The baha’i world
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34E, Elvaston Place, S.W.7, B.B.C. Announcer. Witness to the above four signatures:— T. W. DRURY, 720, Salisbury House, London Wall, E.C.2, Solicitor. ARTHUR NORTON, 41, Cranhourne Rd., Bradford, Company Director. F. P. WILKINsoN, 20, Southey Place, Bradford, Glass Merchant. Witness to above two signatures:—DoiiOTHT SMITH, 34, Gwynne Avenue, Bradford Moor, Bradford, Clerk. Dated the 2nd day of August, 1939.
THE COMPANIES ACT, 1929. AN UNLIMITED COMPANY WITHOUT A SHARE CAPITAL. ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE BRITISH ISLES
1. In these presents unless there be something in the subject or context inconsistent therewith— “The National Spiritual Assembly” means the above-mentioned Company. “The Members” means the Members for the time being of the National Spiritual Assembly. “In writing” means written or printed or partly written or printed.
“The Act” means the Companies Act, 1929. Where any provision of the Act is referred to, the reference is to that provision as modified by any Statute for the time being in force. Unless the context otherwise requires, expressions defined in the Act or any Statutory modification thereof in force at the date at which these Regulations
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become binding on the National Spiritual Assembly shall have the meanings so defined. “Registered office” means the registered office for the time being of the National Spiritual Assembly. MEMBERS 2. The Bahã’is of the British Isles shall consist of all persons resident in the British Isles who have attained the age of 15 and who have established to the satisfaction of the National Spiritual Assembly, that he or sbe possess the qualifications of Bahã’i faith and practice, required under the following standard: Full recognition of the station of the Forerunner (the Bib), the Author (Bahi’u’llih), and ‘Abdu’l-Bahi, the True Exemplar of the Bahi’i Faith; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by Their pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of ‘Abdu’l-Bahi’s sacred will; and close association with the spirit as well as the form of present day Bahi’i administration throughout the world. Bahi’is must attain the age of 21 before being admitted to voting membership. In districts where a local Spiritual Assembly has been established these powers shall be exercised by such local Spiritual Assembly subject to the approval in the case of each member of the National Spiritual Assembly. 3. The Members shall consist of nine persons chosen from among the Bahi’is of the British Isles who have attained the age of 21 and who shall be elected by such Bahi’is in manner hereinafter provided, and who shall remain Members and continue in office for the period of one year, or until their successors shall be elected and on failure to be re-elected to the National Spiritual Assembly shall cease to be Members. 4. The officers of the National Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice- Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the Members taken by secret ballot. MEETINGS
Members shall be called by the Member elected to membership by the highest number of votes or, in case two or more Members have received the same said highest number of votes, then by the Member selected by lot from among those Members; and this Member shall preside until the permanent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary at the request of the Chairman or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chairman, or of any other Member, provided however that the National Convention shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by a majority vote of the Members as hereinafter provided. 6. A General Meeting shall however be held once at least in every calendar year at such time, not being more than fifteen months after the holding of the last preceding General Meeting, and at such time and place as may be prescribed by the Members in General Meeting. Such General Meetings shall be called “Ordinary Meetings” and all other meetings shall be called “Extraordinary Meetings.” On the requisition of any Member the Secretary shall forthwith proceed to convene an Extraordinary Meeting. The requisition must state the objects of the meeting and must be signed by the requisitionist and deposited at the office. 7. Subject to the provisions of Section 117 (2) of the Act relating to Special Resolutions, seven days’ notice at least (exclusive of the day uxs which the notice is served or deemed to be served, but inclusive of the day for which notice is given) specifying the place, the day, and the hour of meeting, and in case of special business, the general nature of that business shall be given to all the Members. The accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to or the non-receipt of a notice of a meeting by, any Member shall not invalidate the proceedings at any meeting. 8. Five Members present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these Articles, and with due regard to the principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. No business shall be transacted at
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 413
any General Meeting unless the quorum requisite shall be present at the commencement of the business. The transactions and decisions of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting and copies of the minutes shall be supplied if requested to the Members after each meeting. The minutes shall be preserved in the official records. 9. If the Chairman or Vice-Chairman shall not be present within ten minutes after the time appointed for holding a meeting or is unwilling to act, the Members present shall choose one of their number to be Chairman for that meeting. 10. A printed copy of every Special and Extraordinary Resolution and other resolutions mentioned in Section 118 of the Act shall be sent to the Registrar of Companies as provided by that section. 11. A resolution in writing signed by all the Members shall be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Members duly called and constituted. 12. The seal shall not be affixed to any instrument except by authority of a resolution of the National Spiritual Assembly and one Member in addition to the Secretary shall sign every instrument to which the seal shall be so affixed. 13. True accounts shall be kept of the sums of money received and expended and the matters in respect of which such receipts and expenditure takes place and of the assets and liabilities of the National Spiritual Assembly and such accounts shall at all reasonable times be open for inspection by the Members. LOCAL SPSJUTUAL ASSEMBLIES 14. Whenever in any district the number of Bahá’is resident therein who have attained the age of 21 and who are recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds nine, these may on April 21st of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a local administrative body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of that district. Every such Spiritual Assembly shall be elected annually thereafter upon each successive 21st day of April, and the members thereof shall hold
office for the term of one year or until their successors are elected and qualified. 15. When however the number of such Bahâ’is as aforesaid in any district is exactly nine, these may on April 21st of any year or in successive years, constitute themselves the local Spiritual Assembly by joint declaration. Upon the recording of such declaration by the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the said body of nine shall become established with the rights, privileges and duties of a local Spiritual Assembly as set forth in these Articles. 16. Each newly elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at once proceed in the manner indicated in Article 4 to the election of its officers, who shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer and such other officers as the local Assembly finds necessary for the conduct of its business and the fulfillment of its spiritual duties. Immediately thereafter the Secretary chosen shall transmit to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the names of the members of the newly elected local Assembly and a list of its officers. 17. The general powers and duties of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be as set forth in the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’lBahá and the Guardian for the time being of the Faith. 18. Among its more specific duties a local Spiritual Assembly shall have full jurisdiction of all Bahã’i activities and affairs within its district, subject, however, to the exclusivc and paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly. 19. Vacancies in the membership of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local Community duly called for that purpose. In the event of the number of vacancies exceeding four making a quorum of the local Assembly impossible the election shall be held under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. 20. The business of the local Assembly shall be conducted in like manner as provided for the deliberations of the National Spiritual Assembly in Articles 8 and
21. The local Assembly shall pass upon and approve the qualifications of each member of the local Bahá’i community before
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such member shall be admitted to voting membership of that community but where an individual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual Assembly upon his Bahã’i qualifications, such individual may appeal from the ruling to the National Spiritual Assembly which shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and finally decide the case. 22. On or before the 1st day of February of each year the Secretary of each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly a duly certified list of the voting members of the local Bahã’i community for the information and approval of the National Spiritual Assembly. 23. All matters arising within a local Bahá’i community which are of purely local interest and do not affect the national interests of the Faith shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly of that district; but the decision whether a particular matter involves the interest and welfare of the national Bahã’i body shall rest with the National Spiritual Assembly. 24. Any member of a local Bahá’i community may appeal from a decision of his Spiritual Assembly to the National Spiritual Assembly, which shall determine whether it shall take jurisdiction of the matter or leave it to the local Spiritual Assembly for reconsideration. In the event of the National Spiritual Assembly assuming jurisdiction of the matter, its finding shall be final. 2 5. Where any dissension exists within a local Bahá’i community of such a character that it cannot be remedied by the efforts of the local Spiritual Assembly, this condition shall be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly for consideration whose action in the matter shall be final. 26. All questions arising between two or more local Spiritual Assemblies or between members of different Bahá’i communities, shall be submitted in the first instance to the National Spiritual Assembly, which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all such matters. 27. The sphere of jurisdiction of a local Spiritual Assembly, with respect to residential qualifications of membership and voting rights of a believer in any Bahá’i
Community shall be as delineated by the National Spiritual Assembly but Bahá’is who have attained the age of 21 and who reside in neighbouring districts and can regularly attend the Meeting of the neighbouring Bahã’i Community may be enrolled on the membership list of that local Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a local Spiritual Assembly in their own district. 28. All differences of opinion concerning the sphere of jurisdiction of any local Spiritual Assembly or concerning the affiliation of any Bahá’i or group of Bah&’is in the British Isles shall be referred to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in the matter shall be final. NATIONAL CONVENTION 29. The Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at which its Members for the following year shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention of the Bahã’is of the British Isles and shall be held at a time and place to be fixed by the National Spiritual Assembly which shall give sixty days’ notice of the Meeting to each local Bahá’i community through its Spiritual Assembly and to Bahã’is not members of local communities. The National Spiritual Assembly shall at the same time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the number of delegates to the Convention it has assigned to the local BahI’i community in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation in such manner that the entire number of delegates composing the National Convention shall be nineteen. Upon receipt of this notice each local Spiritual Assembly shall, within a convenient period and after giving due and sufficient notice thereof, call a Meeting of the Voting members on its rolls for the purpose of electing their delegate or delegates to the National Convention; and, not later than thirty days before the date of the Convention the Secretary of each local Spiritual Assembly shall certify to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the names and addresses of the delegates so elected. 30. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by plurality vote. Members who for illness or other unavoidable reasons are
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unable to be present at the election in person shall have the right to transmit their ballots by registered post or telegram under conditions approved by the local Spiritual Assembly. 31. All delegates to be seated at the Convention must be enrolled as voting members of the Bahá’i community represented by them. 32. The rights and privileges of a delegate may not be assigned nor may they be exercised by proxy. 33. The recognition and seating of delegates to the National Convention shall be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly. 34. Delegates unable to be present in person at the Convention shall have the right to vote for members of the National Spiritual Assembly by registered post or telegram under such conditions as may be indicated by the National Spiritual Assembly.
the delegates who shall then proceed to the permanent organization of the Meeting, electing a Presiding Officer, a Secretary and such other officers as are necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Convention. 36. The principal business of the National Convention shall be: (a) Election for one year of the nine Members of the National Spiritual Assembly; (b) Consideration of a statement of the receipts and payments received and made during the preceding year together with a statement of the assets and liabilities made up to a date not more than six weeks before the Convention and signed by the Treasurer. together with a report as to the state and condition of the National Spiritual Assembly and its various committees signed by the Secretary; (c) Deliberation of the affairs of the Bahá’i Faith in general, it being understood however, in
accordance with the principles of Bahá’i administration outlined by ‘Abdu’l—Bahã and Bahã’u’lláh and defined by the Guardian that all deliberation and action of the delegates at the National Convention, other than the election of the Members of the National Spiritual Assembly, shall constitute merely advice and recommendation for consideration by the National Spiritual Assembly, final decision on all matters concerning the affairs of the Bahá’i Faith in the British Isles being vested solely in that body; and (d) Appointment of an auditor or auditors to hold office until the next National Convention and their appointment, remuneration, rights and duties shall be regulated by Sections 132 to 134 of the Act. 37. Once in every year as immediately prior to the National Convention as is reasonably practicable the accounts shall be examined and their correctness ascertained by the auditor or auditors appointed as hereinbefore mentioned. 38. The general order of business to be taken up at the National Convention shall be prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly, but any and all matters pertaining to the Faith introduced by any of the delegates may upon motion and vote be taken up as part of the deliberations of the Convention. 39. The election of the Members of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote of the delegates recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly, i.e., the Members elected shall be the nine persons receiving the greatest number of votes on the first ballot cast by delegates present at the Convention and delegates whose ballots have been transmitted to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly by registered post or telegram. In case by reason of a tie vote or votes the full membership is not determined on the first ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken
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concerning those tying until all nine Membets are elected. 40. All official business transacted at the National Convention shall be recorded and preserved in the records of the National Spiritual Assembly. 41. A Member may at any time by notice in writing to the National Spiritual Assembly relinquish his membership and thereupon his name shall be removed from the register of Members. 42. Vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by a plurality vote as aforesaid of the delegates composing the Convention which elected the Members the ballot to be taken by correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National Spiritual Assembly.
43. Where the National Spiritual Assembly has been given in these Articles exclusive and final jurisdiction, and paramount executive authority, in all matters pertaining to the activity and affairs of the Bahã”i Faith in the British Isles, any decision made or action taken upon such matters shall be subject to ultimate review and approval by the Guardian for the time being of the Faith or the Universal House of Justice. 44. Whatever functions and powers are not specifically attributed to Local Spiritual Assemblies in these Articles shall be considered vested in the National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorised to delegate such discretionary functions, and powers as it seems necessary and advisable to the local Spiritual Assemblies within its jurisdiction. 45. In order to preserve the spiritual character and purpose of Bahá’i elections, the practice of nominations or any other electoral method detrimental to a silent and prayerful election shall not prevail, so that such elector may vote for none but those whom prayer and reflection have inspired him or her to uphold. 46. Among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon those who have been called upon to initiate, direct and co-ordinate the affairs of the Faith as
members of local Spiritual Assemblies or the National Spiritual Assembly are:— To win by every means in their power the confidence and affection of those whom it is their privilege to serve; to investigate and acquaint themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments and the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obligation to promote, to purge their deliberations and the general conduct of their affairs of self-contained aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness and of every word and deed that may savour of partiality, self-centredness and prejudice; and while retaining the sacred right of final decision in their hands, to invite discussion, ventilate grievances, welcome advice, and foster the sense of interdependence and co-partnership, of understanding and mutual confidence between themselves and all other Bahi’is. 47. These Articles may be amended by a majority of not less than three-fourths of the Members at any of its ordinary or extraordinary meetings, provided that at least twenty-one days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is or are sent by registered post to each Member by the Secretary. NoTicEs 48. A notice may be served by the National Spiritual Assembly upon any Member, either personally or by sending it through the post in a prepaid letter envelope or wrapper addressed to such Member at his registered place of address. 49. Every Member whose registered place of address is not in the United Kingdom may from time to time notify in writing to the National Spiritual Assembly an address in the United Kingdom which shall be deemed his registered place of address within the meaning of the last preceding clause. 50. As regards those Members who have no registered place of address in the United Kingdom a notice posted up in the registered office shall be deemed to be well served on them at the expiration of 24 hours after it is so posted up. 51. The subscribers to the Memorandum
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 417
of Association of the National Spiritual Assembly and such other persons as shall be elected Members in place of any one or more of them in accordance with Articles
and 42 shall be Members until the next election of Members at the Annual Meeting and Convention.
For the purpose of registration the number of Members shall be taken to be nine. 53. The common seal shall be deposited at the registered office. NAMES, ADDRESSES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SUBSCRSBERS GRACE CHALLIS, “Rizwan,” Broadstone, Dorset, Nursing Sister. Witness :—WINIFRED WADE, “Rizwan,” Broadstone, Dorset, Nurse. K. V.
14, Frognal Mansions, N.W.3, Widow. Witness
14, Chelsea Gardens, S.W. 1, Teacher. ALFRED SUGAR, 39, Dover Street, Manches ter
8, Clothing Designer, Retired. Witness :—JOHN B. SUGAR, 39, Dover Street, Manchester, 8, Warehouseman. CONSTANCE LANGDON-DAVIE5, 6, Huxham’s Cross, Dartington, Totnes, Independent. MARGUERITE WELLEY, 1 24a, St. John’s Wood High Street, N.W. 8, Private Secretary. H. M. BALYUZI, 14, Frognal Mansions, Frognal, N.W. 3, Research Student. DAVID HOFMAN, 34n, Elvaston Place, S.W.7, B.B.C. Announcer. Witness to the above four signatures:— T. W. DRURY, 720, Salisbury House, London Wall, E.C.2, Solicitor. ARTHUR NORTON, 41, Cranbourne Rd., Bradford, Company Director. F. P. WILKINSON, 20, Southey Place, Bradford, Glass Merchant. Witness to above two signatures :—D0R- OTHY SMITH, 34, Gwynne Avenue, Bradford Moor, Bradford, Clerk. Dated the 2nd day of August, 1939.
418 THE BAHA’ WORLD THE COMPANIES ACT, 1929. +
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 419
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BY-LAWS OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHA’tS OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK1
I
The Bahã’is of the City of New York adopt this Corporation in order to supply proper legal status to the conduct of the affairs of a religious community which has had continuous existence for more than thirty years, being one of the first two local Bahá’i communities established in North America. During this period the community has been recognized, encouraged and instructed in letters and communications addressed to it by ‘Abdu’l-Baha, who in one communication designated New York “The City of the Covenant.” It was in this city that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá devoted the larger portion of His American visit in 1912.
The Assembly has been recognized since the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in letters addressed to it by the Guardian of the Bahá’i Faith. The New York Bahá’i community has been continuously and uninterruptedly represented by delegates in the Annual Meetings held by the recognized national Bahã’i body of North America since the formation of that body in 1909. The Spiritual Assembly is at present enrolled in the list of Local Spiritual Assemblies recognized by the National Spiritual Assembly. The Trustees,
the Spiritual Assembly, recognized that this action has been taken in full unanimity and agreement. They acknowledge for themselves and on behalf of their successors the sacred meaning and universal purpose of the Bahá’i Faith, the teachings and principles of which fulfill the Divine promise of all former revealed religions. ARTICLE II
In administering the affairs of the Bahá’i Religion under this Corporation for the benefit of the Bahá’is of the City of New York in accordance with the religious teachings and administrative principles of this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act in conformity with the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly as defined in the By-Laws adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly and published by that body for the informa tio
and guidance of Bahá’is throughout the United States and Canada. ARTICLE III
The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfillment of its obligations and responsibilities under this Corporation, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority over all the local activities and affairs of the Bahá’i community of the City of New York, including paramount authority in the administration of this Corporation. It shall be responsible for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of all Bahá’i teaching, whether written or oral, undertaken throughout the local community. It shall make available the published literature of the Faith. It shall represent the community in its relation to the National Spiritual Assembly, in its relation to the Guardian of the Bahá’i Faith, to other local Bahá’l communities, and to the general public in the City of New York. It shall be charged with the recognition of all applicants requesting membership in the local Bahá’i community. It shall pass upon the right of any and all members of the community whose membership is in question to retain their status as voting members of the community. It shall call the meetings of the community, including the Bahá’i Anniversaries and Feasts, the meetings of consultation, the Annual Meeting and the meeting for the election of delegates to the Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly. It shall appoint and supervise all committees of the Bahá’i community. It shall collect and disburse all funds intended for the maintenance of this Corporation. It shall have full and complete custody of the headquarters or meeting place of the Bahá’i community. It shall report to the National Spiritual Assembly annually, or when requested, the membership roll of the Bahá’i community, for the information and approval of the national Bahá’i body. The Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize
The pattern for all local Bahá’i constitudons.
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the authority and right of the National Spiritual Assembly to declare at any time what activities and affairs of the Bahá’i community of the City of New York are national in scope and hence subject to the jurisdiction of the national Bahá’i body. It shall likewise recognize the right of any member of the community to appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly for review and decision of any matter in which the previous decision of the local Spiritual Assembly is felt by the member to be contrary to the explicit teachings of the Bahã’i Faith or opposed to its best interests. It shall, on the other hand, have the authority and right to appeal from the decision of the National Assembly to the Guardian of the Bahá’i Faith for review and final decision of any matter related to the Faith in the City of New York. ARTXCLE IV The Spiritual Assembly, in administering this Corporation, shall ever bear in mind the ideals upheld in the Sacred Writings of the Bahá’i Faith respecting the relationships of a Spiritual Assembly to its Bahá’i community, respecting the relations of Bahá’is to one another in the community, and the relationships of Bahá’is to all non-Bahá’is, without prejudice of race, creed, class or nationality. The Assembly shall therefore above all recognize its sacred duty to maintain full and complete unity throughout the Bahá’i community, to relieve and comfort the sick and distressed, to assist the poor and destitute, to protect the orphans, the crippled and the aged, to educate the children of Bahá’is according to the highest religious and intellectual standards, to compose differences and disagreements among members of the community, to promulgate the principles of Divine Civilization revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, and to promote in every way possible the Bahá’i aim of the oneness of mankind. It shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the general Bahá’i activities and affairs initiated and sustained by the National Spiritual Assembly. It shall cooperate wholeheartedly with other local Spiritual Assemblies throughout North America in all matters declared by the National Spiritual Assembly to be of general
Bahá’i importance and concern. It shall rigorously abstain from any action or influence, direct or indirect, that savors of intervention on the part of a Bahá’i body in matters of public politics and civil jurisdiction. It shall encourage intercourse between the Bahi’i community of the City of New York and other recognized BahI’i communities, issuing letters of introduction to Bahá’is traveling from New York and passing upon letters of introduction issued by other Bahá’i Assemblies. It shall regard its authority as a means of rendering service to Bahã’is and non-Bahã’is and not as a source of arbitrary power. While retaining the sacred right of final decision in all matters pertaining to the Bahá’i community, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek the advice and consultation of all members of the community, keep the community informed of all its affairs, and invite full and free discussion on the part of the community of all matters affecting the Faith. ARTJCLE V The Bahá’is of the City of New York, for whose benefit this Corporation has been established, shall consist of all persons resident in the City of New York who are recognized by the Spiritual Assembly as having fulfilled the requirements of voting membership in this local Bahá’i community. To become a voting member of this Bahá’i community a person shall: a. Be a resident of the City of New York as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, as provided hereinafter in this instrument.
Have attained the age of 21 years. c. Have established to the satisfaction of the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the approval of the National Spiritual Assembly, that he (or she) possesses the qualifications of Bahá’i Faith and practice required under the following standard: Full recognition of the Station of the Forerunner (the Báb), the Author (Bahi’u’lláh), and ‘Abdu’lBahá, the Exemplar of the Bahá’i religion; unreserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been revealed by Them; loyal and steadfast adherence to every clause of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sacred ‘Will and Testament; and close association with the spirit as
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well as the form of Bahá’i administration throughout the world. ARTICLE VI
The Spiritual Assembly shall consist of nine Trustees chosen from among the Bahá’is of the City of New York, who shall be elected by these Bahá’is in a manner hereinafter provided and who shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their successors shall be elected.
VII
The officers of the Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs. The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire membership of the Assembly taken by secret ballot.
VIII
The first meeting of a newly-elected Assembly shall be called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of votes, or, in case two or more members have received the same said highest number of votes, then by the member selected by lot from among those members; and this member shall preside until the permanent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be called by the Secretary of the Assembly at the request of the Chairman, or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice- Chairman, or of any three members of the Assembly; provided however that the Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be held on April 2 1st, in accordance with the administrative principles recognized by all Bahá’i Assemblies. Section 1. Five members of the Assembly present at a meeting shall constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and constituting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, and with due regard to the principles of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting by the Secretary, who shall have the minutes adopted
and approved by the Assembly, and preserve them in the official records of the Assembly. Section 2. Vacancies in the membership of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local Bahã’i community duly called for that purpose by the Assembly. In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly impossible, the election shall be under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly. ARTICLE IX
The sphere of jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, with respect to residential qualification of membership, and voting rights of a believer in the Bahá’i community, shall be the locality included within the civil hmits of the City of New York, but Bahá’is, who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and can regularly attend the meetings of the local Bahá’i community, may be enrolled on the membership list of the Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a local Spiritual Assembly in their home community.
X
Section 1. In the event that any decision of the Assembly is unacceptable to any member or members of the community, the Assembly shall after endeavoring to compose the differences of opinion invite the said member or members to make appeal to the national Bahá’i body and notify that body of the condition of the matter and the readiness of the Assembly to become party to the appeal.
In the same manner, if any difference arises between the Assembly and another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in North America, the Assembly shall report the matter to the national Bahá’i body and inform that body of its readiness to make joint appeal together with the other Assembly or Assemblies. Section 3. If, however, the result of such appeal is unsatisfactory to the Spiritual Assembly or the Assembly at any time has reason to believe that actions of the National Spiritual Assembly are affecting adversely the welfare and unity of the Bahá’i community of the City of New York, it shall, after seeking to compose its difference of
opinion with the national body in direct consultation, have the right to make appeal to the Guardian of the Faith. Section 4. The Assembly shall likewise have the right to make complaint to the National Spiritual Assembly in the event that matters of local Bahã’i concern and influence are referred to the national body by a member or members of the local community without previous opportunity for action by the local Assembly. ARTICLE XI The Annual Meeting of the Corporation at which its Trustees shall be elected shall be held on April 21 at an hour and place to be fixed by the Assembly, which shall give not less than fifteen days’ notice of the meeting to all members of the local Bahá’i community.
The Assembly shall accept those votes transmitted to the Assembly before the election by members who by reason of sickness or other unavoidable reason are unable to be present at the election in person.
The election of members to the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote. Section 3. All voting members of the local Bahá’i community are eligible for election as members of the Spiritual Assembly. Section 4. The Assembly shall prepare an agenda for the Annual Meeting in which shall be included reports of the activities of the Assembly since its election, a financial statement showing all income and expenditure of its fund, reports of its committees and presentation of any other matters pertaining to the affairs of the Bahã’i community. The Assembly, both preceding and following the annual election, shall invite discussion and welcome suggestions from the community, in order that its plans may reflect the community mind and heart. Section 1. The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly. ARTICLE XII
In addition to the Annual Meeting, the Assembly shall arrange for regular meetings of the Bahã’i community throughout the year at intervals of nineteen days, in ac cordanc
with the calendar incorporated in the teachings of the Bahá’i Faith. ARTICLE XIII
The Spiritual Assembly, on notice from the National Spiritual Assembly, shall report the number of voting members in the local community, that the national Bahâ’i body may be duly informed of the number of delegates to be assigned to the Bahâ’i community of the City of New York in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation controlling the annual election of members to the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 1. When informed of the number of delegates assigned to the local community, the Spiritual Assembly shall call a special meeting of the community for the purpose of electing said number of delegates to represent the community at the Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly. Section 2. The election of delegates to the Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality vote. Section 3. All voting members of the local Bahá’i community are eligible for election as delegates to the Annual Meeting of the National Assembly.
The result of the election shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly to the National Spiritual Assembly, and the Spiritual Assembly shall meet all the conditions laid down by the national Bahá’i body for the recognition of local Spiritual Assemblies and the participation of local Bahâ’i communities in the annual election of the national Bahâ’i body. ARTICLE XIV
The seal of this Corporation shall be circular in form, bearing the following description: The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the City of New York, Corporate Seal. ARTICLE XV
These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary.
rent Seal of the State is euccto affixed. wcu 000
cnozuan
UNITED STPrES QF AMERICA STAlE OF NEW YOkK BY EDWARD J. FLYNN
Secretary of State
and Custodian of the Great Seal tflsereoj,
rWb,
Clerk
of the County said State, and Clerk of the 5reme Court therein being a Court
of Record, an the day of the date of the annexed and duh authøritd to grant the same; that tht same is in due form and exe d by the proper officer; that the seal affixed to said certificate ic the seal of said County Court; that the ngnature thereto of said deck is m his proper handwriting, and it and that full faith and credit may and ought to be given to his official arts.
I my hand at the Ii4 of Aban9 ,4 floceb
hundred nd ti Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahã’is of New York.
pict96.jpg THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH
Certificate )? 7220 H
STATE OF NEW YORK 99. COUNTY OF NEW.YORK
I, ALBERT MARINELLI, Clerk of the County of New York and also Clerk of the Supreme Court in and for said county, DO HEREBY CERTIFY, that I have compared the within photographic copy the original
and I do further certify, that such photographic copy it a correct transcript of such record and of the whole of said original. In WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand a5d the seal oØ,id court yfd county at 9re City of New York, this day of Et....1’ ..
993G.
The fee charged for tjils Copy was Cooosy Clerk.
425
:z. %
pict97.jpg 426 THE BAHA’I WORLD CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BABA’ IS OF THE CITY OF MEL YORK Pursuant to Section 193 of the Religious Corporation Law of the State of New York We, the undersigned, an being of full age, and citizens of the United States, and residents of the State of New York, desiring to form a corporation pursuant to Section 193 of the Religious Corporation Law of the State of New York, do hereby make, sign, and acknowledge this certificate as follows: FIRST: The purpose end objects for which the corporation is formed are to administer the affairs of the Beta’ i Religion for the benefit of the Bats’ is of the City of New York in accordance with the religious teachings and administrative principles of this Faith. SECOND: The name of the corporation is to be “The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the City of New York.” THIRD: The territory in which its activities are principally to be conducte( is New York City and vicinity. FOURTH: The prmncipal place of worship is to be located in the City of New York, County of New York, State of New York. FIFTH: The number of trustees is to be nine. SIXTH: The nemes and places of residence of the persons to be trustees until the first annual meeting are as follows: PLACE OF RESIDENCE Ophelia Crust 101 West 55th Street, New York City Horace Hoiley 125 East 10th Street, New York City Bertha Herklotz 1810 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, N.Y. Hooper Harris 162 West 13th Street, New York City Julia Threlkeld 101 West 55th Street, New York City .Lotlie A. Mathews 430 East 57th Street, New York City Marie B. Moore 41 Convent Avenue, New York City Marion Little 465 Park Avenue, New “ork Citj Edward B. Kinney 204 West 55th Street, New York City SEVENTH: The time for holding its annual meeting is to be on the twenty—first day of April in each year.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 427 The first meeting was
held on March
30,1952, at
Baha’i Center, il9 West 57th Street, New York City. IN WITNESS WEEREOF, We have made, signed and acknowledged this certificate iii triplicate. Dated
this thirty—first day of March,1932.
Before me on this thirty—first day of March,l932, personally appeared Horace Holley, Ophe1i Crum, and
Bertha Herklotz, who being by me severally sworn did acknowledge that they had executed the written certificate of COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS.
NEW YORK CITY N0 York Co. CIek’. No, SO New Yo,k Co. Rgir’. No 20S4 Comm..ion topi.o Feb 2, 1934
-&Q Presi ng Off ir 7fl2L
-
INC. 4201 CERTIFICALFORATION THE SPUITUAI. ASSEMBLY OF THE BAWlS
$___________ Date MAR31 1932 County A.LNAOO è1OA M3N I31 A.LNflOD
- -
èJVN 61 QOeJO33
0391.d cRTIrIDpy ISSUED Fee p Count Clerk, N. ‘f. Co BY
NEW SOUTH WALES. t
Te Companies Ai3 SLtt 8) (d 0)
that the said Company s lzmed by gnte
i)tB under my hand, at Sydtthy, this day of one thousand nine hundred and thzrty -
? L.
E Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahâ’is of the City of Sydney, Australia.
tu$t
to Cj— (i)
thi u . or is mcorporotëd wider 4se
Companies Act,
1936. (2)
that the dqrc of jucorparation of the said Company is the day of ocn
one thousand nine hundred and thirty
pict98.jpg
430
THE BAHA’I WORLD
‘r- —
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of Vancouver, B. C.
a
pict99.jpg
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 431 o r:o
ccccn q:copo±b:p ttp1ccw :
P
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Jrtffiratr uf JururpøratWn 31
1pribg trttfg
that 17TIII CORPORATION 0? TR13 SPIRITUAL ASLY 0? T A!A’IS OF TIlE i cir or VANCouVER” ha this dde, betn incorporated a a Sociely under the Societies Act Th loiialy in whn.h the operatwns of the Society will be chiefly earned on j Vaic ourer ProLince of British Columbia GlVENuridormy band ancSeaI pf Office at P.ctorki. &oviceof British Columbia thi —25t day of one thousand nine hund1ed and thty’ine. + /
44 REQ COQPAN5 )i —
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of the City of Vancouver.
432 THE BAHA’! WORLD -
J3T (2 Tb. S -
a, te todersiwnea, hereby decinro that we 4aire in inn a ecitty uflber toe ‘octettee hats, o’u tint: 3-, The hsee of tbø Society shl1 be the Carp otdttn of the tirttiei Jsembjy of the inhS’isof The object of the insiety sai be to arniie tsr the effaty of L
feith for tin benefit of ttieB 5jg of the Cit1 at Vance tnt in aoc-rdaoce with rolt tone teaehtnre to tdttojetratiye ttceipini oftbisfoith, The aperatioi of the ooietyare to be chiefly earrtd onto the
of Vancouver, rv1oae of onitQfl Golacibta. -
b TTLt this day :,
:,i, it th City of Vancouver, in the brevina, of british Colnabje WW/d1 #WS- -
: 4rta—4 i-adrf( e I
7.r St - a. — ,
I oeo”hy reTttiy thot o duponote en$lnaJ - $- kcc 0 n cootnoun juts boon flied with bla N. f’ol stu ott W ,SOCIeLIACt,. 1’10ct4 iiitted thisn4y.dey
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 433 -
TE hi7L tfZLf hE hEZ hE NTL cQ.___-___—_ ,—-o—*——————,— The trod erred, o mojoeriy of winco err ceo, of the Uteri Stole., dcsieir’g IC form a eporeflon. ttot for prolt. undee tire feed C poroiron Art of Ohio, tie heed,y menu ,EL The remote of .dd rHino sholl The piece ho liii. Sr whCeo tire hopel riSe of the ronperetino it Ito ha Iterated co- — —
,— ,.. * Th, Tie popo.r an Foam lea rebirth mid peection in fotmod near TitO f fmrtrmrtinC hr oized for roilgiomor pmormoor 011th ilto 1n iortlef business onO objtets oh 0,’ m’rtmtm Ott tic Oenrtttim,gs mtr hon ,jgim mtbd It) tomb_ti $tO0 ltd uffaix’s in rmiteana otf04o Off mljcuo I moiL’tgmo tied nO it, ti-ne ph alpine Cf hub
Etoitlu, itooiudlrrg site omain— ‘m mi tt pinto or
pit sac mop oemrnl,io trod orhlo. ,R1’L The fall lun perotozem
nerve eomd eprt.tirmrt. caine. cold tire firsi anneal maeits or allan m..lleg nailed or elmtet tecoimo, luu,hml,tm ittmuuorr ,mmi4O tpoorth ortO., bietuli, OhIO tt. triple’ 3OdO dliii Thnome OimfoislrotAi, Oliite
‘to 0000 ,omc,, OreOrti, Oils ‘Oiv,muhuu ioo hOp? Idomoumu on,, hoIst, Gluts iimfftof, ‘, ‘Onto t,liood 0,
40Cc, porn hook, Sidle duttogmttmt 1,013 looldgo ,too, itmuOtrU, Ohio it,
tro 4110,1 biJ,s,to One, Cl,rrtiinttoti, Ololmo lurnuoma burgost 4013
hilontiti, CitriC lotmo, ti,,c sittlot
rNwmmbp?WI-fElGEOT, oVa hays ltrreorrmo smolm.r,,hrml
oL_L,,,,, ii ff20111 11 uloidEl, X, lIEN!
1001CR If. oCIOURPOtitE £‘01’ID ii. OJ.RX ThLO 2PECmo3O VI2OIIIILmo TOTEGE 101017 101113! 4USOIN 1105310P10,41’0R13. THE STATE 01’ uHlO, OOUNJY
OF Eh100N ,.. .,..,, Prmeatr,rlly appoowod bylom m time nrlmmvnipocd, o Nmtroey I’,rhlis, in nod fore *aid roonnrii tinia,,, TOiL, day çd Iit1,ff’co’ rgsnt Gplo’udo 2pluogtoot, lhao’y Ltmtrt n, odom
veoslly ne ooIaJermf the aiennhsn of zirto fonrsahr rtmt,o’mts of krtt’Oapmoatnofl to ho lot free riot mmd deed, lam the tries sod potponea therein toenniamoed, ‘01 liNES’S op hoed ott,l mt m of ceol ore the doy nod pear err olnoenaid,
-
I, ‘Itilt, ch ii itt’, Cf O,lttlOt’tGtt ititt’ttltuHItJ °‘
I of lh State of Gino. do hersimy tomnify rIot time lovr’ytmiof a ott eaerrmplfflrtl copy, rsr’rfctlly compared by mo with he tirtOnol rrmromd flow’ in tsp othrmitf nosrotly tee 5treerten’ rd Stole, end fonnorl to Ire terre flJ correct cr1 the Articles of locorporot,on of 11Nu oPOnEOUtI, tiollOOfLy OF ill’S idui010’T,S hlrml io nh’S oSice no the. , EGIi , day oI,_ NOm5teO I9J asa ,erprded in V,dtrtce, ASS ‘ ,
Pore,, S’
, of the Rersa,in of locoapowiioa., WITOESS my lined anal offlefel anal at Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of Cincinnati, Ohio.
434 THE BAHA’I WORLD
I
I
F the Bahá’is of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahã’Is of San Francisco, California.
/‘ Statt Ø’4t’4Efornia - 4,
iepattmiuf of %tatt
JORDAN,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, 1 have hereunto set m-y hand anl have caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed hereto 5th
aavor ‘ 1Q3$.
this. --
--
¶4. -
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of San Francisco, California.
436
THE BAHA’i WORLD KNOW ALL WN BY THESE PRESENTS: That the nmbers of The Spiritual Assembly of the Bah1ia San Franc iaco, California, an unincorporated association, have day voluntarily associated ourselves tog.thir, for the purpos. of forming a corporation under the laws
the
State of California. AND WE DO HEREBY CERTIFY First: That the nam• of this
is
— CTHE SPIR ITTJAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHAS OF SAN 1RA C ISCO. The name of the existing unincorporated association which i. being incorporated is _NTh. Spiritual Assembly of the Bahaic of San Francisco. Second: That this corporation does not contemplate
gain or profit to the members thereof, and that the purpose. for which thL corporation is formed are the followings Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts of our f.ilow Bahais to ectablish, uphold and promote th. spiritual, educational and humanitarian teachings of human brotherhood, radiant faith, •xalted character and
and
Utterances of all the Prophets and e.aenger. of God, Founder, of the Wor].ds revealed religion. — and
given renewed creative energy and
universal application to the conditions of this ag. in the life and utterances of Bahüll&h —
the purposes and object. of this corooration to be i.e administer the affairs of the Faith of Bahhd11h for the ben.2Cit of the Bah. of the City and County of San Prancisco according to the
principle, of Bahal affiliation and administration created end established by Bahiiil.h, defined aM explained by ..bthJ.—Bah, and amplified and applied by Shoghi Eff.ndj and his duly constituted successor and successors under the provisions of tue Will and Testament of 1Abdel-Bah.
ART IES F INcQR’(1 T ION 4
—1—
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA’U’LLAH 437 These purposes are to be r•aiized by means of devotional meetings; by public meetings and conferences of an educational. humanitarian and spiritual character; by the publication of books, megasinea and
newspapers; by the construction of temples of uni— v.r.al worship and of other institutions and edifices for humanitarian service; by supervising, unifytng, promoting grid generally administering the activities of the 3ahia
of the City and County of san ?rancisco in the fulfilment of their religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any other means appropriate to these ends, or any of them.
Other purposes and objects of this corration are; (a) The right to ntsr into, make, perform and carry out contracts of every sort and kind for the furtherance of the objects of this corporation with any person, firm.
association, corporation, private, public or municipal or body politic, or iy state, territory or colony thereof, or any
foreign government; and
and
in all transactions under the powers
and objects of this corporation, to do any and eli things which a co—partnership or natural person could do or exorcise, &nd which now or hereafter may be authorized by law.
hold
and be named as beneficiary under any trust
establiabs I by law or otherwioe or under any will or other toatanntary inatrumant in connection with any
bequest in iieh a trust or trusts
La or are
established in
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