November 13, 2010

Ridvan 1961: Newly Elected International Baha'i Council Holds First Meeting

Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land meeting with the International Baha'i Council. From left: A. Furutan, Charles Wolcott, William Sears, Leroy Ioas,  Sylvia loas, lan Semple, John Ferraby, PauI E. Haney, Lotfullah Hakim, A. Q. Faizi, Ruhiyyih Khanum, Jessie Revell, 'Ali Nakhjavani, Ethel Revell, Mildred Mottahedeh, H. Borrah Kavelin, Jalal Khazeh.

International Baha'i Council

An institution created by Shoghi Effendi in 1951 as the forerunner of the Universal House of Justice. It was invested with three functions: to forge links with the authorities in the State of Israel, to assist Shoghi Effendi in the erection of the superstructure of the Shrine of the Bab, and to conduct negotiations related to matters of personal status with the civil authorities. To these were added further functions as the Council developed. The members of the first Council were appointed by Shoghi Effendi: its President was Charles Mason Remey and its Vice-President Amelia Collins. The Council was enlarged to eight members in 1952 and to nine in 1955. Following the passing of Shoghi Effendi the Council continued to perform its duties at the World Centre under the direction of the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy Land. At Ridvan 1961 the Council was elected for the first time. Its nine members were elected by the members of all the national and regional spiritual assemblies in the Baha'iworld by postal ballot. The Hands of the Cause ruled that they themselves were not eligible for election to this body. The following people were elected: Jessie Revell, 'Ali Nakhjavani, Lutfu'llah Hakim, Ethel Revell, Charles Wolcott, Sylvia Ioas, Mildred Mottahedeh, Ian Semple and H. Borrah Kavelin. These members served until the election of the Universal House of Justice in 1963. (Baha’i Dictionary by Wendi Momen)

Cables from the Hands of the Cause

"Rejoice (to) announce (the) first momentous meeting (of the) Hands (of the Faith in the) Holy Land (and) all members (of the) newly elected International Council held in (the) precincts (of the) Holy Shrine (of) Baha'u'llah (where they) consulted (on) measures necessary (to) discharge (the) historic duties destined (to) fulfill (the) high hopes (of the) beloved Guardian (and to) pave (the) way (for the) election (of the) supreme House (of) Justice (on the) occasion (of the) Most Great Jubilee. Share message (with) Hands (and) National Assemblies. "


(Signed) HANDSFAITH

Haifa, Israel
June 27, 1961
(Baha’i News August 1961)

"Hearts greatly encouraged by enthusiasm, energy (and) determination (of) elected International Baha'I Council (to) discharge (it's) vital (and) ever-increasing responsibilities. Delighted (to) share news (of) election (of) following officers: Ali Nakhjavani, Sylvia Ioas, Charles Wolcott, Ian Semple, Jessie Revell (as) President, Vice-President, Secretary-General, Assistant Secretary (and) Treasurer, respectively. Other members (are) Ethel Revell, Lotfullah Hakim, Mildred Mottahedeh, and Borrah Kavelin member at large. Share message (with) Hands (and) National Assemblies."

(Signed) HANDSFAITH

Haifa, Israel
June 30, 1961
(Baha’i News August 1961)