Chicago House of Spirituality notes: 1907

Chicago House of Spirituality notes: 1907 Jump to:
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1907

Minutes of the House of Spir.
copy 83 5 Jan. 1907

A circular letter is being translated into Persian.
They wrote to Kenosha, replying to their letter.
The House of Spir. discusses how to better the Sunday worship service. A list of
points is drawn up. The purpose of the meeting is 1) worship and 2) attracting
outsiders. Talks on vital issues should be given.

House of Spir. Circular to the Orient
15 Jan. 1907

In English and Persian. 1000 copies were printed; 600 were sent to the Orient by
the House of Spir.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
22 Jan. 1907

The Sunday services will be planned more. The Bible and the Iqan will both be read
from at the meetings and will be "expounded."
The nineteen day feast of 19 Jan. will be at Mrs. Russell's house.

Baha'i Assembly of Wash. D.C. Circular Letter
9 Jan. 1907

Let us pray for the Shah, whose health is not good.
Remey includes a petition to the Shah inside, to be sent to him by all local
communities. It expresses our support.
The circular was mailed to: Baltimore, Boston, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Chicago,
Cleveland, Corry [Kenosha?], Denver, Fair Hope, Fruit Port, Ithaca, Johnstown,
Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Los Ang., Montreal, Newark, New York, North Hudson,
Philadelphia, Portland, Racine, Sandusky, San Fran., Seattle, Wash. D.C. 27 places,
total.

Mr. William Hoar to Chicago Baha'is
T. Chase pap. 19 Jan. 1907

The Harris fund is becoming depleted. $1500-2000 was raised in New York;
Chicago must provide $750.00. If they can, the Harris trip will be adequately
funded.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
26 Jan. 1907

The Bahai Publishing Society is sending a copy of the School of the Prophets to the
Literary Digest for review; Dr. Moody suggested it.

Minutes of the House of Spir. 2 Feb. 1907

The hall they are renting for the meetings is at the Masonic Temple and costs
$32/month; it holds 150. A hall of capacity 300 costs $40/month.
Miss Barney took notes in the presence of `Abdu'l-Baha; Miss Rosenberg is helping
her organize them.
There will be a suggestion box at the Sunday meeting.

Bahai Publishing Society to Literary Digest
29 Jan. 1907

The letter was written by Mrs. Russell, reviewed by A. Agnew, and signed by
Windust. It includes a leaflet announcing the School of the Prophets; it was written,
it says, in Nov. 1906. [It must have just come out in Jan. 1907.]

T. Chase to Bernard Jacobsen
1 p. Chicago, 17 Jan. 1907

A. Agnew will take all 400 tablets to Akka to show them to `Abdu'l-Baha and
request permission to publish. Is this agreeable with Kenosha? We have asked New
York and Wash. D.C. also.

Dr. Adolfo Luria to House of Spir.
Wash. D.C., 26 Jan. 1907

He lives in Chicago and will go to Akka in April. He congratulates A. Agnew (?) and
Russell for going there.

House of Spir. to `Abdu'l-Baha
copy 82 3 p. Chicago, 26 Jan. 1907

The letter asks whether it is really necessary to build the Temple; the costs are so
high, and so many people are poor.
The necessity to obey the House of Spir.
What is the difference between a House of Spir., a House of Justice, a "House of the
Covenant," and a Council Board?

Minutes of the House of Spir.
9 Feb. 1907

The House of Spir. will put notices in Sunday papers about Baha'i meetings.
New York has received a tablet about the return of Christ. The tablet answers
questions that caused division in New York over who was the return of Christ.
`Abdu'l-Baha denies it again and says that Baha'u'llah and the Bab were.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
16 Feb. 1907

More money for the Harris-Ober trip to India is needed. The matter will be
presented on Sunday and a committee will go to Kenosha to talk to them about it.
A circular about the Fast will be mailed.
A committee of three is appointed to find a hall for next year.
Policies for a question box are drawn up (but not carried out, Windust adds in the
margin).

Spiritual Assembly of Mashhad to Chicago
received 4 Jan. 1907

No notes.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
22 Feb. 1907

$30 is raised for the Harris fund in Kenosha.
The lease of a hall at the Masonic Temple is considered.

Ahmad Esphahani (Sohrab) to Windust
16 Feb. 1907

Please send me 50 circulars.
I wrote a history of America in Persian; `Abdu'l-Baha sent it to Persia and
commanded another one. Please write for me a short sketch of the history of Chicago.
Sohrab sends to Chicago a letter from Benah, Persia (Azerbaijan) that he had
translated.

Windust to Mirza Ahmad Esphahani (Sohrab)
12 Feb. 1907

The circulars that Sohrab requested are those about filing copies of tablets in the
Chicago archives. Windust is pleased that Sohrab will send out a copy of the circular
with any translations that he makes.

Esphahani (Sohrab) to Windust
5 Mar. 1907

T. Chase came through Wash. D.C. and briefed Sohrab about the history. He took
notes.
Sohrab has the originals of 300 tablets. He's collecting them (copies of the
originals, I think he means. He says if you send originals, I'll send them back).

House of Spir. to Percy Woodcock
27 Feb. 1907

Come visit us in Chicago and teach the Faith.
Woodcock is in Ontario.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
2 Mar. 1907

The nineteen day feast will be held on 17 March, without refreshments.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
16 Mar. 1907

The House of Spir. decides to write Sohrab: is Baha'u'llah the return of Christ, or
both He and the Bab?

Letters from the individual members of the House of Spir. to `Abdu'l-
Baha
Mar. 1907.

All eleven members of the House of Spir. wrote letters to `Abdu'l-Baha, which
must have been taken to Akka by one of the pilgrims (A. Agnew, C. Scheffler, or T.
Chase). James Lindsay Sutherland is one of them's complete name.

Wash. D.C. Assembly to House of Spir.
n.d. [late Mar. 1907]

Thank you for the notice about the Fast. "As many of the believers as could have
observed the Fast, and the Feast of Nayrooz will be celebrated as commanded."

Minutes of the House of Spir.
23 Mar. 1907

Letters were read.

Remey to Windust
14 Mar. 1907

"We have been able to organize an Assembly Committee in Washington [Wash. D.C.]
and from now on all the affairs of the Assembly will be carried on by it. Later on we
will officially notify the Chicago H.ofS. [sic] as well as the Boards of Counsel
elsewhere of this step which is primary to the organization of a Board of Counsel
when it may please Abdul-Baha to command it."

Arthur Agnew to Albert Windust
en route by train, n.d.

He is sending to Wash. D.C. a tablet from `Abdu'l-Baha telling them to support the
Chicago temple.
T. Chase is asleep. We are nearing Toledo.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
30 Mar. 1907

Hoar was visiting and told of Harris's trip to India
Letters are discussed.

Kenosha Bahai Men's Board to House of Spir.
28 Mar. 1907

Did you combine Naw-Ruz and the Feast together on 17 March or hold them
separately? Why on the 17th? If you drop Ayyam-i-Ha from the calendar, the feast
should be held about the 17th.
What are the function of these observances?

House of Spir. to Voelz
copy 83 31 Mar. 1907

We held the meeting on 17 Mar but had no refreshments.
Mrs. Lesch, Mrs. Foster held Naw-Ruz commemorations in their homes.
"It is the intention of the Chicago Assembly to commence each year with the Feast
of Narooz [Naw-Ruz] and every nineteen days thereafter to hold suppers if it is found
possible."
Information on the gatherings "has been very meager [sic] up to the present
writing and has come almost entirely through Mrs Brittingham [Br-ham] and Mr
MacNutt especially that portion referring to the nineteen (19) day Feasts." [no
periods after Mrs or Mr].
21 March is the "Day of Baha" of the "Month of Baha."
"The purpose of these nineteen day Feasts, is to stimulate Fellowship, Spirituality
and Unity, also (in our opinion) a preparation for the new order of things, namely,
the Bahai calendar."
Attached to the letter is a list of the names of the nineteen months and the seven
days of the week in Arabic, with their English translations.
[The letter is too faint to photocopy. I have checked the quotations and found them
to be accurate on 3 June 1986.]

Henry Goodale to House of Spir.
24 Mar. 1907

There is to be a peace conference in New York City. Should not Baha'is pray for its
success? The House of Spir. could send out a circular to all communities about it.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
6 Apr. 1907

Letters are read.

Esphahani (Sohrab) to Windust
28 Mar. 1907

Sohrab doesn't know whether both the Bab and Baha'u'llah are the return of Christ.
The translation of the tablet is a word-for-word translation. Sohrab suggests that a
footnote may be necessary when the tablet is published; otherwise `Abdu'l-Baha will
raise a new question in trying to end an old question!

Esphahani (Sohrab) to Windust
4 Apr. 1907

`Abdu'l-Baha is trying to systematize the correspondence.

Bahai Assembly if Wash. D.C. general letter
19 Mar. 1907

We have organized a Working Committee. But they say nothing about its size,
membership, or officers. Its address is the same as Remey's--the same building, but
a different room.

Remey general letter
23 Mar. 1907

Thank you for the signatires on the petition to the Shah. It'll be sent to `Abdu'l-
Baha first; He will decide whether to send it to Persia or not.

Washington Assembly circular letter
30 Mar. 1907

The letter is printed on "Bahai Assembly of Washington" stationary [Wash. D.C.].
It includes a petition sent to communities to sign about the new Shah, to be sent to
him (another petition?!).

Minutes of the House of Spir.
13 Apr. 1907

Stenstrand's pamphlet on Subh-i-Azal was considered, and "It was decided that we
pay no attention to same." A copy of the pamphlet is in the records.
The House of Spir. discussed the "Sunday evening General Assembly meetings." We
will conduct them in the manner used for meetings in this country, "regardless of
opposition on the part of three or four."

Minutes of the House of Spir.
20 Apr. 1907

It is an open meeting, and nine women came, including Miss McKinney.
They have received 25 more tablets from Sohrab.
There is a request for a speaker in Urbana, IL, on Sunday 28 Apr. 1907.
Greenleaf and Fareed will go.
The Sunday meetings were briefly discussed.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
27 Apr. 1907

General discussion.

Remey to Windust
15 Apr. 1907

We are sending out tablets from `Abdu'l-Baha in pamphlet form.
Mr. MacNutt is visiting Wash. D.C.

Windust to Remey
24 Apr. 1907

MacNutt was in Wash. D.C. for two nights.
Mr. Woodcock, wife, and daughter arrived in Chicago today by train.
Many post cards are arriving fro T. Chase, A. Agnew, and C. Scheffler.
Publication in Wash. D.C. is fine.

Bahai Assembly of Washington to Chicago
25 Apr. 1907

The U.S. government wishes to include the Baha'is in their census. Pleases send us
your numbers and other data.
Written on the letter is Chicago's reply. Membership is "about 500," "300
women and 200 men." They meet in a hall and in homes; their hall has a capacity for
150.
The circular is signed by Charles Mason Remey, "Chairman."
The letter is a carbon; they must have made many carbon copies and sent them out.
The word Chicago is written in by hand; its a form letter.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
4 May 1907

There will not be discussion as part of the Sunday meeting.
They discussed Remey's letter about the census.
Regarding Tablets of Abdul Baha Abbas, "After due consideration, it was decided not
wise to undertake work aforesaid until we hear from brothers Chase and Agnew
regarding wish of our Master, Abdul Baha, as to publication of Tablets compiled by
brother Windust which were submitted by them while at Acca."

Remey to Windust
25 Apr. 1907

"It is proposed that we issue from the Washington Assembly at stated intervals a
leaflet which will contain tablets and instructions from the Master to the American
Believers as well as any letters or articles on the teachings which have been approved
and perhaps communications and the like which from time to time may be necessary
in connection with the publishing and other works in the Cause." [Wash. D.C.]
The idea still isn't definite. Please place it before the House of Spir. The
publication would be free. It would be designed to be bound together into a portfolio.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
11 May 1907

Three present only.
Mrs. Br-ham is in the Pacific northwest; she writes about the Faith there.
All Persians coming to America must have a tablet of permission from `Abdu'l-
Baha.
They will follow up on the seekers in Urbana, IL.

Esphahani (Sohrab) Circular letter
Wash. D.C., 28 Apr. 1907

Manshadi writes Sohrab on 30 March 1907 about `Abdu'l-Baha's instructions"
"Write to his honor, Mirza Ahmad that he may let the American believers know that if
anyone, especially a Persian, comes to America without a Tablet of Permission no one
must receive him as a Bahai; moreover, the Tablet must be in My own hand."
`Abdu'l-Baha repeated this three or four times. No one is to go to America "without
the Permission of our Lord."
Sohrab received a tablet from `Abdu'l-Baha to the same effect a few days later.
Raffie, Mazloom, and son are exempt.
Fareed is coming to America with permission. Someone plans to come and make
trouble, though.
Tell New York and Chicago soon. And especially tell Mr. and Mrs. Getsinger.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
18 May 1907

They are meeting with the ladies also.
Correspondence only.

T. Chase and C. Scheffler to House of Spir.
Naples, 29 Apr. 1907

A. Agnew and wife are still in Egypt; they are returning via. London and Liverpool.
C. Scheffler will visit relatives in Germany.
T. Chase is coming straight home, and may arrive before the letter does.
"Our trip has proved all and more than could be hoped for--and our hearts are
filled to the brim with love and confirmation--"
"One thing only we find inculcated constantly and urgingly. It is loving Service,
which is the great and only means for Unity--
"Yours in bonds of love and service."

Remey to Windust
10 May 1907

"The article for the census publication will be compiled word for word from
`Unity' and `Religious Unity' both of which have been sanctioned by the Master. The
census officials will use the statistics which we are furnishing them along their usual
line of publishing of such matter."
Wash. D.C. is publishing tablets.
The book of tablets to be published by the Bahai Publishing Society will be "exactly
what is now needed in the Cause."
The "magazine" project is laid aside for the moment.
"The detail of the work now carried on by the Washington [Wash. D.C.] Assembly is
becoming so great that some new systematic form of labor will in the near future
become necessary. Possibly such a bulletin as suggested may solve the question."

Minutes of the House of Spir.
copy 83 25 May 1907

T. Chase is back. He tells how `Abdu'l-Baha wants the Temple built. A meeting is
planned at Mrs. True's on 28 May about it. We must get more contributions.

Remey circular letter
25 May 1907

Remey is sailing for the Holy Land on 8 June.

Bahai' Assembly of Washington to ?
25 May 1907

Thank you for your help on the census. The letter is signed by Remey, Chairman.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
1 June 1907

A memorial service for Chester I. Thacher will be held on Sunday evening at the
hall.
Esphahani (Sohrab) is compiling tablets and not eliminating references to
persons. The House of Spir. will tell him of `Abdu'l-Baha's instructions to Windust.
Kenosha invites the returned pilgrims to speak. They will when they all have
returned (so far, A. Agnew and C. Scheffler aren't back).

Chicago Tribune
4 June 1907

Obituary of Thacher. He will have both Episcopal and Baha'i services. Both will be
at the home of his sister in law, Mrs. J. A. Coccino. He joined the Faith "ten years
ago."

A. Agnew to Windust
1 June 1907 12:58 PM

Telegram: "Dr Thatcher passed away last night heart failure funeral Monday"

Kenosha to House of Spir.
26 May 1907

We would like True, C. Scheffler, A. Agnew, T. Chase to come up and speak of their
pilgrimages. We will invite Milwaukee and Racine to come also.
Mrs. Br-ham is visiting us; last night "about forty of the friends gathered to greet
our Dear Sister."
Arna True and Ameen Fareed can come too. All of Chicago is welcome to attend.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
8 June 1907

A. Agnew is back. He read his notes of what `Abdu'l-Baha said about the Temple.
Jacobsen is present; he said Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha all will support the
Temple project.
Mrs. True will be the treasurer of the Temple fund. She has found a site and wants
to commence negotiations for purchase.
Dr. Oakshette will be asked to join the House of Spir. to replace Dr. Thacher.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
15 June 1907

Many ladies are present; but not as the Women's Assembly, though.
T. Chase and A. Agnew are going to Kenosha on 30 June.
A letter of appreciation was sent to Dr. Fielding Thacher (son of Chester Ira
Thacher).
Suggestions about the Temple: 1) Incorporate some body to carry on the work; 2)
Buy 20 acres near Evanston, subdivide it and sell it to pay for the cost of building the
Temple.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
22 June 1907

The House of Spir. will meet in Dr. Young's office from now on.
Fielding Thacher gives to the House of Spir. an oil portrait of `Abdu'l-Baha.
The Temple project is discussed; but no details.

A. Agnew's Pilgrim's Notes About the Temple
copy 83 Akka, 16 Apr. 1907

`Abdu'l-Baha stresses the importance of building the Temple.

Kenosha to House of Spir.
13 June 1907

Please come up on 30 June. We will invite Racine and Milwaukee, but we need lead
time. Who else will come from Chicago?

Kenosha to House of Spir.
20 June 1907

Thank you for confirming you'll come. The meeting will start at 2 PM. Trains
take one hour ten minutes from Wells St. Station in Chicago to reach Kenosha. Trains
leave for Chicago at 7:58, 8:10, and 9:52 PM.

House of Spir. to Fielding Thacher
18 June 1907

A condolence letter.

House of Spir. to Fielding Thacher
Chicago, 24 June 1907

The letter is by T. Chase. Thank you for the portrait. A beautiful letter.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
copy 83 29 June 1907

Sohrab writes that they should send no cablegrams to `Abdu'l-Baha in Haifa or
Akka because it will cause trouble.
Mr. Young gives legal advice about the Temple project. The House of Spir. has
decided to incorporate the entire community. We will meet with th community after
the Sunday meeting to explain.

Minutes of the Chicago Business Meeting
copy 83 Masonic Temple, room 901, Sun. 30 June 1907

A community meeting. T. Chase is appointed to chair, G. Lesch as secretary.
Their corporate name will be the "Bahai Assembly."
The eleven members of the House of Spir. are declared trustees of the Assembly;
they are authorized by the Assembly to build, repair, contract for the Temple.

Mashhad to Spiritual Assembly of Chicago
Mashhad, 25 Mar. 1907
transl. Fareed, 24 June 1907

It calls Chicago a "mahfil-i-rawhani."
Hello. It briefly mentions persecutions.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
6 July 1907

The minutes of the business meeting are read and approved, but so few are present
the House of Spir. will wait to discuss incorporation.
C. Scheffler is back from pilgrimage.
The House of Spir. will send out a circular letter asking all to support the Bahai
Publishing Society financially.

Christ Anderson to House of Spir.
Minneapolis, 23 June 1907

He wrote `Abdu'l-Baha but received no answer. Have the pilgrims heard of this?
He writes in semiliterate, broken English.
C. Scheffler had written me almost weekly, but has stopped now.

Anderson to House of Spir.
27 June 1907

No notes.

Anderson to House of Spir.
15 July 1907

No notes.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
13 July 1907

The House of Spir. will file an affidavit in the Cook County Recorder's Office,
incorporating.

Mrs. True to Dr. Moody
13 July 1907

Please read Goodall's telegram at the Sunday meeting. "If the trustees will select a
piece of land I am sure in a few days a thousand dollars would be ours to make a first
payment on it + soon we shall be worshiping in our own House."
"Perhaps Susie you could read the Words of Abdul Baha to the three men pilgrims
from our Assembly first and then read my letter + it will prove that Our Lord's
Words `You have only to begin--everything will be all right.' These words were
uttered just three months ago + see our Confirmations already."

C. True to Chicago Assembly, through Dr. Moody
13 July 1907

We received the following telegram and have deposited the money. It is proof of the
power of Baha'u'llah.
True speaks of Christ's command to build churches; and now there are thousands.

Helen Goodall to Corinne True
11 July 1907
A telegram: "Sent today temple Oakland assembly four hundred dollars."

Minutes of the House of Spir.
20 July 1907

Correspondence; Mrs. Louise J. Codwise of Wash. D.C. outlines plans for forming
Baha'i groups (organization) in different cities. We will encourage her.

Haji Muhammad Yazdi to Chicago Assembly
Alexandria, 2 June 1907

Hello.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
27 July 1907

Mrs. True to meet with House of Spir. to discuss the Temple finances. She will be
appointed secretary of the Temple Fund.

Helen Goodall to C. True

13 July 1907

A letter following the telegram. Goodall will be in New York City, then London this
summer.
She includes a list of names of those who contributed; 34 names in Oakland and
vicinity.

Mrs. True to House of Spir.
23 July 1907

Please file the telegram, letter, and list of contributors in the archives.
She will retire as treasurer of the Temple fund, if the House of Spir. desires. She
will be in Chicago for the first few days of August.
She attaches a statement about contributions to the Temple since 1906. She has
received $521.25.

House of Spir. to Mrs. True
Chicago, 29 July 1907

True is in Fruitport for the summer.
We will put the items in the archives, as you have requested.
Meet with us on 3 Aug. 1907. Turn over the funds to us. But please continue as
Temple Fund secretary.

Mrs. True to House of Spir.
Fruitport, 31 July 1907

I will be happy to serve as secretary of the Temple Fund. Please keep Temple
funds separate from operating funds. I have given my word to several that this will
be done.
I will give you my pilgrim's notes for safe keeping.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
3 Aug. 1907

Mrs. True has found a piece of land; a corner lot at Park Place and Bennett Ave in
northwest Evanston. It is 300 x 150 feet, costs $4500.00. A committee is appointed
to examine it.
A Baha'i printing plant is proposed. We will propose it to the community on
Sunday.

Howard MacNutt to A. Agnew
28 July 1907

Miss Codwise of Wash. D.C. has printed a circular. MacNutt has answered it for the
Brooklyn Baha'is and writes to Chicago about it. He doesn't want to discourage any
effort, but doesn't want to officially support it either.

H. MacNutt to Codman [?]
copy 83 29 July 1907

"Bahai Faith."
Linking people together can have a splendid effect.
MacNutt's concept of the Faith is "Unity through Love." But we must avoid the
chaos of modern religions nd philosophies.
Your organization may not harmonize with Baha'i administration either.
MacNutt is concerned about many of the same questions and issues that T. Chase is
concerned about.

Louise Salter Codwise circular letter
18 June 1907

She proposes the Baha'i Faith be organized into circles of nine each; one teacher
and eight pupils. Each city, each state will have a central circle. The Wash. D.C.
central circle will be the national center. All tablets from `Abdu'l-Baha will pass
through it. Each circle will have a recording secretary. The state circle will keep the
names and addresses of all in the state and report them to the national circle. The
national circle sends out all literature.
Each circle will hold feasts and other meetings as convenient. Each Baha'i will
invite one non Baha'i to the Feast to teach them.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
10 Aug. 1907

They are still considering the land in northwest Evanston. A plot in Jackson Park
area will be investigated too.
Mrs. Grundy's pilgrim notes are approved and will be published.

Mrs. Br-ham to House of Spir.
3 Aug. 1907

She talks about "cycle teaching" that was taught her by Mirza Asadu'llah in
Johnstown, N.Y. in 1900. Remey has neostyled the notes for her. Nov. of 1900 (end
of the month) is seven months before she sailed for Akka and ten months before
arriving there. Mrs. Herron visited us in Johnstown after her pilgrimage in Feb. or
Mar. 1901. She had a chart from `Abdu'l-Baha, a cycle chart, "disproving the
doctrine of transmigration and of reincarnation of the individual soul." Miss
Albertson later returned from pilgrimage with the same chart. Mrs. Lua Getsinger
learned the same from `Abdu'l-Baha. Lua Gets. says Br-ham is teaching incorrectly,
though. She says only she has the right to teach from the chart and that Mrs. Br-ham
can't use it. [p. 13] "She feels this teaching to be so peculiarly her own property,
that I am in an embarrassed condition." What do I do? I can't teach with out cycle
teachings; and no one can monopolize the Truth. Please advise me. Especially T. Chase
and A. Agnew can help.
The letter deals with two other matters, too.
American pilgrims are saying that some of Woodcock's teachings are unauthorized
and incorrect. "It has always been thought that every teaching--Pyramids, Zodiacal,
etc--was given here by authority received in Acre." [p. 16-17]
The other matter: a Hindu was expounding reincarnation at Green Acre. Sarah
Farmer at the end of his talk "arose, and in a very full speech, announced her entire
belief in `the reincarnation of the individual soul'; that the Bahai teachings had denied
it, Had tried to adjust the teaching or advance substitutes for it, but that while she had
never written of it to the Master, she knew, from her own personal realization when
in Acre, that this was a fact."
"A Mr. K. Hagg... Seattle is a promulgator of a pamphlet" by Stenstrand. "Mrs.
Finch of Seattle was first approached and read it, becoming more confirmed than
ever..." The Baha'is in Seattle met and discussed it; Mrs. Finch refuted it. All are
stronger in the Faith now. "This sister is one of the serving souls in Seattle, and the
meetings are held in her home." [p. 22] Please write to them.
Br-ham is moving from Orange, NJ, to Newark.
Miss Jggested it Minutes of ave just become believers "several months
ago."
A 25 page letter! T. Chase typed it; his version is seven pages.

Arthur Dodge to C. True
10 Wall St., New York, 3 Aug. 1907

Please present to the House of Spir. the enclosed plans to start a magazine, the
"Bahai Messenger."
The pamphlet proposing the idea is attached. It would be a universal, illustrated
monthly magazine to popularize the Faith.

The Bahai Messenger to Chicago
25 July 1907

The letter is by Dodge. The magazine will have 8 six-column pages and cost 50
cents a year for a subscription. 1800 copies will be printed. Dodge will guarantee
the first year's subscription.
Purpose of the magazine will be to spread the teachings and to provide news to the
believers. Each community will have space for its news.
Will you guarantee 100 subscriptions?
We hope the first issue of the magazine will contain a history of the Faith in the
USA.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
17 Aug. 1907

Several of Currier's "old friends" are Seventh Day Adventists.
The House of Spir. considers the land on the south shore of the Lake for a Temple
site.

House of Spir. to Isabella Br-ham
5 p. Chicago, 14 Aug. 1907

A beautiful, merciful letter.
The House of Spir. alludes to some disagreements on the East Coast. Unity and
patience are stressed; passages are suggested as helpful.
If you are concerned about brother Woodcock's pilgrim's notes, write him and ask
him if everything he teaches is from `Abdu'l-Baha. The House of Spir. hasn't heard
any complaints about it.
Don't worry because some Baha'is believe in reincarnation. Miss Farmer should
write to `Abdu'l-Baha herself. Ask someone to ask her to do so.
"Regarding the pamphlet of August Stenstrand, it is known by some of our friends,
and we are given to understand that it is of such a character that it cannot well be
harmful." But they will write to Seattle.
We will write to `Abdu'l-Baha about the problem you have with Lua Gets. without
mentioning names. We cannot decide the issue between the two of you.
T. Chase was taught of the Kingdoms of ascent and descent by Asadu'llah. He had
heard that Lua Gets. teaches it and heard she claims a monopoly on it.
If you and Lua Gets. cannot agree, meet together with seven others and consult
about it.
The letter includes five pages of extracts from the writings!

Bahai Assembly of Washington to Bahai Assembly of Chicago
18 Aug. 1907

The Working Committee is acting on the Temple matter; we've received your
circular about it.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
24 Aug. 1907

The lot near Jackson Park costs $85,000.00. It is being considered. Mr.
Jacobsen wishes to be kept informed of the Temple.
New York City Board writes about publishing; C. T. Hutchinson, secretary. Mrs.
Br-ham write about the cooperative society.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
31 Aug. 1907

Nothing was done because too few were present.

Remey to Windust
4 p. London, Eng., 27 Aug. 1907

No news, just spiritual thoughts.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
7 Sept. 1907

They discuss the spelling of Baha'u'llah. We will follow Browne, except for "a" in
stead of "e."
A Temple site at the corner of Sheridan Road and Grace St. will be considered.
The House of Spir. elected its officers for the new year: T. Chase, President; C.
Ioas, Vice President; C. Scheffler, Treasurer; James Sutherland, corresponding
secretary; Al Windust, librarian; G. Lesch, recording secretary.

Kenosha Board of Consultation to House of Spir.
copy 83 1 Sept. 1908 [1907]

Its on their new--oh my!--stationary. And the Board now has a new name (as
above).
"We have established a Temple fund and have appointed a Treasurer for same."
They have $175.00 cash already.
The letter is about their support for the Temple.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
14 Sept. 1907

A piece of land near Lincoln Park looks good; they will secure an option, if
possible.

Miss Edith Louise Grosvenor's invitation
Sept. 1907

There will be a reception in honor of the kindness that Abdu'l Hamid has shown to
`Abdu'l-Baha on 24 Sept. 1907, at 8:30 PM to 11:00 PM. The reception is by the
Wash. D.C. Assembly; she lives in Glen Echo, MD.

Grosvenor to House of Spir.
20 Oct. 1907

The reception was a success; she encloses a news clipping.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
21 Sept. 1907

Windust will represent Chicago at the Wash. D.C. reception on 24 Sept. 1907.
The letter from Br-ham was read (they finally typed it?).
Another Jackson Park site is rejected as too expensive.
Mrs. Harrison suggests that Chicago use the names of the feasts as the themes for
the readings at them. Or perhaps she means the days of the week.
B Jacobsen is present from Kenosha.

Bahai Assembly of Kirman to Chicago
mailed July 1907
trans. Fareed 15 Sept. 1907

Hello.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
28 Sept. 1907

Windust describes his visit to Wash. D.C.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
5 Oct. 1907

The Jackson Park site is good; we will make a formal proposition. We will discuss
it with the community tomorrow.
Windust described the Temple efforts being made in Kenosha.
Mr. Hoar was present as a guest.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
12 Oct. 1907

We will discuss the Temple project at the community meeting tomorrow evening.

Louisa E. Ruddiman to Windust
Pine Grove Mills, Van Buren Co., MI.
Oct. 1907

"We wish to give to participate in the great work of the first Temple.
"Mr. R. is a carpenter and as we have not much no income from any source except a
few days labor now + then..." He would like to work on the Temple.
Mr. Lane lives 20 miles away; he's the nearest believer.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
19 Oct. 1907

Various letters.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
26 Oct. 1907

Mrs. True proposes a north shore site, valued at $28,000.00. T. Chase has found
some vacant lots next to the Marine Hospital. It might be a good idea putting our
Temple money in a stronger bank, should the economy get worse. We will do it.

R. R. McKinnie to C. True
26 Oct. 1907

About a plot of land for the Temple. Hurry up! Its a good buy.

Remey to True
Paris, 16 Aug. 1907

`Abdu'l-Baha never wrote back to Wash. D.C. telling them to support Chicago, but
He orally told Remey while he was in Akka.

R. R. McKinnie to Mrs. True
Evanston, 24 Oct. 1907

He is a real estate agent. He writes about a plot of land for the Temple at the
corner of Michigan and Kedzie Sts.

True to Agnew
25 Oct. 1907

A "grand block of land" "we could not find a better location" for the Temple.

Remey to Windust
26 Oct. 1907

I missed you while you were here in Wash. D.C.
"The Friends here are all talking about the building of the Temple. When I was
with Our Lord He said that we should all join with you in this matter. Tonight we are
to have our first business meeting of this season and I will bring up the matter of our
contributions towards this good work."
The magazine; `Abdu'l-Baha has instructed them about it. It will be in English and
Persian. The first issue probably will be in Jan. or Feb.
`Abdu'l-Baha told Remey to visit Chicago and Wisconsin.

Isabella Br-ham to Dear Brother in His Name
Philadelphia, 28 Oct. 1907

Three more believers. They are Mr. A. G. Johnson, Deer Trail, Washington State
[WA], and Mrs. Dr. Couch and Mrs. Mary Hennessy, Twsip, Washington [WA]. The
latter two are "not...widely instructed."
An attached sheet lists various names and addresses; among them is Mrs. A. Copley,
748 E. Brigham St., Salt Lake City, Utah.

A. Agnew to Crowley
copy 83 31 Oct. 1907

`Abdu'l-Baha's words to him about the Temple were spontaneous. The pilgrims
were overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task. The Temple is a national, not a
Chicago project.
There will be two Temples in the lifetime of `Abdu'l-Baha, one in the heart of the
Old World and one in the heart of the New World. This is most appropriate.
Building the Temple will strengthen the Faith in the Orient. It will be proof of the
growth of the Faith in the West. Pilgrims from the Orient were gratified to meet
pilgrims from the west. "They rejoiced the Cause had taken on a world-wide aspect."
`Abdu'l-Baha says the Temple is the most important project in the USA today. The
Temple will prove the permanence of the Faith here. It will show the strength of the
cause.
"If possible some way will be devised of getting an expression from each assembly
of the United States and Canada before selecting a location."
A. Agnew is thankful of the work being done for the Faith around Boston.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
copy 83 16 Nov. 1907

The Wash. D.C. Working Committee is behind the Temple Project.
Nineteen tablets have been sent in by Mrs. Hoagg.
A Bahai magazine is planned in New York. The House of Spir. made some
suggestions.

Remey to Windust
12 Nov. 1907

Remey will be in Chicago in about six weeks, between Christmas and New Year's.
Remey sends in for the archives two tablets he has received from `Abdu'l-Baha.

Working Committee of Wash. D.C. to Wash. D.C. Baha'is
9 Nov. 1907

"I have been commissioned by the Working Committee of our Assembly to notify
our people that the said committee are in sympathy with the effort of the Baha"is of
America to erect a Baha"i Temple of Worship in Chicago..."
The Assembly treasurer is Mr. Phelps; send contributions to the Temple to him
and he will forward them to Chicago.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
23 Nov. 1907

The prospectus for a Baha'i magazine was considered.
There will be a Baha'i convention at Mrs. True's on Tuesday 26 Nov. 1907.
"Remainder of the evening was devoted to consideration of matters pertaining to Bahai
convention."

Minutes of the House of Spir.
30 Nov. 1907

The property at Sheridan Rd. and Hill St. will be considered. The delegates
approved of it.
The House of Spir. answered the questions of Mr. Lehman of Spokane, who attended
the meeting of the House of Spir.

Albert H. Hall to C. True
Minneapolis, 18 Nov. 1907

I can't come to the convention on 26 Nov. I might make it, or another can go.

Pledge Slip for support of the Temple
no notes.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
2 Dec. 1907

They have received a letter from Mirza Munir Zayn.
A circular letter about the Temple is considered.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
14 Dec. 1907

The circular on the Temple is approved.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
21 Dec. 1907

The women plan to hold a bazaar on 31 Mar for the Temple fund. Mrs. True
suggests a larger Temple fund be raised. Pledges for both the Temple and the Chicago
fund will be drawn up.

House of Spir. circular letter
copy 83 19 Dec. 1907

We are starting the effort to build a Temple. They describe the history of the
project; `Abdu'l-Baha tablets and the notes of pilgrims.
The letter is mailed all over the USA, with a cover letter and in large numbers so
each community can distribute copies to all its members. It was sent to twenty
communities.

Minutes of the House of Spir.
copy 83 28 Dec. 1907

Remey and Jacobsen are present as guests.
Committees for the Temple should be appointed in the different communities.
Wash. D.C. will encourage this idea.
The uniform spelling of Baha'u'llah was discussed and agreed on. Publications
were discussed (for Remey's benefit).

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Notes, 1906
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