domething for Dodge's proposed book.
The lunchtime meeting at Kimball's has grown from 3 to 5 or more. As many as eight
attend. There are at least 5 for lunch. Agnew, Greenleaf, Chase were the nucleus.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
2p. Chicago, 25 June 1905
Chase can't leave on pilgrimage this year now.
Ali Kuli Khan now has a son.
T. Chase to Mr. Scotford of Los Ang.
c87 11p. Chicago, 29 June 1905
Description of Manifestations and the role of Baha'u'llah. BH is not greater than Xt,
but the same. Jesus was a puified earthly mirror for the Xt that was in Him.
God. Chase describes God using the analogy of a light in a room filled with transparent
objects; an analogy from Kheiralla!
This world is a womb-world for the next life.
An introductory letter, seemingly to a non-Baha'i. Its 11 pages long!
Chase mentions the visions of Swedenborg and says they "are not to be ignored."
"It has been the writer's fortune to be somewhat familiar with like teachings [ancient
doctrines] in past years..."
He quotes Charles Wesley [a hymn?].
Love and obedience. "Both are one in essence." Love must be given freely, to be true
love. The text here echoes Bahai Revelation.
Laura Clifford Barney to T. Chase
2 p. Port Said, 4 July 1905
All letters sent to the Master must be sent care of Mr. Ahmad Yazdi in Port Said,
starting immediately, because of "some difficulties [which] have arisen in Acca..."
T. Chase to Mother Beecher
B3F12 Portland, Maine, 24 July 1905
Chase tells her not to send any letters to `AB to Akka, but to Port Said in stead.
T. Chase to Roy Wilhelm
copy 81 1p. Portland, Maine, 29 July 1905
Chase still has permission to go on pilgrimage, but circumstances in Akka are very
bad.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 3p. Chicago, 3 Oct. 1905
Chase refers to a letter by Bryant to him, dated 24 Sept.
Chase is going to Michigan for a week or more; he's about to leave.
A friend on the West Coast [Nathan Fitz-Gerald] is writing to Baha'is asking for
money so that he can serve the Faith full time. Chase says `AB discourages this and
forbids asking for funds. The House of Spirituality has consulted on the matter. The
individual is referred to only as the Colonel.
Charles Remey referred to in glowing terms. Remey asked `AB whether he could give
up his profession in order to serve the Faith full time; `AB said he shouldn't.
All publications henceforth must be approved.
A Baha'i magazine has been discussed for five years now. The Publishing Society
feels the time is not yet right. Someone [Fitz-Gerald] has started a magazine
independently and Chase doesn't like it. It lacks wisdom; Chase hints he may be
ambitious.
References in the letter to Miss Clark of Denver, Mr. Hanna [Hannen], Mrs.
Knoblock, and Mr. Jacobsen. Hannen and Knobloch spoke in Chicago last night.
MacNutt has sold his business and will devote all of his time to the Faith.
T. Chase to Mrs. Corinne True
copy 82 2 p. Chicago, 4 Oct. 1905
The letter is all about the "Nineteen Day teas" being held for teaching. At this time
there is no real feast. This is the nearest equivalent, and it is open to non-Baha'is.
Chase traces the evolution of the nineteen day teas; 1) worship and social
acquaintance foe the ladies; 2) business was introduced also; 3) now it is being used for
teaching the Faith. Chase himself doesn't like this change. The women want to invite
speakers; Chase says a committee should do this.
[A Spiritualist--a non-Baha'i--was invited to speak at the tea.]
Chase refers to the need for consultation.
T. Chase to Mirza Raffie
Chicago, 17 Oct. 1905
Chase has just returned a few days ago from Louisville.
Chase's flat is in Edgewater on the Chicago north side.
Chase is having trouble making ends meet.
T. Chase to Mrs. Louise Waite
copy 81 4p. Chicago, 22 Oct. 1905
Asadu'llah taught the value of consultation.
`AB is called Christ in her manuscript. Chase says that must be changed. But Chase
doesn't exactly deny the idea; perhaps out of kindness to Mrs. Waite.
The House of Spirituality and the Women's Assembly met "last evening."
The House of Spirituality approves all publishing decisions of the Baha'i Publishing
Society.
A beautiful letter where Chase criticizes someone's writing most lovingly.
T. Chase to Mr. Harrison D. Barret, Canaan, Maine
2p. Chicago, 17 Dec. 1905
Chase has been traveling for several weeks. He hasn't had time to write anyone.
The letter is a general one to a non-Baha'i about the Day in which we live.
T. Chase to Mrs. Margaret B. Peeke of Sandusky, Ohio
1p. Chicago, 17 Dec. 1905
She has asked for a copy of the Seven Valleys; he sends it.
Chase met her in Sandusky.
YR 1906
T. Chase to Roy Wilhelm
copy 81 6p. Chicago, 25 Jan. 1906
Chase moved in Sept. to Edgewater, 10 miles out on the North Side.
Chase calls Ameen Fareed a "prince" sarcastically. Fareed wants to be paid for
translating for the Faith.
Chase advises Wilhelm not to give Fareed any money; he has plenty.
Mirza Raffie, in contrast, is poor and refuses help. He's in the University of Chicago
Medical School.
Later in the letter Chase softens his criticism of Fareed a little.
Baha'i Publishing Society mentioned.
T. Chase to Charles Mason Remey
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 25 Jan. 1906
Chase describes the way the Baha'i Publishing Society operates.
Chase leaves for Portland, Maine, on saturday. He will be there through Tuesday at
least.
T. Chase to Roy Wilhelm
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 13 Feb. 1906
`AB has forbidden indiscriminate distribution of literature in public places [He
forbade it two years earlier].
Chase discusses a publication of Wilhelm's.
The enthusiasm of new Baha'is is like that of an adolescent.
Chase went to Portland, Maine from Chicago twice recently.
Mrs. Br-ham is on her way to Chicago; is expected 21 Feb.
T. Chase to Mr. Hannen of Wash. D.C.
Chicago, 18 Feb. 1906
Chase was in Maine, returned to Chicago via Albany route. He had hoped to visit Wash.
D.C.
There are now twelve meetings weekly in homes in Chicago. Washington, he
understands, has two meetings. Do you have a Sunday meeting too?
T. Chase to Charles M. Remey
copy 81 3p. Chicago, 18 Feb. 1906
Chase's wife and son wintered in Wash. D.C. in 1902/03.
There are 400 tablets in the archives. The House wants to publish them
A translating board is desirable, but is not yet possible.
The business of the House of Spirituality takes 1/2 to 3/4 of an hour; 2 hours are
spent studying the Ighan together! Average attendance is 14 men.
The faith of many collapses in tests.
Chicago House of Spirituality to New York Board of Counsel
Chicago, 19 Feb. 1906
Dates of the Fast, Ayyam-i-Ha. They quote the Aqdas.
Ali Kuli Khan to T. Chase and the House of Spirituality
Boston, 8 Mar. 1906
He sends the Seven Valleys for publication. Other manuscripts will follow.
Chase had discussed publications with Khan earlier. Manuscripts are being sent to
the Baha'i Publishing Society through Chase.
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 12 Mar. 1906
Consultation is always used in Chicago.
Khan just gave the BPS the Seven Valleys to publish. Chase thanks him. It will be set
up in the same style as the Hidden Words. Chase hears that the "Words of Paradise" are
almost finished also.
Ali Kuli Khan to T. Chase and the House of Spirituality
1p. 15 Mar. 1906
He approves of publishing the Seven Valleys like the Hidden Words. He has sent the
"Words of Paradise" to Agnew. The Tarazat and Tablet to the World will follow within a
week. They are incredible works.
Note: this letter is filed in the Chase papers under outgoing correspondence.
T. Chase to Fred E. Coe
1p. Chicago, 16 Mar. 1906
Chase will be in Texas in a few days, then Denver. Coe apparently is a business
associate, probably from Colorado. Mrs. Chase is in correspondence with Mrs. Coe. Coe
apparently just became a Baha'i; he sent a supplication to `AB.
T. Chase to Mr. Justin Wright of Chicago
c87 1p. Chicago, 16 Mar. 1906
Chase has studying prophetic teachings now for 25 years (=1881).
T. Chase to Myron Phelps, Old Bridge, N. J.
c87 1p. Chicago, 16 Mar. 1906
Phelps has written Chase about Ramanathan; Chase replies.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 3 p. Chicago, 16 Mar. 1906
A Mr. and Mrs. Kellogg of Oak Park, contacts of Miss Rosenberg, will be visited.
Chicago meetings have a weekly average attendance of 80 (p. 2).
Abraham Haddad, the brother of Anton Haddad, "under the claim of Baha'i brotherhood
and acceptance, sold goods, borrowed money, etc." "Many of the friends have already had
unpleasant experiences in pecuniary dealings" with Abraham. "we know nothing but
good" of Anton Haddad (p. 1).
The Baha'is in Chicago "are not growing greatly in numbers." They have no
headquarters, but have Sunday meetings.
There are twelve groups meetings a week in different homes, mostly in afternoons.
There are nineteen day teas; a nineteen day supper will be inaugurated.
Mrs. Miller-Kheiralla and Mrs. Herron are now in Chicago--the former has not yet
returned to the Faith.
Chase asks for the news in England and Paris.
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
copy 81 2p. undated [spring 1906]
[probably about 20 Mar 1906]
The translation of the Tarazat has arrived at the Baha'i Publishing Society.
Chass started using a typewriter a few years ago, for speed in corresponding.
This letter is a reply to that of 15 Mar. 1906, included in the same folder.
T. Chase to Charles M. Remey
c87 4p. Chicago, 20 Mar. 1906
Chase notes its the last day of the Fast.
Remey is publishing his own works; Chase asks him that he associate with the Baha'i
Publishing Society. He notes that they need money, but don't ask for it. He hints that
Remey could be of great help to them.
Chase discusses translators and translations. Ruhi doesn't know cultured English.
Haddad was too literal, though he knew English well; as a result his translations
sometimes were stilted or confusing.
The Aqdas has been translated into English by Anton Haddad--but it has not been
spread around. Haddad wanted to consult with `AB first. Remey understands `AB has said
yes to its publication; Chase doubts it.
Remey sent to Chicago a supplication, for them to sign and send back to him, for
mailing to `AB. Chase encloses it.
T. Chase to Mary F. Lee, Portland, OR
Chicago, 29 Mar. 1906
Ms. Lee is a non-Baha'i, asking about the Faith. Chase's reply is an introductory
letter on the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and `AB, their titles and stations.
Baha'i Publishing Society to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 81 Chicago, 19 Apr. 1906
The Baha'i Publishing Society was formed "some five years ago." It has four current
members; Chase, Agnew, Windust, Greenleaf. The letter lists its purposes and
publications. They have publication agreements with New York City and Kenosha; now
have one with Wash. D.C. (Remey).
There are 350 tablets stored now. The Publishing Society requests permission to
publish them.
Are the three principles of the Baha'i Publishing Society okay?
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
copy 81 3p. Chicago, Tues. 24 Apr. 1906
Dr. Rufus Bartlett died 3 months ago.
Letters to `AB from the House of Spirituality and Baha'i Publishing Society are
enclosed; could you please translate them?
Chase submits all of his writings to the Baha'i Publishing Society and House of
Spirituality for approval, to guarantee their accuracy. He sends copies with Khan to
give to `AB, hoping for His approval of them, so they can be published. Much of "Before
Abraham was, I am" has been translated into Persian by Mirza Raffie, but it isn't
finished yet.
Chase complains that women try to lead the Faith (p. 1, 3).
Women "cater" to Ameen Fareed; he to them. It is a great test for him.
Khan obviously is going on pilgrimage. Chase is sending piles of thing to Khan to take
to `AB.
Ameen Fareed leaves for pilgrimage 12 May; 19 May he sails from Montreal. Chase
wonders who's paying for the trip.
The American Baha'i community: "Never until there is recognition of some American
body of authority will there be unity..."
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
part copied 19-24 Apr. 1906
Chase abandoned all Christian churches about 26 years earlier because of their belief
in the virgin birth. Chase was empty of all belief for a time. Swedenborg taught the
virgin birth also. Chase asks for an explanation.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copied Chicago, 24 Apr. 1906
Apparently this is a separate letter from the previous one; perhaps it wasn't sent.
Reference to Socialists, anarchists.
Chase complains about the women.
The House of Spirituality was formed under the guidance of Mirza Asadu'llah. At the
same time a Women's Assembly of Teaching was formed. The latter was independent of
the former.
"They call this `Woman's Day' rather than the `Day of God.'"
The old President of the Women's Assembly of Teaching--for the last five years--
was not re-elected and she complains she had a mandate from `AB.
Some women follow visions.
Chase begs that `AB clarify the role of the House of Spirituality as final authority.
Chase describes the House's policy as "non-resistance."
Women are trying to "overthrow" the House of Spirituality!
Charles M. Remey to T. Chase
2 p. Wash. D.C. 30 Apr. 1906
Remey asks all communities to pen a few lines to `AB on His birthday; he's sending a
sheet of parchment with the Greatest Name on it for this purpose. Remey will collect
them all and forward them to `AB.
Remey sends a list of Assemblies to whom he sent the request. The Assemblies as a
body, not as individuals, are to sign them.
A circular letter; it begins "Dear Friend." It was sent to Chicago through Chase.
T. Chase to Helen Goodall
1p. Chicago, 2 May 1906
Anna Bailey receiced a tablet from`AB in 1903, but no one in Chicago knew where she
lived. Chase just figured out that she lives in California and sends the tablet to Goodall
for transmission to Bailey.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 1p. Chicago, 7 May 1906
San Francisco earthquake--no Baha'is were injured. The Haneys escaped with their
clothes on their backs only.
Mrs. Br-ham has visited Chicago, and helped conditions there. Now Chase expects
there will be greater harmony.
Charles M. Remey to T. Chase
1 p. Wash. D.C., 7 May 1906
New York getting the money together to send Hooper Harris to India. Please send
money to help in this effort to Howard MacNutt, President of the New York Board of
Counsel.
Apparently attached is a pamphlet explaining the Fast. It has Asadu'llah's explanation
of the Baha'i calendar and Naw-Ruz, given in 1901.
T. Chase to Mr. G. Herbert Rich of New York City
1p. Chicago, 9 May 1906
He is a Baha'i. Chase wrote him asking--very politely--for support of the Baha'i
Publishing Society.
T. Chase to Roy Wilhelm
c87 3p. Chicago, 9 May 1906
Baha'i Publishing Society news. They will publish Asadu'llah's book, to beneifit
Fareed's education and living expenses.
Ameen Fareed is even called the Prince by some of the friends!
Chase, Greenleaf are individual members of the Federated new Thought Committee,
which coordinates various Chicago New Thought groups. They are individual members;
they don't represent the Faith. The committee's President is Dr. Pratt. He has written
`AB and received a tablet. He wrote Asadu'llah and the book is his reply to Pratt [when it
was published, Pratt wrote its introduction.]
The BPS was asked informally to publish the book. They said yes, tentatively. Then
people began to run around and raise the money for the book's printing, saying the BPS
would do it, before it was official. Now the BPS doesb't want to publish it. Chse bemoans
this unprofessional, unbusinesslike behavior on the part of Fareed's friends. [The BPS
did publish the book.]
T. Chase to Miss Celia Richmond
1p. Chicago, 11 May 1906
No notes.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 3p. Chicago, 11 May 1906
Mrs. Kellogg had studied the Faith in Paris; Chase says the situation here, though, is
very different. She has now met several believers in Chgo.
The difficulties of teaching the Faith in the USA: "Here the difficulty is that there are
so many `fads,' cults, ideas, etc. that, although it is easy to meet people and talk of these
things, the matter is at first placed mentally in the above category, and that mental
attitude has to be later overcome."
Chase had planned on going on pilgrimage with the Khans. he'd even engaged a berth.
But his company refused to give him the time.
Khan's translations have "some crudities of expression." But his translations will be
published soon, in about a month.
Abraham Haddad recently died suddenly of pneumonia.
Chicago wants a more reliable way of communicating with `AB. Often things get
mistranslated or never arrive at all. He asks Rosenberg what route European Baha'i
mail takes.
Could you send me a French translation of the Iqan by Dreyfus? Chase has heard the
translation is better than Khan's English translation.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 5p. Chicago, 17 May 1906
Death of a Mrs. Rogers--a possible suicide.
Death of a Mrs. Coles too.
The problem of personal ambition among the Baha'is.
Reference to a Mrs. B. who "runs" the Woman's Assembly. He cites clear signs of
ambition in her.
Chase doubts the authenticity of a peculiar tablet by `AB that says one should not rest
anywhere for more than nineteen days (apparently while traveling teaching).
Ameen Fareed spoke at women's meetings, made a scene by chanting in Arabic, saying
the Greatest Name. The House of Spirituality told him to stop. He didn't; Chase calls him
the "Prince." Chase says Fareed feels a strong ambition, which is a test. Women adore
him; Chase lists Mrs. Russell, Moody, Lesch, Phillips, Harrison, etc.
Mrs. Honore Jaxon is now President of the Woman's Assembly of Teaching.
Ref. to a Beilhard--could this be Mrs. B.? [Its probably Mrs. Br-ham.]
A split is developing between the Fareed clique and the House of Spirituality.
Mrs. Haney is living in Minneapolis. There are "two or three" good believers there,
and "several on the way approaching." Mrs B. is going to Minneapolis; Chase fears the
result.
T. Chase to Mary F. Lee
Chicago, 18 May 1906
She asks more questions about the Faith.
Miracles; free will; Baha'u'llah; `AB; the unity that the Faith establishes between
different peoples.
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
Chicago, 19 May 1906
Chase has been "confined to the house with an attack of rheumatism."
"I do feel that my ability (if I have any) must be in the directions of writing and
lecturing, and I pray that our Lord will give me permission."
Most of the Seven Valleys is typeset.
Chase sends his two publications with Khan; also the essay "Living Knowledge." I
guess he wanted to publish it.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
c87 1p. Chicago, 21 May 1906
Chase asked Fareed to convey his love, devotion, and obedience to the Master. He
stresses the submission of his will to God's.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 5p. Chicago, 24 May 1906
Chase received a letter from Mrs. Bryant dated 19 May 1096.
Chase notes that personal aggrandizement and service to the Faith are incompatible.
Reference to Mrs. B., Mr. Woodcock, and Ameen Fareed.
Mrs. Bryant has sent in seven more supplications to `AB!
Sister Sanghamitta.
Mrs. Chase is living in Chicago now.
The House of Spirituality is bending backward to be nice to Mrs. B. Mr. B. is pleased.
Chase and Agnew consult together about everything.
Green Acre.
Need for unity in Chicago is great. Chase lists the city's cliques: a Jaxon-True-
Phillips clique (the "Woman's Assembly"); an Ameen Fareed-Russell-Lesch-Moody
"devotees"; a Nash group of intellectuals; the "B---------m followers"; the
"Harrison-Roe spiritual perfectionists." Average attendance at Chicago meetings is
seventy.
T. Chase to Miss Julia Goodman, Salem, Mass
1p. Chicago, 29 May 1906
She is a non-Baha'i seeker. Chase advises against her reading the Suriy-i-Haykal,
because it was translated too literally and thus is incomprehensible. But the Seven
Valleys should be out by mid June, and its better.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 5p. Chicago, 9 June 1906
Teaching the Faith by living the life; by Love; by words. Chase's letter is dominated
by the need to submit one's will to the will of God. Love is a theme also, but I think
submission is a more important theme.
T. Chase to Mr. Alfred Lunt
copy Chicago, 16 June 1906
Ameen Fareed, Ali Kuli Khan, Dr. Moody, Mrs. Russell, Mr. Crowley are all
mentioned.
Mrs. Brown of Denver--a Baha'i (?) who used to be a member of the Swedenborgian
church in Denver, back in the 80's.
T. Chase to George and Rosa Winterburn
copy 81 2p. Minneapolis, 28 June 1906
Baha'i Publishing matters
Los Ang. news.
Khan's translation style is very literal.
T. Chase to Alfred Lunt
copy Chicago, 30 June 1906
Received a letter of 21 [June].
Chase was a member of the Denver Swedenborgian church, 1886-87. Mrs. Brown is
not a Baha'i--Chase doesn't hold out much hope, either.
The Greatest Name--Chase describes the old way it was used, which was seldom, and
with great solemnity. It was given only to declared believers. Chase wishes it were so
respected now. He describes its public use (cf. Shoghi Effendi later).
The Greatest Name is constantly used in prayer.
Reference to the prophecy of Acchor being the door of hope.
Chase is returning to Chicago "tonight."
T. Chase to Miss Grace Gay, Secretary of Organiz.
1p. Chicago, 17 July 1906
Egypt Exploration Fund, Greco-Roman Branch, will receive papyrii.
Later in the year Chase will be at Aliquippa House, Small Point, Me--he will stay
there Aug 1 - Sept. 1.
T. Chase to Alfred Lunt
Chicago, 17 July 1906
Biblical prophecy.
Chase is coming east on Tuesday.
T. Chase to Mrs. Helen Goodall
M9B1F43 Congress Hotel, Portland, Me., 27 July 1906
A handwritten note. Chase won't be in Chicago until Sept. He is on his way to Small
Point, Maine, the Allinquippa House. His wife and son are already there.
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
c87 3p. Chicago, 14 Sept. 1906
p. 3: The House of Spirituality election on Sunday night after Sept. 15th, once in five
years. It was a command of the Master to elect every five years.
Chase gave five talks at Green Acre in the last week of its season.
Tablet from `AB on the unity of the Council Boards.
Charles M. Remey to T. Chase
copy 82 3 p. Wash. D.C., 16 Sept. 1906
A reply to Chase to Remey, 12 Sept. 1906 (not extant).
"It will probably be a long time before we have an organized Assembly of Believers in
Washington, [Wash. D.C.] such as you have in Chicago, and such as assists in New York. I
say a long time, by that I mean that I feel that the Cause in Washington will have to pass
through many stages of development before this will come."
So Chicago House of Spirituality does not have to consult with Wash. D.C. re.
publishing, as `AB recently commanded, because we aren't yet organized. All the Baha'is
in the USA support the efforts of Chicago and New York.
"... [LSAs] are established elsewhere besides in New York & Chicago..." "...you in
Chicago and New York are alone in this organization."
Wash. D.C. does have a librarian, Mrs. Knobloch.
[Remey doesn't seem to think that organization is that necessary.]
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 21 Sept. 1906
p. 2: The election of the House of Spirituality occurred in peace, harmony, and love.
Twelve members, nine of whom were re-elected.
Members of the House of Spirituality: Agnew, Greenleaf, Windust, Scheffler,
Currier, Ioas, Chase, Lesch, Thacher; new members are von Hof, Sutherland,
Woodworth.
T. Chase to Mrs. Helen Goodall
M9B1F43 Dallas, Texas, 18 Oct. 1906
Chase is on his way to California; he will be in Los Ang. next Tuesday, will stay there
2-3 days, then head to Oakland, then north. He will return to Chicago in November.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 82 2 p. Oakland, 2 Nov. 1906
Chase attended two meetings in Los Ang. last week, then went to Oakland. "Next
Sunday" he'll be in Portland, later in the week in Seattle. Soon he will return to Chicago.
Chase has again been elected President of the Chicago House of Spirituality.
This letter will be carried to the Holy Land by "Brother Ober." Chase has written
several letters to `AB without receiving a reply.
Ober and Harris are going to India; everyone rejoices.
Chase refers to the House of Spirituality as the "House of the Covenant."
Chase asks whether he may write for the Cause.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
c87 1p. Chicago, 23 Nov. 1906
Chase has just returned from a long trip to the Pacific coast.
T. Chase to Ali Kuli Khan
c87 7p. Chicago, 19 Dec. 1906
Chase has returned from a 2 month visit to the Pacific Coast, Los Ang. to British
Columbia. He visited Oakland, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle.
Chase mentions minor changes in Khan's translations before printing.
Chase can't go on pilgrimage; Agnew, the Trues leave in February.
Ameen Fareed is now in his last year of medical school.
YR 1907
T. Chase to Alfred Lunt
Chicago, 16 Jan. 1907
How is the Faith progressing in Beverly, MA?
T. Chase to Mr. W. A. Page, Bahia Honda, Cuba
1p. Chicago, 16 Jan. 1907
All about Cuban oranges; the cost of oranges in California and Florida.
T. Chase to Charles M. Remey
c87 1p. Chicago, 17 Jan. 1907
Chase asks Remey to get the Wash., D.C. friends to approve the publication of their
tablets in Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas. Agnew will take a typescript with him to Akka
for approval of `AB. But the BPS wants the permission of NY, Kenosha, and D.C. first.
William Hoar to unknown [T. Chase?]
c87 1p. 19 Jan. 1907
Hoar asks Chicago for funds to bring Mr. Harris home from his teaching trip to India.
Chicago is asked for $750; greater N.Y. has contributed $1500 to $2000. Harris can't
go to Persia; there isn't enough money.
T. Chase to Mr. George H. Rigby
1p. Chicago, 24 Jan. 1907
Chase is writing in order to obtain books on Islam.
House of Spirituality to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 81 Chicago, 26 Jan. 1907
Is the Temple necessary? Publishing needs money, Chicago needs a center; the poor
and the sick need relief. Teaching costs money.
Mustn't Baha'is obey the House of Spirituality?
Are the terms House of Spirituality, House of Justice, Board of Counsel, and House of
the Covenant, all the same?
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 5p. Chicago, 1 Feb. 1907
Chase is replying to several letters.
Mrs. True is going on pilgrimage. She sails on 23 February from Boston.
Sister Sanghamitta has lost herself in her effort to save Mr. Phelps. Chase again
speaks of submission to the will of God, and of faith. "It is not a question of believing; it
is living, which is Loving, and the only roadway of love is obedience." `AB has
demonstrated this strongly; he is LOVE.
The Agnews were about to go on pilgrimage but had to change their plans; their son got
sick, and the doctor feared it was scarlet fever. But it wasn't after all. Chase wonders
what the divine wisdom of the delay was.
Asadu'llah's book is being bound today. It is ready for sale.
Mrs. A. M. Bryant to T. Chase
2 p. Woodland Park, Col., 4 Feb. 1907
A reply to a letter by Chase.
T. Chase to Mr. O. S. Greenleaf
1p. Chicago, 19 Feb. 1907
Chase is forwarding a tablet from `AB to him with the letter.
Next Tuesday Chase will be in Portland, Maine.
T. Chase to Mrs. T. Chase
en route, Naples to Alexandria, 3 Apr. 1907
He was in Naples "nearly three days." He arrived Sunday.
Mrs. True is in Naples, on her way home. They left for Rome Monday. Then they go to
Paris.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
c87 2p. Cairo, 24 Apr. 1907
Chase leaves today for Alexandria, thence to the Occident.
`Abdu'l-Baha to the House of Spirituality
written 29 May 1907
Published in Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas, vol. 1, p. 23.
T. Chase to Mr. and Mrs. Bailey
copy 81 6p. Chicago, 19 June 1907
Chase describes his pilgrimage to Akka.
T. Chase to Mirza Husayn Ruhi
c87 2p. Chicago, 27 June 1907
Enclosed in a letter sent to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl and four packages of books.
Chase loved his visit to Cairo.
Please send your translation of the Seven Valleys.
"The sweetness of Acca and of the Rizwan is still vibrating in our hearts."
T. Chase to Mirza Abu'l-Fadl
Chicago, 27 June 1907
Chase has just returned from pilgrimage. He is about to go to Kenosha with Carl
Scheffler to tell the people there about his trip.
T. Chase to Helen Goodall
M9B1F43 copy 81 4p. Chicago, 27 June 1907
Chase describes how `AB teaches.
Chase describes his pilgrimage.
T. Chase to Bernard M. Jacobsen and the Kenosha Friends
copy 82 M135B2F32 Chicago, 6 Aug. 1907
A beautiful letter, short, accompanying a letter of `AB to Kenosha.
T. Chase to Mrs. Haney
1p. Chicago, 7 Sept. 1907
A Denver man is causing trouble. He married a woman Chase gave the message to.
Chase knows no details.
T. Chase to Mr. Martin
c87 3p. Chicago, 18 Oct. 1907
The letter is about death and eternal life. He interprets the term "death" in the Bible
to refer to "spiritual death" and gives many passages as examples. Bodily death is
usually called "sleep" in the Bible instead.
T. Chase to Mrs. Nash
copy Chicago, 31 Oct. 1907
A reply to her letter to him.
Discussion of tablets from `AB.
Green Acre discussed; apparently Chase didn't get there in 1907.
The election of the House of Spirituality was powerful and spiritual. Membership is
hard work; none of the nine desired re-election from the point of view of personal
ambition. Chase feared electioneering by cliques; but it didn't happen.
Chase described the election procedure in detail.
Chase also describes the byelection procedure of the House of Spirituality. An
individual is nominated by the House, and submitted to the Assembly [community] for
approval.
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy 80, c87 2p. Chicago, 1 Nov. 1907
"I do not think that in the next world we will ever be asked `What do you know?' nor
even `What do you believe?', but rather the question will be what have we done with our
hearts, which are our lives."
Ober wrote Chase on 25 Oct.
Chase mentions Hoar, Lunt, Harris, Cobb, Crowley.
There is a possibility of a "Bahai Greenacre." Chase is glad.
Baha'i unity will be more achievable among those raised in the Faith; they won't have
been tainted by ancient superstitions.
The Faith contains all valuable spiritual truth of the previous traditions.
I suspect Ober's letter of 25 October is the one where he says "we are all makeovers."
Chase quotes it often. Chase emphasizes the theme a lot in this letter, as if agreeing with
a point in Ober's letter to him.
Chase wrote up his pilgrimage at the request of someone else. Miss Buikema is typing
copies of it for limited distribution. One copy will go to either Ober or Nash (who is also
in Boston).
T. Chase to Mrs. Emogene Hoagg
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 13 Nov. 1907
Chase says Baha'u'llah must be spelled thus. Other ways of spelling the name are not
as good.
Hoagg told Chase a consultative body had just been organized in Oakland.
Chase speaks of the importance of the House of Spirituality. It should be legally
recognized. It is like the human body to the human spirit.
Chase wrote a poem to teach Baha'is how to pronounce Baha'u'llah.
T. Chase to Mrs. Nash
Chicago, 18 Nov. 1907
About `Abdu'l-Baha.
T. Chase to Alfred Lunt
copy 83 3 p. 12 Dec. 1907
Chase is going to Minneapolis in a few days.
A committee of nine men and women has been established in Oakland (p. 3).
Minneapolis has a "few good staunch believers."
The effect of the Faith in the soul is like puberty.
The Chicago women have organized a sewing circle to repair old clothes to give to the
poor.
Oakland has a "Conference Committee." It also has a women's "auxiliary" of nine
ladies "who will look after the sick, charity, and the works that women best do."
Howard MacNutt to Rev. Madison. C. Peters
c87 2p. Brooklyn, 16 Dec. 1907
The letter has MacNutt's address. Perhaps he's a friend of MacNutt. The letter tels
the minister of Baha'u'llah.
There are copies of this letter in at least two places in the Chase papers. One copy, in
the outgoing correspondence, looks like Chase wrote it; but a copy later in the Chase
papers includes MacNutt's name on it.
Harlan Ober to T. Chase
M4B1F24 19 p. Beverly, Mass., 20 Dec. 1907
A travelogue of Ober's journey to India, Akka, etc. He went with Harris.
150 Baha'is greeted Ober and Harris in Bombay; with much love. The Board of
Counsel there meets regularly.
A nice letter. It contains impressions of India not found elsewhere.
Most Baha'is in Bombay are small businessmen; shop keepers or restaurant owners.
The station of women in the Orient is much better among the Baha'is than among the
non-Baha'is. Qurratu'l-`Ayn is their example.
"They look forward to the time when all can go unveiled and where it is possible, they
do so." Men and women meet together in India and Burma. They are interested in
education.
Most believers in Mandalay were former Muslims. The women there attend meetings
also, unveiled.
Baha'i children are in school everywhere.
All the Baha'is gave up smoking because `AB condemned it.
Ober asks for advise about career, marriage, and teaching the Faith.
Reference to Mishkin Qalam, also.
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