Chicago House of Spirituality notes: 1901-1902
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CHICAGO HOUSE OF SPIRITUALITY RECORDS

YR 1901

Minutes of the House of Justice 20 May 1901 All members present. Additional members were chosen to make possible a quorum of nine: Ioas, Pursels, Doney. Chicago House of Justice to New York House of Justice 23 May 1901 The House of Spir. announces their election by the believers as a result of a tablet from `Abdu'l-Baha to Mirza Asadu'llah recently received. The first meeting of the House of Spir. was on 20 May 1901. Chicago House of Justice to all Baha'i communities 23 May 1901 "As this is one of the Ordinances in Kitab-el-Akdas, and also according with what the Master said, we will humbly inform you that you may elect nine (9) persons or more as a Council Board, and please send us their names." "... We enclose some verses from Kitab-el-Akdas concerning the House of Justice and the duties of its members, and also the instructions given by our Lord and Master, `Abdu'l-Baha..." Minutes of the House of Justice 24 May 1901 The Chicago Assembly met on 15 May 1909 at 475 West Monroe St. to elect the House of Justice. Nine were elected: G. Lesch Charles H. Greenleaf John A. Guilford Dr. Rufus Bartlett T. Chase Charles Hessler Arthur Agnew Byron S. Lane Henry L. Goodale Greenleaf was elected chairman, Guilford treasurer, and Lesch secretary. Chase was present. Minutes of the House of Justice 28 May 1901 "Motion made and seconded that this Body be known as the `House of Justice of Baha'is of Chicago, Ills.'" A Baha'i center rented at 475 West Monroe St. A house, which they decide to call the "House of `Abdu'l-Baha." Chase was present. Minutes of the House of Justice 4 June 1901 No reference to T. Chase. The House of Justice decided to meet with the ladies. A letter from Mrs. True requesting such a meeting is attached to the minutes. Arthur P. Dodge to Rufus Bartlett copy 83 9 June 1901 Dodge is not on the New York Board of Counsel. The secretary will answer officially for the Board shortly. "Peace and harmony is with us, but I regret to say, there is too much evident apathy and too little real work." There are no meetings of the Nakazeen in New York City. Newspaper articles "some days ago," though, and Facts for Behaists has been published; it was just received by the New York Baha'is. Minutes of the House of Justice 11 June 1901 No reference to T. Chase at the meeting. A letter is attached that is addressed "To the Honorable House of Justice of the First Assembly of Behaists in America at Chicago, Ill, U.S.A." Leigh Wilson Foster wrote the letter; he tenders his resignation from the Faith [however, he was in and out of the community later on]. Minutes of the House of Justice 18 June 1901 The House of Justice is meeting with the ladies; they pledge to work together in harmony. Publications are discussed; they are a concern. Greenleaf is absent; Persels acts as chairman. Kenosha Evening News 3 p. Sat., 15 June 1901 A letter from Asadu'llah published in the newspaper while he was visiting the city. The news clipping is attached to a letter translated by Anton Haddad, from Asadu'llah, to the Chicago House of Justice, written from Kenosha on 15 June 1901. Minutes of the House of Justice 25 June 1901 T. Chase is the chairman for the evening, as Greenleaf was absent. Only 8 are present; Mr. Hinckley was invited in to be the ninth and make a quorum. Mirza Asadu'llah, Mirza Hassan, and Mr. Haddad were invited to join the meeting too. This Sunday, T. Chase, A. Agnew, and G. Lesch will visit Kenosha, Racine, and Milwaukee. The House of Justice will try to send someone each Sunday to instruct them in the teachings. A letter from the Racine House of Justice. All the signatures have Scandinavian last names! Letter from Milwaukee. Seven believers there request help. All of them signed. They ask for books. Racine to the Chicago House of Justice copy 83 21 June 1901 They seem to see themselves as a House of Justice. Asadu'llah had visited--at least Kenosha--so they apparently formed a body. The names listed are: A. J. Nelson, H. T. Larsen, Magnus Poulsen, Christ Olsen, Peder Pedersen, H. Christian Andersen, L. N. Straud, Frank Petersen, Fred Petersen, and Hand Silver. The Milwaukee "Bahaists" to the Chicago House of Justice 24 June 1901 There are seven Baha'is in Milwaukee; they write to the "Household of Justice." "We are informed by Mr. Hadad [sic] of your city..." They want to be listed as Baha'is, and want literature. All seven of them sign the letter: Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hetzel, Mrs. John Duffield, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Harris, and Mrs. Charlotte Morton. "Bahaist Religion." Minutes of the House of Justice 2 July 1901 A letter from Dodge says Kheiralla has put articles in New York newspapers. Minutes of the House of Justice 9 July 1901 T. Chase is present. He is appointed to a committee to draft a petition to the USA government regarding the persecutions of the Baha'is in Iran. They write a letter of petition to Mirza Asadu'llah, asking him not to leave, dated 5 July 1901. It is signed by nine members of the House of Justice, including T. Chase. Minutes of the House of Justice Friday, 21 July 1901 The petition to the USA government is approved. They will send it to New York to get them to sign it too, then will either mail or present it to the government. The petition is to the Shah of Iran through the U.S. Secretary of State. Petition to His Majesty, the Shah no date It requests that justice be done. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues., 16 July 1901 Mr. Lane is chair in absence of Greenleaf. Minutes of the House of Justice 23 July 1901 The New York House of Justice has published lessons that Asadu'llah thinks are inaccurate. The Chicago House of Justice will write New York about the matter. "Letter from the West Hoboken Council Board, read by sec'y." "Letter from Washington D.C. read by Mr. Percels." [Wash. D.C.] New York Board of Counsel to Chicago House of Justice New York, 25 July 1901 On "Board of Counsel" stationary. The petition will be forwarded to William Hoar; `Abdu'l-Baha asked him while on pilgrimage to cable the Shah. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 30 July 1901 "Mr Chase stated that Mirza Assad Ullah requested of him, that the House of Justice take it upon themselves, to send out all answers to communications rec'd from other assemblies and individuals and in this way establish themselves as the central body of this religion in America, to whom all others might look to for information of all kinds." "Letter from W. H. Harris, Sec'y, New York read by secretary." Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 6 Aug. 1901 Mr. Persels is chosen chairman in absence of Greenleaf. It is decided to increase membership of the House of Justice to 19. A letter from Racine is read. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 13 Aug. 1901 Dr. Bartlett chosen chairman in absence of Greenleaf. The House of Justice chosen four more members; Fuller, Hoffman, Barrick, and Kendall. They were chosen by the members by secret ballot. Then one more member was chosen: Thacher. A letter from Kenosha was read. A committee was appointed to meet with the five and ascertain whether they will serve; then their names will be submitted to the "Assembly." Minutes of the House of Justice Thurs. 5 Sept. 1901 The minutes of the 20 and 27 Aug. meetings are missing. Letter from Mr. Hoar received (see next record). Miss Burkenhagen has died. A non-Baha'i funeral service was held by the family. A Baha'i memorial service should be held; they will invite the family. Tablets received by the House of Justice will be printed. A committee was appointed to arrange for a meeting on 15 Sept. Weekly meetings were agreed on; Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons for general meetings, Wednesday evenings for general questions, plus two more each week. William Hoar to G. Lesch (House of Justice) 6 p. 6 Aug. 1901 `Abdu'l-Baha had Hoar call on the Persian ambassador in Wash. D.C. The petition should go through the ambassador, not through the State department; that would insult the ambassador. Hoar hasn't gone down to Wash. D.C. yet, though. Hoar will be in Chicago within a month. The petition is sent back to Chicago; its still in the minutes. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 10 Sept. 1901 The House of Justice is purchasing 200 pamphlets from the "Behais Publishing Board." They are to be given out at the 15 Sept. meeting. Mr. Peter Bender was appointed to the House of Justice. A letter from Hoboken, Charles Jones, sec'y, was read. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 24 Sept. 1901 Barrick, Fuller, Bender are welcomed to the House of Justice as new members. T. Chase is appointed to a committee to announce the arrival of Abu'l Fadl at a meeting. The House of Justice has 15 members; all are listed. Sept. 15 will be called the Inauguration Day of the House of Justice. A tablet from `Abdu'l-Baha will be read for the first time at the Inauguration Day meeting. The House of Justice appointed a committee to meet with the Ladies about receiving visitors at headquarters daily. Abu'l-Fadl will arrive for meetings next Wednesday and Friday. Chase and Ioas appointed a committee of two to announce this at the Sunday meeting. The Wednesday and Friday meetings seem to be regular. Names of the members of the House of Justice: Lane, Goodale, Ioas, Doney, Hessler, Greenleaf, Agnew, Chase, Guilford, Purcell, Bartlett, Lesch, Bender, Fuller, and Barrick. Mr. Khan is interpreting for Asadu'llah that night. Chicago House of Justice to New York Board of Counsel 26 Sept. 1901 The letter is to W. Hooper Harris, sec'y. It describes Inauguration Day festivities. They were "favored with a large attendance." Copy also in Chase papers. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 1 Oct. 1901 A letter from Wash. D.C. read. Copies of pictures of Inauguration Day festivities were made to be sent to the Orient. "Motion made and seconded that each member of this House of Justice pledge himself to observe Parliamentary Law at all meetings of this body." The motion was tabled. `Abdu'l-Baha to Mirza Asadu'llah received in Chicago and translated by Ali Kuli Khan on 30 Sept. 1901 Mrs. Br-ham and two men believers from Paris are in Akka [one is Breakwell]. The Nakazeen are making much trouble in the Holy Land. `Abdu'l-Baha says He wrote to Kheiralla about this "three years ago." Pilgrims from the USA must have letters signed by the Turkish legation in Wash. D.C. This will prevent complaints from the government of Akka from having effect. Minutes of the House of Justice Mon. 7 Oct. 1901 Greenleaf is absent; Fuller acts as chairman. The seal of the House is purchased. Advertisements to be sent to newspapers about Sunday meetings. A business meeting will be held next Sunday "after our regular Sunday afternoon service" to discuss the problem of hall rental. Mr. Dealy is in town; he visited with the House of Justice. Minutes of the House of Justice special meeting, Sun. 13 Oct. 1901 475 West Monroe St. is leased by Mrs. Spence, who will sublet the front rooms to the House of Justice for $45.00 per month, heat included. The Teacher [Persian] will be boarded at the house. The agreement is for six months. The Lane family had been leasing the house instead; now they're moving. The whole house rents for $75 per month. The three teachers occupying the rooms right now are Asadu'llah, Abu'l-Fadl, and Ali Kuli Khan. Minutes of the House of Justice 15 Oct. 1901 Mr. Lane is chairman in absence of Greenleaf. A letter from Kenosha is read; also one from Hoboken. A card is drawn up stating times of "regular meetings." "Kenosha Councel Board" to the House of Justice in Chicago Kenosha, 13 Oct. 1901 We petition you to send us Mr. Lane as teacher. 24 signatures; at least 9 are women: Mrs. Ida Walters, Robert Walters, Emma Lindstrom, Edward Lindstrom, Mary Schleimer, Mrs. Katz Ruff, Magnus Norlander, Wilhelmina Norlander, Henry Voight, Saint Germain [sic], Henry Benning, Bertha Hartig, Chrisa S. Benning, Jane Parks, E. Blomgreist, M. St. Germain, Mr. and Mrs. Cr. Howard, Louie Schleimer, C. J. Engstrom [?], A. Lindstrom, C. Bedear [?], and Cheroti [?] Redeen. Minutes of the House of Justice 22 Oct. 1901 A committee appointed to meet with Mr. Lane and "clear up any difficulty or misunderstanding which may exist." Relation between the House of Justice and the Publishing Board must be defined; a committee is appointed of Mr. Ioas to draft a statement. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 13 Oct. 1901 No notes. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 15 Oct. 1901 No notes. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 22 Oct. 1901 No notes. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 29 Oct. 1901 Twelve present at the meeting, including Greenleaf, Lane. Mirza Asadu'llah met with the House of Justice with Haddad translating. Asadu'llah wishes to travel east, to Wash. D.C. to meet with the Turkish ambassador. The House of Justice advised against such a meeting. T. Chase is present. Frank Hoffman is added to the House of Justice, to be presented to the Assembly for ratification at its next regular meeting. The publishing agreement to be signed by the House of Justice and the Publishing Board. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 5 Nov. 1901 T. Chase present. Perry Persels resigned from the House of Justice, or the community, or both. Persel's resignation is not accepted. Nine present. Goodale is chairman in absence of Greenleaf. Abu'l-Fadl is still in Chicago. Petition inviting `Abdu'l-Baha to come to USA will be drafted. Bartlett is appointed President of the House of Justice's charitable work. Minutes of the House of Justice Tues. 12 Nov. 1901 T. Chase present. He and Ioas drafted a letter on behalf of the House of Justice, inviting `Abdu'l-Baha to the USA. Or did T. Chase draft the supplication himself? A letter from Racine, saying they are "lukewarm" in the Faith. The hall rental at the Athanaeum will be investigated. Ioas suggested it. Honore Jaxon had earlier in a letter. Letter sent to Haddad, asking him to come to Chicago and translate for Asadu'llah on a teaching trip. The House of Justice meets every "Sunday PM after our regular meeting of the Assembly." A committee appointed to arrange a memorial service for Mrs. Burkenhagen of Kenosha. Agnew, Lane are on it. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 17 Nov. 1901 Nine present. Ten copies of a supplication were sent to other cities. 75 signatures have already been gathered in Chicago. A joint meeting with the Ladies' Auxiliary Board is planned. Mary Lesch offered use of an organ at the services. A member of the House of Justice should be appointed to chair the Sunday Assembly meeting. A statement regarding contributions to be placed in the meeting room. Anton Haddad to G. Lesch 15 Nov. 1901 Reply to House of Justice letter of 12 Nov. Haddad can't come to Chicago right now. Abu'l-Fadl, Asadu'llah, Ali Kuli Khan are still in Chicago. The letter is on stationary: "S. A. Moghabghab, Importer of Oriental Goods, 80 Greenwich St., New York City." George S. Hopper to Mr. G. Lesch, sec'y Ithaca, 24 Nov. 1901 They have received the supplication from T. Chase; his family has circulated it and sent it back. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun., 24 Nov. 1901 11 present. Communications regarding the supplication have been received from Cincinnati, Racine, and Milwaukee. Mr. Pursels refused to reconsider his resignation. It is accepted by the House of Justice. A committee is appointed to draft a standard Sunday afternoon meeting program. Telegram to be sent on Tuesday, 26 Nov. in honor of the "Feast of the Master." Mrs. Charlotte Morton to the House of Justice Milwaukee, 20 Nov. 1901 She is sending back the supplication signed, included is her son in Michigan, [MI] who is a Baha'i. Mrs. Br-ham will be visiting "on Saturday next." She hopes Mr. Chase will send more lectures of "Aboul Fazl" [Abu'l-Fadl]. They're reading them at the Milwaukee Sunday meetings. Benjamin R. Taylor to G. Lesch Cincinnati, 21 Nov. 1901 "...We have secured the signatures of all who have every attended the meetings in this City to amount to anything, who are in the City at present. "All express great pleasure at having the opportunity of extending this welcome and supplication to our Master and consider it a real priviladge [sic] of which we are unworthy to be able to do it." They rent a room every Sunday. Statement Regarding Publications copy 83 2 p. House of Justice policy statement regarding the Publishing Board. 1). It came into existence before the House of Justice. 2. Its members are A. Agnew, T. Chase, Hoffman, Greenleaf; 3). Publishing is a responsibility of the House of Justice. The statement is signed by all involved; 12 members of the House of Justice. Chase signs twice, once for the House of Justice and once for the Publishing Board. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 17 Nov. 1901 Chase present. The supplication to `Abdu'l-Baha is being copied and signatures of as many people as possible are being obtained. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 24 Nov. 1901 T. Chase present. Incoming correspondence from Ithaca, Milwaukee, Cleveland. All received the supplication for `Abdu'l-Baha from T. Chase and are herewith returning it signed. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 1 Dec. 1901 T. Chase absent; nine present. A record of the first celebration of the "Feast of the Master" in USA. The report calls `Abdu'l-Baha the Center of the Covenant. Communications from Baltimore, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh. Songs are needed; this is considered. Greenleaf will secure songs. Mrs. Br- ham and Mr. Dealy are in Racine. Minutes of the House of Justice 8 Dec. 1901 Letters from Racine, Baltimore received. Musical instruments donated by Mr. Bohmann; a committee to use them is appointed. A spittoon, coatrack are purchased. The committee on songs is making progress. Mary Morton to House of Justice [?] 22 Nov. 1901 Letter is from Baltimore. It is accompanied by the supplication and the "names of the Baltimore believers." Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 15 Dec. 1901 A check was received from Cincinnati, Benjamin Taylor, treasurer; but the House of Justice doesn't know what its for! Abu'l-Fadl is invite downstairs to speak to the House of Justice. Bartlett to chair the next Sunday meeting. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 22 Dec. 1901 T. Chase present. Nine present. `Abdu'l-Baha asked Asadu'llah by cable to go to New York. Chase will chair the meeting next Sunday. New York hasn't sent back the supplication to `Abdu'l-Baha. T. Chase, Ioas will write them about it.

YR 1902

Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 5 Jan. 1902 T. Chase present. Nine present, including Ioas, Lane, Greenleaf. Doney, Greenleaf, Ioas, Guilford all resign from the House of Justice. Lane also. Asadu'llah's son arrives [Ameen Fareed]. Doxey's letter of resignation is very nice. Ioas says nothing but I resign; Lane says he has neglected the teaching work. Guilford just resigns, as treasurer also. There is no money in the treasury anyway. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 12 Jan. 1902 T. Chase present. 11 present. Resignations of Doney, Guilford are accepted. Windust, Mussallem, Hinckley are added to the House of Justice, to be approved by the Assembly. Letter from Mrs. True is read; and one from Asadu'llah. Mrs. True's letter referred to the Publishing Board. It is from the Ladies Auxiliary. Each member is asked to "draw up a list of from 1 to 9 heads of lessons suitable for this religion or teaching in accordance with his own ideas of what they should be." Ladies Auxiliary, Corinne True, Sec to House of Justice 18 Jan. 1902 A very nice letter. We will be happy to meet with you. "The members of the Board of the Woman's Auxiliary" will meet with House of Justice. The letter is in reply to one by the House of Justice that says we will be happy to meet with you are "the Service" Sunday 26 Jan. Mary Morton to House of Justice [?] Baltimore, 19 Jan. 1902 Please ship us books. Minutes of the House of Justice 26 Jan. 1902 A meeting of the House of Justice and the Women's Auxiliary Board. Mrs. True, Mrs. Nash, Mrs. Roe are mentioned. The women say "we must draw back the old believers." A daily lunch of 15 cents-- food donated by the ladies--was proposed. A Sunday school is proposed and a committee is appointed to start it. A teaching conference was set up for the end of Feb. H. Mohammed Yazdi to House of Justice 31 Dec. 1901 He acknowledges receipt of photos from Chicago. He calls Baha'is "Beha'ians" and the House of Justice the "Beha'ian justice home." Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 19 Jan. 1902 T. Chase and 12 total present. The supplication to `Abdu'l-Baha is mailed to Yazdi. Ioas, Lane, Doxsey withdraw their resignations. A letter from the Women's Auxiliary Board. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 26 Jan. 1902 T. Chase apparently present. He gave a talk. Meeting of the House of Justice and the Women's Auxiliary Board. Mrs. True does most of the talking. Minutes of the House of Justice 2 Feb. 1902 T. Chase is absent; nine are present. The House of Justice is $50.00 in debt. Mr. Goodale will chair the next Sunday meeting. A committee of 3 is appointed to solve the debt problem. Minutes of the House of Justice 9 Feb. 1902 T. Chase is absent; ten present. Report that the House of Justice is not breaking any rules of the Aqdas by the way it is meeting. "Have examined the Kitab el Akdas and can find nothing therein which would indicate as to the time when such body should be organized nor is their [sic] any reference made as regards governmental affairs and in my opinion nothing has been done which could be construed as conflicting with the words of the Manifestation--Baha Ullah--as set forth in His aforementioned book of laws." "Motion made and seconded that we stand by Mirza Assad Ullah in the establishment of this House of Justice in accordance with instructions from the Master and that we ignore all attacks made against the same." "Motion made and seconded [and approved] that secretary be instructed to write Ladies Auxiliary Board setting forth our action in regard to statements made against this House of Justice." Anton Haddad is invited into the meeting. Minutes of the House of Justice 16 Feb. 1902 Ten present, including T. Chase. T. Chase is appointed to a permanent Entertainment Committee. Letter from Khurassani is received. "Emile W. Drefs., Presd. Baltimore Md" sent a letter; it is read. The ways and means of offsetting the House of Justice's indebtedness are discussed. A. Agnew is the chair in Greenleaf's absence. Minutes of the House of Justice 23 Feb. 1902 Ladies Aux. Board meets with the House of Justice again. Bartlett is chosen the chairman in the absence of Greenleaf. The subject of teaching is discussed. No conclusions are reached. Everyone agrees to meet together again. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 2 Mar. 1902 T. Chase present; 10 total. Next joint meeting with ladies is 13 March, 1902. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 9 Mar. 1902 T. Chase present; 12 total. T. Chase, Ioas, Bartlett, to draft a letter to `Abdu'l-Baha asking what the term of the membership of the House of Justice should be. Ameen Fareed, Asadu'llah, and Paul Dealy are made honorary members of the House of Justice. They must be approved by the Chicago assembly. The House of Justice moves to begin correspondence with foreign Baha'i communities. Fareed is made the Persian correspondent of the House of Justice, even though he is not an official member. Windust will conduct the meeting next Sunday. House of Justice to "the holy souls in _____________" copy 83 March 1902 A circular letter to all communities of the East. Minutes of the House of Justice 16 Mar. 1902 "Letter from Ladies Auxiliary was then read, the purport of which was as follows, `that the attention of all the members of the first Assembly be called to the meeting next Sunday so that the Voice of the People be ascertained in selecting a location for the meetings for the next year +c, that they were willing to cooperate in whatever the House deemed the most practical way." [there is no closed quote in the original text.] Mr. Ioas will conduct the Sunday meeting next week. "Motion made and seconded [and approved] that on Sunday Mch 23rd /02 at the Feast Day Meeting [what's that?]" the community be asked to pray for present and future actions to be taken [at meetings?] A letter from the women is attached; it has been copied (copy 83.) Chase present; nine total. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 23 Mar. 1902 T. Chase present; ten total. Mr. Lane will chair the Sunday meeting next week. Thacher is added to the membership of the House of Justice. T. Chase suggests that Ridvan greeting cards be sent to other Assemblies; motion approved. Naw-Ruz cards also to be sent out, dated 21 Mar. Ridvan is called the "feast of Rizwan." They date it as occurring on 22 April. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 30 Mar. 1902 T. Chase is absent; only 8 members are present. C. Scheffler is asked to join the meeting to make it a quorum. Three men, C. Scheffler, Herro, and "________" invited in to make a quorum. The "Weber Quartette" must have sung at Naw-Ruz; they are thanked for their entertainment. A committee was appointed to find a new headquarters after 1 May. 3 appointed to it. Mr. Goodale will chair next Sunday. A letter from a Burma Baha'i to Asadu'llah is included. Minutes of the House of Justice 9 Apr. 1902 Eleven are present; T. Chase is not. They discuss the problem of a Baha'i center. They can continue at the present address for another year; various other alternatives are available too. The meeting place of the Assembly will be moved; the House of Justice can continue to meet here. The Assembly will find a new place, with a committee of the House of Justice assisting. Five members appointed to it. Letter from Rufus Bartlett to the House of Justice. He's out of town. It is about publishing. He adds "when are we to commence the training of the children?" Minutes of the House of Justice 13 Apr. 1902 The lease on 475 West Monroe St. will not be renewed. "Mr. Ioas for said [center] com. stated that they had consulted with a com. of five (5) appointed by the Ladies and that they (ladies) had expressed themselves as favoring a downtown location and that they would be able to report more fully next Sunday." Notices of next Sunday's meeting sent to all believers. Only Asadu'llah and Ameen are still living at 475 West Monroe St. Mrs. True to House of Justice 12 Apr. 1902 "At their regular nineteen day social held April 11th at 91 Dearborn St, I was instructed by the Assembly of Teaching to mail you the enclosed petition." [That's the whole letter] Petition to the Chicago House of Justice 11 Apr. 1902 Please hold a business meeting to obtain a full vote regarding the hall for next year. The following signatures followed: Elizabeth Mulvane, A. Ballard, Anna Douglas, Edna Schroeder, Zella Mulvane, Fannie G. Lesch, Mary B. Grayson, Emma J. LaPierre, Sophia T. Phelps, Jean Greig, Mrs. Corinne True, Mrs. Ella Nash, Mrs. Louise Spencer [Waite], Mrs. B. M. Shaffner. 14 total. T. Chase to `Abdu'l-Baha Chicago, 19 Apr. 1902 Letter from the House of Justice to `Abdu'l-Baha, but it is located in the T. Chase papers, NBA. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 13 Apr. 1902 T. Chase present; eleven total. House of Justice decided to obtain a translation of parts of the Aqdas concerning the House of Justice. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 20 Apr. 1902 Chase present, fifteen total. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 26 Apr. 1902 Chase present, ten total. Every effort to pay the indebtedness of the House must be made. They will use Mrs. Spence's house, rent free--she has offered it to them. Minutes of the House of Justice Sun. 4 May 1902 T. Chase present, ten total (eight members and two guests). The House of Justice owes Mrs. Spence for the previous rent. "Motion made a seconded that report and action of Com. of five be approved and that Com. of two be appointed to attend to rental of Hall downtown and look after meetings to be held there for House of Justice. Not approved by House." [Italics mine] Letter from Khurassani, dated 14 Mar. 1902, from Cairo. Letter from Baku, dated Muharram al-Haram 1320, signed by "Members of the Council Board." Minutes of the House of Justice Sat. 16 May 1902 "The continuance of the Wednesday and Friday evening meetings was then discussed. Motion made and seconded that a Com. of three be selected to draw up ways and means for presenting to believers the subject of Worship." Letter from "C. I. Thacher, M.D." on "Thacher Magnetic Shield Co, 1401 Masonic Temple" stationary. Letter to Asadu'llah signed by nine members of the House of Justice. ( Chicago House of Justice to Mirza Asadu'llah 19 May 1902 Letter is in the T. Chase papers, not CHS.) Minutes of the House of Justice Sat. 10 May 1902 T. Chase present, eleven total. The name of the body was officially changed to the House of Spir. as a result of a tablet to Asadu'llah from `Abdu'l-Baha. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 16 May 1902 Chase present, nine total. Chase was chosen to chair the meeting. Letter to Asadu'llah is included. It states that Asadu'llah was welcomed to Chicago on Thanksgiving Day, 25 Nov. 1900. He has arrived in Wash. D.C. From there he goes to the Orient. A beautiful good bye letter. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 31 May 1902 T. Chase present; nine total. T. Chase was chosen as chairman. A Baha'i has died; a committee is appointed to speak to the relatives. Letter from the Board of Council in Tiflis" is included, dated Tiflis, 4 May. 1902. Board of Council in Tiflis to Chicago House of Spir. Tiflis, 4 May 1902 "A letter from the members and servants of the Board of Council in Tiflis." The first letter from Tiflis, I think. Filed with the House of Spir. minutes of 31 May 1902. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 14 June 1902 T. Chase present; nine total. He was chosen as chairman too. The meeting was in G. Lesch's home. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 21 June 1902 T. Chase present; nine total. Thacher chosen as chairman. The House of Spir. members resolved to pray individually for the House of Spir. every night at 9 PM. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 28 June 1902 T. Chase present; nine total, including two guests. C. Scheffler is one of them. T. Chase appointed to draft a statement setting forth the principles of the Faith for the public. Dr. Marcellum [Mussallem] was appointed to chair that evening. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 5 July 1902 T. Chase present, nine total; including C. Scheffler and Laflin. The House of Spir. decided to keep a scrap book of interesting Baha'i materials; T. Chase is to maintain it. He will also keep copies of all "Tablets, letters, and manuscripts connected with this Religion, so that they may be preserved intact for future reference." This quote is not from the Minutes, but from a report from the House of Spir. to `Abdu'l-Baha. "A short discussion as to what should constitute our work followed." Chicago House of Spir. to Tiflis Chicago, 11 June 1902 The letter was dictated by T. Chase. "There is a public meeting (conducted by the believers) held once a week (Sunday evening) at the present time, in one of our downtown halls and the believers who wish do what teaching they can in their own home." Report of the House of Spir. to `Abdu'l-Baha 5 July 1902 The meeting was held at 475 West Monroe St. Kheiralla has published a book that "proves" Baha'u'llah taught reincarnation. He quotes the Bible too. It will be difficult to refute; careful effort will be required. A committee was appointed "some months ago" to keep tablets, letters, and manuscripts. Meetings known as of last week: the Sunday downtown meeting; Mrs. Nash's Monday AM; Mrs. Tobin's Tuesday PM; Mrs. Lesch's Thursday afternoon; brother Doxsey's Thursday evening; Mrs. Roe's Friday PM; and "perhaps" others. Regular Friday meeting of Asadu'llah is still held by Mrs. Spence. Wednesday evening regular meeting is also still held; Fareed spoke last time. A letter from Mirza Abdul Hussein, published by the "Bahais Supply and Publishing Board" attached to the report. This must date that publication's first issuance. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 12 July 1902 T. Chase present, nine total, include C. Scheffler and Fareed. Bartlett was the chair. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 19 July 1902 T. Chase present; chosen as chair for the evening. Eight present, including Fareed, C. Scheffler. Asadu'llah is home safely [to Cairo]. Report of the House of Spir. to `Abdu'l-Baha 19 July 1902 A letter has arrived from the "Board of Consultation, Ishkabad." Asadu'llah has arrived safely in Haifa. Ameen Fareed just got a letter from him. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 25 July 1902 T. Chase present, but only five others; and some are not members! Thacher's out of town, Bartlett is sick. The Sunday meeting is well attended. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 2 Aug. 1902 T. Chase absent from the city; but eight are present. The Bahai Publishing Society is so called in this set of Minutes; they are putting out another edition of Mrs. Br-ham's book. The regular Sun. meeting is in the Masonic Temple. There are 5 or 6 private home meetings each week also, in spite of the summer season. Chicago House of Spir. to the friends in Isfahan Chicago, 29 July 1902 The letter is by T. Chase; he signed it. It has no real news; but he also sends a copy of the letter he wrote Baku, and it is much more interesting. [Note--none of the many letters from Isfahan mention any Baha'i organization in the city.] Chicago House of Spir. to the friends in Baku copied 2 p. 82 7 p. Chicago, 29 July 1902 The letter is be T. Chase. It gives a long description of the wonders in this country, the civilization and technology. Fast trains, good schools. But the lack of religious persecution leads to bizarre religious pluralism, with many fads, cults, and theories. Minutes of the House of Spir. 16 Aug. 1902 T. Chase is out of town; he sent a letter to the House of Spir. from Small Point, Maine, dated 12 Aug. 1902. C. Scheffler and four other members are present. T. Chase was in New York City. Meeting held at G. Lesch's. Minutes of the House of Spir. 23 Aug. 1902 T. Chase is still on vacation. Seven are present, including C. Scheffler. Visiting tablets for martyrs have been received from New York by the Bahai Publishing Society (it is so called). The meeting was held at G. Lesch's. Minutes of the House of Spir. 6 Sept. 1902 T. Chase is present; 11 total. Held at G. Lesch's. Mrs. True converted seven at "Muskegum Michigan" [Muskegon, MI] this summer. The House of Spir. is now totally out of debt. Minutes of the House of Spir. 13 Sept. 1902 T. Chase present; eight total. C. Scheffler is listed as a member. At Bartlett's home. Reference to the Ladies' Nineteen Day Meeting. The House of Spir. needs an office--a committee to find one is appointed. Minutes of the House of Spir. 20 Sept. 1902 The 20 Sept. minutes run into the 13 Sept. minutes. Few were present; six total, including Ioas, for the first time in a long time! T. Chase was absent. Letter from Bartlett; we must have a headquarters soon, as we must move out of 475 West Monroe "promptly." T. Chase suggests the House of Spir. and the Bahai Publishing Society jointly rent space; Bartlett thinks that's a good idea. Bartlett suggests that vacancies be declared for those who stay away from meetings more than three months. He thinks the problem of non-attendance must be dealt with. His letter is good. ( T. Chase to House of Spir. Small Point, Me, 12 Aug. 1902 Copy exists only in Chase papers.) Minutes of the House of Spir. 27 Sept. 1902 T. Chase present. Three declarations in South Carolina. Seven present. Minutes of the House of Spir. 4 Oct. 1902 T. Chase absent; eight present, including Ioas and Doxsey. The first time for the latter. Minutes of the House of Spir. 11 Oct. 1902 The House of Spir. has rented 84 East Adams St. for themselves and the Bahai Publishing Society. T. Chase is present, as was Ioas, Lane (who, was absent for four months). There is a letter from the women also! Minutes of the House of Spir. 18 Oct. 1902 Meeting held in T. Chase's office; he's present. C. Scheffler is officially added to the House of Spir., subject to Assembly approval. "our new quarters were not quite ready for occupancy." Mr Hoar is visiting. The House of Spir. wrote back to the Women's Assembly of Teaching. Seven were present; none of the dissenters. Rufus Bartlett to House of Spir. Chicago, 25 Oct. 1902 He's out of town. He was born on 20 May 1855. Chicago House of Spir. to Baku 4 Nov. 1902 "We are sometimes called Babists, Babis, Behaists, Behais, Bahaists, and Bahais [by newspapers]. And this is because in this country everything is done in a hurry." There are meetings "nearly every afternoon and evening"; but they don't mention a public meeting. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sun. 24 Oct. 1902 T. Chase present; eight total, including Lane and Ioas. `Abdu'l-Baha's reply to the supplication inviting Him to come to the USA to live. C. Scheffler is accepted by the Assembly meeting held at the Bartlett's as a member of the House of Spir. First meeting in their new headquarters. Abu'l-Fadl is going to Wash. D.C. for the winter because of his health. Minutes of the House of Spir. 1 Nov. 1902 T. Chase is absent. When is the Feast of the Master? Soon. They don't remember the date. Ten are present, including Lane, Ioas, and a Mr. Maus, a visitor. Minutes of the House of Spir. 8 Nov. 1902 T. Chase absent, but he sent a telegram giving the date of the Feast of the Master. T. Chase was in Denver. Eleven were present, including Ioas, Lane, Greenleaf (first time in many months!) The Ladies wrote; they'll cooperate in the celebration of the Feast of the Master. House of Spir. to Edward F. Stoppard 11 Nov. 1902 Stoppard lives in Hillyard, WA. He wrote saying he had received the first nine lessons "over two years ago" then he moved to WA. Please send literature. The House of Spir. decided to send a package of books. "The Publishing Society are getting out a catalogue of the books which they have on hand." House of Spir. to Assembly of Teaching copy 83 9 Nov. 1902 We're providing a hall for the Feast of the Master; can you provide the refreshments? A committee of the House of Spir. has been appointed to meet with them. All Chicago Baha'is will receive notices of the event. We hope you approve. We know you want to cooperate. The women replied immediately and most graciously--copied 83. Chicago House of Spir. to All American Believers copy 83 12 Nov. 1902 Regarding the Feast of the Master. A description of last year's event is attached; 35 were present. Twelve Baha'i communities received the notice: Louis Dixon -- Wash. D.C. Andrew Nelson -- Racine C. E. Sprague -- New York City ---- Redeen -- Kenosha Geo. Witte -- Brooklyn Jos. Hope -- Baltimore James Br-ham -- Johnstown Paul K. Dealy -- Fairhope Ben. Taylor -- Cincinnati ------- Oakland Chas. Jones -- West Hoboken ------- Ithaca Charles Sprague to the Bahai Publishing Society New York, 15 Nov. 1902 The letter is probably from the New York Board, although it doesn't say so. They have no weekly hall rented; they'll celebrate the Feast of the Master at the Dodge's house. "We have no rooms we can call our own in New York and we are, at present, considering the advisability of dividing the city into sections and having a special meting in each district once a week. We are about to issue [a] circular letter to the Believers giving the meetings and shall take pleasure in forwarding one to the Board in Chicago." That's half of the letter. Signed by Sprague. He says nothing about the Board of Counsel, and wrote the Publishing Society, not the House of Spir.! Andrew Nelson to the House of Spir. 22 Nov. 1902 We'll celebrate the Feast of the Master; sent special printed matter, if any. We meet regularly "Friday eve and Sunday P.M." We'd like to have someone come up some Sunday; we'll pay. We've had nothing new to read for 4 or 5 months. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 22 Nov. 1902 T. Chase present, nine total, plus two guests. Ioas, Lane present. Arrangements for the Feast of the Master made. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 29 Nov. 1902 T. Chase present; eight total, including Lane and Ioas. Many communities celebrated the Feast of the Master; Kenosha, Ithaca. 150 attended the Chicago commemoration. The celebration in New York was "a grand success." Celebrations held in Racine, Johnstown, N.Y. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 6 Dec. 1902 T. Chase absent. Nine present, including Lane, Doxsey. The House of Spir. wrote and thanked the ladies for their help. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 13 Dec. 1902 T. Chase absent. The New York Board of Counsel was reelected on 7 Dec. 1902. The House of Spir. discussed the holding of regular community meetings. A committee was appointed to write the "Ladies Assembly of Teaching" regarding the matter. `Ishqabad to the House of Spir. copy 82 4 p. Ishqabad, 29 Nov. 1902 Reply to the letter of the House of Spir. 3 p. of the usual greetings; no content. p. 4 -- reference to the House of Worship; but brief. Ishqabad to the House of Spir. copy 82 5 p. Ishqabad, 10 Dec. 1902 p. 1-4 -- The usual nothings. p. 4-5 -- Description of the cornerstone laying ceremony. T. Chase to H. MacNutt Chicago, 22 Dec. 1902 About publishing. The copy is in the Chase pap. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 20 Dec. 1902 T. Chase present. He had been in the east. Eleven present, plus one guest. Letters to and from the ladies regarding meetings. Minutes of the House of Spir. Sat. 27 Dec. 1902 T. Chase present; eleven total. Racine is starting a Sunday school. A committee of three regarding meetings appointed.


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