Thornton Chase Notes:
1908-1909
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Notes, 1908-1909
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YR 1908
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
c87 4p. Chicago, 14 Jan. 1908
Chase's reply to Ober's long letter describing his trip. Chase thanks Ober for reading
his account of his pilgrimage.
Chase returned from Urban, Ill., "some days earlier." There he met a Hindu who had
welcomed Ober at a Brahmo Somaj meeting.
Ober apparently asked Chase about marriage. Chase replies that it is a command of
BH and `AB to marry, but it must be tempered by conditions. Abu'l-Fadl never married.
Chase foresees a population explosion during the millennium.
Love pulls; it doesn't push. Chase elaborates on the theme.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 3p. Chicago, 19 Jan. 1908
Chicago holds its unity feasts on Feast night.
Charles M. Remey is in Chicago; a "sincere, intelligent worker."
Miss Rosenberg's mother has died; Chase expresses his condolences. The letter isn't
anywhere nearly as moving as his later letter to Dreyfus, yet it has many similar ideas.
The tablet of Ishraqat is not published yet. Grundy's Ten Days in the Light of Acca has
appeared.
Chase's acount of his pilgrimage may be published; a gentleman has offerd to pay for
it.
Agnes Alexander to ?
c87 1p. January 1908
She writes about a woman whose hunsband forbade her to read Baha'i literature, until
she pleaded that it would make her a better wife and mother. Agnes then gave her a copy
of Chase's [pilgrimage?] letter. The woman says now she "has been living in Acca ever
since. I feel as though I knew my Lord...I have caught a glimpse of heaven."
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 27 Feb. 1908
Chase thanks `AB for the title Thabit -- "Thahbet."
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
copy 81, c87 3p. Chicago, 27 Feb. 1908
Chase has just returned from visits to Beverly, Boston, Cleveland, Sandusky. Soon
he'll be going to San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Portland.
Kimball's restaurant mentioned. Daily, 5-9 gather there.
Chase yearns to return to Akka. He was unable to speak to `AB there, because he
wanted to listen.
Chase says he's not worthy of the title thabit and prays that he will be.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 4p. Chicago, 3 Mar. 1908
Chase recently returned from a trip to Boston and the eastern states. It lasted four
weeks.
Myron Phelps is not a Baha'i. His beliefs are described. He is an ardent admirer of
Ramanathan of Columbo, Ceylon. His "is not apparently interested at all in Bahai
matters." Ramanathan was Sister Sanghamitta's Buddhist teacher.
The way the Faith spreads: by the moving of Baha'is from the big communities to
virgin territory.
The Ishraqat is better translated than the other works by Khan.
Albert Windust to Aurelia Bethlen
c87 5p. Chicago, 16 March 1908
He quotes Bible prophecy at her for 4 1/2 pages.
He says the Aqdas is not available in good English translation. `AB will have that done
eventually.
Gertrude Buikema to T. Chase
1 p. Chicago, 6 Mar. 1908
Talks given by Miss Barney in 1901 is copied.
Mirza Munir Zayn to T. Chase
c87 1p. 28 Mar. 1908
`AB says that Baha'o'llah is the correct spelling (with a small "o".)
T. Chase to Ella Cooper
copy 82. Cooper papers, San Francisco. 5 p. Denver, 1 Apr. 1908
Chase refers to a recent "time of severe personal trial." He elaborates: Mrs. Chase
was exposed to smallpox and quarantined in Chicago; he, on the road, had severe troubles
with his teeth; and his eldest daughter has died. "A beautiful girl."
Mrs. Chase has many staunch friends in Santa Cruz.
Chase felt a presence, while on pilgrimage at the tomb of the Bab.
L. D. Lehmann to T. Chase
3 p. Spokane, 15 April 1908
"We are very much in need of you" [in Spokane].
"We are getting along more harmoniously than we used to, we have our trials, but I
suppose it is all for the best."
The letter is actually undated, but Chase wrote the date--perhaps when he received
it--on the back side, and noted he replied to it on 10 May 1908.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
Chicago, 24 Apr. 1908
Denver news is extensive. Chase just visited there and apparently Mrs. Bryant was
away (visiting Chicago, I guess).
T. Chase to Albert Windust
copy 83 1 p. San Francisco, 29 Apr. 1908
Concerning purchase of land for the House of Worship; was $2000 all the cost?
Miss Rosenberg -- revise Seven Valleys.
There were 6 meetings in Los Ang. [while Chase was there?]. He lists the friends
there, including the women's maiden names.
W. B. Remey--Charles M. Remey's brother--is 26 years old, lives in Los Ang., and
is interested in the Faith.
A reunion at Kimball's is planned; maybe the tenth anniversary of their meals there?
Chase won't be back in Chicago until June. The first anniversary of his pilgrimage;
Chase has much joy in reminiscence.
Meeting Friday at the Goodall's in Oakland.
A Baha'i friend in Greenwich, Conn., contributed; Mrs. Louise Stapfer.
Chase is editing photographs for In Galilee.
T. Chase to Mr. Lehmann
2p. 10 May 1908
About rebirth, and its difficulty. This is only part of the letter; its all that Chase
kept.
T. Chase to I. Brittingham
copy 2p. Chicago, 4 Sept. 1908
Chase just returned from Kansas City.
The Temple fund is slowly growing. Chase is positive about it.
Chase made it to Green Acre this summer.
Baha'i Publishing Society to Mr. Andrew Hutchinson of New York City
copy 81 Chicago, 5 Sept. 1908
A report to the New York Board of Counsel through Hutchinson.
A meeting of the Baha'i Publishing Society was held on 23 Aug.
New York has initiated a Bulletin. Does this end the previous publishing agreement?
The treasurer's report of the Baha'i Publishing Society. The inventory report too.
There was an article on the Faith in the Los Ang. Times a few weeks earlier, by
Woodcock, who just moved there from New York City.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 2p. Chicago, 5 Sept. 1908
Since March Chase has been absent from Chicago completely except for one week, a
few days in July. He has just returned east. This has delayed the publication of In
Galilee. 2000 copies were printed; they came off the press on 19 August. There are a
few minor errors. Total printing cost was $350.00; the illustrations were expensive.
Chase visited Los Ang., Oakland, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Denver, Boston,
Green Acre. He gives news of Portl., Seat., Green A. Nine meetings were held in Portland
in one week; average attendence was 40, and over 70 came to one.
Chase's pilgrim's notes are a frame for Agnew's in In Galilee.
Chase has a huge pile of letters to answer.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
c87 3p. Chicago, 7 Sept. 1908
Will `AB visit other lands? Will His pension be cut off? Will enemies of the Faith in
Cyprus be freed too?
"I felt towards you as to my own son, and found the greatest delight in working with
you to bring the beautiful words of Life into fitting English form."
The Temple project is progressing.
"Since early March I have been in Chicago only one week until now. For 3 1/2
months I was on a western trip to the Pacific Coast, and since then, on the Atlantic."
Nine days at Green Acre, 2 Sundays as well.
"I, too, took some pictures with my stereo camera."
The Greenleaf boy was almost asphixiated by gas from the gaslight in his room. He
threw his coat over it and accidentally turned the gas on. The Greenleafs are in serious
poverty and have given up their apartment.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 3p. Chicago, 14 Sept. 1908
Chase has been away from Chicago since March, except for a few days. He was at
Green Acre for nine days, two of which were Sundays.
Chase gives Green Acre and Sarah Farmer news. Farmer's mental health is okay, but
she's physically weak and in seclusion.
Mrs. True had a dream that `AB would visit her house. `AB says "God willing, He
might sometime visit the friends in America." But Chase doubts it.
`AB has been freed by the Turkish Revolution.
"I have been blessed with another tablet from Abdul Baha, in which he again mentions
the name `Thahbet.' O, pray, dear Sister, that I may become worthy of that Name."
In Galilee is now published. Chase describes his essay as a frame for Agnew's.
Helen Campbell has become a Baha'i. She bitterly opposed the Faith at Green Acre last
year. But Ober showed her the Tarazat, Ishraqat, etc., and now she has become an
"ardent Baha'i." Chase describes her: "a calm, level-headed, earnest person." She
lectured at G.A. on "Bahai Social Economics."
T. Chase to Ellen V. [Mother] Beecher
c87 3p. Chicago, 15 Sept. 1908
Chase seeks news of Green Acre.
Theosophy has split.
Lunt is in Chicago; Ober may come.
The Revolution in Turkey frees `AB; Chase marvels at it.
Miss Farmer is still ill.
Chase was in Kansas City two weeks ago.
The Baha'i Revelation soon will be printed.
A letter from Moneveh Khanum has arrived, in which she said `AB has said "God
willing, perhaps, He might visit the believers in America some time. I hardly expect
this..."
T. Chase to Mr. G. Claybrooke
3p. Chicago, 15 Sept. 1908
Claybrooke apparently wrote to Chase often. But where are the other letters?
Claybrooke isn't a Baha'i, or if he is, he isn't very deepened. Chase's letter is simple
and general. He speaks how one can only gather knowledge for so long; one must use it
instead.
T. Chase to Mrs. Hattie Latimer, Portland, Oreg.
c87 3p. Chicago, 15 Sept. 1908
Chase has been at Portland, Maine and Green Acre and other points in the East since
March.
Flying machines are a fulfillment of prophecy, and a sign of the millennium.
`AB is now free.
She wants a ringstone. Chase doesn't know anyone who has them; maybe Sohrab.
She sent him a list of Portland Baha'is.
T. Chase to Ida Finch
copy 81 3p. Chicago, 16 Sept. 1908
p. 3 -- Mrs. Finch wrote to Chase's wife, who is interested in Christian Science and
makes a point of saying she is not a Baha'i. She often brings it up. The friends say she's
the best Baha'i in the city, though. She can't accept Baha'u'llah as an equal to Jesus; He
is the finality of all revelation. She believes BH was sent for the Orient only; that He is
equal in rank to Tolstoy! Chase is praying for her.
Mrs. Chase wrote Ida Finch--does the National Baha'i Archives have the letter?
Reference to Mrs. True.
Chase was at Green Acre eleven days.
This is the first time he's been in Chicago since March, except for one week.
Miss Farmer mentioned.
The Faith is growing slowly.
Theosophy.
T. Chase to Mr. and Mrs. Haney
c87 3p. Chicago, 17 Sept. 1908
At different times, Chase spent eleven days at Green Acre. He gives news of Green
Acre and of Sarah Farmer. Only Maria Wilson sees Farmer.
In Galilee -- "What I wrote was but the frame for the beautiful picture drawn by
Bro. Agnew."
Seattle and Portland news. Chase was there, and in San Francisco. Nine meetings
were held in Portland in six days! Seattle had six meetings in a week. Forty attended in
Portland, on average; 70 at one meeting.
`AB may visit the USA, "God willing."
"Bro. Lunt is here for several weeks on political matters."
`Abdul Baha says for us to provide a gathering of delegates from all assemblies, and to
form a Temple Committee in addition to the H. of S. to provide ways and means and
forward the Temple movement."
Hall has "great abilities and strong ambitions." He's a "peculiar man."
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 3p. Chicago, 2 Oct. 1908
Nettie Tobin's stone carrying to the Temple site is seen by Chase as ad "old world act."
Tobin is under the influence of "an ardent Temple builder, Mrs. T."
Chase says much about the Temple. Chase believes the Temple is important, but says
others on the House of Spirituality "do not consider it important."
Chase was in St. Louis last week. The Baha'is there are all former Theosophists.
The House of Spirituality makes Mrs. True a "corresponding sec. of the H. of S." to
give her effort officiality and to make her consult with them.
The Temple site is not necessarily the final one.
The first Temple will be commemorative, not a center of activity. But Chase qualifies
this by adding that it will be internationally special.
Chase doubts `AB will come to the USA.
Chase refers to his pilgrimage.
T. Chase to Miss Elizabeth Kristjanson of Spokane, WA.
c87 2p. Chicago, 7 Oct. 1908
The Baha'i Publishing Society desires to publish as cheaply as possible, so they
rarely break even on a book. Hence, they're constantly struggling financially.
Chase speaks about living the life (he usually calls it the LIFE).
Jews can now return to the Holy Land, in fulfillment of prophecy, as a result of the
Turkish Revolution.
The "Bahai Revelation" is planned to be published by the Bahai Publishing Society,
when money becomes available.
"What went ye out for to see?" was written "a few years ago." Its now out of print.
Haji Mirza Haydar Ali to T. Chase
4 p. 9 Oct. 1908
A letter full of teachings.
T. Chase to Mr. Das
1p. Chicago, 30 Oct. 1908
Chase was in Cincinnati a few days ago; probably the 26th or 27th.
T. Chase to Mrs. Nash
copy 81, c87 2p. Chicago, 30 Oct. 1908
p. 2 -- Chase suggests that Miss Sarah Farmer is a bit egotistical. Green Acre is
hers; she must give herself up. And she's under the influence of Mrs. Bull, who is
gardly a Baha'i.
`AB won't come to the USA, at least for a while. Chase says it wouldn't be beneficial.
Palestine is the center of the Cause, not America. Pilgrimages would have to stop if `AB
left.
Green Acre problems. Ambitions of the Green Acre Board members. How to phase
out the Monsalvat school, with its plethera of religions.
Mrs. Brown is helping Mirza Raffie financially.
Ober and Lunt are in Chicago because of political involvement [this fact is
corroborated by the Lunt entry in the 3rd report of the Harvard Class of 1903, 1913.
Lunt was involved in the Republican party.]
Mrs. Campbell will be a "tower of strength" in the Cause. Her work at Green Acre
was very effective.
T. Chase to Mrs. Rice-Wray
c87 1p. Chicago, 30 Oct. 1908
Chase just returned from Cincinnati. One hundred attended a mmeting at the Odd
Fellows Hall there, and most were nonBaha'is.
T. Chase to Haji Mirza Haydar Ali
1p. Chicago, 31 Oct. 1908
Chase met him on pilgrimage; he gave Chase lessons. He just sent Chase a letter of
instruction; Chase thanks him.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
copy 86, c87 (2) 5 p. Chicago, 31 Oct. 1908
Chase is sending Zayn a typewriter. Agnew, Scheffler, helped to pay for it.
Chase quotes Matt. 2 and 26, and 2 Thes 3:3-4. These verses cause trouble in
teaching Christians. What is their explanation?
Mrs. Ida Finch is described.
Chase was in St. Louis "three weeks ago" "where, until recently, there has not been a
believer..." Meetings in St. Louis were held. "Mrs. Rice-Wray and her daughter, Ella
Rice-Wray, the first St. Louis believers, were there.... All of these [three others too]
have been members of the Theosophical Society and are coming up to a conception of
realities rather than imagination." There are four new believers in St Louis: Mrs. Abbie
B. Campbell; her daughter, Mrs. Bartlett; Mr. Bartlett; and Mrs. Campbell's father.
Cincinnati has twelve believers. Meetings were held there too; one hundred came to
one recently.
There are actually two letters to Zayn by Chase written on this day. They have 2 and
3 pp. respectively. I don't know how they got conflated together in my notes.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
5 Nov. 1908
Chase signs his letter in Persian, Thabit.
Chase mentions purchase of land for the Temple.
T. Chase to Ella Cooper
San Francisco Archives 2 p. Chicago, 14 Nov. 1908
Mrs. Rabb of Portland, Oreg., is mentioned.
Some Episcopal clergymen are interested in the Faith; one, Mr. Fisher, is a Baha'i.
T. Chase to Charles M. Remey
c87 2p. Chicago, 14 Nov. 1908
Remey wants to write a book on his Oriental travels. The BPS is willing to publish it.
Chase tells Remey about the Baha'i Publishing Society's financial difficulties. They
give books away freely. But books really shouldn't be given away too freely, if the
person can pay; it cultivates the wrong attitude.
Remey wants his publications to be distributed on the west coast. Chase suggests who
could, and who could not, do it.
Madame Bethlen is in Chicago.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 2 p. Chicago, 17 Nov. 1908
Rosenberg and Thornburgh-Cropper had sent the BPS money to help in the publishing
work. Chase thanks them again.
Catholicism and a Catholic conference are mentioned.
p. 2 -- Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas is coming out. All three volumes are ready.
"They will go to the printer I think within a month." "There will be three books about as
large as Miss Barney's, all of Tablets..."
Chase is preparing "a little book," The Bahai Revelation.
Chase just aches to return to Akka.
Percy Woodcock to Corinne True
c87 2p. 21 Nov. 1908
Extracts from his letter only, about the Temple. Woodcock quotes Boylan, quoting
`AB, that the correct site has been chosen and that it should not be changed.
NY had its first real Temple meeting last Tuesday evening.
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 25 Nov. 1908
The Temple site has become a source of controversy. Mrs. True has accused the House
of Spirituality of "denying Abdul Baha." Mrs. True says `AB consecrated the Temple site;
the House of Spir. is skeptical.
Mention of Mr. W. [Woodcock?]
The pope and infallibility.
Marriage, and peculiar interpretations of the Writings to endorse celibacy.
The second issue of the Bulletin has been received.
Some propose that a temporary Temple building could be erected. Chase says that is
not what `AB wants.
The distance of the Temple site from Chicago, and the difficulty of reaching it on
public transportation. Chase says he would have opposed the site, if he had been in town
when it was discussed.
T. Chase to Mr. Hooper Harris
copy Chicago, 27 Nov. 1908
Mrs. True is the leader of the lobby for the Temple site.
Temple business. Chase complains the site is too far out; he would not have approved
of the place, if he had been in Chicago when the vote was taken.
Harris is the editor of a Bulletin; two issues have been published.
Someone is accusing the House of Spir. of "denying Abdul Baha."
A P.S. discusses women's affairs.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
copy 6p. Chicago, 30 Nov. 1908
Chase is replying to two letters from Mrs. Bryant of the 19th and 23rd [of Nov.?]
Theosophy and New Thought; Chase discusses why individuals from these backgrounds
have trouble understanding the Faith. The problem is their view of God and their
understanding of the nature of human beings.
Chase stresses the powerless and weakness of man before God.
A beautiful letter, expressing Chase's view of man's relation to God.
More on Mrs. Brown (the Swedenborgian?). Lunt, Crowley, Ober all were former
pupils of hers. She's not a Baha'i.
Miss Bush-Parsons is more or less a Baha'i. She is a "peculiar person."
Trials in New York City of the Board of Counsel. Chase describes the New York Board
as "cool headed," as is the House of Spir. in spite of attacks.
Mr. Woodcock of Chicago is now in New York City. He apparently mixes much
personal ideas with the Faith. He says that not all the truth is in the books; he may say
he is a bearer of the truth himself! He is idolized by some and disliked by others.
Mrs. Eastwood, Mrs. Clark of Denver, Nathaniel Clark of Denver, Dr. C., Steadmans
are mentioned. Are they all Colorado Baha'is?
T. Chase to Mirza Asadu'llah
copy 81 3p. Chicago, 1 Dec. 1908
The Temple.
Chase discusses the upcoming convention arrangements and its purpose. A permanent
Temple committee is desired. The convention will create one, they hope. Meanwhile the
House of Spir. is doing the work. Chase is very positive about the Temple and the
Convention. Opposition to any one locality is diminishing. `AB's tablets are unting all
behind the work.
T. Chase to Ameen Fareed
c87 1p. Chicago, 1 Dec. 1908
Chase yearns to be in Akka again; he misses `AB. "Sometimes I am almost ill with that
longing."
Mrs. Chase is in the east.
Joe, Chase's son, is at Dartmouth and likes it.
Theosophy and New Thought are crumbling.
Chase calls his second book Bahai Religion it "will be published some time." [Note: in
November, however, he called it the Bahai Revelation.]
New York Board of Counsel to T. Chase and the House of Spir.
copy 81 12 Dec. 1908
How do we go about electing a delegate?
The problems of the New York Board of Counsel are indirectly evident here.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
c87 5p. Fort Wayne, Ind., 13 Dec. [1908]
Chase is going to Detroit, then Cleveland, then to Springfield, Mass., or Dartmouth for
Christmas. Chase will return to Chicago in less than three weeks.
Woodcock, in New York City, is causing trouble. He has "adorers."
Mrs. Bryant has been accused of "desire to be a leader in this `cult'" (egotism and
ambition in Denver). She is battling against metaphysical tendencies among the Baha'is.
Boston news--Mrs. Nash of Denver is living there now and is helping.
Madame Bethlen is giving shallow, childish Baha'i talks in Chicago. She's got a little
stock that brings her an income of $30/month. She wants to travel around the world.
She's a large, distinguished woman with a good complexion and a charming smile. She
has a tablet from`AB telling her to visit certain countries; she reads it everywhere. It
says she should have a companion, but she doesn't.
Jean Masson wants to accompany Bethlen around the world, but she has no money
either, except the little she earns from writing, and the little she borrows from the
Baha'is and doesn't pay back!
Reference to Ober, Lunt, Campbell, Ford, Nash.
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy 9 p. Fort Wayne, Ind., 13 Dec. 1908
Mrs. Ida Finch: "a level headed and sincere believer."
Temple affairs: a group "consecrated" the Temple site.
Mrs. T. [True] wrote the House of Spir. and accused them of "denying Abdul Baha."
The letter was sent to Chase. Mrs. T. and Bro. Woodcock are "two of a kind."
Temple money problems.
The upcoming convention.
Miss T., Miss F [Farmer].
Chase describes how the House of Spir. functions. It has learned never to antagonize.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Startzel of Rawlins, Wyoming
c87 3p. Detroit, 19 Dec. 1908
She is not a Baha'i. The letter is introductory about the Faith. Chase heard of her
from the Latimers.
Haji Mirza Haydar Ali to T. Chase
1 p. Akka, 20 Dec. 1908
Haydar Ali thanks Chase for sending him a photograph of himself (of Chase).
YR 1909
T. Chase to G. Claybrooke
copy 81 2p. Chicago, 2 Jan. 1909
Chase has just returned from the east coast for one month.
Chase wishes him a happy [Christian] New Year; so Claybrooke apparently is not a
Baha'i. He is "trying Christian Science." Chase discusses his view of Christian Sci. He
says he disagrees with its views on religion, but if it has help, thank God for it.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
Chicago, 9 Jan. 1909
Chase asks `AB to send a message to the Convention. Notice of the convention has been
mailed to Baha'is in seventy localities.
There are now 700 tablets in the House of Spir. archives. Tablets of Abdul Baha
Abbas is coming along. Vol. 1 should be available in two or three weeks. Agnew,
Windust, Chase are doing the work.
In Galilee was published "last summer."
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy 81 Chicago, 12 Jan. 1909
Chase was in Springfield for a few days at Christmas.
Woodcock is going through tests.
Temple land.
The upcoming Bahai Temple Unity convention was scheduled for 20 Feb., but no one
could make it then, so it's being rescheduled.
"You know what threw Kheiralla off base. It was the word from Abdul Baha: `There
are to be no chiefs in that country.'" (p. 3).
The role of Houses of Spirituality.
Mrs. Ida Finch is just back from pilgrimage.
Ida Finch was a Christian Science healer for seventeen years.
T. Chase to Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper
M9B1F43 Chicago, 12 Jan. 1909
Chase was absent from Chicago for one month.
T. Chase to Ethel Rosenberg
c87 1p. Chicago, 12 Jan. 1909
Rosenberg is on her way to Akka.
"If it is convenient, say to `AB that the House of Spirituality here is doing all that is
possible to hasten the progress of the Mashrek-el-Azcar [sic], the Temple at Chicago.
We are sending out notices to gather a Convention of delegates form believers in all parts
of the country together to crystallize and carry out the work."
"My heart is there [Akka] all the time."
The date is confusing. It looks like 1908 with a 1909 superimposed. Context
indicates it must be 1909.
T. Chase to Mrs. Louisa Johnson
copy 81 M4B6F27 9 p. Chicago, 16 Jan. 1909
Chases compares Theosophy with the Faith, especially on p. 4. Chase seems to know it
pretty well, too.
p. 7 -- Reincarnation.
Baha'u'llah, Adam were universal manifestations, culminating prophetic cycles.
"for fifteen years the writer was a confirmed reincarnationist."
T. Chase to Mr. Das
1p. Chicago, 19 Jan. 1909
Apparently Mr. Das is from India, he may now be in India, but I doubt it.
T. Chase to Mrs. Rice-Wray
c87 4p. Chicago, 19 Jan. 1909
Accounts of Atlantis are not trustworthy. Chase gives Haji Mirza Haydar Ali's version
of progressive revelation.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
c87 4p. Chicago, 19 Jan. 1909
The typewriter was mailed on 30 Oct.
Chase asks `AB to send a message to convention. The notice was mailed to Baha'is in
seventy localities.
There are over 700 tablets in the House of Spir. archives. Tablets of Abdul Baha
Abbas is coming along. There will be 500 copies printed and ready for sale at
convention. Vol. I will be available in 2-3 weeks. Agnew, Windust, Chase are doing the
work.
In Galilee was published "last summer."
Note, the contents of this letter are identical to the 9 Jan. 1909 letter. Are there two
letters? Or is one of the dates wrong? Note, also, my notes for both are virtually
identical.
"There has always been something very strange about efforts to get mail to Acca."
Chase sends a map of the USA to Zayn, and explains the distances to him.
Gertrude Buikema to T. Chase
copy 82 1 p. Chicago, 20 Jan. 1909
Regarding the Bahai Bulletin and The Day, two publications from New York. They are
no longer being printed.
Chase was the spiritual father of Mrs. Wagner.
T. Case to Mrs. Mary Rabb, Portland, OR
copy 82 6 p. Fort Wayne, IN, 27 Jan. 1909
Chase alludes to a passage in the writings about Adam.
Chase says Noah's flood didn't occur.
Chase recommends use of the doxology at Baha'i services on Sunday.
Chase is replying to her letter, with news of Portland.
Chase's attitude toward the Bible; it is not infallible or literal. Bit it contains a
spiritual message. On p. 3, Chase exegetes a passage in a way similar to Abu'l-Fadl
would, or `AB, or Kheiralla [I have no idea what I meant here!].
"the Bahai Religion."
`Abdu'l-Baha to T. Chase
copy 81 rec'd Chicago, 2 Feb. 1909
A short tablet.
Mirza Munir Zayn to T. Chase
c87 1p. 16 Feb. 1909
A tablet to the convention was revealed several days ago and is on its way.
Dr. Fisher (of New York) was just on pilgrimage. He spoke, on `AB's request, to a
gathering of pilgrims. He's now in Italy. He's "filled with the spirit."
A tablet has been published in Persia, urging the Baha'is to contribute to the Temple
in Chicago. Contributions are collecting in Akka for forwarding.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
copy 81, c87 3p. Chicago, 23 Feb. 1909
Thank you for the tablets and ringstones.
Wars and rumors of wars; Chase notes that the prophecy about Berlin is still not
fulfilled.
Scheffler "is a beautiful Bahai."
There are now 800 tablets in the House of Spir. archives.
Bahai Temple Unity convention.
Chicago meetings.
TAB I is now at the binder; it will be out in a few days. The other two volumes are set
on copper plates.
Mirza Munir Zayn to T. Chase
c87 1p. 2 Mar. 1909
Excerpt from the letter only. `AB visited Haifa and Lake Tiberias. The Hannens have
arrived on pilgrimage and spent "nine glorious days" with `AB.
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
c87 1p. Chicago, 3 Mar. 1909
Chase will be in Quincy, Ill., tonight, then in St. Louis; he will be back to Chicago in
one week.
TAB I is now available for sale; its $1 each.
The MacNutts, Ober, and others leave for Akka and Persia in May. Chase is glad and
wishes he could come [they never made it to Persia anyway].
New York news.
T. Chase to Mrs. Nash
c87 1p. Chicago, 3 Mar. 1909
Mrs. Bryant is now in Chicago, staying with Miss MacKinney. The MacNutts have
arrived in Chicago for the convention (in a few weeks).
Mrs. Nash is now situated in Denver. Chase leaves for Quincy, IL, tonight. Probably
he'll be in Denver in 3 or 4 weeks.
Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas is just coming off the press. Volumes two and three are
on plates. The Bahai Revelation is being prepared for typesetting.
900 tablets in the archives.
T. Chase to Mrs. Rabb
copy 81 copy in Portland, also. 6 p. St. Louis, 9 Mar. 1909
Reincarnation; Chase says he was a reincarnationist for fifteen years.
Chase says there is no evolution.
Chase cautions against using the Greatest Name indiscriminately.
Chase explains the ring stone symbol.
Mirza Munir Zayn to T. Chase
c87 1 p. Akka, 22 Mar. 1909
A description of the interring of the Bab in the sarcophagus on Mt. Carmel.
The letter is typed; he got his typewriter!
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy 81 Denver, 5 Apr. 1909
Convention news.
Boston news.
Stanwood Cobb.
Miss Wilson [Maria?]
Chase will be in Denver a week or more.
T. Chase to Howard MacNutt
Denver, 7 Apr. 1909
Chase's reply to MacNutt's letter of congratulations to Chase on his new book. Chase
replies in thanks.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
copy 81, c87 3p. Chicago, 23 Apr. 1909
Zayn got his typewriter!
Chase reflects on the interrment od the Bab's remains. He asks Zayn for a long
description of the event.
Chase has just returned from two weeks in Denver. Mrs. Bryant hasn't lived there
much in the last few years. She has had difficulty in teaching the Faith in ways that
others will understand.
"I lived there [Denver] for several years (twenty years ago) and my heart yearns to
see Denver have an Assembly of many people working in the Bahai Cause."
The Bahai Temple Unity convention "was of value to the Cause throughout the
country." It had a "beautiful spirit of harmony and union."
In New York City there are "parties" still. Chase thinks the problem is that many of
the active Baha'is have converted only recently; they don't know Baha'i procedure yet,
and still cling to many of their previous beliefs.
There will be a tent on the Temple site all summer.
In a few days Chase will send a copy of the Bahai Revelation to Zayn and one to `AB.
The Ridvan feast will be held on the Temple grounds under a tent on 2 May. The tent
will be up much of the summer.
T. Chase to Mrs. A. M. Bryant
2p. 24 April 1909
Chase visited Denver. She wasn't there, so he gives her all the news. A Sunday PM
meeting was held, then another, and Tuesday and Wednesday PM meetings. Feast was on
Friday; nine attended. Chase attended the Divine Science meetings on both Sundays that
he was in town; the Baha'is have strong contact with them. Many Divine Science people
are attending Baha'i meetings.
The Bahai Bulletin has lapsed. Harris can't continue it. Some New York ladies may do
it.
T. Chase to Miss J. Culver, of Cambridge, Mass
copy 82 6p. Chicago, 26 Apr. 1909
She is a non-Baha'i seeker.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
Chicago, 29 Apr. 1909
Should the pronouns referred to Baha'u'llah and `AB be capitalized?
Bahai Revelation must have come out.
T. Chase to Mrs. E. A. Rice-Wray
copy 86 3 p. Chicago, 11 May 1909
"This is Religion, but it is not `a religion.'"
"I presume that I was the first one who used the word [Bahaism] in an effort to
express briefly the Cause, but I never liked it, and all of the scholarly ones connected
with the Cause deplore greatly its use." We avoid it and speak of Bahai Revelation,
Cause, Unity, etc.
St. Louis Baha'i activities.
The Bahai Temple Unity convention: "We had a glorious time, and much work was done
in providing for the furtherance of the Temple matters. It is arranged to purchase the
whole plot of ground, which will make a beautiful site."
T. Chase to Miss J. Culver, Cambridge, Mass
copy 3p. Chicago, 27 May 1909
"nor can it be intended that one should bring children at imminent danger to one's life.
My mother died when I was 17 days old and my childhood was loveless and lonely, as
there was neither mother, sister nor brother..."
Culver is a Baha'i
About marriage.
Chase notes that he has difficulties in his relationship with Mrs. Chase because of
their different religious beliefs.
Chase infers that `AB would not give specific advice whether to marry or not.
T. Chase to Mrs. Preston
copy 81 3p. Chicago, 9 June 1909
Theosophy and reincarnation; Chase says he was a reincarnationist for fifteen years.
He is writing an "article" on it, but it has become very long.
Chicago Women's Assembly Circular Letter
copy 81 Chicago, 5 July 1909
Just nine years ago the Women's Assembly was formed [summer, 1900?] The
Assembly went out of existence--but now they are back. They are writing other
communities to urge them to form similar women's assemblies.
Mention of their nineteen day teas.
E. and E. Rice-Wray to T. Chase
4 p. 19 July 1909
No notes
Mirza Munir Zayn to T. Chase
c87 1 p. Akka, 22 July 1909
Typewritten letter
As to the question of capitalizing pronouns referring to the Bab, Baha'u'llah, and `AB:
`AB says "the members of the House of Spirituality must unanimously discuss this
question and that which is approved by the majority, the same should be established and
carried out."
E. and E. A. Rice-Wray to T. Chase
2 p. 23 July 1909
No notes.
T. Chase to unknown
Chicago, 29 July 1909
Bible
reincarnation
evolution
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy Chicago, 30 July 1909
Chase replies to a letter from Ober of 23 June.
Company matters -- Chase says he resigns as of 30 Nov. They want him to move to
Los Angels and supervise only as far east as Denver. Chase thinks he would be more
useful in Chicago or the east. Or he wants to move to Denver and start a land company; he
is trying to start it right now. This is his tentative plan. He worked for the company for
22 years; since 1887.
Chase wants to visit Green Acre this year, but he can't.
Mrs. Campbell and Celia Richmond both work at Green Acre. Mr. Stevens of Boston,
Francis Lyon of Green Acre.
Bahai Publishing Society policies about the sale of books.
The meetings in Chicago every Sunday are going well.
E. and E. A. Rice-Wray to T. Chase
4 p. 8 Aug. 1909
No notes.
T. Chase to Mrs. E. A. Rice-Wray
c87 3p. Chicago, 13 Aug. 1909
Chase says the world's first telegraph message was at 9 AM on 24 May 1844, not on
23 May (as she said somewhere).
Chase says he will be moving.
Chase gives the short obligatory prayer in an old translation.
Chase refers to the "Order of 15."
BH rejects reincarnation. The "depth of polytheism" is turning from God and toward
the self.
T. Chase to Mr. Abner C. Johnson, Ashdale, MO
2p. Chicago, 14 Aug. 1909
Business dealings in Colorado. Chase invites him to invest in land. Chase lived there
twelve years. Chase will be involved in the plan himself.
T. Chase to Alfred Lunt
copy Chicago, 17 Aug. 1909
Chase hasn't heard from Lunt in a long time.
Chase is still planning to move to Denver; his alternative is Los Ang.
Boston is quiet because the friends are all at Green Acre.
Sidney Sprague has returned from Persia and is going back.
Mrs. Dr. Stone of Boston going to Seattle.
Chicago meetings are prosperous.
Miss Susan Moody is going to Persia with Sprague.
Chase asks Lunt to join in the land company.
Stedmans, Denver Baha'is, have been friends of Chase for 15 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Coe are not Baha'is, but have been friends of Chase for 27 years [since
1882].
Chase must raise half the initial $5000.00 investment. He is proposed to be the
manager of the land agents, correspondence and advertising.
Chase just received two tablets from `AB.
T. Chase to E. and E. A. Rice-Wray
6 p. 22 Aug. 1909
No notes.
T. Chase to Mrs. Louise Waite
copy 81 M22F14 2 p. Chicago, 1 Sept. 1909
Chase hints at his own mystical experience, which "saved me from destruction."
The bottom of page 1 has been torn off.
T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha
9 Sept. 1909
Chase is still in Chicago.
T. Chase to Mirza Munir Zayn
copy 81 Chicago, 9 Sept. 1909
`AB replies that House of Spir. should decide on pronouns.
Many believe the Bahai Temple Unity has now replaced the House of Spir.
Chase yearns for Akka.
The Temple.
Chase must leave for Los Ang. "because of his ardor in the Cause of God."
Chase wishes he could retire and devote all of his time to the Faith.
T. Chase to Crowley
copy 81 M-91SC, Crowley papers 1 p. Chicago, 10 Sept. 1909
"You know I have lost my position in business because of my attention to religious
matter partly."
The Faith has done well in Chicago this summer.
Joe is in Portland, Maine, working for Crowley.
Crowley is a Baha'i.
T. Chase to Baha'i friends
Chase's address at the Corinthian Hall, Masonic Temple, Chicago, 26 Sept. 1909. He
comments on Revelation, chaps. 1-2.
T. Chase to Crowley
M-91 SC, Crowley papers 1 p. Chicago, 28 Sept. 1909
"I go to Los Angeles within a week"
Chase is going to Cleveland tonight on a short business trip.
Handwritten letter.
T. Chase to House of Spirituality
copy 81 M-125 SC F11 San Francisco, 19 Oct. 1909
When are you meeting?
San Francisco is "practically nothing" (in terms of Baha'i activity). There is a little
in Oakland.
The House of Spirituality must guide activities outside of Chicago more, and send out
more teachers.
Chase wants to start a "committee" in Los Ang.
T. Chase to Mr. Benjamin Taylor
c87 2p. Los Ang., 23 Nov. 1909
Christianity was the Kingdom of the Son, the Faith is the Kingdom of the Father; the
terms themselves show the greater maturity of humanity today.
New Thought.
T. Chase to Harlan Ober
copy Los Ang., 28 Nov. 1909
a reply to Ober's 19 Nov. letter.
Chase describes Los Ang. as full of "isms" "fads and fancies."
Chase's finances require more work time now.
Chase alludes that his wife opposes his Baha'i activity.
Denver needs a strong Baha'i teacher.
Los Ang. has about twenty-five Baha'is, but they are scattered in the whole area; in
Hollywood, Tropico, Pasadena, Glendale, Los Ang. proper, Long Beach.
Mrs. Haney. Ref to Paul Haney, as a two month old baby! Chase says `Abdu'l-Baha
gave him the name of `Abdu'l-Baha and the English name Paul.
Mrs. Winterburn is in Tropico. Mr. George Witte is in Long Beach.
Boston is doing well. But Chase says four level-headed men keep the others from
straying into "psychic and occult dangers."
The Faith attracts many interested in occult.
Chase stresses the importance of practical life.
Men Baha'is are needed in order to balance the women!
Chase refers to America as the center of pioneering to Orient.
Chase alludes that he will not see Ober again in this world; a hint he would die?
T. Chase to Albert Windust
M-21 Wind. pap. copy 82 3 p. Los. Ang., 8 Dec. 1909
handwritten letter; so no copy in Chase papers.
The letter replies to two letters by Windust.
"I am most sorry to hear that Mr. Agnew is incapacitated from giving attention to the
proposed magazine, because it seems to me a necessity that a magazine shall soon be
established and it seems to me to need his help--"
Windust asked Chase to be editor: "Concerning the suggestions, so often made (and
which I deeply appreciate) that I should be the `Editor' of it. I am doubtful whether it
would be wise for me to be at such a distance from its publication."
Chase enumerates the requirements for an editor. He adds there will be no shortage of
material, either.
Chase says Agnew is the only other well-known Chicago believer.
Charles M. Remey to T. Chase
c87 3 p. at sea, 23 Dec. 1909
Typed; by Chase? Probably, because he quotes the letter a lot.
Remey wrote it between Honolulu and "Tokio"; he'll be in Yokahama on Christmas day.
They left Honolulu eight days ago.
Remey notes that women are the dominant movers in the Cause; Chase quotes this
passage. The Pacific coast, especially, has a shortage of Baha'i men.
Honolulu is now "organized." It is in "fine shape" with "perfect unity."
The Persian-American Educational Society began with an idea from last summer when
Ahmad Sohrab, Sidney Sprague, and Howard MacNutt met in Chicago. "Its object being to
secure funds in America for carrying on of the Tarbiat School in Tehran where Sprague
teaches."
Remey feels it should be called the "Bahai Educational Society" and have schools in
many Persian cities, and that it should educate girls as well as boys. Remey stresses
that its Baha'i identity should not be hidden. He asks for Chase's opinion.
Mrs. Goodall is strongly against organization; she wrote to Miss Alexander "warning
the believers against organization in any form and going on to state that Abdul-Baha did
not wish organization." Remey wrote to Mrs. Goodall and disagreed; he asks Chase to
speak to her as well.
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Introduction
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Notes, 1903-1904
Notes, 1905-1907
Notes, 1908-1909
Notes, 1910-1912, + undated
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