Uncompiled Published Letters - 1950s

– 1280 –

1950-02-15 To Luxembourg LSA Response to Photo

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp95-6

Local Spiritual Assembly of Luxembourg,

15 February 1950

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of recent date, with the photograph of your assembly enclosed has been received by our beloved Guardian, and he thanks you for it.

He is proud of the achievements of the friends in Luxembourg and delighted to hear that many of them are natives of the Duchy. In a small and conservative country such as that to gain a foothold is perforce a very slow process. So far you have done very well indeed, and he will certainly assist you all he can with his prayers.

He urges you to be confident and courageous, united and loving amongst yourselves — then the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh cannot but be showered upon you all.

With warmest greetings,

R. Rabbání

Dear co-workers:

I was so pleased to receive your letter, and wish to assure you of my deep appreciation of the spirit that animates you in the service of His Faith, and of my ardent prayers for your success in its service. Persevere in your noble efforts, and rest assured that the Beloved will bless your high endeavours.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1281 –

1950-03-19 To Ellsworth Blackwell re Writing to NSA

White and Negro Alíke (Kindle edition), Audrey Mike

Mr. Ellsworth Blackwell,

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

As our beloved Guardian is very busy these days, I will answer briefly your letter of December 1,

It is certainly permissible for a believer to write the N.S.A.

There are no dissenting votes in the Cause. When the majority of an assembly decides a matter, the minority, we are told by the Master, should accept this. To insist on having one’s dissenting vote recorded is not good, and achieves no constructive end. We must learn to look upon the laws of the Cause and administrative principles and not the short comings of the individual members of an assembly. He urges you not to distress yourself over these details, but pursue serenely your teaching of the Faith which is the most important work of all.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & the realization of every hope you cherish in the service of our beloved faith,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1282 –

1950-03-28 To Philip Hainsworth re Strains Guardian Facing

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p84-5

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letters, dated October 16 and December 7 and 12, 1949, and March 12 1950, have been received, as well as St Barbe Baker’s letter to you.

The beloved Guardian, having been in touch with you by cable, and being more over-worked this year than ever, delayed answering. You know, from what you saw here, how inefficient — to understate the matter — his servants are. The work at the shrines has vastly increased and of necessity, for as the first part of the building will soon be finished, the grounds around it have been entirely remodelled to fit it better and show it off. All this he has been forced to superintend and plan personally. The attacks and status of the enemies you know about. So that in all he is very tired.

He was, however, cheered and pleased to hear about the new African language pamphlets. This is really a most valuable service you have rendered. As he cabled you, he does not feel an English pamphlet is essential now, and only adds to expenses. He thinks you should consult the NSA (after Plan’s end!) about points 1, 2, 3, regarding the type and printing extra material. Generally speaking, he feels some cards with the basic principles would be an advantage. He leaves all details about the appearance of these pamphlets to your judgement and any advice the NSA gives.

He was very happy to see St Barbe Baker and Mrs Preston had cooperated with you, and he would like you to particularly thank Mr Backwell Senior for his contribution in making the Hausa translation.

Although these three translations may not be perfect, they are an important beginning and give us a lever in hand, so to speak.

He admires your mother very much, and is delighted her operation was a success, and that she is back at your side. Regarding her home: he does not see why see feels compelled to part with it at this stage. Can she not derive an income from renting it temporarily until you both see clearly what your future plans are? Your loyalty and devotion are deeply appreciated, you may be sure.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání.

May the Almighty bless, sustain, and guide you in your constant, and deeply appreciated labours, remove every obstacle in your path, and enable you to win still greater victories for His Faith and its nascent institutions.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1283 –

1950-04-05 Tests Often Come from Each Other

Fire and Gold: Benefiting from Life’s Tests,” p61 as compiled by Brian Kurzius

We are Bahá’ís because we believe it is the Truth for this day, and not because of any hopes we may have for an easier passage through this troubled world! Our tests often come from each other; but for the sake of Bahá’u’lláh we must endure them patiently and rise above them.

[From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 5 April 1950]

– 1284 –

1950-05-07 To 4th South America Congress

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p151

Deeply touched message welcome pledge supplicating fervently abundant blessings realization hopes appreciate support services Dorothy [Baker] urge redouble efforts deepest love Shoghi.

=========

Prior to there being an NSA in South America, there were four annual congresses. In 1951 the first NSA of South America was elected.

– 1285 –

1950-05-11 To Amelia Collins re Sutherland Maxwell Illness

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p411

SUTHERLAND GRAVELY ILL ONLY HOPE TRANSFER HIM EXPERT CARE DOCTOR GENEVA STOP TURNING AGAIN YOU HAVE GREAT NEED STOP COULD YOU FLY GENEVA NEXT WEEK IF NECESSARY MATTER STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL DEEPEST LOVE

=========

Sutherland Maxwell was suffering fm serious gallstone problem that could not be taken care of in Israel.

– 1286 –

1950-06-23 To NSA Canada re Sutherland Maxwell Illness

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p412

[S]ince the beginning of April my dear father, Mr. Maxwell, has been dangerously and desperately ill. The anxiety this caused us all, and the constant coming and going of doctors and nurses, and two periods in hospital, have necessitated putting aside all correspondence for months. Now, however, thank God, Mr. Maxwell is slowly improving and the threads of normal existence can be taken up by us all.

– 1287 –

1950-06-28 To Australia NSA re Sutherland Maxwell Illness

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p412

Mr. Maxwell, the architect of the Shrine, at the beginning of April became desperately ill, and for ten weeks absorbed the anxious care and attention of us all, as his condition was seemingly hopeless.

– 1288 –

1950-07-05 To New Zealand NSA re Sutherland Maxwell Illness

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p412

It is only the last two weeks that he [Shoghi Effendi] has been able to take up the question of his mail, due to the fact that the very serious illness of my father, since April 5th, has kept us all in a condition of confusion and suspense for months. As it was seemingly a hopeless condition, and one most agonizing for us all to have to watch, it was impossible to concentrate for the time being on anything else.

– 1289 –

1950-07-05 Various to USNSA

USBN #236 October 1950 p2-3

Your letters, and those signed by other members of the Assembly, of September 29, 30; October 3, 4, 7; November 1 (three); December 15, 1949, and January 2, 11, 13; February 1, 2, 15; March 2, 3, 6; April 21 (two); May 8, (two), 24 (two), 25, 26; June 2, 4, 17 (three), 18 of 1950, as well as their enclosures, and material sent under separate cover, have been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He is very sorry that so much important correspondence has had to wait so long for an answer. It is only the last two weeks that he has been able to take up the question of his mail, due to the fact that the very serious illness of my father, since April 5, has kept us all in a condition of confusion and suspense for months. As it was seemingly a hopeless condition, and one most agonizing for us all to have to watch, it was impossible to concentrate for the time being on anything else. Thanks, however, to the mercy of Bahá’u’lláh, and the iron determination of the Guardian not to allow the builder of the Shrine to pass away at this time, Mr. Maxwell is now recovering, and our lives are getting back to normal.

During the winter, as you know, the Shrine work has 1been steadily going forward. This necessitated not only constant supervision on the part of the Guardian but also involved extensive excavations behind the original building in order to permit the arcade to fit around it. Shoghi Effendi himself, in order to economize and ensure the work was carried on in such a way as not to endanger the Shrine, spent many hours daily up in the gardens, superintending this work personally, which was very exhausting for him; and took up, with other problems, all his time last winter. On the 29th of last month the last stone of the arcade was set in position, and the effect of the first story, now entirely finished, is truly glorious.

* * *

The Guardian feels believers desiring to declare themselves are entitled to read the full text of the Master’s Will beforehand, and indeed, they should do so.

The increasing publicity the Temple is receiving, especially in the Chicago area, is very encouraging. Now that the arcade of the Shrine is finished, the believers should seek to get as much publicity as possible for this beautiful and interesting building, as it will serve to call the Faith to the attention of many people, especially those visiting or interested in Israel.

* * *

The Guardian regrets very much that he is not able to supply the friends with any new translations at present. The rapid expansion of the Cause, and the consequent tremendous increase in his correspondence, the building of the Shrine and all it entails, the upkeep and consolidation of the international Center, all not only keep him constantly occupied, but are sapping his strength and taking up all his time.

* * *

The Guardian considers it immaterial whether you use the term “Persia” or “Írán.”

Regarding Mr. — - — ’s bequest to the Temple: your Assembly should inform his widow that, because he was not a Bahá’í, we cannot use his money for our purposes, as we consider our Faith and its institutions our free gift to humanity. You can, however, and indeed should, accept it for charity and expend it in his name.

* * *

Regarding holding the Latin America Conventions: all Bahá’í conventions must meet within the Riḍván period. He suggests the Central and South American conventions be convened for April 21st, or a day or two later, in order to permit North Americans to get back in time for their own Convention, if they desire to attend it.

* * *

He does not feel the By-Laws should be changed: what could be done is to insert a foot-note explaining that, as the Bahá’í day begins and ends at sunset, the evening of March 20th would be considered as a legal date by us.

* * *

The purpose of the By-Laws is to clarify and strengthen the administrative legal functions of a Bahá’í community. As a believer of 15 cannot vote he sees no reason for including a statement regarding the age of 15 in the By-Laws. A baby can be considered a Bahá’í; 15 is merely the age of maturity for fasting, marriage, etc., and in the case of America, a declaration at that age is invited from the youth in order to protect them, at a future date, from being forced to do active military service.

In this connection he would like to point out that if the believers gather before sundown on a certain date it does not matter if the meeting continues after sunset; it may still be considered as being held on the day they gathered.

The Naw-Rúz Feast should be held on March 21 before sunset and has nothing to do with the 19 Day Feast. The 19 Day Feast is administrative in function whereas the Naw-Rúz is our New Year, a Feast of hospitality and rejoicing.

* * *

The Esslemont book is now printed in about 60 languages, and the Guardian does not want any revision made of it at present.

* * *

He sees no objection to Bahá’ís in various universities holding organized Bahá’í student groups, as long as they do this on each campus according to the rules, and no general statement is made regarding such procedure by your Assembly. The tendency of the Bahá’ís all over the world is to constantly try to lay down new rules and regulations, and pour the Faith into molds, whereas the Guardian insists on the greatest elasticity in details and only the fundamentals, laid down by him already, should be universal and rigidly adhered to.

* * *

The Guardian has no objection to the suggestion of the Temple architect to go to the additional expense at present of $32,136 in using cast stone for the outside walls of the Temple interior, as long as this will be included in the top figure estimated originally and accepted, or not exceed it excessively.

* * *

The Guardian has not felt he wished to make any voice recordings for the various Conventions as yet. But he thanks you for your offer to send the necessary machine for this purpose.

* * *

The Bahá’í marriage ceremony should be carried out because we are Bahá’ís, regardless of whether it is legal or not. All details regarding this matter are left to the discretion of your Assembly.

In closing let me assure you that our beloved Guardian has watched with interest and approval the achievements of your body during the last year. The Temple is now assured, the European work going ahead wonderfully. It is Latin America that requires the greatest care at this time in order to launch the two new NSA’s on their careers successfully.

His loving thoughts and prayers are with you, and he shares your cares and burdens in spirit.

The illnesses of dear Mr. Holley and Mr. Sprague have been most unfortunate, and he admires not only their own patience and devoted spirit but also the way in which their coworkers took on added burdens.

With Bahá’í love,

— R. RABBÁNÍ

P .S. The Convention record has been received; also the photograph of the Phoenix, all-Negro Assembly, sent by the RTC of the Central States: he was delighted to see this picture and note the progress in the Faith which it represents.

to the NSA dated July 5, 1950:

Note: The Guardian’s postscript ta this letter, in his own handwriting, was published in the September issue of Bahá’í News under the title “A Worthy Five-fold Offering.”

– 1290 –

1950-07-12 Deeply Appreciate Sentiments

USBN #236 October 1950 p3

“DEEPLY APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS RESPONSE PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES BRIEF YET MOMENTOUS PERIOD BETWEEN TWO GLORIOUS SUCCESSIVE CENTENARIES BÁB’S MARTYRDOM BIRTH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S PROPHETIC MISSION.”

(Signed) SHOGHI

received July 12, 1950:

– 1291 –

1950-07-12 Gen Letter to Regional Assemblies of Latin America

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp79-83

to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Meso-America and the Antilles and South America.

Dearly Beloved Friends,

The formation of the first National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Central and South America — an event hailed by the entire Bahá’í world — constitutes a landmark of the utmost significance not only in the history of the evolution of the Faith in Latin America, but in the annals of the Formative age of the Bahá’í Dispensation as well. It signifies the termination of the first Epoch in the rise and establishment of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in Central and South America — an Epoch that was ushered in on the morrow of the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan through the pioneer services rendered by individual believers, among whom ranks as foremost that immortal and heroic soul, Martha Root, and which culminated with the successful prosecution of two successive historic campaigns initiated by the North American Bahá’í Community in pursuance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan.

“This second and momentous Epoch in the unfoldment of the Faith, now being entered upon, is signalized by the emergence of two newly established, independent, firmly-knit regional communities, embracing all the Republics of Central and South America, stretching from the borders of Mexico as far as the southern extremity of Chile, comprising no less than forty organized local assemblies, many of them already incorporated, every one of them animated by the spiritual verities of one common Faith, and all of them functioning in accordance with the principles of a vigorously operating, divinely appointed Administrative Order.

This new phase in the development of an irresistably advancing Faith presages, moreover,the formal association of these twin newly-emerged communities with their parent community in the North American continent in the prosecution of the Plan conceived by the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, among the Latin American races now awakening to the clarion call sounded by Him in His immortal Tablets. Though not enjoying the status and privileges conferred in that same Plan by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the North American Bahá’í Community, yet, in view of the momentous and stirring summons issued by the Author of the Revelation in His Most Holy Book, addressed to the Rulers of all the Republics the Western Hemisphere, both of these communities may be said to have been invested with rights and duties which no community in any continent of the Eastern Hemisphere can claim to possess.

This association, which will be formally inaugurated with the termination of the Second Seven Year Plan, and which is destined to reveal its potentialities in the course of the unfolding of the Formative Age of the Faith, and particularly as a consequence of the formation of separate National Spiritual Assemblies in each of the Republics of Latin America, is a distinction which every adherent of the Faith, whether a native believer or a North American pioneer labouring in Central or South America, must constantly bear in mind. Its importance cannot be overestimated, nor can its full significance be assessed at the present hour.

“The consolidation of the existing assemblies, the multiplication of groups; the steady development of the process of Bahá’í incorporation; the expansion of the all-important task of translating, publishing and disseminating Bahá’í literature in Spanish and Portuguese; the consolidation of the recently inaugurated national and local funds; the strengthening of such institutions as Bahá’í National Committees, Summer Schools, Conventions and Regional Teaching Conferences; the acceleration of the highly meritorious work already commenced amongst the Indians in both Central and South America; the progressive proclamation of the verities of the Faith to all sections of the population of Latin America; above all, the triple task of constantly deepening the spiritual life of the individual believer, of enriching his understanding of the spiritual and administrative principles of his Faith, and of cementing the unity of each local community — these stand out as the foremost responsibilities to be assumed during these two concluding years of the Second Seven Year Plan by the two newly formed National Spiritual Assemblies of Central and South America, in preparation of the launching of specially conceived, clearly defined plans, the initiation of which must mark the formal association of the Bahá’í communities of Latin America with the National Bahá’í communities in the United States and Canada, for the furtherance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s world-embracing Master Plan, now still in the embryonic stage of its development.

A fire with the vision now unfolding itself before their eyes; conscious of the sacred responsibility which, as implied in the ringing words recorded in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, they must increasingly shoulder; fortified by the contemplation of the manner and rapidly with which their beloved Faith has struck its roots into the soil of their homelands; confident that the same mysterious and unconquerable Power that has watched over the operation, and ensured the consummation, of the specific Plan undertaken by various National Bahá’í Communities in recent years in both the East and the West, will, as they prepare to launch their own collective enterprises in the years immediately ahead, vouchsafe to them Its sustaining grace and unfailing guidance; the members of these newly emerged communities and above all, their recently elected national representatives, must display, during this period of transition, a spirit of dedication, a tenacity of purpose, willingness for self-sacrifice, that will surpass anything as yet exhibited in their past history, which will at once excite the envy and admiration of their older sister communities in all the continents of the globe, and enable them to acquire the spiritual potentialities that will assist them to take their honoured place in the ranks of those same communities which, in various regions of the world, are collectively and energetically carrying out their own national campaigns in the service and for the glory of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.

That they may prove themselves worthy of the missions with which they will soon be formally invested; that they may never allow anything to interfere with the successful conclusion of this present preparatory phase of their historic task; that they may, through the quality of their devotion and the solidity of their achievements, rejoice the souls of the Concourse on high and, above all, the Spirits of the Holy Báb, of Bahá’u’lláh, and of His beloved Son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, so that they may contribute their share, as independent pillars, in sustaining the House, whose erection must mark the culmination of the establishment of the Administrative Order of their Faith, is the dearest wish of my heart, my constant hope and my ardent prayer.

Your true brother,

(Signed) Shoghi

– 1292 –

1950-07-15 Approve Treatment Windows

USBN #236 October 1950 p3

APPROVE TREATMENT WINDOWS ALSO ELIMINATION PENDANTS DEEPLY APPRECIATE RESPONSE NEWLY ARISEN PIONEERS PRAYING GREAT VICTORIES.”

(Signed) SHOGHI

received July 15

– 1293 –

1950-07-17 To National Area Teaching Committees

USBN #236 October 1950 p3

“Members of the National Area Teaching Committees:

“Dear Bahá’í Friends:

“Your letter of February 27 was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

“He is very sorry not to have replied before, but the dangerous illness of Mr. Maxwell and the work on the Holy Shrine have held up his correspondence.

“He hopes that your Committees will meet with greater success during the coming months. The completion of the first stage of the super-structure of the Holy Shrine, now offering a challenge and an inspiration to the world over; the completion of the Temple interior, soon to be accomplished, the imminent launching of the two Latin American National Bodies; the wonderful progress made in the ten goal countries — all these, combined with the very dark political aspect of world affairs, must stimulate the believers in America to unite and push forward as one soul the work of our glorious Faith.

“He feels that you should do your utmost to call the attention of the friends to these large things, and real triumphs. and away from their personal differences and petty preoccupations. Now is certainly not the time for any man to think of himself, or busy himself with the weaknesses of his brother; but, rather each and every Bahá’í must concentrate on the tasks ahead and be reborn in the service of Bahá’u’lláh.

With Bahá’í love,

(signed) R. RABBÁNÍ

(In the Guardian’s own handwriting)

Dear Co-workers:

I was so pleased to receive your letter and am deeply touched by the sentiments you have expressed. I wish to assure you that I will pray for the success of your high endeavours from the depth s of my heart, that the Beloved may guide your steps, and enable you to lend a great impetus to the onward march of our beloved Faith.

Your true brother

(Signed) SHOGHI

(July 17, 1950)

– 1294 –

1950-07-20 To Third European Teaching Conference Copenhagen

USBN #236 October 1950 p1

Extend heartfelt greetings (to the) attendants (at the) third European Teaching Conference convened (in the) capital city (of) Denmark. (My) heart (is) uplifted (in) thanksgiving (to the) Martyr-Prophet (of our) beloved Faith (on the) occasion (of the) first historic assemblage on Scandinavian soil, (on the) morrow (of the) centenary (of) His supreme sacrifice, representing diverse Bahá’í communities (of the) eastern and western hemispheres. (I) joyfully acknowledge (the) first evidences (of the) answer (to the) prayer (of the) Center (of the) Covenant voiced (in) His Tablet over thirty years ago, supplicating (that) holy souls be raised up (to) promulgate (the) Faith (in) northern lands. (I) recall (with) feelings (of) profound emotion Bahá’u’lláh’s own anticipation (of the) establishment (of) His Cause (in) lands (of the) extreme north (and) south through provision (in) His Most Holy Book (of the) specific ruling related (to the) ordinance (of) obligatory prayers. (I am) highly gratified (to) witness (the) far-reaching effect (of the) magnificent response (by the) American Bahá’í community (to the) memorable summons issued (by the) Herald (of the) Faith (in) His Qayyúmu’l-Asmá’, calling (the) peoples (of the) West (to) forsake (their) homes (to) assure (the) triumph (of) God’s Cause. (I) welcome expansion (in) scope (of the) annual Conference through inauguration (of the) Summer School designed (to) prolong (the) sessions (of the) Conference, (to) stimulate (the) spirit (of) Bahá’í fellowship, (to) deepen understanding (of the) fundamental spiritual (and) administrative principles (of the) Faith, (to) fix (the) pattern (of) future independent national Summer Schools (in the) ten European goal countries. (I) appeal (to the) assembled representatives (of the) goal countries and through them (to the) entire body (of) believers (in the) respective homelands (to) rededicate themselves (to the) urgent tasks ahead (in the) course (of the) three coming years falling between (the) historic Centenaries (of the) Báb’s martyrdom (and the) birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic mission. Mindful (of the) struggles, sufferings (and) sacrifices (of the) heroes, saints, (and) martyrs (of the) Faith (in the) opening phase (of the) Apostolic Age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation; fully aware (of the) circumstances attending (the) launching (of the) transatlantic project amidst (the) confusion (and) prostration afflicting (the) war-torn continent; heartened (by the) signal initial success achieved (in the) years immediately succeeding (the) inauguration (of the) project, let them, undaunted (by the) perils (of the) progressively deteriorating international situation, pursue relentlessly (their) allotted tasks through rapid increase (in) membership, effective promotion (of the) recently initiated extension work, consolidation (of) all administrative agencies, energetic dissemination (of) Bahá’í literature, closer collaboration (with) sister Communities (in the) European continent, greater awareness (of their) inescapable responsibilities, deeper understanding (of the) verities (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation, (of) His Covenant, World Order, (and) above all, through constant daily effort aiming (at the) enrichment (of the) spiritual life (of the) individual, constituting (the) sole foundation whereon (the) stability (of the) structure (of) every Administrative edifice must depend.

— SHOGHI

Haifa,

July 20,

To the Third Bahá’í European Teaching Conference Copenhagen, Denmark

– 1295 –

1950-07-28 Whether to Remain a Bahá’í

USBN #286 December 1954 p1

“In regard to the question you have asked him: you are naturally quite free to do as you please; he can only give you his sincere advice. He feels that before coming to any decision you should think clearly about the matter and not be governed entirely by emotions.

“In accepting Bahá’u’lláh you have accepted Christ in His appearance as the Father, as He Himself so clearly foretold. The Catholic Church does not believe this; on the contrary, it still awaits the return of Christ. If you decide, in order to be buried next to your dear husband, to return to the church, you either would have to, in good faith, deny Bahá’u’lláh or you would be just using the church as a means to satisfying a desire of your own, which would certainly not be an upright and conscientious thing to do.

“When you think that your husband’s soul is now free of the limitations of this world, and that he no doubt is beginning to see religious truth in its true light and to appreciate the station of Bahá’u’lláh, you should ask yourself whether he would wish you to leave the truth for this day and re-enter the church just for the sake of your dust being near his dust? Your spirit, when you pass away, will be near his spirit; of what importance, then, is the body? He will pray for your guidance in this matter.”

on the Guardian’s behalf, dated July 28,

– 1296 –

1950-08-23 re Joseph Perdu

USBN #236 October 1950 p3

“WARN BELIEVERS ‘ABDU’LLÁH FAZEL UNDER NAME (OF) JOSEPH PERDU PROCEEDING AMERICA FROM HONOLULU. ASSOCIATION FORBIDDEN.”

(Signed) SHOGHI

Received August 23, 1950:

– 1297 –

1950-08-25 American Believers Grown Up at Last

USBN #236 October 1950 p4

“The Guardian has been receiving many heartening letters from the friends, assuring him of their loyalty and devotion; a loyalty which was never in doubt. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as you will remember, often referred to the American believers as children, but they have certainly grown up at last, and are assuming their full share of Bahá’í responsibility, which lightens the Guardian’s heavy load and makes his work easier.”

To Leroy Ioas, dated August 25,

– 1298 –

1950-08-27 Assure Pioneers Profound Admiration

USBN #236 October 1950 p7

ASSURE PIONEERS PROFOUND ADMIRATION ARDENT LOVING PRAYERS ACCOMPANYING THEM MERITORIOUS MISSION.

— SHOGHI

Response to message sent to Shoghi Effendi from the August 26-27 Latin American Conference in Wilmette:

– 1299 –

1950-09-05 To Ned Blackmer re Responsibilities to Family

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp96-7

Ned Blackmer,

5 September 1950

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter of August 8 has been received and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it in his behalf.

He feels that as long as your dear mother, so devoted and heroic in her service to the Faith, is in good health, able to support herself and happy you are doing this valuable pioneer work, you should remain in Europe. Your pioneer activities are very much needed and in remaining you are also saving the Fund the extra expense of sending someone to take your place.

The attitude of your non-Bahá’í relatives is quite understandable, but the Guardian feels this is a matter which lies between you and your mother to decide, both being so united in spirit and so dedicated to the Cause of God.

He will pray for you both, and that your relatives may come to see the rightness of your acts.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless your high endeavours, enable you to enrich the record of your splendid services, and aid you to win still greater victories for this glorious Faith and its infant institutions.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1300 –

1950-09-30 On Behalf of to an Individual Believer re Medical Treatments

Science and Technology #9

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

He thanks you for the book you are sending him. He sees no reason why you should not tell the Bahá’ís that cancer seems to be successfully treated by this method sometimes. But as we are a religion and not qualified to pass on scientific matters we cannot sponsor different treatments. We are certainly free to pass on what we have found beneficial to others.

– 1301 –

1950-10-30 to Jim Loft re moving

Return to Tyendinaga: The Story of Jim and Melba Loft, Bahá’í Pioneers, Evelyn Loft Watts & Patricia Verge, p56

October 30, 1950,

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Our beloved Guardian was very happy to receive your letter of September 10, which unfortunately took some time to reach him, or he would have answered sooner.

He is delighted over the success you have met with in your teaching efforts there, and very deeply appreciates the sacrifices you and your dear wife have made in order to render our Faith, and your people, this valuable service. He does not feel it is right for you and your family to impoverish yourselves further in order to remain on the Reservation; on the other hand your being there and living amongst the people is undoubtedly the best way to teach them. He, therefore, suggests you present your problem and your own suggestions to the N.S.A. of Canada, and seek their advice and help.

He will pray that a way may open for you to earn your living properly, and also continue among the Indians.

He sends you and your family his love.

In His service,

R. Rabbání

With the assurance of my abiding and deepest appreciation of your services to our beloved Faith, of my heartfelt admiration for the spirit that animates you and of my ardent prayers for the success of every effort you exert for its promotion and consolidation.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1302 –

1950-11-02 to Jeanne Boekhoudt re the Clarks and the Faith in Holland

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp96-7

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

2 November 1950

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of October 6 was received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very pleased to see you are working now and that you have also a dear Bahá’í sister there to assist you and labour with you to establish eventually a Spiritual Assembly there in the Hague.

The Guardian feels that the question of the Clarks remaining in Holland or leaving is a matter which the European Teaching Committee must decide. You must always remember that this Committee is responsible for 10 countries, and they are often forced to take away the strongest pioneers they have and transfer them to a weak place which is not progressing satisfactorily or is in danger.

All Bahá’í Communities suffer setbacks and growing pains, have problems to meet and tests. This is inevitable; but the remedy is to do ones best, with love and patience, and seek to adjust our problems in the frame-work of the administration. He realizes this is not always easy! But it is required of us, and will lead to great things in the future.

He urges you to continue your teaching of the Faith there, with a peaceful heart, confident Bahá’u’lláh will help you and bless you.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, sustain and guide you, and enable you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and of its God-given institutions.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1303 –

1950-11-02 to Jeanne Kranen re Clarks leaving Holland

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp98-9

Jeanne Kranen,

2 November 1950

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of October 6 has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.

He is very happy to see you are working to spread the Faith in the Hague, and are so active and devoted in serving it.

Regarding the Clarks leaving Holland: he feels this is a matter which must be decided by the European Teaching Committee as they have all the goal countries to consider, and know where the need is greatest, which, of course, is more than the individual Bahá’ís in different countries do. Often they are forced to transfer capable pioneers from a relatively strong community to a weaker one in danger.

He feels you should have confidence in the E.T.C. and while appreciating the fact that the Bahá’ís are all just human and like other people, realize that this Committee has acted with great wisdom, courage and integrity, otherwise it never could have accomplished what it has.

He urges you to follow the example of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, whose spirit so strongly influenced you, and if they are transferred, do all you can to accomplish their work and assist any future pioneers who may take their place.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved guide and sustain you, cheer your heart, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith and its infant institutions.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1304 –

1950-11-02 to Rita Sombeek re field of service

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp99-100

Rita van Bleyswijk Sombeek,

2 November 1950

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of February 16 was received, but owing to the pressure of the Guardians work on the Shrine at that time, and subsequently to the months of illness of Mr. Maxwell, his correspondence was unanswered for many months.

He trusts that since writing your letter your affairs have improved and your confidence returned.

The thing the friends should always remember is that wherever they are they can serve the Faith through word and deed. All fields of Bahá’í service are important, not only the pioneer one, and so no one should feel he can-not do something for the Cause unless circumstances change, because there is always a way of serving right where one is.

He urges you not to feel depressed or sad, but to go forward with a confident heart.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your past labours, enable you to enrich the record of your past services, and aid you to win still greater victories in the service of His Faith and its God-given infant institutions.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1305 –

1950-11-19 to Second All-Swiss Conference

USBN #239 January 1951 p2

DELIGHTED. PRAYING CONSOLIDATION SPLENDID HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS (of the) STEADILY RISING, RAPIDLY DEVELOPING, HIGHLY PROMISING, MUCH LOVED SWISS BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY, SETTING INSPIRING EXAMPLE (to) OTHER GOAL COUNTRIES (of) EUROPE. ABIDING GRATITUDE.

(Signed) SHOGHI

to the Second All-Swiss Conference: November 18-19, 1950

– 1306 –

1950-12-15 delivery of keys of Mazraih

Holy Places at the Bahá’í World Centre compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

“ANNOUNCE FRIENDS DELIVERY AFTER MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS KEYS QASR MAZRA’IH BY ISRAEL AUTHORITIES STOP HISTORIC DWELLING PLACE BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AFTER LEAVING PRISON CITY ‘AKKÁ NOW BEING FURNISHED ANTICIPATION OPENING DOOR PILGRIMAGE.”

(Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi dated December 15,8. )

– 1307 –

1951-01-04 New Step in Building Bábs Shrine

USBN #240 February 1951 p1

Announce (to) National Assemblies (of) America. Europe (and) Australia (the) initiation (of) preliminary measures (for) erection (of) steel framework designed (to) support (the) contemplated dome (of the) Báb’s Sepulchre. Holy Edifice whose site (the) Founder (of the) Faith designated while Himself (an) exile (in) Most Great Prison, whose central structure (the) Center (of) His Covenant erected (in the) course (of the) turbulent years (of) His Ministry, whose enveloping arcade was constructed despite internal disturbance rocking (the) Ho1y Land, (is) now carried forward despite (the) mounting international tension through signing sixty-three thousand dollar contract for stonework (of) octagon. Request beloved friends, collaborators (in) historic undertaking, (to) join me (in) prayers (for) uninterrupted prosecution (of) work simultaneously initiated (in) Italy (and) Holy Land designed (to) attain final consummation (in) rearing lofty dome, crowning unit (of) enterprise so intimately associated (with the) Three Central Figures (of) Faith linking (the) Heroic (and) Formative Ages (of) Bahá’í Dispensation.

Haifa, Israel

January 4, 1951

(signed) SHOGHI

– 1308 –

1951-01-08 to LaFontaines re poss pioneers to Latin America

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp101

Ulrich and Aukje LaFontaine,

8 January 1951

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of December 25 has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He extends to you a most hearty welcome into the service of our beloved Faith — a Faith you have so strangely been prepared for many years ago in Indonesia.

If you can migrate to Latin America he thinks it would be a very good thing; you could certainly, wherever you were, help the spread of the Cause and its consolidation.

However, he feels you should be very careful of any scheme for building up a colony along Bahá’í lines; this is, he feels premature, and might not only involve a failure affecting you, and because you are Bahá’ís, the good name of the Cause too.

He will pray that the way may open for you to find a satisfactory life for yourselves and your children, and at the same time serve this Faith you love so dearly.

He will also pray for your friends, whom you mention in your letter.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

With the assurance of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement, your true brother; Shoghi

– 1309 –

1951-01-xx To Claire Gung on pioneering to Africa Tanganyika

Claire Gung: Mother of Africa, Adrienne Morgan, p15-16

[The Guardian was] very glad you wrote to him and exposed your heart to him

It is such seemingly weak instruments that demonstrate that God is the Power achieving the victories … your services will be a witness to the power of Bahá’u’lláh …

… you will ever-increasingly be sustained and you will find joy and strength given to you, and God will reward you. You will pass through these dark hours triumphant. The first Bahá’í going on such an historic mission could not but suffer, but the compensation will be great.’

May the Almighty abundantly reward you for your exemplary response, guide every step you take, bless every effort you exert and enable you to win great and memorable victories in this new field of Bahá’í activity, and thus ennoble the glorious work you have initiated in the service of His precious Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi.

– 1310 –

1951-02-16 to an individual believer re criticism and harsh words

Unlocking the Power of Action, #52

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

When criticism and harsh words arise within a Bahá’í community, there is no remedy except to put the past behind one, and persuade all concerned to turn over a new leaf, and for the sake of God and His Faith refrain from mentioning the subjects which have led to misunderstanding and inharmony. The more the friends argue back and forth and maintain, each side, that their point of view is the right one, the worse the whole situation becomes.

When we see the condition the world is in today, we must surely forget these utterly insignificant internal disturbances, and rush, unitedly, to the rescue of humanity. You should urge your fellow Bahá’ís to take this point of view, and to support you in a strong effort to suppress every critical thought and every harsh word, in order to let the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh flow into the entire community, and unite it in His love and in His service.

– 1311 –

1951-02-18 for SE re Confusius

Bahá’í Studies Bulletin Vol I #2 September 1982 pp61

“Unless we can produce the original Persian we cannot be sure that the translation is correct, and that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá really meant that Confucius was a Prophet in the sense of being an independent Manifestation of God.

– 1312 –

1951-03-29 Policy on Peace and Unity Conferences

USBN #245 July 1951 p4

“He feels that the statement which your Assembly made in your letter to him … regarding Bahá’ís cooperating with peace and world unity conferences covers the subject adequately. There is no reason to draw a line of demarcation as to whether the type of world federation being promoted by a certain society involves governments or peoples. The point is that rf it is not allied to any particular political faction, and is not either ‘eastern’ or ‘western’ in its projects, the Bahá’ís may appear as speakers on its platform and give it moral support.”

March 29, 1951:

[response to USNSA policy — - — - “That Bahá’í cooperation can be extended to peace and world unity conferences where the Bahá’í attitude ca!l be presented without restriction, and where the Bahá’í participants are not involved in any political or radical action contrary to the Bahá’í principles establishing loyalty to civil government and non-participation in subversive movements.”]

– 1313 –

1951-04-02 Hail Success of 9 Terraces

Holy Places at the Bahá’í World Centre compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

“HAIL SUCCESS ENTERPRISE¹ PRESAGING DAY DESTINED WITNESS AS ENVISAGED BY ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ PILGRIM KINGS ASCENDING THIS ROUTE PAY HUMBLE TRIBUTE MARTYR-HEARALD FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.”

(From cablegram of Shoghi Effendi, dated April 2, 1951)

– 1314 –

1951-04-05 To an NSA on Preserving Marriages

USBN National Bahá’í Review #110 June 1976 p1-2

“Under ordinary circumstances, non-Bahá’ís as well as Bahá’ís have to make many choices in life between what they consider their duty and what might lead to a more ideal personal state for them. Prayerfully, wisely and conscientiously, individuals must settle these matters for themselves.

“Wherever there is a Bahá’í family, those concerned should by all means do all they can to preserve it, because divorce is strongly condemned in the Teachings, whereas harmony, unity and love are held up as the highest ideals in human relationships. This must always apply to the Bahá’ís, whether they are serving in the pioneering field or not.”

(From a letter dated April 5, 1951, written on behalf of the Guardian to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America)

– 1315 –

1951-04-16 American Believers Showing Their Dedication

USBN #245 July 1951 p7

“He feels that the American believers are showing their dedication to the Faith and to all of its many-sided activities through the support they are giving to this holy enterprise at the World Center of the Cause. It is surprising to see how the confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh flow out to the friends, and enable them to do ever more for His Cause. Truly, the work, on not only a spiritual plane, but on the physical plane too, is fed from unseen springs.”

April 16, 1951

– 1316 –

1951-04-26 To First South American NSA

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p157

SUPPLICATING DIVINE BLESSINGS GUIDANCE GREAT VICTORIES NEWLY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES DEEPEST LOVE

– 1317 –

1951-04-26 To Delegates First South American Convention

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p157

PROFOUNDLY APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS ASSEMBLED DELEGATES STOP PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS FULFILLMENT OBJECTIVES

– 1318 –

1951-04-xx To First Two Latin American National Conv

USBN #244 June 1951 p11

HAIL (WITH) JOYOUS HEART CONVOCATION (OF) FIRST TWIN HISTORIC CONVENTIONS (OF) FOLLOWERS (OF) FAITH (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (IN) CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO, (THE) ANTILLES (AND) SOUTH AMERICA, ASSEMBLED (TO) ELECT TWIN NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES CONSTITUTING SUSTAINING PILLARS (OF) DIVINELY APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (IN) LATIN AMERICA. CONGRATULATE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES (FOR THE) MAGNIFICENT TRIUMPH MARKING (THE) CULMINATION OF THE FOURTEEN YEAR OLD PROCESS LINKING (THE) CONCLUDING YEARS (OF THE) FIRST WITH (THE) OPENING DECADE (OF THE) SECOND BAHÁ’Í CENTURY. ACCLAIM FULFILLMENT (OF THE) VITAL OBJECTIVES (OF THE) TWO MOMENTOUS CAMPAIGNS SUCCESSIVELY LAUNCHED BEYOND (THE) CONFINES (OF THE) NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT BY (THE) AMERICAN BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY (IN) CONFORMITY (WITH) ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ’S DIVINE PLAN. GRATEFULLY RECOGNIZE IN THESE EPOCH-MAKING ASSEMBLAGES HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY (IN) PERU (AND) PANAMA, REPRESENTING WELL NIGH FOUR SCORE LOCALITIES SPREAD OVER (AN) AREA STRETCHING (FROM) MEXICO (TO THE) MAGALLANES, EMBRACING INCORPORATED COMMUNITIES (IN) ALMOST ALL CAPITAL CITIES (OF) LATIN AMERICAN REPUBLICS (THE) INITIAL REPERCUSSIONS (OF THE) CLARION CALL VOICED EIGHTY YEARS AGO (BY) BAHÁ’U ‘LLAH (IN THE) MOST HOLY BOOK ADDRESSED COLLECTIVELY (TO THE) RULERS (OF THE) REPUBLICS (OF THE) WESTERN HEMISPHERE. (I) APPEAL (TO THE) INCOMING NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES STANDING (ON THE) THRESHOLD (OF THE) SECOND EPOCH NOW UNFOLDING (IN THE) EVOLUTION (OF THE) FAITH (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH (IN) LATIN AMERICA (TO) ARISE (IN) COMPLETE UNITY, EXEMPLARY FIDELITY, GREATEST WISDOM, UTMOST DEDICATION, UNSWERVING RESOLVE, HEROIC SELF-SACRIFICE (TO) BEFITTINGLY DISCHARGE (THEIR) THREE-FOLD, SACRED, INESCAPABLE RESPONSIBILITIES, FIRST, (TO) CONSOLIDATE (THE) TWO NEWLY-ERECTED PILLARS (OF THE) WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER (OF THE) FAITH; SECOND, (TO) STIMULATE (THE) PROPAGATION (OF) ITS TEACHINGS; THIRD, (TO) ENRICH (THE) SPIRITUAL LIFE (AND) DEEPEN (THE) UNDERSTANDING (OF) ITS AVOWED SUPPORTERS. (I HAVE) DISPATCHED THROUGH (THE) DISTINGUISHED CO-WORKER, AMELIA COLLINS, TWO LOCKS (OF THE) BLESSED HAIR (OF) BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AS INAUGURAL GIFTS (TO THE) FIRST COMMUNITIES BELONGING (TO THE) LATIN RACES, ATTAINING MATURITY (AND) ACHIEVING DISTINCTION THROUGH (THE) FORMATION (OF) INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES, TO BE DEPOSITED (IN AND) PRESERVED (FOR) POSTERITY (IN) TWO SPECIALLY-INSTITUTED NATIONAL ARCHIVES DESIGNED (TO) COMMEMORATE (THE) TWO, OUTSTANDING SPIRITUAL ADMINISTRATIVE VICTORIES WON (IN THE) COURSE (OF THE) FORMATIVE AGE (OF THE) BAHÁ’Í DISPENSATION (AND) SHEDDING GREAT LUSTRE (ON THE) ANNALS (OF THE) OPENING DECADE (OF THE) SECOND BAHÁ’Í CENTURY.”

(SIGNED) SHOGHI

– 1319 –

1951-05-03 Response to US National Conv Message

USBN #243 May 1951 p1

Deeply touched (by) message, value noble sentiments, supplicating unprecedented blessings.

May 3, 1951

[response to US National Conv message]

– 1320 –

1951-06-04 To Wm Foster on Pioneering to Africa

USBN #247 September 1951 p1

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter of May 2nd was received by our beloved Guardian and brought him great joy.

The decision you have taken to go to Africa and teach the Cause is momentous and is worthy of the great race you belong to. The Guardian has been eagerly awaiting a Negro pioneer, and feels that Bahá’u’lláh will surely bless your enterprise and assist you in this work you are planning for His Faith.

You are fortunate to have a wife by your side kindled with the same enthusiasm and determination, and your joint labours will be a tremendous asset to the new campaign in Africa.

The Guardian has recently called upon India and Persia to open up further territories, and he feels that this pioneer effort — the first in Bahá’í history linking five NSA’s in an international undertaking — is truly historic and of the greatest importance.

He will ardently pray that the way may speedily open for you to go to a goal country in Africa, and he urges you to persevere in your efforts. We all have weak points, but when we arise to serve Bahá’u’lláh He helps us overcome them in a truly miraculous way!

With warmest Bahá’í love,

(Signed) R. RABBÁNÍ

(In the Guardian’s handwriting)

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you always, enable you to fulfill your heart’s desire, set a noble example to the Negro believers, and win great and memorable victories in that promising Continent.

Your true brother,

SHOGHI

to Mr. Wiiliam Foster: Dated June 4, 1951

– 1321 –

1951-06-16 To Léa Nys re Supposed Pict of the Báb

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp102

Léa Nys,

16 June 1951

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated May 15 has been received, as well as the photographs you enclosed, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The picture supposed to be of the Báb is not authentic at all. He advises you to destroy these as we never under any circumstances circulate pictures of either the blessed Báb or Bahá’u’lláh, and this one is not even of Him.

You are free to do as you please with the others, though he would prefer that the friends concentrate on the Master's photographs and ignore those of himself.

He is happy to see you and your dear husband, as well as your children, are united in serving the Faith, and assures you all of his most loving prayers. He deeply appreciates your spirit and your work for Bahá’u’lláh.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to win great victories for His Faith and its nascent institutions,

You true brother,

Shoghi

– 1322 –

1951-06-17 Delighted Progress Temple Ornamentation

USBN #246 August 1951 p2

“Delighted (with) progress (of) Temple ornamentation. Praying (for) extension (of) range (and) consolidation (of) splendid, unforgettable achievements.”

June 17, 1951:

– 1323 –

1951-07-11 To Meso-America-Antilles NSA re Goals of Two Year Plan

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp83-86

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Meso-America and the Antilles.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of May 5, 1951, as well as the report of the convention and minutes of your first Assembly meeting, and the photographs you sent, have reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

It gives him very great happiness to address this first litter to your Assembly, newly come into the field of international service to the Faith, and so ready and eager to embark upon its truly historic tasks.

The believers of Central and South America are embarking upon their services at a most important time, not only in the history of this great Cause, but also in the history of mankind. Never has the outlook in this physical world been darker — with the shadow of perhaps another devastating conflict lengthening on the horizon — never the spiritual promise greater, for we see the Message of Bahá’u’lláh at last spreading all over the globe and planting its banner in the most distant countries.

The opportunities for this new National Assembly to distinguish itself are therefore unique and its privileges priceless. He feels sure that the Latin American believers are going to demonstrate their readiness and capacity in such a way as to rejoice their fellow-Bahá’ís and the heart of the beloved Master.

Like the United States and Canada, Latin America is the New World; it has the freshness of youth, and far from such ancient civilizations as those of Europe and Asia, with their interminable problems and grievances, it can undertake service to Bahá’u’lláh under more auspicious circumstances.

He feels that your Assembly must, now at the very beginning of its work, devote its energy primarily to laying a sound and abiding foundation for the future. What does this imply?

First and foremost establishing harmony, love and understanding amongst the Bahá’ís under its jurisdiction. When the friends are united in the love of God all problems can be solved and all work carried out with success. Personal problems, differences 84 of race, nationality, origin, are dissolved in the crucible of Bahá’í brotherhood.

Second, the teaching work: The local assemblies must be maintained and strengthened and the groups encouraged and protected, so that they may attain assembly status as soon as possible; extension teaching work must also be undertaken and news of the existence of this Faith broadcasted as much as possible

Third: The National Fund must be supported. The friends are for the most part, not well-to-do, but they must realize that to give to the Fund, even in a small way, is the important thing, for it is a visible sign of their unity, their devotion, their desire to support the institutions which now represent them and belong to them.

Fourth: Your Assembly, in conjunction with that of South America, should devote particular attention to Bahá’í literature, as in the past the publication of really adequate translations and their dissemination have been often delayed and the books inferior in style. The Spanish speaking Bahá’ís, becoming more numerous all the time, have a right to possess the literature of the Faith, so infinitely rich and inspiring, in their own tongue and well translated.

The Guardian feels that during the coming few years, your Assembly should not hesitate to lean on and consult the American Assembly. This in no way implies any weakness or inadequacy on your part but is logical and organic. The American National Spiritual Assembly is one of the oldest in the Bahá’í world, it has gone through a lot, and consequently acquired an experience which cannot be obtained over-night. It also looks upon with pride, affection, and concern this beautiful daughter, so>to speak, that it has brought into being. So your tie vs a deep and natural one.

Shoghi Effendi is also most anxious for the Message to reach the aboriginal inhabitants of the Americas. These people, for the most part down-trodden and ignorant, should receive from the Bahá’ís a special measure of love, and every effort be made to teach them. Their enrollment in the Faith will enrich them and us, and demonstrate our principle of the Oneness of Man far better than words or the wide conversion of the ruling races ever can.

With warm Bahá’í love,

(Signed) R. Rabbání

– 1324 –

1951-07-13 Letter To Louhelen Junior Youth Session

2 October 1951

To the Bahá’ís who were present at the Junior Youth Session Louhelen Bahá’í School, July 13th

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian was pleased to see so many young believers gathered for study at Louhelen this year.

He urges you to make up your minds to do great, great deeds for the Faith; the condition of the world is steadily growing worse, and your generation must provide the saints, heroes, martyrs and administrators of future years. With dedication and will-power you can rise to great heights!

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1325 –

1951-07-17 Be United and Love for Sake of God

USBN #288 February 1955 p1

“The most important thing for the believers is, of course, to be united and to really love each other for the sake of God, (Otherwise it is not possible to love everyone). However, if communities wait until love and complete harmony are established before teaching, the teaching work will come to a standstill. Both sides must be cultivated; whilst actively teaching the friends must themselves be taught and deepened in the spirit of the Faith, which brings love and unity.”

[on behalf of Guardian to Rex King July 17, 1951]

– 1326 –

1951-07-27 To Bahá’ís of Dar-es-Salaam re First Group Formed in Heart of Africa

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p127-8

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter made our beloved Guardian very happy. His thoughts — and hopes — are constantly focused these days on the wonderful work opening up in Africa, and he rejoiced to see so many of you united there in Tanganyika.

Truly this Cause moves forward propelled by forces more than we can see or grasp; God has surely raised you up and given you this blessed privilege, this unique privilege, of kindling the Light of His Faith there and writing your name in history.

How significant that the first group to be formed in the heart of Africa is composed of believers from the East and the West, united, working side by side to bring the Message of the Blessed Beauty to one of the great waiting races of the world, hitherto oppressed and disregarded, but now being offered the waters of life and a wonderful future.

You may be sure your activities will be supported by his special and fervent prayers, and that he awaits with keen interest news of every new development in your work.

While being wise and tactful you should, however, never lose sight of the fact that it is to the African peoples, primarily, that your mission is addressed. To bring them into our world-wide brotherhood is your duty and privilege.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání.

Dear and valued co-workers,

I was so pleased to receive your letter and am greatly encouraged by your exemplary and magnificent response. You have indeed set a noble example, and the record of your services will, 1 trust, enrich the annals of the Faith. Persevere in your labours, and rest assured that the Beloved will watch over you and sustain and guide you your historic and highly meritorious activities.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1327 –

1951-08-05 Drawing of the Hearts Together

USBN #249 November 1951 p3

“He feels the drawing of the hearts together, as the believers turn towards the Holy Shrine, will produce a greater love and unity amongst the friends, and attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh.”

To the Bahá’ís of Champaign and Urbana, Illinois, August 5, 1951

– 1328 –

1951-08-30 To Philip Hainsworth re Teaching in Africa

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p124-5

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letters dated June 8 and 28, July 5 and 17, with enclosures, have been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. I am also enclosing two receipts.

He was very sorry to hear of the sudden death of Mr Preston — a great blow for his poor wife. She will need the love and help of the friends in Africa very much at present.

Regarding the question you asked about funds for the Shrine being sent from Egypt: the friends must not do anything illegal; if they can remit via England legally, they can do so, otherwise they should let it accumulate in Egypt for the present.

You may mail him the reports from Egypt.

He feels you and Mr Nakhjavání should encourage the Persian boys in Geneva. All he ever asks of the friends is to be true Bahá’ís, and if the Persian students would thoughtfully grasp his instructions regarding the administrative relation of believers in the goal countries to the ETC and the American NS A the trouble would no doubt not have arisen. These students have a high responsibility; the western Bahá’ís look to the Persians and they should, instead of being proud and often disputatious, show a spirit of loving consideration and a submission to the proper administrative authority. Needless to say they should exemplify the BaháT life — which, alas, many of them did not.

He was very sorry to hear your dear mother is ill. She has truly shown an exemplary BaháT spirit in every way and it is easy to see a lot of your own characteristics of faith and courage come from this fine woman. You have every reason to be proud of her! He trusts, and is praying, she may recover and later join you. But whatever happens, her reward at the hands of the true Beloved is certainly assured. He wishes more of the BaháTs would arise to such heights of devotion and sacrifice.

The progress being made in Africa is truly miraculous, as if a special benediction from on High is being extended to this work. Please give his love to the devoted Banánís and tell them the services they are rendering are imperishable and deeply appreciated by him.

He feels sure that the work in Uganda will now go forward rapidly.

The news from Dar is wonderful, too.

Your eager spirit has led you back to Africa and he cherishes the hope that you may prove to be a spiritual Stanley of Africa.

His loving prayers are with you,

With Bahá’í love.

P.S. The racial question all over Africa is very acute, but, while being wise and tactful, the believers must realise that their standard is far from that of the white colonials. They have not gone there to uphold the white man’s supremacy, but to give the Cause of God to, primarily, the black man whose home is Africa.

Dear and prized co-worker,

The work you have achieved since your departure from the Holy Land, in the service of our beloved Faith, evokes, through its range and quality, my profound admiration and heartfelt gratitude. The services you are now rendering in Africa, ennoble and enrich this record of notable achievements. You are often in my thoughts and prayers, and I cherish the brightest hopes for your future activities, and will continue to pray from the depths of my heart for your dear self as well as for your dear mother.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi.

– 1329 –

1951-09-01 To Fourth European Teaching Conference

USBN #249 November 1951 p3

Acclaim joyous occasion (of the) convocation on Dutch soil (of the) historic European Teaching Conference, constituting yet another link (in the) chain (of) annual gatherings (of the) representatives (and) followers (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) ten European goal countries as well as (in) Bahá’í communities (of the) Eastern (and) Western hemispheres, stop.

Heart dilated, spirit uplifted (by the) contemplation (of the) range (and) quality (of the) service rendered; (by the) spirit demonstrated, (by the) degree (of) maturity attained (in the) diversified budding, virile communities rightly regarded (as the) first fruits (of the) operation (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan (on the) European continent stop.

Welcome with feeling (of) particular gratification (the) participation (of the) newly enrolled Dutch, Danish (and) Portuguese believers (in the) enterprises initiated (by the) Indian, Canadian, British, Bahá’í communities (in) Indonesia, Greenland (and) African continent, presaging undertakings destined (to) be systematically launched (by the) elected representatives (of the) newly emerged European communities throughout the remaining countries (of) Europe and possibly, beyond its confines, stop.

(The) concluding years (of the) second seven year plan must witness within each (and) every goal country, notable multiplication (of) centers, steady consolidation (of the) Assemblies, rapid increase (in the) number (of the) avowed supporters (of the) Faith, (a) clearer vision (of the) strenuous tasks ahead, deeper awareness (of) their significance, (a) firmer resolve (toward) their prosecution (and a) greater dedication (to) their purpose, stop.

Signal, wholly unexpected, manifold achievements, illuminating (the) annals (of the) first five years (of the) operation (of the) second seven year plan embolden me (to) confidently anticipate, upon (the) termination (of the) brief span (of the) remaining two years, (the) gradual formation (of) regional National Assemblies (as) prelude (to the) emergence (of a) separate National Assembly (in) each goal country as well as (the) launching (of) organized campaigns, in collaboration (with the) parent community (of the) great republic of the West (in) conjunction (with the) long standing, preeminent national community laboring (in the) heart (of the) European continent, aiming (at the) spiritual conquest (of the) remaining sovereign states (of) Europe and, God willing, reaching beyond its borders as far as (the) heart (of the) Asiatic continent, stop.

Interval separating us (from the) inauguration (of) yet another stage (in the) unfoldment (of the) Divine Plan (is) swiftly diminishing, stop.

(The) perils confronting (the) sorely tried continent (are) steadily mounting, stop.

(The) auspiciously inaugurated, mysteriously unfolding, highly promising widely ramified crusade, embracing well nigh (a) score of dependencies (on the) African continent presenting (to the) privileged prosecutors (of the) Divine Plan (in the) European field (a) challenge at once severe, soul-stirring (and) inescapable, stop.

(The) future edifice (of the) Universal House of Justice, depending for its stability on (the) sustaining strength (of the) pillars erected (in the) diversified communities (of the) East (and) West, destined (to) derive added power through (the) emergence (of the) three National Assemblies (on the) American continents awaits (the) rise (of the) establishment (of) similar institutions (on the) European mainland, each depending directly (on the) efforts now consciously exerted by (the) champion builders (of the) Administrative Order (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (on the) European continent, stop.

May (the) Conference be aided through (the) outpouring grace (of the) author (of the) Revelation (to) hasten, through (the) deliberations (and) consecration (of its) attendants, so blissful (a) consummation, (to) lend unprecedented impetus (to the) present evolution (of the) Administrative Order and (to) accelerate (the) progress leading (to the) future emergence (of the) World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

— SHOGHI

To the Fourth European Teaching Conference,

Amsterdam, Holland, August 31, to September 10, 1951

– 1330 –

1951-09-06 Offering Aid Progress in World Beyond.

USBN #253 March 1952 p1

“He feels sure this offering, expended in memory of your dear ones, will rejoice their spirits, and aid them to progress in the world beyond.”

September 6, 1951, to Mr. Bert Gottlieb,

– 1331 –

1951-09-11 Delighted Progress Manifold Undertakings

USBN #248 October 1951 p1

“Delighted (with) progress (of) manifold undertakings. Appeal to entire community (to) rise (to) heights (of) occasion (and) insure complete, glorious success.”

Haifa, Israel

September 11, 1951

— SHOGHI

[response to a cablegram by the National Spiritual Assembly during its August/September meeting reporting plans for the beginning of work on the Temple landscape design submitted by Mr. Hilbert Dahl and advising that an appeal was being sent to every American Bahá’í to maintain uninterrupted work on the vital current projects.]

– 1332 –

1951-09-23 Temple Landscaping Leave Embellishment Until Later

USBN #254 April 1952 p5

The Guardian approves of your action to only expend two hundred thousand dollars at present for the Temple landscaping and leave further embellishment until a later date. He is very glad that this work is being done by such a devoted Bahá’í as Mr. Dahl, who will put his whole heart into it and be inspired by the original concept as much as possible.”

(To the N.S.A. dated November 23, 1951)

– 1333 –

1951-09-28 To Africa Teacher Training Session

USBN #253 March 1952 p1

“The beloved Guardian was very pleased to see so many friends gathered at Louhelen. he was also delighted that special attention was given to the question of the work in Africa, as he attaches very great importance to this new field of activity.

“He hopes that wherever it is possible the believers will make every effort to contact African students and visitors, and to show them kindness and hospitality. This may not only lead to the conversion of some while in America, but will also make friends for the Faith in Africa.”

September 28,3. To Bahá’ís present at Louhelen School early in September, 1951. The letter is dated September 28.

[this was a training session for people considering pioneering to Africa]

– 1334 –

1951-10-02 To Bahá’ís of Kampala

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p129

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of 9 September brought great joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian.

He was particularly pleased to see you have been granted visas to remain there, and also to hear dear Philip has got a job, which he hopes will make things easier for him, and also release funds for the support of other pioneers.

The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to your presence in Uganda, and feels that your group, and the prospect of an Assembly in Tanganyika, have now firmly established the opening phase of the African work, so important, and so evidently blessed from on High.

His thoughts and prayers are constantly with you all, and the historic services you are rendering are deeply appreciated by him, and by all the Bahá’ís in East and West.

He feels sure you will be successful, and is eager to receive news of the progress of your work.

With Bahá’í love,

R Rabbání

May the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain and overshadow you always, aid you to extend steadily the range of your historic and exemplary activities and services, consolidate your splendid achievements, and enrich the annals of our glorious Faith, now entering upon so important a state in its evolution in the African continent.

Your true and grateful bother,

Shoghi.

– 1335 –

1951-10-30 Response to 4th European Teaching Conference Msg

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp105

The Bahá’ís who sent a greeting from the 4th European Teaching Conference,

30 October 1951

Dear Bahá i Friends:

Just a little note to thank you on the Guardian’s behalf for your message from Scheveningen.

He has been made very happy by reports of how excellent the Conference was this year, and how mature, active and devoted the new European believers are.

He sends you his loving greetings.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved reward you for your devoted labours, guide and sustain you in your meritorious activities, and enable you to promote effectively the vital interests of the institutions of His Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1336 –

1951-10-31 re Callao LSA

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p129

He was delighted to hear the work in Peru is going ahead and that the Callao Assembly is so firm and fine.

You are certainly seeing the harvest begin to come in, many seeds of which you yourself sowed with such devoted care and sacrifice! Truly you and the other pioneers have been richly rewarded and blessed.

The Bahá’í Community of Callao (Peru) in 1951

– 1337 –

1951-11-23 The Year Nine

USBN #252 February 1952 p2

Regarding your question about the Centenary, the Guardian wishes you to share the following information with the Persian and other National Assemblies; the “Year Nine” is an abbreviation of 1269 A.H. This term has been used by the Báb in His Writings, foreshadowing the Birth of the Revelation of Bahá’u’llah. The friends should refer, in “God Passes By,” to the passages mentioning the year Nine in order to appreciate its significance as well as the great importance attached to it by the Báb. In that same book the Guardian has explained that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh was progressive: It commenced with the first intimation He received, of His Prophetic Mission while in the Síyáh-C̱hál of Ṭihrán. The beginning of the year Nine occurred about two months after His imprisonment in that dungeon. We do not know the exact time He received this first intimation, nor have either the Báb, or Bahá’u’lláh, made mention of any specific date in this connection. We therefore regard the entire year Nine as a Holy Year, and the emphasis should be placed, in accordance with the Báb’s Writings, on the entire Year which started in October,193. This means our Centenary Year of Celebration will be from October, 1952 to October, 1953. All celebrations must be held within these two dates. As the Riḍván period is associated with Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation it should be regarded as the most important time of that year and therefore the most suitable period for the celebrations.

The second stage in that progressive Revelation was when Bahá’u’lláh declared His Mission to His companions in Bag̱hdád; this is considered the most momentous stage in His Revelation, hence it is called the “Most Great Festival,” the One Hundredth Anniversary of which will be celebrated in Riḍván 1963 and will constitute the Most Great Jubilee, the third of its kind, the first Jubilee having been the Centenary of the Báb’s Declaration; and the second the one we will be celebrating all over the world in 1952-1953.

The third and last stage in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation was when He proclaimed His Mission to the rulers and religious leaders of the world in Adrianople. The first was an intimation, the second a declaration and the third a proclamation — the intimation was from God to Him, which He kept a secret within His own spirit, the declaration was to His faithful companions, and the proclamation was to the entire body of the religious and political leaders of mankind.

November 23, 1951

– 1338 –

1951-11-23 First Pioneer from America under African Campaign

USBN #252 February 1952 p1

He was very pleased to have the first pioneer from America go forth under this organized African campaign; he was doubly happy that it should have been an American Negro who went. This is highly appropriate and surely has delighted the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who watched over that race with particular love, tenderness and understanding. The ever-increasing part the colored friends are taking in the work of the Cause, and especially of late years in the pioneer work, gratifies the Guardian immensely. And now, to add further to the record of their services, they can count a member of their race a Hand of the Cause. When we read in the Will and Testament how great is the function of the Hands, we appreciate to what an exalted station our dear brother Louis Gregory has attained.

“The Guardian hopes that now the American Bahá’ís have arisen and started on their pioneer work in Africa they will go on with it at an accelerated pace.”

— SHOGHl EFFENDI

November 23,

– 1339 –

1951-11-24 Very Pleased with the Plans for Temple Grounds

USBN #254 April 1952 p5

He is very pleased with the plans you have made for the Temple grounds; of course he regrets the pools and fountains will have to be postponed, but this will not prevent carrying out an almost complete garden scheme for the 1953 date, and for economy’s sake, seems a necessary measure.

“The Guardian feels the Temple will show to better advantage if floodlighted from without. This will not prevent, no doubt, when the flood lights are on, any illumination from within producing a pleasing effect.

“He wishes you every success in this important service you are rendering the Faith, and will pray that all may go well and your ideas be realized in a most beautiful effect.”

to Mr. Hilbert Dahl, Bahá’í landscape architect, November 24, 1951

– 1340 –

1951-12-23 Mr. Grossman Named Hand

quoted in Hermann Grossman: Hand of the Cause of God, p106

GUARDIAN CABLES MOVED CONVEY GLAD TIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE. APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES. MAY SACRED UNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. SHOGHI

[cable as rcvd by Mr. Grossman from International Bahá’í Bureau in Geneva, 23 Dec 1951]

– 1341 –

1951-12-23 To Sutherland Maxwell Naming Hand of the Cause

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p414

MOVED CONVEY GLAD TIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE STOP APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES STOP MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

– 1342 –

1951-12-24 Horace Holley Hand of Cause

Bahá’í World Vol XIII, p856

MOVED CONVEY GLADTIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE. APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES. MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

[24 Dec 1951]

– 1343 –

1951-12-24 Notify Townshend Hand of Cause

George Townshend, David Hofman, p334

MOVED CONVEY GLADTIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE. APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES. MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

[24 Dec 1951]

– 1344 –

1951-12-24 To Leroy Ioas Naming as Hand of the Cause

MOVED CONVEY GLADTIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE STOP APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES STOP MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH. SHOGHI

[Leroy Ioas: Hand of the Cause of God, Chapman, p155]

A nearly identical cable was sent to the other 11 named as Hands of the Cause at this time.

– 1345 –

1951-12-25 Restrictions Pilgrimage Being Gradually Removed

USBN #252 February 1952 p1

“Announce (to) all National Assemblies restrictions (on) pilgrimage being gradually removed. Owing (to) prevailing conditions, maximum duration (will be) nine days. Permission (of Guardian) necessary, as few at a time are now permitted.”

— SHOGHI

December 25, 1951

– 1346 –

1951-12-25 To Bahá’ís of the Hague re Teaching Efforts

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp105-6

The Bahá’ís of the Hague,

25 December 1951

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of December 11th has reached our beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He was most happy to see that you are now a united, dedicated and firm group, endeavoring to promote the Faith in that city, which is truly of historic importance; and he hopes that, through your energetic labors, it will soon be possible for you to have an Assembly.

The European Teaching Conference no doubt lent a great impetus to the work in Holland. The Cause is spreading at a very increasing rate, and its glory mounting rapidly above the horizon, so to speak. We are, it seems, entering the period the Master foretold, when the masses of the people would become aware of this Cause, and attracted to it. We must work energetically to hasten that happy hour.

His loving thoughts are with you; and his prayers offered in the Holy Shrine on your behalf.

With warmest greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty, Whose Cause you are serving so devotedly, and with ability and steadfastness, reward you for your labours, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to extend continually the range of your meritorious services.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1347 –

1952-01-01 Welcome to Kampala Bahá’í Group

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p144-5

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of 3 December with report for November enclosed, reached the beloved Guardian; as well as the photograph showing the participants in the Louis Gregory Memorial Meeting; and he has instructed me to write you on his behalf.

Your news thrilled him; and when he saw the faces of the two first African Bahá’ís resulting from this great African Teaching Campaign, his heart was filled with joy and gratitude.

The privilege you are all having of serving there is very great; however so meritorious is this service in the eyes of Bahá’u’lláh, that His bounties and blessings seem to be visibly showering upon you all.

The Guardian hopes that the Africa Conference will be an outstanding success; and that by that time there will be many negro and white African Bahá’ís attending it as of right, on their own soil. Please tell the new believers that the Guardian extends his personal welcome to them into the service of the Faith of Bahá’u’iláh, and assures them that he is praying that they may render this Cause, which has been brought to them by loving and devoted hearts from overseas, great services; and that they may be the means of attracting many more of their countrymen to this Message, which can alone ensure the peace and brotherhood of mankind.

The Guardian’s thoughts and prayers are often with you all, and he sends you all his loving greetings.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the almighty whose Faith you are promoting with such zeal, devotion and exemplary perseverance and courage, reward you abundantly for your truly meritorious, historic and valuable labours, guide and sustain you continually, and aid you to consolidate your achievements and win great and memorable victories in the service of his glorious Faith.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1348 –

1952-01-13 To Jeanne Boekhoudt re Poss Pioneer to NZ

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp106-7

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

13 January 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of October 18th, 1951, with enclosure, has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is most happy to hear of the success which attended the Conference, and that there are now seven believers in The Hague.

He sees no objection to your migrating to New Zealand if you can arrange to do so; and suggests that, if you do go out there, you try and settle in a place where your services are most useful to the Faith.

Pending your possible departure for New Zealand, he hopes that you will do all you can to assist in the establishment of a local assembly in The Hague; and assures you of his loving prayers for the success of your Bahá’í services.

With warmest greetings,

R. Rabbání

P.S. Mr. Maxwell is much better.

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith and its institutions.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1349 –

1952-01-29 Appreciate Readiness

USBN #254 April 1952 p3

“Deeply appreciate Assembly’s readiness assume preponderating role (in) world-wide gigantic tasks challenging entire Bahá’í world. Praying unprecedented blessings.”

On January 29

This message was in reply to a cablegram addressed to Shoghi Effendi from the meeting held January 25-27: “Hearts united (in) prayerful deliberation (of your) global teaching messages. Moved again assure Guardian (of) full acceptance (of) preponderating role. Completely accept One of a series of four photographs sent recently by the Guardian — any new territorial assignments whenever conferred. showing the progress of the work on the Shrine of the Báb.

First step, United States Intercontinental Teaching Committee for twofold role planning participation Conferences and carrying forward teaching missions assigned.

Members thrilled (at) glorious opportunity, will strive (to) fulfill trusteeship (of) Divine Plan. Devoted Love.”

– 1350 –

1952-02-04 To Honor Kempton re Teaching Confs

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp107-8

Honor Kempton,

4 February 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters dated January 23rd and 25th have been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contributions made by the pioneers in the ten goal countries, to the Shrine of the Báb, on the occasion of the 90th birthday of dear Mrs. True.

He was very happy to receive from you, as well as from so many other friends, such heartening reports of the success of the Fourth European Teaching Conference held in Holland. There is no doubt that yearly the magnitude of these Conferences, and their repercussions are growing.

He is likewise delighted over the preparations being made for the Berne Conference, to which he attaches great importance, as he feels the Cause in Switzerland is now making very promising headway; and, if it continues at this pace, it may look forward to being represented, he hopes, in the not-too-distant future, by a National Spiritual Assembly, perhaps in conjunction with one of its neighboring countries. This at least is the goal for which the friends must arduously work.

Your own tireless labors are very deeply valued, and he assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf, in the Holy Shrines.

With warm Baháï love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless, sustain and reward all those who have contributed for the progress of this Holy Enterprise, and enable them to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1351 –

1952-02-06 Encouragement to Philip Hainsworth

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p146-7

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letter of January 23rd has reached the beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He feels that you should by all means continue your government service, unless some better field of activity, with even more financial security attached, should turn up. As long as the Government does not object to your Bahá’í activities in your spare time, it would seem it adds prestige to the Cause, to have an active member of it an official.

He considers that you have no grounds whatsoever for feeling discouraged or discontented with yourself. He personally is well pleased with you and what you have accomplished, and confident of what you will accomplish in the days to come. He urges you to go forward with a happy and reassured heart; and he very deeply appreciates your spirit and your services.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

PS. The Egyptian papers were received.

May the Beloved, whose Cause you serve with such perseverance, ability and devotion, abundantly reward you for your highly meritorious labours and aid you to enrich continually the record of your splendid services,

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1352 –

1952-02-06 To Kampala Bahá’í Group in Appreciation

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p145-6

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of January 27 was received by the beloved Guardian, through the kindness of Mr and Mrs Banání.

He was most touched to receive your contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, a receipt for which I am enclosing.

It has brought the greatest joy to his heart to have these dear believers here; and he is prolonging their pilgrimage in order to discuss thoroughly with them the work being done in Uganda, and indeed, in Africa, a work to which he attaches the greatest possible importance.

A source of deep joy and satisfaction was the news of the declaration of Mr Crispin Kajubi and Mr Fred Bigabwa. He was so pleased to have photographs of them, and he has placed them in the Mansion, as the first Bahá’ís of Uganda, representative of the tribes of that country.

The Guardian feels sure that, with wisdom, dedication, tact and prayer, your Group will be able to spread this Divine Message there to peoples of all races; and lay, not only a lasting foundation for your own community, but prepare the way for the great All-Africa Conference, which will be held there in 1953, and to which the Bahá’ís all over the world are already looking forward with such eagerness.

He assures you that you are all remembered in his loving prayers in the Holy Shrines, and that your services to the Faith are deeply appreciated.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání.

May the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh powerfully sustain you in your high endeavours, aid you to extend rapidly the range of your historic and meritorious accomplishments, and lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of our beloved Faith in that vast and promising continent

Your true brother,

Shoghi.

– 1353 –

1952-02-15 Invites Leroy Ioas to BWC as Secretary-general of International Council

In considering the entire situation here the Guardian has decided, as he cabled you, that it is not advisable to spend the time and money to merely come here for a few days’ visit and consultation. What he needs, I might almost say desperately, is a capable, devoted believer to come and really take the work in hand here, relieve him of constant strain and details, and act as the secretary general of the International Bahá’í Council. If you will accept to do this it would be rendering him and the Faith an invaluable service. ….

[various problems] are causing him the greatest anxiety, and if you are going to be able to come and accept this vital service, then the sooner you can arrange to do so, the better. If after some months of service here, you need to return to further arrange your affairs, this would be preferable to a long delay at this juncture.

[Leroy Ioas: Hand of the Cause of God, Chapman, p157]

– 1354 –

1952-02-28 To Corinne True Naming Hand

Corinne True: Faithful Handmaid of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Nathan Rutstein, p202

MOVED CONVEY GLAD TIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE STOP APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES STOP MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

[to Corinne True, 28 February 1952]

– 1355 –

1952-03-08 Obo SE to Eve Nicklin Hoping will Stay in Latin America Longer

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p165

Your labours have been of such great service to the Faith in Latin America, that he hopes you will continue, at least for part of the coming Ten Year Crusade, to work in that area.

– 1356 –

1952-03-13 To LaFontaines re Poss Pioneer to Surinam

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp109

Ulrich and Aukje LaFontaine,

13 March 1952

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of February 29th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.”

He was very happy indeed to hear of the possibility of your going out to Surinam to teach the Faith; and considers that this would be rendering a most important and historical service at a time when we are planning to rapidly open up new countries to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and carry these life-giving Teachings to all the peoples of the world.

He assures you both that he will ardently pray that this plan may materialize; and that you may be blessed and protected, as well as successful.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to achieve the desire of your hearts, and win great victories in the service of His Faith.

Your brother,

Shoghi

– 1357 –

1952-03-26 To Siegfried Scholopflocher re Sutherland Maxwell Funeral

The Maxwells of Montreal Vol II, Violette Nakhjavani, p418

HEARTFELT APPRECIATION SYMPATHY STOP ADVISE ENSURE BEFITTING BAHÁ’Í FUNERAL STOP APPOINT YOU AND ANOTHER HAND CAUSE UNITED STATES ACT MY REPRESENTATIVES FUNERAL STOP APPRECIATE YOUR ARRANGING TWO WREATHS FLOWERS BEHALF MYSELF RUHIYYIH PLACE HIS COFFIN STOP URGE AS MANY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS BELIEVERS ATTEND FUNERAL PAY TRIBUTE FOREMOST HAND CAUSE STOP NON BAHÁ’ÍS ALSO WELCOME ATTEND STOP ADVISE PROCURE LARGE BURIAL PLOT BEFITTING HIS STATION DEEPEST LOVE KINDLY CABLE HOUR FUNERAL

– 1358 –

1952-03-27 To Bahá’ís at Amsterdam Feast re Response to Greetings

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp110

The Bahá’ís gathered for the Feast of Sovereignty in Amsterdam,

27 March 1952

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The note of greeting, which was signed by all of you, has been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to tell you he deeply appreciates your loyalty and devotion to the Cause, and the loving spirit which animates you in its service.

He will remember you all in his loving prayers at the Holy Shrines.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith, and enable you to win great victories in its service.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1359 –

1952-03-27 To Luis de Frètes re Progress of Faith

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp109-10

Luis de Frètes,

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Amsterdam,

27 March 1952

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Our beloved Guardian has received your letter of February 14th, and I have been instructed to answer you on his behalf.

He is indeed very happy to hear with what love the friends are working together, and that others have felt this unity of spirit and have joined your ranks. Please express to them a warm welcome from the Guardian, and tell them he hopes they will, in the days to come, render great services to the Cause of God.

He wishes me to express to you his appreciation for the publicity which you sent, which is most interesting.

The news of the rapid progress of the faith in the many European countries is most stimulating; and the Guardian will supplicate in the Holy Shrines that the devoted believers in Holland may receive such confirmation in their teaching work as to amaze themselves and their co-workers in other lands.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

P.S. Enclosed is a brief note to the Bahá’ís who were present at the Feast of Sovereignty in Amsterdam.

Assuring you of my loving and abiding appreciation of your splendid services, of my fervent prayers for the extension of your valued activities, and the realization of every hope you cherish for the consolidation of the institutions of our glorious Faith.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1360 –

1952-04-14 To Jeanne Boekhoudt re Praying will be of Service

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp110-1

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

14 April 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of April 5th has been received, and I have been instructed by our beloved Guardian, to answer you on his behalf.

He is continuing his prayers that you may be enabled to fulfil your hearts desire in service to the Faith, and thanks you for the photograph you sent him.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1361 –

1952-04-16 Greetings to 1st Benelux Conf Brussels

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp111

Benelux Conference, Brussels,

16 April 1952

DELIGHTED LOVING APPRECIATION SUPPLICATING SUCCESS — SHOGHI

– 1362 –

1952-04-22 To Jeanne Boekhoudt re Have Assembly in the Hague

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp111-12

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

22 April 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of April 8th has been received; and, as the beloved Guardian is extremely busy, and has just written to you a short time ago, please consider this in the nature of a Post Script.

He is very happy to hear that you now have nine Bahá’ís in the Hague, which no doubt means you have a Spiritual Assembly. He assures you he will pray for the rapid progress of the work there.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

– 1363 –

1952-04-30 To Ulrich & Aukje Fontaine re Support for Desire to Pioneer

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp112

Ulrich and Aukje LaFontaine,

30 April 1952

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

This is just a little note to assure you, on behalf of our beloved Guardian, that your letter of April 11th has been received.

He will continue to pray that your fondest hopes may be realized; and that you may soon go forward as pioneers in the service of Bahá’u’lláh.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless your high endeavours, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the service of His Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1364 –

1952-05-03 Deeply Touched Reconsecration Readiness to Sacrifice

USBN #257 July 1952 p2

Deeply touched (by) reconsecration (and) readiness to sacrifice. Praying fulfilment hopes. Advise allocate substantial portion (of) budget (to) meet continual needs rising (at) International Center (of) Faith.

May 3,3. — SHOGHI

– 1365 –

1952-05-12 Deeply Appreciate Noble Determination

USBN #257 July 1952 p2

Deeply appreciate noble determination. Praying (for) great victories.

May 12, 1952 — SHOGHI

[response to a cable from the National Spiritual Assembly expressing determination not to make use of the promised respite of three years mentioned by the Guardian in communications setting forth the goals of the Second Seven Year Plan. Culminating in 1953, that Plan was to be followed by a period of three years after which, in 1956, a Third Seven Year Plan would be announced bringing the American Bahá’í Community up to the Great Jubilee of77. ]

– 1366 –

1952-05-12 Ubable Attend Temple Dedication

USBN #257 July 1952 p2

“He regrets exceedingly that he sees no possibility whatever of his being present for the Temple Jubilee during the Holy Year. The work of the Cause for years has prevented him from visiting the friends in different centers, much as he would like to do so; and far from decreasing, at the present time it is steadily increasing.”

May 12, 1952

– 1367 –

1952-05-22 To Jeanne Boekhoudt re Passing of Sutherland Maxwell & Poss of Pioneering

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp112-13

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

22 May 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of May 8th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Guardian and I both appreciate your kind thoughts about my father. Truly his name will always be remembered because of the many honors conferred upon him in the service of Bahá’u’lláh, one of which was his having been the architect of the exquisite Shrine of the Báb, which is now so very beautiful, though not yet completed.

The teaching work you are doing pleased the Guardian greatly, and he will pray for those souls who have been attracted to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh through your efforts.

He assures you also of his loving prayers in your behalf.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

P.S. He will pray particularly that the way may open for you to go out to New Zealand.

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1368 –

1952-06-02 Teaching Work to be Done on Firmest Basis

USBN #262 December 1952 p4

“It is indeed of the utmost importance that the teaching work be done on the firmest basis, if the devoted believers in the United States are to shoulder the heavy responsibility which will be theirs at home and in far-flung fields during the Ten Year Crusade beginning with the Holy Year,52. ”

To Teaching Conference held in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on May 11

– 1369 –

1952-06-05 Delighted To Hear Liberian News

USBN #258 August 1952 p13

Haifa, Israel

June 5, 1952

Mrs. Marie Rice, Secretary

Africa Teaching Committee.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of February 13, 1952 has been received by’ the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to write you on his behalf. He has also in hand the enclosures which you sent him.

He was delighted to hear of the news in Liberia. Mr. Foster’s dedication and consecration are certainly beginning to bear fruit, and he feels sure that there will be great results achieved there in the future.

He urges your Committee to try to get out to Africa as many new pioneers during the coming year as possible, in order to bolster the work, preparatory to the holding of the Africa Conference next February.

In view of the fact that there seems to be the possibility of difficulties arising about holding the Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Kampala, he urges you to keep in closest touch with the British Africa Committee, and to do all you can to cooperate with them in solving any problems, as of course they are the convenors of the Conference.

When you write to the Collisons and to Mr. Foster and to the new Bahá’í in Liberia, please convey to them the Guardian’s loving greetings, and assure them of how delighted he is with the services they are rendering, and that he remembers them in his prayers.

He is most happy over the work your Committee is accomplishing, and feels that still more will undoubtedly be done during this coming year.

With Bahá’í love,

(Signed) R. Rabbání

“May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers to aid you to extend continually the range of your activities, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the days to come.

Your true brother,

— SHOGHI

– 1370 –

1952-06-10 To Eve Nicklin & Margot Maklin re Working in Montevideo

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p164

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of May 22nd has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is pleased to see that you are going to serve the Faith in Montevideo, as he considered it an important Center of South America, and he assures you that he will pray for the success of your labours during the coming year.

Please give his loving greetings to all the believers there.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1371 –

1952-06-11 Removal Ruins Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh

Holy Places at the Bahá’í World Centre

compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

“SIGNAL SUCCESS REMOVAL RUINS IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWED LANDSCAPING APPROACHES SHRINE ERECTION GATE EMBELLISHMENT SURROUNDINGS TOMB BAHÁ’U’LLÁH LONG DENIED BEFITTING ENTRANCE THROUGH DELIBERATE OBSTRUCTION ENEMIES FAITH STOP PUBLIC ACCESS HEART QIBLIH BAHÁ’Í WORLD NOW MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH TRAVERSING SACRED PRECINCTS LEADING SUCCESSIVELY HOLY COURT OUTER INNER SANCTUARIES BLESSED THRESHOLD HOLY HOLIES STOP RECENT EVENTS PRELUDE ACQUISITION DEVELOPMENT OVER THIRTY ACRES PROPERTY SURROUNDING BAHÁ’U’LLÁH’S RESTING PLACE PAVING WAY ERECTION COURSE FUTURE DECADES BEFITTING MAUSOLEUM DESTINED ENSHRINE DUST FOUNDER GOD’S MOST HOLY FAITH.”

(From cablegram of Shoghi Effendi, dated June 11, 1952)

– 1372 –

1952-06-30 Latin American Communities Still on Threshold

USBN #257 July 1952 p2

“The Latin American Communities are still on the threshold of the international Bahá’í life; he feels sure that they will rapidly grow into it. Compared with the length of time it took the North American, the British and the French communities to grow up and spread, their growth is like lightning. As the Cause spreads all over the world its rate of acceleration increases too, and new centers in Africa, in some mysterious way have spiritual repercussions which aid in forming new centers everywhere.”

The specific advice addressed to South America was written in the Guardian’s own hand:

“ … their members must, as the present year unfolds, display an extraordinary degree of consecration and intensify to an unprecedented extent, their activities for the multiplication of Bahá’í centers, for the enrichment of their spiritual lives, for the consolidation of their newly-born institutions, for the dissemination of the literature of the Faith, for the fresh links binding them to their spiritual brethren overseas and for a further understanding of the aims and purposes of the order within whose Orbit they function and of the Covenant under whose sheltering shadow they labor.”

June 30 1952 to the National Spiritual Assembly of South America

– 1373 –

1952-06-30 Mature Teachers are Greatest Need Everywhere

USBN #257 July 1952 p2

“Mature teachers are the greatest need of the Faith everywhere, and no doubt in your area too. One wise and dedicated soul can so often give life to an inactive community, bring in new people, and inspire to greater sacrifice. He hopes that whatever you are able to do during the coming months, you will be able to keep in circulation a few really good Bahá’í teachers.

“He was delighted to receive the documents concerning your incorporation and feels this is a great step forward.”

In the Guardian’s hand:

“The two year Plan you have spontaneously initiated, the vigor with which you are prosecuting it, the noble aim that has animated you ever since its adoption, the vigilance and thoroughness with which you endeavor to safeguard the interests of the nascent institutions of the Faith, to promote their welfare and consolidate their foundations. merit the highest praise.”

to the National Spiritual Assembly of Central America June 30, 1952

– 1374 –

1952-06-30 Obo SE to South American NSA

Eve Nicklin: She of the Brave Heart, Boris Handal, p14-15

Compared to the length of time it took the North American, the British and French communities to grow up and spread, their [the Latin American communities] growth is like lightning.

– 1375 –

1952-06-30 Prophecy of Daniel in Esslemont

USBN #261 November 1952 p4

“Regarding the prophecy of Daniel: The passage in Esslemont should be changed to state that this prophecy refers to the one-hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of Bahá’u’lláh, in the Garden of Riḍván, Bag̱hdád — reference to this can be found in “The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá” in quotations from two of His Tablets.”

— Shoghi Effendi

through his secretary, in letter dated June 30,

– 1376 –

1952-07-03 To Louhelen Junior Youth Session

5 August 1952

To the believers who attended the first Junior Youth Session, July 3 1952, at Louhelen

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian was very pleased to see so many young people gathered for your sessions, and he has instructed me to answer your letter to him on his behalf.

During the next ten years, following our Holy Year so soon to begin, a tremendous amount of Bahá’í pioneer work must be done all over the world. Although there will be many of the older, more experienced friends going out to serve, he feels that the stirring tasks that lie ahead in difficult countries and climates are, par excellence, the kind of work young people can do.

He, therefore, urges you to seriously consider the type of profession or rade that might ensure you a post in a pioneer field in Africa, or the Pacific Islands, or Asia, in which you could earn your living while serving the Cause as well. It is a great challenge, and a great opportunity offered your generation, and he looks forward to your future exploits in the service of Bahá’u’lláh with hope and confidence.

He will pray for you all, you may be sure.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you always, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to further the vital interests of His Faith in the days to come.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1377 –

1952-08-05 Junior Pioneer Class

USBN #263 January 1953 p2

“He has a suggestion to make to you, that, instead of calling yourselves “The Young American Class” you call yourselves the “Junior Pioneer Class.” This is a much more interesting name because the next ten years, during which you will become grown up men and women, is an age of pioneering for Bahá’u’lláh, and you can start studying and preparing yourselves for the thrilling work that lies ahead.

“You should get yourselves a big world map, and start marking on it all the places the Guardian is going to choose for Bahá’í pioneers to go to, and, who knows, maybe some of you will choose a thrilling corner of the globe you want to be the pioneer in when, in a few years, you are old enough to have finished your studies and start out on a career.

“Someone will go to Tibet, and the Islands of the Pacific, and many strange lands in Africa — why not one of you? If you make up your mind hard enough and pray enough about it, God may help you to be that someone!”

August 5, 1952, to Bahá’í Sunday

School children in Washington, D. C.

– 1378 –

1952-08-05 Consider Trade that Ensure Post in Pioneer Field

USBN #262 December 1952 p9

“During the next ten years, following our Holy Year so soon to begin, a tremendous amount of Bahá’í pioneer work must be done all over the world. Although there will be many of the older, more experienced friends going out to serve, he feels that the stirring tasks that lie ahead in difficult countries and climates are, par excellence, the kind of work young people can do.

“He, therefore, urges you to seriously consider the type of profession or trade that might ensure you a post in a pioneer field in Africa, or the Pacific Islands, or Asia, in which you could earn your living while serving the Cause as well. It is a great challenge, and a great opportunity offered your generation, and he looks forward to your future exploits in the service of Bahá’u’lláh with hope and confidence.”

(From letter dated August 5, 1952, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the First Junior Youth Session of Louhelen Bahá’í School)

– 1379 –

1952-08-19 To Louhelen Second Junior Youth Session of 1952

19 August 1952

Second Session Junior Bahá’í Youth

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of July 11, 1952, has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

You are the Bahá’í Youth who are going to grow up during one of the most moving times in this second Bahá’í century, the ten years of great pioneer activity which will fall between the present Holy Year and the Most Great Jubilee which will mark the hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration in Bag̱hdád. You can see before you the vast territories to be won over to the Faith in the coming decade, and, if you set your mind to it, can choose a place where you want to pioneer and prepare yourself for this thrilling service!

From Tibet to the South Seas, Africa to far-off points in Asia and Europe — there are lands waiting to be opened to the Faith. He will pray that some of you may be the ones to render this form of service.

With Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you always, and aid you to render notable services in the days to come,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1380 –

1952-08-19 Choose a Place and Prepare Yourself

USBN #262 December 1952 p9

“You are the Bahá’í Youth who are going to grow up during one of the most moving times in this second Bahá’í century, the ten years of great pioneer activity which will fall between the present Holy Year and the Most Great Jubilee which will mark the hundredth anniversary of Bahá’u’lláh’s Declaration in Bag̱hdád. You can see before you the vast territories to be won over to the Faith in the coming decade, and, if you set your mind to it, can choose a place where you want to pioneer and prepare yourself for this thrilling service!

“From Tibet to the South Seas, Africa to far off points in Asia and Europe — there are lands waiting to be opened to the Faith. He will pray that some of you may be the ones to render this form of service.”

(From letter dated August 19, 1952, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Second Session Junior Bahá’í Youth, Louhelen Bahá’í School)

– 1381 –

1952-08-23 To Luxembourg Teaching Conference

USBN #261 November 1952 p1-2

(On the) occasion auspicious opening Luxembourg Teaching Conference coinciding (with the) eve (of the) historic Holy Year marking (the) conclusion (of the) series (of the) memorable annual gatherings, having (an) indelible imprint (on the) annals (of the) second stage (of the) evolution (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, wholeheartedly share feelings (of) joy, pride (and) gratitude evoked (in the) hearts (of the) assembled representatives (of the) Bahá’í Communities (on the) European Continent (at the) prospect (of the) forthcoming convocation (of the) epoch-making convention (in) Florence, (the) harbinger (of the) birth (of the) Italo-Swiss Bahá’í National Assembly. Stop. (The) projected institutions called (into) being amidst (the) world-wide celebrations commemorating (the) inception (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic Mission, constituting fairest fruit (of the) initial stage (of the) European crusade, bound (to) add its valuable support (to the) triple pillars recently erected under (the) aegis (of the) same plan (in the) course (of the) same stage (of) its evolution designed (to) sustain (the) weight, (to) broaden (the) basis, (to) enhance (the) prestige, (to) add diversity (to the) elements (that are) destined (to) participate (in) six continents (of the) globe, (in the) future election (of the) Universal House (of) Justice. Stop.

Moved (to) warmly congratulate (the) American National Spiritual Assembly, ably directing (the) vast operations (of the) European crusade from (the) heart (of the) North American Continent; (the) European Teaching Committee, (the) principal executor (of the) plan, inaugurating (the) European phase (of) America’s unfolding mission; (the) European representative (of the) Committee established (in) Geneva, vigilantly coordinating (the) ramifications (of the) newly launched project; every subsidiary agency, regional (and) local, contributing its share (to the) triumph (of the) common cause; all pioneers, past (and) present; settlers, itinerant teachers, worthy emissaries (of the) Centre (of the) Covenant, who nobly responded (to) His call (in the) length (and) breadth (of the) ten goal countries; (the) entire body (of the) steadily multiplying native believers, constituting (the) core (of the) vanguard (of the) army, singled out by (the) Lord (of) Hosts (for the) quickening (and the) ultimate conquest (of the) spiritually slumbering continent, particularly (the) members (of the) twin rapidly rising communities (of) Italy (and) Switzerland, who singly (and) collectively hastened, through high endeavours, (the) consummation (of the) enterprise, exceeding fondest expectations. Stop. Hail this crowning exploit (of the) Second Seven Year Plan as (the) forerunner (of the) formation (in) rapid succession, (in the) course (of the) third phase (of the) Plan conceived (by the) Center (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, (of) Regional-National Assemblies (in) Scandinavia, Benelux countries, Iberian Peninsula, themselves a prelude (to the) establishment (in) present (and) succeeding epochs (of the) evolution (of the) Divine Plan, (of) separate National Assemblies (in) each sovereign state, principality, (and) chief dependency (on the) European Continent, as well as (on the) neighbouring principal islands (of the) Mediterranean, Atlantic Ocean, (and) North Sea. Stop.

Earnestly appeal (to) all participants (in the) phenomenal birth (and) rise (of the) communities constituting weighty elements (in the) life (of the) firmly knit world Bahá’í family (to) prepare themselves during present Conference (for the) future close collaboration (with the) long established sister communities (in the) British Isles, France, (and) Germany (to) meet (the) challenge (of the) major strenuous task constituting (the) pivot (of the) deliberations (of the) approaching Stockholm Inter-continental Conference, designed (to) expand (and) consolidate (the) framework (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) north, south, west (and) heart (of the) European Continent, foreshadowing (the) launching (of) future enterprises (in) collaboration (with the) German, Persian, ‘Iraqi Bahá’í Communities, calculated (to) extend (the) regenerating influence (of the) same order (to) eastern (and) southeastern territories (of the) same continent (and) eventually beyond its confines, across (the) Ural Mountains (to the) north, west (and) ultimately (to the) heart (of the) Asiatic Continent. Stop.

Urge all attendants (to) dedicate part (of the) sessions (of this) Conference synchronizing (with) Centenary (of the) imprisonment (of) Bahá’u’lláh (in the) Siyith·Chal (in) prayerful remembrance (of the) sombre tragedy preceding (the) rise (of the) resplendant Orb (of the) august Revelation, (to) draw nigh (to) His spirit, (to) fix (their) thoughts (on) His promises, (to) derive fresh inspiration (from the) glorious triumph, following so closely (upon) His agonizing ordeal, (to) contemplate (the) magnitude (of) His Cause, (to) pledge themselves (to) ensure (in the) course (of the) decade opening before them (the) success (of the) twin colossal tasks assigned them, (the) propagation (of) His Faith (and the) consolidation (of the) agencies (of) His rising Administrative Order throughout (the) entire European Continent.

Haifa — SHOGHI

August 23, 1952

The Guardian’s Message To European Conference And School

– 1382 –

1952-08-xx Response to Msg fm 5th European Teaching Conf

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp116

5th European Teaching Conference,
Luxembourg,

August 1952

DEEPLY TOUCHED NOBLE RESOLVE PRAYING GLORIOUS SUCCESS HISTORIC TASKS AHEAD — SHOGHI

– 1383 –

1952-09-19 To Kampala Assembly re Progress

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p161

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letter of 24 June has reached our beloved Guardian, as well as the postscript of Mr Philip Hainsworth, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is delighted over the progress being made there, and was very relieved to hear from the Africa Committee, that the Conference plans can now go ahead smoothly. Also the reports of the work being done in outlying districts (which dear Mrs Banání has sent to Luṭfu’lláh, and which he shares with the Guardian) have caused much joy.

It is wonderful to see that the African friends, having, as is their right and privilege, taken the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh to their hearts on their own, are arising to carry it to their fellow-countrymen, and are meeting with such notable success. How clearly we see that when prejudice and suspicion give way to love and confidence, the Power of God flows through and brings unexpected confirmation!

He was very pleased to see you have initiated a plan of your own, but feels that any plans for translation should be worked out in close consultation with the Africa Committee. This does not mean he is averse to a new translation.

Wonderful work lies ahead of your Assembly, and you may be sure he follows your activities with close interest and supports them with his loving prayers.

With warm Bahá’í love,

Rúḥíyyih Rabbání

May the Beloved whose Cause you are promoting with exemplary valour, reward you abundantly for your splendid achievements, remove every obstacle from your path, and enable you to ennoble continually the record of your unforgettable services.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1384 –

1952-10-08 Marion Jack Illness

Quoted in Never be Afraid to Dare, Jasion, p226

OWING MARION JACK ILLNESS EXTEND ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. SHOGHI

[Cable to USNSA 8 Oct 1952]

– 1385 –

1952-10-14 Progress on Shrine of Báb

USBN #262 December 1952 p2

(On) eve (of) opening (of) Holy Year announce (to) Bahá’í communities (of) East (and) West joyful tidings (of) conclusion (of) over ten thousand dollar contract (with) Utrecht firm (for the) fabrication (of) twelve thousand gilded tiles (to) cover (an) area (of) two hundred (and) fifty square meters (of) dome (of) Báb’s Sepulchre. Eighteen stained glass windows (of) drum (and) twenty-four windows (of) octagon delivered (to) Mount Carmel. Stones required (for) construction (of) ribs (of) drum (and) brim (of) lantern (of) dome nearing completion, heralding (the) early commencement (of the) erection (of the) last remaining unit (of) rapidly rising edifice. Eastward extension (of) terrace adjoining Sepulchre virtually terminated raising (the) total length (of) horizontal area fronting (the) Shrine (to) about six hundred feet, adding greatly (to the) beauty (and) stateliness (of the) approaches (to the) magnificent structure, already enhanced through recent extension (of) terraces linking Haifa’s oldest (and) most imposing avenue (with) Báb’s resting place majestically rising (in the) bosom (of) Carmel.

Haifa, Israel

October 14, 1952

— SHOGHI

– 1386 –

1952-11-02 African Teaching Effort

USBN #262 December 1952 p7

“The success of the teaching efforts (in Uganda) are astonishing. The Guardian feels it may even be a replica of the wonderful success of the time of the DawnBreakers… . .

(Letters about the African teaching effort are to be shared) “as a stimulus to the friends, particularly the friends in the South, and especially the Negro Bahá’ís. He likewise feels it should be a means of stimulating the sending of pioneers from America to the most import ant area of our pioneering effort.”

November 2, 1952

– 1387 –

1952-11-11 To Rita Sombeek re Teaching in Holland and Milano

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp116-17

Rita van Bleyswijk Sombeek,

11 November 1952

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of October 21st has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very happy to see that you are teaching in Milano; and will pray that you may be successful in raising the number of believers sufficiently to have a Spiritual Assembly in the Spring

He will also pray that the obstacles in your sister’s path may be removed, and that she may win over her husband sufficiently to the Faith to enable her to do more active teaching, and fulfil her hearts desire.

He was extremely pleased over the publicity about the Faith in Holland, as the article seemed to be most favorable in every way, to the Cause. He hopes that you will be able to get some good publicity in Milano.

With warmest Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

=========

re teaching in Milano: the formation of an Assembly can refer to both Milano and the Regional Assembly of Italy and Switzerland

The newspaper article was published in the national newspaper Nieuwe Rotterdamsche Courant and was about the Shrine of the Báb.

– 1388 –

1952-11-21 To Arnold van Ogtrop re Contacts with Some Siamese

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp117

Arnold van Ogtrop,

21 November 1952

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter of October 27th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very happy to hear of your contact with the nice Siamese people you mentioned in your letter, and he will certainly pray that they may become more interested in the Faith, and, God willing, embrace it.

It is of great advantage to contact students from countries where there are not at present any Bahá’ís, and open this important door of teaching.

He is happy over the progress being made in Holland, and assures you all of his loving prayers.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1389 –

1952-12-07 To Haifa Mayor re Support of Hebrew Tech Symposium on Illumination

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p297

Your Worship:

Your letter of November 30th has been received by me on my return from Bahjí, and I wish to assure you that the Bahá’í Community will be happy to co-operate in making the city of Haifa luminous and beautiful, in connection with the Symposium to be held at the Hebrew Technical College on Problems of Illumination, especially so as this Symposium will be held during Hanukka. I will give instructions that the period of illumination of our Shrine should be extended during these days [the Shrine was always flood-lit every night at sunset for a short time], and wish also to extend through your Worship an invitation to the delegates and visitors attending the Symposium to enter the Shrine and gardens on one of the evenings when they will be touring our city, to enjoy the illumination. The necessary arrangements can be made to open the gates and Shrine for them, if we are informed in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Shoghi Rabbání

World Head of the Bahá’í Faith.

– 1390 –

1952-xx-xx Directives Concerning the Temple

USBN #257 July 1952 p1-2

DIRECTIVES CONCERNING THE TEMPLE

Questions Submitted to the Guardian and His Replies

1. Question: — On what schedule are meetings of public worship to be held in the auditorium: — daily, weekly, or at other intervals, or at stated periods during the day?

Reply: Weekly, or more often, if your Assembly deems advisable.

1. Question: — Are such meetings, if weekly, to be held on Sunday and if so at the morning hour customary with churches, or in the afternoon?

Reply: Left to your discretion.

1. Question: — Should the auditorium be open daily from dawn for individual prayer and meditation?

Reply: Yes.

1. Question: — Can photographs be taken, for historic record or publicity, of any meeting of worship held for Bahá’ís only, and of any meeting open to the public?

Reply: Yes.

1. Question: — The present plan is to hold a meeting of dedication for Bahá’ís only, followed by a public dedication on the same day. Is this plan approved?

Reply: Yes.

1. Question: — Should an order of service or program be printed with the list of readings selected for each service?

Reply: Left to your discretion.

1. Question: — Are the present weekly public lectures to be continued in Foundation Hall?

Reply: There is no objection to this until such time as we have a suitable meeting place at our disposal.

1. Question: — As there is no trained Bahá’í choir or chorus for singing, shall we begin to train a choir? Can non-Bahá’ is be included among the singers? Are soloists permitted, Bahá’í or non-Bahá’í?

Reply: By all means prepare a choir. There is no objection to non-Bahá’í singers or to soloists, Bahá’í, or non-Bahá’í.

1. Question: — Is the auditorium to be open for special prayer by Bahá’í Committees meeting in the vicinity, or by visiting groups who may arrive at times when no general meeting is scheduled?

Reply: The auditorium may be used for such purposes.

1. Question: — In preparing the readings, shall we use only Holy Books extant and available in English for religions listed by you in the series of recognized Revelations?

Reply: Yes. But if occasionally a reading is in another language there can be no objection, as long as the text is from a Holy Scripture. Persian, Arabic and Hebrew are all very beautiful when chanted.

1. Question: — At the opening of a meeting of worship is any reader to explain the nature of Bahá’í worship or are the readings to proceed without any announcement?

Reply: This is not permissible: there must be no speeches in the auditorium.

1. Question: — Can meetings of worship be broadcast over the radio or television? Can special meetings be recorded for reproduction by believers locally?

Reply: There is no objection to this.

[this is in an unusual format, but I am assuming the questions were asked in early 1952 in preparation for the Temple dedication]

– 1391 –

1953-02-xx Epoch-Making Africa International Conference

USBN #264 February 1953 p1-2

Rejoice (to) share (with) Bahá’í communities East (and) West thrilling reports (of) feats achieved (by the) heroic band (of) Bahá’í pioneers laboring (in) divers widely-scattered African territories, particularly (in) Uganda, (in the) heart (of the) continent, reminiscent alike (of) episodes related (in the) Book (of) Acts (and the) rapid, dramatic propagation (of the) Faith (through the) instrumentality (of the) Dawn-Breakers (in the) Heroic Age (of the) Bahá’í Dispensation. (The) marvelous accomplishments signalizing (the) rise (and) establishment (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (in) Latin America (have been) eclipsed. (The) exploits immortalizing (the) recently launched crusade (in the) European continent (have been) surpassed: (The) goal (of the) seven-month plan, initiated (by the) Kampala Assembly, aiming (at) doubling (the) twelve enrolled believers, (has been) outstripped. (The) number (of) Africans converted (in the) course (of the) last fifteen months, residing (in) Kampala (and) outlying districts, (with) Protestant, Catholic (and) Pagan backgrounds, lettered (and) unlettered, (of) both sexes, representative (of) no less (than) sixteen tribes, (has) passed (the) two hundred mark.

(The) effulgent rays (of) God’s triumphant Cause, radiating (from the) focal center (are) fast awakening (the) continent (and) penetrating (at an) accelerating rate isolated regions unfrequented (by) white men (and) enveloping (with) their radiance souls hitherto’ indifferent (to the) persistent humanitarian activities (of the) Christian missions (and the) civilizing influence (of the) civil authorities. No less (than) nine localities (will be) qualified (to) attain, (by this) coming Riḍván, Assembly status within (a) single territory (of the) long-slumbering continent.

Zanzibar, Madagascar, French Morocco, South Rhodesia, Italian Somaliland (are) already or soon (will) be opened (to the) Faith.

Desire (to) pay special tribute (to the) strenuous efforts exerted (by) ‘Alí Nakhjavani, setting (an) example (of) dedication (and) freedom (from) prejudice (to) fellow pioneers laboring (in) inhospitable surroundings (and) confronted (by) manifold (and) formidable obstacles.

Planning (to) entrust (to the) special representative delegated (to) attend (the) approaching Kampala Conference (a) portrait (of the) holy Báb, (a) replica (of the) one deposited beneath (the) dome (of the) Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár (in) Wilmette, to be exhibited (to the) assembled attendants (on the) historic occasion. Confident unveiling may draw newly recruited vanguard (of the) ever-swelling host (of) Bahá’u’lláh, as well as all participating visitors, itinerant teachers (and) settlers, closer (to the) spirit (of the) Martyr-Prophet (of the) Faith (and) bestow everlasting benediction (on) all gathered (at the) memorable sessions (of the) epoch-making Intercontinental Conference dedicated (to the) prosecution (of the) latest, most glorious crusade launched (in the) course (of) eleven decades (of) Bahá’í history.

(signed) SHOGHI

– 1392 –

1953-03-06 To Jeanne Boekhoudt re Holland Flood & Plans to Go to Australia Fall Thru

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp118

Jeanne Boekhoudt,

6 March 1953

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of February 15th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The calamities that this winter s flood has brought on Europe, especially on Holland, have indeed been terrible, and all hearts were saddened to think of the sufferings of so many people, the beloved Guardians heart included. He hopes that none of the believers have been affected person-ally in this great national catastrophe.

He was sorry to hear that your plans to migrate to Australia have not worked out satisfactorily, and perhaps the wisdom in this is that you continue to teach the Cause in Holland, where the believers are still few in number, and there remains a great deal of work to be done during the coming ten years. He hopes and will pray that you may become ever more active in this important field, and that God may crown your labors with success.

Please convey his loving greetings to all the dear friends there, and assure them of his concern for their welfare and his prayers for the people who have suffered so deeply during the floods.

With Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your spiritual advancement.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1393 –

1953-03-13 To Rita Sombeek re Queen of Holland

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp119

Rita van Bleyswijk Sombeek,

13 March 1953

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of June 17, 1952, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Your indefatigable services in so many fields are deeply appreciated by him.

We can only hope that the Queen of Holland will gradually realize the greatness of our Faith, and will bend her energies toward its propagation.

The Guardian assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you in your meritorious services to His Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

=========

Queen Julianna of Holland had been contacted by American pioneer Eleanor Hollibaugh and begun supported some explicitly Bahá’í programs which gave considerable favorable publicity to the Faith. but due to the political situation, she was forced to drop her support.

– 1394 –

1953-03-16 Grateful for Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá́

___ has safely delivered the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which you forwarded to the Holy Land, and the Guardian has read them, and will place them in the International Archives. It is indeed a miracle that you were able to protect these precious things during the long and dangerous years of the war, and the … Bahá’ís must be very grateful to you for doing so. The Guardian was happy to hear that photographs have been made of them and kept in ___.

16 March 1953 to an individual believer on behalf of Shoghi Effendi

Writings, Bahá’í: Importance of collecting and safeguarding

compiled by Bahá’í International Archives.

published in Bahá’í Studies Review, 11, pages 100-102

– 1395 –

1953-03-16 On Behalf of the Guardian to an Individual re Repentance of CB

Non-association with Covenant-breakers #15

Compiled by Continental Board of Counsellors.

A Covenant-breaker, as you know, is one who disobeys and turns away from the Centre of the Covenant. Until such time as they repent of this sincerely, and express their willingness to work under the Centre of the Covenant, their status must be considered the same. However, such matter should be discussed and decided upon within the National Spiritual Assembly itself.

– 1396 –

1953-04-22 To 2nd Benelux Conf in Overschie

2nd Benelux Conference,
Overschie,

22 April 1953

Dear Baháï Friends,

Your letter of April 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was indeed happy to learn of the love and unity which existed among those present at that important Conference, and that you are all completely resolved to fulfil, in their entirety, the tasks allotted to you during this historic World Crusade.

The Guardian was particularly happy that Dr. Miihlschlegel could be present, and that his contribution to the conference was so helpful; also that Mrs. van Sombeek added so much to the spirit of the gathering by her account of her visit to Haifa, and of the Kampala Conference.

He was also pleased that a number of the German friends could attend.

The Guardian assures you all of his loving prayers for you in the fulfilment of your noble tasks, that all your labours may be abundantly blessed.

With warm Bahá’í love,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, reward you for your splendid services, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to lend a great impetus to the onward march of His Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1397 –

1953-04-23 To The First Italo-Swiss Convention

USBN #267 June 1953 p5-6

Hail (with) feelings (of) joy pride (and) gratitude (the) convocation amidst (the) celebrations (of the) Holy Year (in the) heart (of the) Italian peninsula (the) first historic Bahá’í Convention, comprising (the) elected delegates (of the) steadily unfolding highly promising Italian Swiss Bahá’í communities. Acclaim (the) gathering (of the) fairest fruit (of the) initial enterprise launched (in the pursuance (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan (in the) European continent. Heartily congratulate (the) assembled representatives (of these) two outstanding communities (of the) ten European goal countries (in the) rapid rise (of the) administrative order (of the) Faith (in the) heart (and) south (of the) continent, enabling them (to) outstrip (their) sister communities (and to) set (the) example (by the) erection (of a) pillar (of the) Universal House (of) Justice (the) third (in) Europe (and) twelfth (in the Bahá’í World. (The) National Assembly now being constituted (is) regarded (as a) stepping stone (in the) formation (of the) course (of the) impending decadelong crusade (of) two independent National Spiritual Assemblies, destined (to) each lend (an) impetus (to the) unfoldment (and) consolidation (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Order.

(This) infant institution (is) invested (on the) morrow (of) its emergence (with) two vital functions, (to) stimulate (the) propagation (of the) Faith (and to) consolidate (its) institutions (over the) length (and) breadth (of) Switzerland (and the) Italian Peninsula. (The) Ten Year Plan (the) newly born National Spiritual Assembly (is) called upon (to) prosecute involves, first, (the) formation (and) incorporation (of) independent National Spiritual Assemblies (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, second, (the) consolidation (of the) Faith (on the) island (of) Corsica, third, (the) opening (of the) virgin territories (of) Sicily, Sardinia, Rhodes, San Marino, Monaco (and) Lichtenstein. Fourth, quadrupling (the) number (of) local spiritual assemblies, trebling (the) number (of) localities (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, fifth, (the) purchase (of) land (in the) city (of) Rome (in) anticipation (of the) first Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár (of) Italy, sixth, (the) incorporation (of the) spiritual assemblies (of the) leading cities (in) each country, seventh, (the) establishment (of) bell crown of the lantern of the Dome. National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds (in) Rome (and) Bern, eighth, (the) establishment (of the) first joint, subsequently separate summer schools, ninth, (the) establishment (of) national endowments (in) Italy (and) Switzerland, tenth, (the) formation (of a) European teaching committee empowered (to) stimulate (and) coordinate (the) activities initiated (for the) promotion (of the) teaching phase (of the) plan.

Fervently praying (that the) strenuous tasks shouldered (by the) youngest National Spiritual Assembly (of the) Bahá’í World (will) be befittingly discharged, enabling it (to) contribute (a) distinct share (in the) world wide festivities which will commemorate (the) Hundredth Anniversary (of the) Declaration (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission (in the) city (of) Bag̱hdád.

(Signed) SHOGHI

To The First Italo-Swiss Convention,

Florence,

April 23-26, 1953

– 1398 –

1953-04-26 To Philip Hainsworth re Teaching in Uganda

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p173-4

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Youř letters dated July 7th, August 26th, November 21st, 1952 and January 23rd (2), and April 9th, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He has not written to you before, because he was very busy, and also because he felt he would be able to offer you most hearty congratulations if he delayed! Now, after the formation of not only the Jinja Assembly, but also eleven others throughout Uganda, he compliments you on the wonderful work you have achieved there, in collaboration with the other believers. It has brought great joy to his heart, and indeed to the hearts of all the Bahá’ís.

He hopes that during this coming year, you and ‘Alí Nakhjavání will devote yourselves as much as you can to consolidating the new assemblies, and assisting the new believers to gradually understand better the Administration, and its application in Bahá’í Community Life. Tact, love and patience will no doubt be needed, and one cannot expect these new believers to do everything in the same way that the old and tried Communities do. Indeed individuality of expression, within the framework of the Administrative Order, is preferable to too great a uniformity.

The Guardian feels sure that your dear mother and father, who shared in and were part of the sacrifice you made in going to Africa, rejoice from on high at that which has been accomplished. He assures you of his loving prayers.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R Rabbání

May the Almighty bless your splendid Services to His Faith, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to extend continually the range of your historic and deeply valued accomplishments.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

– 1399 –

1953-05-09 To Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum in Montreal for Fathers Funeral

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p158

INSTRUCTED MONTREAL ASSEMBLY GATHER FRIENDS GRAVE SUTHERLAND PAY TRIBUTE MEMORY. ADVISE PLACE BLOSSOMS SHRINE ALSO PURCHASE HUNDRED DOLLARS CHOICEST FLOWERS MOSTLY BLUE COVER GRAVE MY BEHALF. ATTACH FOLLOWING INSCRIPTION GRATEFUL MEMORY SUTHERLAND MAXWELL HAND CAUSE TALENTED DEARLY LOVED ARCHITECT SUPERSTRUCTURE BÁB’S SEPULCHRE SHOGHI. BRING COPIES LARGE SIZE PHOTOGRAPH FRIENDS ASSEMBLED GRAVE. CABLE DATE TIME GATHERING FOR REMEMBRANCE SHRINE

=========

He had given Rúḥíyyih a vial of attar of rose to sprinkle on grave, and flowers from the threshold of the Shrine of the Báb to place on grave.

– 1400 –

1953-05-22 American pioneering

USBN #269 July 1953 p2

“The beloved Guardian has been greatly enthused over the reports he has received of the Convention, Dedication of the Temple and the Intercontinental Teaching Conference.

He was very happy to get your word of the 128 who volunteered for pioneer service.

“In connection with this word, he cabled you May 19, strongly urging the intending pioneers to scatter as widely as possible, and to settle even territories and islands not specifically assigned to the United States.

“The Guardian feels, now that the Ten Year Crusade has been so auspiciously launched, no time should be lost nor any stone left unturned, to hurry the completion of the first stage of the Plan. The impact with which the friends meet this great challenge, and the example which the American Bahá’ís show in actual deeds in carrying forward the Plan, will have a world effect.

“The Guardian feels that as the chief administrators of the Master’s Divine Plan for the propagation of the Faith, the American Bahá’ís have great responsibility in the entire project, even though certain areas have been assigned to other National Assemblies. Thus the American National Assembly can and should send pioneers to other virgin areas, even though assigned to another National Assembly. This they can do, because of the mission the Master gave them. In fact, the Guardian would welcome most heartily, word of the placing of some pioneers in territories assigned other National Assemblies.

“This is the period of the scattering of the faithful, and the sooner they scatter, the better. Particularly in virgin areas, all over the world. This is a sure way to bring to early completion the opening phase of the ten year Crusade.

“The Guardian would welcome early settlement in the South Pacific Islands, Africa (and he has mentioned especially Belgian Congo, French Somaliland, Ruanda Urundi, French Congo, Madagascar). (He feels there is no need for more pioneers at this time in South Africa, other than those already arranged.) He likewise has mentioned the Cameroons, Togoland and areas where new National Assemblies are to be created.

“Now is the time for the American Bahá’ís to show their spiritual primacy — they should spread over the face of the earth, not only concentrating on the areas assigned to them, but sending pioneers wherever they can, and the sooner the better, and the wider the extent, the better.

“You may be sure the beloved Guardian will pray ardently for the success of your efforts, and those of all the American Bahá’ís.”

May 22, 1953:

– 1401 –

1953-05-31 To Marthe Molitor-Noury After Her Meeting the Khadems and Banánís

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp120-1

Marthe Molitor,

31 May 1953

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of May 13th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Guardian was most happy to hear from you, and to learn of the wonderful contact you had with Mr. and Mrs. Khádem and Mr. and Mrs. Banání, and that you now realize the importance of serving the Faith and teaching the Message of Bahá’u’lláh at this time. He is praying for your success, and urges you to keep in touch with the Bahá’í Centres in Uganda, Nairobi and other places in Africa.

With warm Bahá’í greetings, 

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to promote the vital interests of His Faith.

Your true brother;

Shoghi

– 1402 –

1953-05-xx To Persian NSA re Dont Let west Bahá’ís Surpass Accomplishments

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p377

ANNOUNCE FRIENDS NO LESS 128 BELIEVERS OFFERED PIONEER SERVICES DURING CELEBRATIONS WILMETTE INCLUDING OFFER PIONEER LEPER COLONY. APPEAL FRIENDS NOT ALLOW THEMSELVES SURPASSED WESTERN BRETHREN. HUNDREDS MUST ARISE. ENUMERATED GOALS AT HOME ABROAD MUST PROMPTLY BE FULFILLED. UPON RESPONSE PROGRESS PROTECTION VICTORY ENTIRE COMMUNITY DEPENDS. EAGERLY AWAITING EVIDENCE ACTION.

– 1403 –

1953-06-02 Hour for America Demonstrate Spiritual Primacy

USBN #269 July 1953 p2-3

“Our beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í world, especially from America, of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.

“They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced that the friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into action, because the keynote of the Crusade must be action, action, action!

“The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature that he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service — whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith. So important is it that the National Assembly may delay initiation of steps to fulfill other phases of the plan, until all these areas are conquered for the Faith. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must be allowed to interfere with the placing of pioneers in each of the 131 goal countries.

“By virtue of being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan, the American Bahá’ís may settle in any territory of the world. In fact, the Guardian would welcome word of American pioneers being settled in areas assigned other National Assemblies. At the Guardian’s direction I have written all other Assemblies of this fact, and asking them to assist in the settlement of American pioneers in their areas.

“As his dramatic cable indicates. the Guardian will have prepared an illuminated ‘Roll of Honor’ on which will be inscribed the names of the ‘Knights of Bahá’u’lláh,’ who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This ‘Roll of Honor’ will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.

“From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í world the names of those holy souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas and conquer them for Bahá’u’lláh.

“Now is the hour for America to demonstrate its spiritual primacy. There is no time after this moment! All the promises of the Master to America in the Tablets of the Divine Plan must be won now. The divine graces must be spread by the American Bahá’ís over the face of the globe. The Guardian is sure that the glory of America and its spiritual mission will be carried through to a resounding victory, which will affect the entire globe.

“The destiny of America now rests on the shoulders of the American Bahá’ís.’’

June 2, 1953:

– 1404 –

1953-06-06 Arden Lee re Pilgrimage

Israel,

June 6, 1953

Miss Arden Thur.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of May 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is sorry but it is impossible for him to grant you permission to make the pilgrimage during 1953, or for the Spring of25. It may be possible during the winter of 1954.

If you can find work anywhere in the goal countries mentioned in the Ten-Year Plan, particularly those territories near India or Europe, or in the islands of the Mediterranean, the Guardian would suggest that you accept such a post, as it is most important to establish pioneers in these goals as quickly as possible; but he urges you to be very practical in making your plans.

The Guardian suggests that you write or call him during the summer of 1954 regarding the possibility from your standpoint, of making the pilgrimage during the winter of

He is very pleased to know that you are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, as there plans will he made for the carrying of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to a vast area, where it is now not known.

He assures you of his prayers for the success of your efforts for the Faith.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1405 –

1953-06-10 Bahá́ís of Italy and Switzerland Have Very Great Future

Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 4:1

The Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland have a very great future. They come from one of the great peace-loving peoples of the world, and from the country of the seat of the strongest administrative centre of Christendom….

(on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi 10 June 1953 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland)

– 1406 –

1953-06-19 Epoch-making Convention in Florence

Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 4:1

The convocation of the epoch-making Convention in the city of Florence, coinciding with the climax of the festivities commemorating the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission, is an event which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the second Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation. This historic gathering culminated in the erection of yet another pillar designed to contribute its share to the establishment of the Supreme Legislative Body of the Administrative Order of the Faith. It may be rightly acclaimed as the fairest fruit of the great European enterprise launched in pursuance of the second Seven Year Plan formulated by the American Bahá’í community for the purpose of carrying a stage further the provisions of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan for the systematic propagation of His Father’s Faith. It has set in motion forces which, in the course of a few years, will hasten the emergence of two independent National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the capital city of the peace-loving, high-minded, firmly-knit Swiss nation, and the other within the heart and stronghold of the leading, the most ancient and powerful Church of Christendom, and the seat of the government of a country whose people, by virtue of their qualities of mind and heart, may well rank as one of the most distinguished on the European continent. It has provided, through the formation of the twelfth National Assembly in the Bahá’í world, yet another instrument that will, no doubt, lend a great impetus, despite its having been so recently fashioned, to the progress of a world Crusade, destined to exert so great an influence on the immediate destinies of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

(19 June 1953, appended in the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi to a letter written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland)

– 1407 –

1953-06-21 German and Austrian in 10 year crusade

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #41

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

The German and Austrian Bahá’í Communities, on whom ‘Abdu’l-Bahá lavished His favours, for whose future He cherished such high hopes, occupying such a central position in a continent endowed with such great potentialities, must, by reason of their unique and predominant position, their past history, their virility, tenacity and splendid accomplishments, assume a preponderating role in the conduct of a Crusade in which all Bahá’í communities dwelling on the European mainland, both young and old, are called upon to participate to the utmost of their capacity with all the resources at their disposal.

They stand, moreover, at this crucial hour in their destiny, on the threshold of a new era in their history — the era that must witness the initiation of their mission beyond the borders of their homeland, and one which must culminate in their carrying the banner of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh across the eastern frontiers of Europe, and as far as the territories lying in the heart of the Asiatic continent.

(21 June 1953 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria)

– 1408 –

1953-06-21 Effort to Get Someone Off to Greece

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #26

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

But every effort should be made to get someone off to Greece, a very important country and far too long neglected…

(21 June 1953 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria)

– 1409 –

1953-06-25 Shrine Báb & Panama Temple Site

USBN #269 July 1953 p1

Joyfully announce (to the) Bahá’í World (the) rapid progress (of the) final stages (of the) construction (of the) Báb’s mausoleum (on) Mt. Carmel, as well as (the) splendid initiative (of the) Bahá’ís (of) Panama aiming (at the) acquisition (of the) first Mashriqu’l-Adhkar (of) Central America. Erection (of the) lantern (and the) placing (of the) ribs (of the) dome completed. Five thousand gilded tiles dispatched (from) Utrecht (have been) safely received, half (of) which (have been) already placed (in) position, disclosing (a) glimpse (of the) shining splendor (of the) completed dome.

Appeal National Assemblies, East (and) West (to) participate through contributions (to the) meritorious endeavors exerted (toward the) eventual establishment (of a) Bahá’í House (of) Worship (in the) City (of) Panama, specifically mentioned (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, situated (in the) heart (of the) Western Hemisphere. Myself contributed five hundred pounds (for the) furtherance (of this) notable objective (of the) ten year global Crusade.

Share message National Assemblies.

Haifa. Israel

June 25,

(Signed) SHOGHI

– 1410 –

1953-07-16 Praying Continued Victories

USBN #272 October 1953 p1

“Overjoyed, proud magnificent achievements. Praying continued victories.”

July 16, 1953 — SHOGHI

The message above was Shoghi Effendi’s reply to this cable sent him by the National Spiritual Assembly on July 13:

Gratified report first American Bahá’í pioneer arriving post Rose Perkal Kodiak July eighth. All four United States Western Hemisphere pioneer settlement areas assigned. Approved three pioneer projects United States areas Europe and plans under way settlement four Italo-Swiss areas. Ten of eleven United States pioneer settlement areas Africa planned. Two United States Asia posts assured. Pioneer plans progressing three Assembly members.

– 1411 –

1953-07-21 Letter To The Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference — Stockholm

USBN #271 September 1953 p2-5

To the Hands of the Cause, the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the pioneers, the resident believers and visitors attending the European Intercontinental Teaching Conference in Stockholm, Sweden:

Well-beloved friends:

With a glad and grateful heart I welcome the convocation, in the capital-city of Sweden, of the third of a series of Intercontinental Teaching Conferences associated with the world-wide festivities commemorating the centenary of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh and destined to exert a profound and lasting influence on the immediate fortunes of His Faith in all continents of the globe.

I look back, with feelings of wonder, thankfulness and joy, upon the chain of memorable circumstances which, a little over a century ago, accompanied the introduction of the Faith into, and marked the inception of its nascent institutions within, a continent which, in the course of the last two thousand years, has exercised on the destiny of the human race a pervasive influence unequalled by that of any other continent of the globe.

I feel impelled, on this historic occasion, when the members of the American, the British, the German and the newly formed Italo-Swiss National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as representatives of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom, of Eire, of Germany, of Austria, of the Scandinavian and Benelux countries, of the Iberian Peninsula, of Italy, of Switzerland, of France, and of Finland are assembled, to pay a warm tribute to the valiant labours of the early British and French Bahá’í pioneers, who at the very dawn of the Faith in Europe, strove with such diligence, consecration and resolution, to fan into flame that holy Fire which the hand of the appointed Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant had kindled in the north-west extremity of that continent on the morrow of His Father’s ascension. I recall the slow eastward spread of that infant Light which led to the gradual emergence of the German and Austrian Bahá’í Communities, during the darkest period of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s incarceration in the prison-fortress of ‘Akká. I am reminded of His subsequent epoch-making visit, soon after His providential release from His forty year confinement in the Most Great Prison, to these newly-fledged struggling Communities, of His patient seed-sowing destined to yield at a later age its first fruits, and constituting a landmark of the utmost significance in the rise and establishment of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in that continent.

I, moreover, call to mind, on this occasion, the successive episodes which, on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, in the course of the initial Epoch of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation, signalized the emergence of those administrative institutions, both local and national, which proclaimed the germination of those potent seeds which had lain dormant for more than a decade in these newly-opened European territories, and which culminated in the construction of the framework of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and the erection of the first two pillars destined to sustain in that continent the weight of the final unit of that Order.

Nor can I fail to acclaim, as a further milestone in the irresistible evolution of that Faith, the launching, following the creation of the administrative agencies designed to provide the effectual instruments for its propagation, of the Six Year Plan of the British Bahá’í Community followed successively by the European Teaching Campaign, inaugurated in accordance with the provisions of the second Seven-Year Plan of the American Bahá’í Community, the Five-Year Plan conceived by the German and Austrian Bahá’í Communities and the Two-Year Plan later initiated by the British Bahá’í Community — Plans which, within less than a decade, succeeded in laying the structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith in Wales, in Scotland, in Northern Ireland and in Eire, in multiplying and consolidating Bahá’í institutions throughout the British Isles, in broadening and strengthening the foundations of that same Order in Germany and Austria, in erecting the National Administrative Headquarters of the Faith in the city of Frankfurt, in establishing Spiritual Assemblies in the capital cities of no less than ten sovereign states in Europe, in reenforcing the administrative foundations of that Faith in those territories, in providing the means for the convocation of five European, and a series of regional, Teaching Conferences, and above all, in the convocation of the historic Convention in Florence culminating in the emergence of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland, the third in a series of institutions destined to play their part in the eventual establishment of the Supreme Legislative Body of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

The hour is now ripe for these Communities whether new or old, local or national, already functioning on the Northern, the Western and the Southern fringes of that continent, as well as those situated in its very heart, to initiate befittingly and prosecute energetically the European Campaign of a global Crusade which will not only contribute, to an unprecedented degree, to the broadening and the consolidation of the foundations of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh on the continent of Europe, but will also diffuse its light over the neighboring islands, and will, God willing, carry its radiance to the Eastern territories of that continent, and beyond them as far as the heart of Asia.

The privileged prosecutors of so revolutionizing, so gigantic, so sacred and beneficent a campaign, are, on the morrow of its launching, and, at such a crucial hour in the destinies of the European continent, summoned to undertake: First, the formation, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, of one National Spiritual Assembly in each one of the Scandinavian and Benelux Countries, and those of the Iberian Peninsula, and one in Finland, as well as the establishment, in collaboration with the Paris Spiritual Assembly, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of France, the establishment, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria, of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Austria, and the establishment, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States, and in association with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland, of independent National Spiritual Assemblies in Italy and Switzerland. Second, the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Europe in the city of Frankfurt, the heart of Germany, which occupies such a central position in the continent of Europe. Third, the purchase of land for the future construction of two Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, one in the North in the city of Stockholm, and one in the South in the city of Rome, the seat and stronghold of the most powerful church in Christendom. Fourth, the opening of the following thirty virgin territories and islands: Albania, Crete, Estonia, Finno-Karelia, Frisian Islands, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldavia, Rumania, White Russia, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria; Channel Islands, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Hebrides Islands, Malta, Orkney Islands. Shetland Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles; Andorra, Azores, Balearic Islands, Lofoten Islands, Spitzbergen, Ukraine, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America; Liechtenstein, Monaco, Rhodes, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland. Fifth, the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the following ten languages to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America, through its European Teaching Committee: Basque, Estonian, Flemish. Lapp, Maltese, Piedmontese, Romani, Romansch, Yiddish, Ziryen. Sixth, the consolidation of Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America; of Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Russian S.F.S., Yugoslavia, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria; of Eire allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles; of Iceland allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada; and of Corsica allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Italy and Switzerland. Seventh, the incorporation of the thirteen above-mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies. Eighth, the establishment by these same National Spiritual Assemblies of national Bahá’í endowments. Ninth, the establishment of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the capital city of each of the countries where National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, as well as one in London and one in Paris. Tenth, the formation of a National Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Frankfurt, Germany. Eleventh, the formation of Israel Branches of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of the British Isles and of Germany and Austria, authorized to hold, on behalf of their parent institutions, property dedicated to the holy Shrines at the World Centre of the Faith in the State of Israel. Twelfth, the conversion to the Faith of representatives of the Basque and Gypsy races. Thirteenth, the appointment, during Riḍván 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in Europe, of an auxiliary Board of nine members who will, in conjunction with the four National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the European campaign, assist, through periodic and systematic visits to Bahá’í centres, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the teaching campaign in the European continent.

A continent, occupying such a central and strategic position on the entire planet; so rich and eventful in its history, so diversified in its culture; from whose soil sprang both the Hellenic and Roman civilizations; the mainspring of a civilization to some of whose features Bahá’u’lláh Himself paid tribute; on whose southern shores Christendom first established its home; along whose eastern marches the mighty forces of the Cross and the Crescent so frequently clashed; on whose southwestern extremity a fast evolving Islámic culture yielded its fairest fruit; in whose heart the light of the Reformation shone so brightly, shedding its rays as far as the outlying regions of the globe; the well-spring of American culture; whose northern and western fringes were first warmed and illuminated, less than a century ago, by the dawning light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh; in whose heart a Community, so rich in promise, was subsequently established; whose soil was later sanctified by the twice — repeated visit of the appointed Center of His Covenant; which witnessed, in consequence of the rise and establishment of the Administrative Order of His Faith, the erection of two of the foremost pillars of the future Universal House of Justice; which, in recent years, sustained the dynamic impact of a series of national Plans preparatory to the launching of a world spiritual crusade — such a continent has at last at this critical hour — this great turning-point in its fortunes — entered upon what may well be regarded as the opening phase of a great spiritual revival that bids fair to eclipse any period in its spiritual history.

May the elected representatives of the National Bahá’í Communities entrusted with the conduct of this momentous undertaking launched on the soil of this continent, aided by the Hands of the Cause and their auxiliary Board, reinforced by the local communities, the groups and isolated believers sharing in this massive and collective enterprise, and supported by the subsidiary agencies to be appointed for its efficient prosecution, be graciously assisted by the Lord of Hosts to contribute, in the years immediately ahead, through their concerted efforts and collective achievements, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, to the success of this glorious Crusade, and lend a tremendous impetus to the conversion, the reconciliation and the ultimate unification of the divers and conflicting peoples, races, and classes dwelling within the borders of a travailing, a sorely-agitated, and spiritually-famished continent.

May all the privileged participators, enlisting under the banner of Bahá’u’lláh for the promotion of so preeminent and meritorious a Cause, be they from the Eastern or Western Hemisphere, of either sex, white or coloured, young or old, neophyte or veteran, whether serving in their capacity as expounders of the teachings, or administrators, of His Faith, as settlers or itinerant teachers, distinguish themselves by such deeds of heroism as will rival, nay outshine, the feats accomplished nineteen hundred years ago, by that little band of God-intoxicated disciples who, fearlessly preaching the Gospel of a newly-arisen Messiah, contributed so decisively to the illumination, the regeneration and the advancement of the entire European continent.

— Shoghi

To The Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference — Stockholm, July 21-26

– 1412 –

1953-07-22 Cable to the Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference

USBN #271 September 1953 p2

Happy (to) Convey (to) assembled friends (at) epoch-making conference (the) news (of the) magnificent response (by) Bahá’í Communities (in the) East (and in the) West, (during the) course (of the) less than three-month interval separating (the) Second (and) Third Intercontinental Conferences (of this) Holy Year, to (the) call (to) arise (and) befittingly inaugurate (the) opening phase (of the) World Crusade. (The) number (of the) pioneers, (whether) white (or) colored, young (or) old (on) all continents who volunteered (for) service (in) both virgin (and) open territories (is) past (the) two hundred mark, including three offers (for the) leper colonies. Ruanda-Urundi, Samoan Islands, Daman, Southern Rhodesia, Goa, Kodiak Island (and) Italian Somaliland (are) already opened. (The) settlement (of) French Equatorial Africa, Solomon Islands, Queen Charlotte Islands, South West Africa, Cape Verde Islands, Togoland, Mauritius, Reunion Island, St. Helena Island, St. Thomas Island, Channel Islands, Aleutian Islands, Azores, Key West, Cook Islands, Monaco, Balearic Islands, Malta, Cyprus, Hebrides Islands, Northern Territories Protectorate, Seychelles, Andorra, Canary Islands, (and) French Somaliland (is) virtually assured. (The) northern outposts (of the) Faith (in the) Western Hemisphere (have been) pushed as far as Arctic Bay, Franklin, seventy-three (degrees North) latitude, (and in) Europe as far as (the) Lofoten Islands. (A) pioneer (is) en route (to) Fezzan, Libya, chosen scene (of) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s banishment by ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamíd. All (the) areas within (the) Western Hemisphere allocated (to the) United States National Assembly (are) assigned. (A) third membership (of that) same Assembly (is) joining (the) ranks (of the) pioneers. (The) remaining sister National Assemblies (are) now vying (in a) spiritual race (to) complete assignments (in) their respective continents. Funds (are) inaugurated (and) sites (are) being investigated (for the) purchase (of) land (for the) Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs (of) Rome, Panama City (and) Toronto (and for a) National Hazirátu’l-Quds (in) London. (I) appeal (to the) attendants (at this) conference, (in) thanksgiving (for the) manifold blessings abundantly showered (upon) Bahá’u’lláh’s Crusaders (to) immortalize (their) proceedings through (the) inauguration (of) funds (for the) purchase (of) sites (for) temples (in that) northern city, (the) scene (of the) present conference, (and in) Frankfurt (in the) heart (of the) European Continent. (I am) contributing two thousand pounds (for the) furtherance (of these) meritorious enterprises. (I) urge, moreover, (that the) participants, in view (of the) disproportionately small number (of) pioneers destined (for) virgin territories in relation (to the) total (of) volunteers, swell (the) roll (of) honor through enlisting promptly under (the) unfurled banner (of the) advancing hosts (of) Bahá’u’lláh. No worthier contribution can be offered (on the) altar (of) Bahá’í sacrifice, no greater honor won (during the) course (of the) Holy Year now swiftly drawing (to its) close.

— Shoghi

To The Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference — Stockholm, July 21-26

– 1413 –

1953-09-20 Pioneers to Date

USBN #273 November 1953 p1-2

Transmit (the) following joyful tidings National Spiritual Assemblies (of the) Bahá’í World. World spiritual crusade, mightiest agency yet conceived (for the) systematic execution (of) — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, (has been) befittingly ushered in through successive, magnificent victories won (by) Bahá’u’lláh’s crusaders (in) virgin territories (in) every continent (of the) globe.

Four months (have) elapsed since its glorious inauguration amidst climax (of) festivities commemorating (the) Centenary (of the) inception (of) His Mission, immortalized (by the) opening (of) no less (than) twenty-eight territories (and) islands, nine (in) Europe, eight (in) America, six (in) Africa, five (in) Asia, constituting (a) dispersal unprecedented (in) its rapidity (and) scope (during) eleven decades (of) Bahá’í history.

(The) number (of) pioneers (who) responded (to the) call (for) settlement (of) open (and) unopened territories (on the) planet passed (the) three hundred mark: over (a) hundred (and) fifty (from) America, over fifty (from) Europe, over forty (from) Africa, over forty (from) Asia. (The) number (of) prospective pioneers (to) virgin areas (is) over forty. All Western Hemisphere (and) African areas allocated (to the) United States National Assembly, as well as all European areas allocated (to the) various National Assemblies, (have been) assigned.

(The) Roll (of) Honor designed (to) perpetuate (the) memory (of the) exploits (of the) spiritual conquerors (is) already inscribed (with the) names (of the) following pioneers, together (with their) respective territories, amounting (to) almost (a) fourth (of the) number required (for the) attainment (of the) paramount objective (of the) opening phase (of the) ten year plan. Sohail Samandarí, Italian Somaliland; Mary (and) Rex Collison, Dun — duzu Chisizwa, Ruanda-Urundi; Izza — tu’lláh Zahrai, Southern Rhodesia; Ghulamal Kurlawala, Daman; Gail (and) Jameson Bond. Franklin; Roshan Aftabi, Feroza Yaganagi, Goa; Rose Perkal. Jack Huffman, Kodiak Island; Mr. (and) Mrs. Arthur Crane, Key West; Saeed Nahvi, Shyan Behrarilal, Pondicherry: Udainarayan Singh, Sikkim; Fred Schechter, French Somaliland; Virginia Orbison, Balearic Islands; Mr. (and) Mrs. Amin Banání, Greece; ‘Abbás Vakíl, Cyprus; Gertrude Eisenberg, Canary Islands; Dick Stanton. Keewatin; Mr. (and) Mrs. Jenabe Caldwell, Aleutian Islands; Edythe MacArthur, Queen Charlotte Islands; Hushmand Manu — chihri, Liechtenstein; Eskil Ljung — berg, Faroe Islands; Mildred Clark (and) Loyce Lawrence, Lofoten Islands; Salisa Kirmani. Shirin Nurani, Karikal; Zia’u’Mh Asgarzadeh, Evelyn Baxter, Channel Islands; Kay Weston. Magdalen Islands; Julius Edwards, Northern Territories Protectorate; Doris Richardson, Grand Manan Island; Charles Dunning, Orkney Islands; Nellie French, Monaco.

Countries (in which) Bahá’ís reside now aggregate over (one) hundred fifty. Over seventy (have been) added (in the) course (of the) nine years separating (the) first (and) second Jubilees.

(The) festivities (of the) Holy Year, so splendidly inaugurated, attaining (the) high water mark (on the) occasion (of the) Ninetieth Anniversary (of the) declaration (of the) Mission (of the) Founder (of the) Faith, (are) approaching (their) end. Appeal entire body (of) His followers (to) exert (a) concerted, superhuman effort (to) celebrate, through acceleration (of their) dispersal, (the) conclusion (of the) world-wide rejoicings, (and) pay worthy tribute (to) His memory, through as close (an) approach (to the) two hundred mark as possible (of the) total number (of) sovereign States, Dependencies, (and) Islands comprising (the) orbit (of) His irresistibly expanding Faith, achieving thereby a feat paralleling, (in the) eyes (of) posterity, (the) triumphant completion (of the) superstructure (of the) Sepulchre (of) its Co-Founder (at the) Bahá’í World Center (in the) Holy Land.

— Shoghi

Haifa, Israel

September 20, 1953

– 1414 –

1953-09-27 To the Aug 1953 Benelux Conf

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp122

Benelux Conference,

27 September 1953

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

The beloved Guardian has received your note sent from the Benelux Conference, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Now the wonderful Stockholm Conference has taken place, and the friends are all aware of the important tasks which have been set before them for the coming ten years.

The Guardian urges all the believers to redouble their efforts in the teaching field, and to endeavour to form new groups and new Assemblies; as the sooner this is accomplished, the more quickly the new National Assemblies will come into existence — the new pillars of the future Universal House of Justice.

He assures you all of his loving prayers for your guidance and assistance in your labours.

With warm Bahá’í love, 

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty guide, bless and sustain you and aid you to promote effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and of its nascent institutions.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

=========

This Benelux Conference was held on 15-16 August

The Third Intercontinental Teaching Conference was held in Stockholm, 21-26 July12. Some 370 Bahá’ís from 30 countries, including 14 Hands of the Cause, attended.

– 1415 –

1953-09-xx To Louhelen Junior Youth of 10 July 1953

Haifa

Israel

1 September 1953

To the Bahá’í Youth who were present at the Junior Youth Session at Louhelen Bahá’í School — July 10th

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received the letter which was signed by all of you on July 10th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Guardian was indeed happy that you have had the great bounty of meeting and knowing the devoted Hands of the Cause of God, General ‘Alá’í and Mr Samandarí, and their interpreter. The Guardian wants you to always remember what they told you, as they are indeed dedicated to the service of Bahá’u’lláh; and the beloved Guardian gave the Bahá’ís in America a very great gift in having these precious believers visit among the friends throughout the United States.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my fervent prayers for the success of your valued activities in the service of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1416 –

1953-10-07 Message To The New Delhi Intercontinental Conference

USBN #273 November 1953 p5-8

To the Hands of the Cause, the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies, the pioneers, the resident believers and visitors attending the Asian Intercontinental Teaching Conference in New Delhi, India.

Well-beloved friends:

With high hopes and a joyful heart I acclaim the convocation, in the leading city of the Indian sub-continent, of the fourth and last of the Intercontinental Teaching Conferences of a memorable Holy Year commemorating the centenary of the birth of the prophetic Mission of Bahá’u’lláh.

On this historic occasion, when the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America, of the Dominion of Canada, of Central and South America, of Persia, of the Indian sub-continent and of Burma, of ‘Iráq and of Australasia, as well as representatives of the sovereign states and dependencies of the Asiatic continent, of the Republics of North, Central and South America, and of Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are assembled, and are to deliberate on the needs and requirements of the recently launched triple Campaign embracing the Asiatic mainland, the Australian continent and the islands of the Pacific Ocean — a campaign which may well be regarded as the most extensive, the most arduous and the most momentous of all the campaigns of a world-girdling Crusade, and which, in its scope, is unparalleled in the history of the Faith in the entire Eastern Hemisphere — my thoughts, on such an occasion, go back to the early dawn of our Faith, to those unforgettable scenes of matchless heroism, of dark tragedy, of imperishable glory which heralded its birth, and accompanied the spread, of its infant Light in the heart of the Asiatic continent.

I vividly recall the meteoric rise of the Faith of the Báb in the provinces of Persia and the stirring episodes associated with His cruel incarceration in the mountain-fastnesses of Aḏhirbáyján. With the revelation of the laws of His Dispensation. With the proclamation of the independence of His Faith, with the peerless heroism of His disciples, with the fiendish cruelly of His foes — the Chief Magistrate, the civil authorises, the ecclesiastical dignitaries and the masses of the people, of His native land — with the humiliation, the spoliation, the dispersal, the eventual massacre of a vast number of His followers, and, above all, with His own execution in the City of Tabriz.

With a throb of wonder I call to mind the early and sudden fruition of His Dispensation in the capital city of that land, and the dramatic circumstances attending the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation culminating in His precipitate banishment to ‘Iráq.

I am reminded, moreover, of the initial spread of the light of this Revelation, in consequence of the banishment of Bahá’u’lláh, to the adjoining territories of ‘Iráq, and, as far as the western fringes of that continent, to Turkey and the neighboring territories of Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, and at a later stage to the Indian sub-continent and China, situated on the southern and eastern extremities of that continent as well as to the Caucasus and Russian Turkistán.

Nor can I fail to remember the series of alternating crises and victories each constituting a landmark in the evolution of the Faith — which it has experienced in some of these territories, associated with the distressful withdrawal of its Author to the mountains of Sulaymáníyyih: with the glorious Declaration of His Mission in Bag̱hdád: with His second and third banishments to Constantinople and Adrianople: with the grievous rebellion of His half-brother; with the proclamation of His own Mission; with His fourth banishment to the desolate and far-off penal colony of ‘Akká in Syria: with the revelation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas, His Most Holy Book; with His ascension in the Holy Land: with the establishment of His Covenant and the inauguration of the Ministry of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, His son and the Exemplar and authorized Interpreter of His teachings.

These opening stages in the evolution of His Faith in the Asiatic continent were followed, while the frst and Apostolic Age of His Dispensation was drawing to a close, by the opening of the Islands situated in the Pacific Ocean, Japan in the north, and the Australian continent in the South. To these memorable chapters of Asian Bahá’í history another was soon added, on the morrow of the ascension of the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, and during the initial epoch of the Formative Age of the Faith, distinguished by the rise of the Administrative Order and the erection of its pillars in the cradle of that Faith, in ‘Iráq, in India, Pákistán and Burma and in the Antipodes. This memorable episode in its development in that vast continent was succeeded by the initiation, during the second epoch of that same Age, of a series of Plans in those same territories in support of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan and as a prelude to the opening of the recently launched world-embracing Spiritual Crusade.

The hour has now struck for this continent, on whose soil, more than a century ago, so much sacred blood was shed, in whose very heart deeds of such tragic heroism were performed, and in many of whose territories such brilliant victories have been won, to contribute, in association with its sister continents, to the progress and ultimate triumph of this global Crusade, in a manner befitting its unrivalled position in the entire Bahá’í world.

The various Bahá’í Communities dwelling within the borders of this continent and those situated to the south of its shores in the Antipodes, which include the oldest and most venerable among all the communities of the Bahá’í world, and whose members in their aggregate constitute the overwhelming majority of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, are called upon, in close association with four other Bahá’í communities in the Western Hemisphere, to undertake in the course of the coming decade: First, the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, in the City of Ṭihrán, surnamed by Bahá’u’lláh “Mother of the World.” Second, the purchase of land for the future construction of three Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs, one in the City of Baghdád, enshrining the “Most Great House,” the third holiest city of the Bahá’í world, one in New Delhi, the leading city of the Indian sub-continent, and the third in Sydney, the oldest and foremost Bahá’í Center in the Antipodes. Third, the formation of no less than eleven National Spiritual Assemblies, one each in Pákistán, Burma and Ceylon, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India. Pákistán and Burma: one in Turkey and one in Afghánistán. under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia; one in Japan, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America: one in New Zealand, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand, as well as four regional National Spiritual Assemblies, one in the Arabian Peninsula, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia; one in South-East Asia, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma; a third in the South Pacific, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America; and a fourth in the Near East, under the aegis of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq. Fourth, the opening of the following forty-one virgin territories and islands: Andaman Islands, Bhutan, Daman, Diu, Goa, Karikal, Mahé, Mariana Islands, Nicobar Islands, Pondicherry, Sikkim, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma; Caroline Islands, Dutch New Guinea, Hainan Island, Kazakhstan, Macao Island, Sakhalin Island, Tibet, Tonga Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America; Brunei, Chagos Archipelago, Kirgizia, Mongolia, Solomon Islands, Tadzhikistan, Uzbekistan, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia: Admiralty — Islands, Cocos Island, Loyalty Islands, Mentawei Islands, New Hebrides Islands, Portuguese Timor, Society Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand; Gilbert and Ellice Islands, Marshall Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America; Hadhramaut, Kuria — Muria Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq; Marquesas Islands, Samoa Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Canada; Cook Islands, assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South America. Fifth, the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the following forty languages, to be undertaken by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma, in association with the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand: Abor Miri, Aneityum, Annamese, Balochi, Bentuni, Binandere, Cheremiss, Chungchia, Georgian, Houailou, Javanese, Kado, Kaili, Kopu, Kusaie, Lepcha, Lifu, Manchu, Manipuri, Manus Island, Marquesas, Mentawei, Mongolian, Mordoff, Mwala, Na-Hsi, Nicobarese, Niue, Ossete, Ostiak, Pali, Panjabi, Pashto, Perm, Petats, Samoan, Thó, Tibetan, Tonga, Vogul. Sixth, the consolidation of Aden Protectorate, Adhirbáyján, Afghánistán, Ahsá, Armenia, Bahrayn Island, Georgia, Hijáz, Saudi-Arabia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Yemen, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Persia; of Balúchistán, Borneo, Burma, Ceylon, Indo-China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Pákistán, Sarawak, Siam, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, Pákistán and Burma; of China, Formosa, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Philippine Islands, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America: of Jordan, Koweit, Lebanon, Qatar, Syria, Trucial Shaykhs, ‘Ummán, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq: of Bismarck Archipelago, Fiji, New Caledonia, Australian New Guinea, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand; of Hong Kong, allocated to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of British Isles. Seventh, the incorporation of the eleven above-mentioned National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as those of Persia and ‘Iráq. Eighth, the establishment by these above-mentioned eleven National Spiritual Assemblies of national Bahá’í endowments. With the establishment of a national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the capital cities of each of the countries where National Spiritual Assemblies are to be established, as well as one in Suva, one in Jakarta, one in Bahrayn and one in Beirut. Tenth, the establishment of a national Bahá’í Court in the capital cities of Persia, of ‘Iráq, of Pákistán and of Afghánistán — the leading Muslim centers in the Asiatic continent. Eleventh, the establishment of two national Bahá’í Publishing Trusts, one in Ṭihrán and one in New Delhi. Twelfth, the formation of Israel branches of the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá’ís of Persia, of ‘Iráq, and of Australia; authorized to hold on behalf of their parent institutions property dedicated to the holy Shrines at the World Center of the Faith in the State of Israel. Thirteenth, the appointment, during Riḍván 1954, by the Hands of the Cause in Asia and in Australia of an auxiliary Board of nine members who will, in conjunction with the eight National Spiritual Assemblies participating in the Asiatic and Australian campaigns, assist, through periodic and systematic visits to Bahá’í centers, in the efficient and prompt execution of the Plans formulated for the prosecution of the teaching campaigns in the continent of Asia and in the Antipodes.

The Asiatic continent, the cradle of the principal religions of mankind: the home of so many of the oldest and mightiest civilizations which have flourished on this planet; the crossways of so many kindreds and races: the battleground of so many peoples and nations; above whose horizons, in modern times, the suns of two independent Revelations — the promise and consummation of a six thousand year old religious Cycle — have successively arisen; where the Authors of both of these Revelations suffered banishment and died; within whose confines the Center of a divinely-appointed Covenant was born, endured a forty-year incarceration and passed away: on whose Western extremity the Qiblih of the Bahá’í world has been definitely established; in whose heart the city proclaimed by Bahá’u’lláh as the “Mother of the World” is enshrined; within whose borders another City regarded as the “Cynosure of an adoring world” and the scene of the greatest and most glorious Revelation the world has witnessed is embosomed: on whose soil so many saints, heroes and martyrs, associated with both of these Revelations, have lived, struggled and died — such a continent, so privileged among its sister continents and yet so long and so sadly tormented, now stands at the hour of the launching of a world-encompassing Crusade, on the threshold of an era that may well recall in its glory and ultimate repercussions, the great periods of spiritual revival which, from the dawn of recorded history have, at various stages in the revelation of God’s purpose for mankind, illuminated the path of the human race.

May this Crusade, launched simultaneously on the Asiatic mainland, its neighboring islands and the Antipodes, under the direction of eight National Spiritual Assemblies, and through the operation of eight systematic Teaching Plans, and the concerted efforts of Bahá’í communities in both the East and the West, provide, as it unfolds, an effective antidote to the baneful forces of atheism, nationalism, secularism and materialism that are tearing at the vitals of this turbulent continent, and may it re-enact those scenes of spiritual heroism which, more than any of the secular revolutions which have agitated its face, have left their everlasting imprint on the fortunes of the peoples and nations dwelling within its borders.

— SHOGHI

Haifa, Israel

7 October, 1953

Message To The New Delhi Intercontinental Conference

Presented by his Representative, Charles Mason Remey

– 1417 –

1953-10-14 Cable To Hands Of The Cause At New Delhi

USBN #273 November 1953 p4-5

(On the) eve (of the) conclusion (of the) festivities commemorating (the) Centenary (of the) Birth (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Ministry. (I am) moved (to) direct (the) following specific message (to the) Hands assembled (at the) Conference. In grateful recognition (of the) multiple bounties showered (in) rapid succession (upon the) Army (of the) Lord (of) Hosts (during the) course (of the) Holy Year, auspiciously ushered (in) through (the) proclamation (of the) objectives (of the) World Crusade, whose opening months witnessed (the) convocation (in the) heart (of the) African Continent (of the) First Intercontinental Teaching Conference; whose climax (was) signalized (by the) simultaneous holding (in the) heart (of) North America (of the) Intercontinental Conference (of the) Western Hemisphere, (the) Dedication (of the) Mother Temple (of the) West (and the) launching (of the) Ten Year Plan; whose record (has) been ennobled (by) two additional Intercontinental gatherings, successively convened (in the) European (and) Asiatic Continents, all eleven Hands (are) called upon (to) arise (to) enhance (the) abiding value (of their) strenuous, exemplary labors (during the) last twelve months, constituting (the) initial chapter (in) their steadily unfolding world mission.

(The) hour (is) propitious (on the) morrow (of the) last Intercontinental Conference (to) gird (your) loins (for) yet another, still wider dispersal, extending (over) one or two months (and) embracing Asia, Africa (and) Australasia, (for the) purpose (of) establishing close contact (with the) National Assemblies, advising (and) assisting Local Assemblies (and) individuals (to) attain (the) goals (of the) globe-girdling Plan.

(The) adoption (of the) following itinerary (is) recommended: Mason Remey, Dorothy Baker (and) Horace Holley (to) India, Pákistán, Burma (and) Ceylon; Ugo Giachery (to) Persia: Valíyu’lláh Varqá, Shu’a’u’-lláh — Alá’í (to) Tráq, Turkey (and) Egypt; Clara Dunn (and) ‘Alí-Akbar Furútan (to) Australia (and) New Zealand; DhikruTláh Khádem (to) Malaya (and) Japan; TarázuTláh Samandarí (and) Musá Banání (to the) Arabian Peninsula. (I am) contributing three thousand pounds (for) assistance (in the) execution (of this) meritorious enterprise.

(I) urge (the) Persian, Indian, Australian. Egyptian, (and) Tráqí National Assemblies (to) extend (the) utmost assistance, (to) arrange schedules, publicize (the) Faith wherever advisable, (and) direct Local Assemblies (to) utilize every means (in their) power (to) add momentum (to the) most ambitious undertaking (yet) embarked (upon by the) followers (of) Bahá’u’lláh (during the one) hundred ten years (of) Eahá’í history.

Haifa. Israel — Shoghi

14 October, 1953

Cable To Hands Of The Cause At New Delhi

– 1418 –

1953-10-27 To Elly Becking re Poss Pioneering to Dutch New Guinea

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp122-3

Elly Becking,

27 October 1953

Dear Baháï Sister:

Your letter of October 15th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you bn his behalf.

The Guardian was indeed delighted to learn that, although you are still so young in the Faith, you have arisen and gone forth as a pioneer to Dutch New Guinea. He will pray that you may be guided and assisted to find and confirm ready souls, so that in a short time a nucleus of active and devoted Bahá’ís will be established in that virgin area.

The Guardian hopes that, in the near future, your future husband will decide to join the ranks of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, and will lend his reinforcement to your teaching activities.

He urges you to persevere in your task and never to become disheartened, as this is a most meritorious work, and those who pioneer in virgin territories are receiving special bounties from God in this historic period.

With warm Bahá’í love,

 R. Rabbání

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

=========

Elly Becking (1918-2005) was born on Celebes (now Sulawesi) in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). She was a trained secretary and became a Bahá’í in The Hague in June31. At the Stockholm International Teaching Conf, she volunteered to pioneer to Dutch New Guinea and was named a Knight of Bahá’u’lláh arriving Oct 1953.

– 1419 –

1953-10-xx Cable To The Fourth Intercontinental Teaching Conference

USBN #273 November 1953 p2-4

(On the) occasion (of the) conclusion (of the) Holy Year (I am) overjoyed (to share the) following triple announcement (with the) attendants (at the) fourth (and) final Intercontinental Teaching Conference, marking (the) termination (of) festivities associated (with the) Centenary (of the) Birth (of) Bahá’u’lláh’s Prophetic Mission.

(The) five-year-old, three-quarter million dollar enterprise, constituting (the) final stage (in the) initial epoch (of the) evolutionary process initiated over sixty years ago (by the) Founder (of the) Faith, (in the) heart (of the) Mountain (of) God (is) consummated. (The) finishing touches (of the) installation (of) stained glass windows (in the) Drum (and) Octagon, (the) removal (of) scaffolding (from the) exterior (and) interior (of the) edifice, (the) interior calcimining (of the) Dome, Drum (and) Octagon, tuck-pointing, cleaning (and) floodlighting (the) entire Structure (have been) completed, synchronizing (with the) closing weeks (of the) glorious, twelve month annals (of the) Holy Faith.

(A) steadily swelling throng (of) visitors (from) far (and) near, (on) many days exceeding (a) thousand, (is) flocking (the) gates leading (to the) Inner Sanctuary (of this) majestic mausoleum: paying homage (to the) Queen of Carmel enthroned (on) God’s Mountain, crowned (in) glowing gold, robed (in) shimmering white, girdled (in) emerald green, enchanting every eye from air, sea, plain (and) hill.

(I am) moved (to) request (the) attendants (at the) Conference (to) hold (a) befitting memorial gathering (to) pay tribute (to the) Hand (of the) Cause, Sutherland Maxwell, immortal architect (of the) Arcade (and) Superstructure (of the) Shrine. (I) feel, moreover, acknowledgement (should) be made (at the) same gathering (to the) unflagging labors (and) vigilance (of the) Hand (of the) Cause, Ugo Giachery, (in) negotiating contracts, inspecting (and) despatching all materials required (for the) construction (of the) Edifice, as well as (of the) assiduous, constant care (of the) Hand (of the) Cause, Leroy Ioas, (in) supervising (the) construction (of) both Drum (and) Dome. To two doors (of the) Shrine recently named after (the) first two aforementioned Hands, (the) Octagon Door, now added, (will) henceforth (be) associated (with the) third Hand who contributed (to the) raising (of this) stately, sacred Structure.

(The) second announcement (is that the) world-wide process (of the) settlement (of) virgin areas (of the) globe (has been) accelerated (by the) arrival (of the) following pioneers (at their) respective posts: Cora Oliver, British Honduras; Carole (and) Dwight Allen, Greece; Mr. (and) Mrs. Xavier Rodrigues, Portuguese Guinea; Brigitte Hasselblatt, Shetlands; Elizabeth Hopper, Ada Schott. Sara Kenny (and) Mrs. Duffield, Madeira: H. J. Snider, Key West; Hugh McKinley and mother, Cyprus; Max Kenyerezi, French Equatorial Africa; Elsa Grossmann, Frisian Islands; Helen Robinson, Baranof; Mr. (and) Mrs. Ted Anderson, Yukon; Tabendeh Payman, San Marino, swelling (the) Roll of Honor, raising (the) number (of) territories (within the) pale (of the) Faith (to one) hundred sixty-five. Two additional pioneers (are) proceeding (to) leper colonies (in) Puerto Rico (and) French Guiana. Two valiant pioneers (from) India (and) America (are) preparing entry (into) Tibet. Two more members (of the) United States National Assembly (have) volunteered (to) pioneer, raising (the) number (to) five. United States pioneers (are) departing (to) twenty-four virgin territories ere (the) conclusion (of the) Holy Year. (The) Feast (of) Names (was) celebrated last August (by) two stalwart Crusaders (at the) weather station (at) Buchanan Bay (on) desolate Ellesmere Island, latitude seventy-nine, less (than) seven hundred miles (from the) North Pole. (The) irresistibly unfolding Crusade (has been) sanctified (by the) death (of) heroic, eighty-eight year old Ella Bailey, elevating her (to the) rank (of the) Martyrs (of the) Faith, shedding further luster (on the) American Bahá’í Community (and) consecrating (the) soil (of the) fast awakening African Continent.

(The) third announcement (is that) preliminary steps (have been) taken, aiming (at the) acquisition (of an) extensive area (at the) head (of the) Holy Mountain, scene (of the) Revelation (of the) Tablet (of) Carmel, preparatory (to the) purchase (of the) site (for the) future Mother Mashriqu’1-Adhkár (of the) Holy Land, made possible (by the) munificent hundred thousand dollar donation (of the) Hand (of the) Cause. Amelia Collins, signalizing (the) opening (of the) second stage (in the) unfoldment (of the) mighty process set (in) motion (by the) Author (of the) Faith.

(This) triple bounty vouchsafed (the) Community (of the) Most Great Name, scattered (over the) face (of the) planet, calls for tremendous, immediate, concerted exertion (by the) assembled believers (in order) adequately (to) discharge (this) triple responsibility. First, redoubled consecration (to the) pioneering task, particularly (in the) Pacific area emphasized (in the) Tablets (of the) Divine Plan, raising thereby, ere adjournment (of the) Conference, (the) number (of) territories opened (to the) Faith or assigned pioneers (for) immediate settlement (to) above two hundred. Second, (the) demonstration (of) increasing self-sacrifice through (the) inauguration (of) Funds (for the) purchase (of) land (for) future Temples (on the) Asiatic continent (and the) Antipodes, (in) Bag̱hdád, New Delhi (and) Sydney. (I am) contributing three thousand pounds (for the) furtherance (of these) meritorious enterprises. Third, earnest consultation (by) representatives (of the) Persian (and) ‘Iráqí National Assemblies, directly concerned (with the) Holy Task with (the) assembled Hands (of the) Cause (on) ways (and) means (to) conduct (a) thorough investigation (to) ensure purchase (of the) Holy Places, particularly (the) site (of the) Síyáh-C̱hál, (the) Cradle (of the) Revelation (to the) Author (of the) Faith, as well as (the) identification (and) transfer (to) Bahá’í cemeteries (of the bodies of the) relatives (of the) Báb (and) Bahá’u’lláh, constituting vital objectives (of the) Ten Year Plan.

(I am) ardently hoping, fervently supplicating (that this) epochal Conference, setting (the) seal (on the) celebration (of the) Second Bahá’í Jubilee, (may) contribute (in an) unprecedented degree through (the) character (of) its deliberations, (the) solidity (of its) achievements, (the) scope (of its) accomplishments (to the) ultimate attainment (of the) shining goals (of the) World Crusade, destined (to) culminate (in the) not far distant Most Great Jubilee associated (with the) hundredth Anniversary (of the) Assumption (by) Bahá’u’lláh (of) His Prophetic Office.

— Shoghi

Haifa, Israel

October, 1953

Cable To The Fourth Intercontinental Teaching Conference, New Delhi, India

– 1420 –

1953-11-14 To the Hague and Rotterdam Response to Birth of Bahá’u’lláh Greetings

Dear Co-worker: Messages from Shoghi Effendi to the Benelux countries, pp123

The Bahá’ís of the Hague and Rotterdam,

14 November 1953

LOVING APPRECIATION PRAYERS — SHOGHI

– 1421 –

1953-12-13 Response to Dunning Knight to Orkneys

Islands of the North Sea

compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

published in Bahá’í Studies Review, 6, 1996

Your loving letter of recent date has been received, telling of your settlement in Kirkwall, and the progress of your work.

The Guardian is praying for the success of your endeavours. It is his prayer that your difficult path may be straightened, and that through your services in the Orkney Islands, many will be confirmed in the Faith….

The overall principle is that pioneers, once in the virgin areas, should not leave unless it becomes absolutely necessary; and then only after consultation with the National Assembly who is in charge of the particular territory

13 December 1953, from a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to Charles Dunning, Knight of Bahá’u’lláh to the Orkney Islands. see BW XIV pp305-8

– 1422 –

1954-01-24 Follow in Footsteps of Dorothy Baker

Shirin Boman, Ṭáhirih K Vajdi, pp23-24

“It is very sad to think that the dear Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Baker, whom you wrote about in your letter, so earnestly pleading with the Guardian that she made another trip to India, has been killed. Her place is indeed empty in the Bahá’í world; and she will be greatly missed, not only because of her lovable character, which won the hearts of all who knew her, but because of the great services she was capable of rendering the Faith, services so much needed in these historic years of the Ten Year World Crusade.

“He urges you to follow in the footsteps of this noble soul, and to do all you can on your part, to attract the Hindu element to the Faith. This is of the utmost importance for the progress of the Cause in India.”

[on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to Shirin Boman, 24 Jan 1954]

– 1423 –

1954-04-04 Translated From The Persian re Purpose of Ḥuqúqu’lláh

Stewardship and Development p176

compiled for the USNSA 2005

In accordance with the explicit text of the Will and Testament, Ḥuqúqu’lláh should be expended on teaching the Cause of God in countries throughout the East and the West, establishing institutions, building Bahá’í Temples and promoting benevolent undertakings and the general weal.

– 1424 –

1954-04-21 Spiritual Souls will Gather Together Verses of God

In one of the Tablets, the Pen of the Most High, referring to this foundation [The International Archives Building], which provides the best and surest, the soundest and most perfect means of collecting, safeguarding and classifying the scattered, but growing body, of Sacred Writings and relics, states: ‘It is the concern of the True One to reveal, and the concern of men to spread what hath been revealed. He will, verily, promulgate His Cause by the hands of His scattering and well-favoured angels. Spiritual souls will assuredly emerge from behind the veil of divine protection who will gather together the tokens and verses of God and put them into the most excellent order. This is His sure and irrevocable decree.’

Naw-Rúz 1954 to the Bahá’ís of the East — translated from the Persian

Writings, Bahá’í: Importance of collecting and safeguarding

compiled by Bahá’í International Archives.

published in Bahá’í Studies Review, 11, pages 100-102

– 1425 –

1954-04-22 On Behalf of to an Individual re Not Rely on Others Categorical Assertions

You speak of the categorical affirmations of Rudolph Steiner in his book regarding certain things commencing with Christ, and that He was the reincarnation of Zoroaster.

We as Bahá’ís are not influenced by the categorical assertions of scholars. We believe that what Bahá’u’lláh has revealed and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has written is from God, and divinely inspired; that Bahá’u’lláh is a Manifestation of God, and has access to a knowledge denied to ordinary human beings.

Therefore, he does not see why, in reading these modern philosophical treatises, you should be perturbed in spirit.

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. If they do not set it forth with conviction, they are failing in their duty to expose their ideas sincerely and graphically; but because they believe something firmly themselves, does not in any way imply that what they believe is the truth. Between the truth which comes from God through His Prophets, and the glimmerings, often misunderstood and misinterpreted, of truth, which comes from the philosophers and thinkers, there is an immense difference. We must never, under any circumstances, confuse the two.

Bahá’u’lláh has said that learning can be the veil between the soul of man and the eternal truth; in other words, between man and the knowledge of God. We have seen that many people who become very advanced in the study of modern physical sciences are led to deny God, and to deny His Prophets. That does not mean that God and the Prophets have not and do not exist. It only means that knowledge has become a veil between their hearts and the light of God.

You ask why the Manifestation of God for this day, in other words, Bahá’u’lláh, has not given all the detailed answers to the theories advanced by occultists, spiritualists and many of the more abstruse philosophers of the present day.

It would be absolutely impossible for anyone to answer all the questions that might be asked by the curious, whether scholars or ordinary people, on any subject. If the Prophet of God only came to this world in order to answer people’s questions, and elucidate all the “nonsense,” for the most part, that people have gotten together and formed into cults and philosophies, They would have no time to instruct man by Their example and through Their Teachings in a new way of life.

We must turn aside from these vain imaginings and suppositions and philosophizings of the world, and fix our eyes upon the clear stream of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. Out of these teachings, and the society which they will create on this planet, will come a solution to all of the problems of men. Gradually, greater scholars, more deeply spiritual thinkers, will be able to answer from a Bahá’í standpoint many of these questions. It is not necessary that they should be in the divine text; they can be studied and learned in the future; but at present we have not had time to evolve the Bahá’í scholars who can deal with these subjects in detail, and take upon themselves to answer the abstruse points and the many unfounded doctrines which are advanced by modern philosophers.

The Guardian urges you to turn your mind away from these abstrusities, and devote yourself, not only to studying the books at hand in the French language, of our Faith, but also to teaching other people.

It is very unlikely that you will be able to successfully argue with, or to convert, any of the people who study these topics you have mentioned in your letter. They are more interested in mystical things, and in mystery itself, than in this present world in which we live, and how to solve its problems. They enjoy abstractions and complications. Minds such as these are not going to be able to accept the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, which is for here and now, and which involves the purification of the mind, and an application of His teachings to daily life.

He therefore urges you to set aside all of these thoughts from your mind, to turn with a loving and prayerful heart to Bahá’u’lláh, and ask Him to guide you daily to souls that are receptive to, and ready to receive, His Message, and not harass yourself any more with these idle questions, which in the first place, cannot be answered, and in the second place, for the most part do not require an answer, because they are not sufficiently important in themselves.

What Bahá’u’lláh means by the faculty of sight and hearing is the physical faculty, not a spiritual abstraction. He means that we have been given eyes and ears to appreciate what goes on in this world, by Almighty God; in other words, we can read the Teachings and listen to the Message of the Prophet. This is to be taken literally.

We know from His Teachings that Reincarnation does not exist. We come on to this planet once only. Our life here is like the baby in the womb of its mother, which develops in that state what is necessary for its entire life after it is born. The same is true of us. Spiritually we must develop here what we will require for the life after death. In that future life, God through His mercy, can help us to evolve characteristics which we neglected to develop while we were on this earthly plane. It is not necessary for us to come back and be born into another body in order to advance spiritually and grow closer to God.

This is the Bahá’í Teaching, and this is what the followers of Bahá’u’lláh must accept, regardless of what experiences other people may feel they have. You yourself must surely know that modern psychology has taught that the capacity of the human mind for believing what it imagines, is almost infinite. Because people think they have a certain type of experience, think they remember something of a previous life, does not mean they actually had the experience, or existed previously. The power of their mind would be quite sufficient to make them believe firmly such a thing had happened.

We must use the Writings of the Prophets as our measurement. If Bahá’u’lláh had attached the slightest importance to occult experiences, to the seeing of auras, to the hearing of mystic voices; if He had believed that reincarnation was a fact, He, Himself, would have mentioned all of these things in His Teachings. The fact that He passed over them in silence shows that to Him, they had either no importance or no reality, and were consequently not worthy to take up His time as the Divine Educator of the human race.

We must turn our faces away from these things, and toward the actual practice of His Teachings in our every-day life throughout Bahá’í Administration, and in our contact with other people and the examples we give.

– 1426 –

1954-04-22 To Marie Claudet re Abilities of Bahá’í Scholars

Bahá’í Studies Bulletin Vol 5 #1-2 September 1985 pp74-81

Selected Extracts On Philosophy

…at present we have not had time to evolve the Bahá’í scholars who can deal with these subjects in detail, and take upon themselves to answer the abstruse points and the many unfounded doctrines which are advanced by modern philosophers.

– 1427 –

1954-04-29 To Israeli Pres Ben Zvi Offering to Visit

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p293

…It was a pleasure to meet Your Excellency and Mrs. Ben Zvi, and be able to show you one of our places of Bahá’í pilgrimage in Israel…If it suits your convenience, Mrs. Rabbání and I, accompanied by Mr. Ioas, would like to call upon Your Excellency and Mrs. Ben Zvi in Jerusalem…

=========

arrangements were made to meet May 26

– 1428 –

1954-04-xx The Continent Of Africa Is Pre-Eminent

USBN #280 June 1954

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The resounding victories won during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade have brought great happiness to the beloved Guardian. Ninety-nine of the virgin areas have been settled, and it is hoped all areas outside of the Iron Curtain countries will be settled by the end of the Riḍván period.

The continent of Africa is pre-eminent in its record of achievement. The spread of the Faith has been miraculous there. Since the opening of the Crusade, fifty territories and islands have been opened. Bahá’ís are now living in one hundred 2nd sixty cities of the country. There are over sixty tribes represented in the Bahá’í population. Literature has been translated into over twenty-five languages.

Uganda is the area producing the most remarkable results. Two years ago there were no Bahá’ís in that territory — today the Faith is established in over sixty cities; — there are thirteen Spiritual Assemblies. Over ten more Spiritual Assemblies will be added April 21, 1954; over six hundred new African Bahá’ís have enrolled.

The beloved Guardian directs that we ponder deeply the great victories won in Uganda, and the reasons why they were achieved. We should analyze why similar victories have not been won everywhere in the Bahá’í world, particularly in North America, the land of the chosen trustees of the Master’s Divine Plan.

Completely dedicated to their sacred mission, consecrated to the great service they had undertaken. their lives and conduct in accordance with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the original pioneers to Uganda arose with prayerful zeal to carry the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom to the native inhabitants. They demonstrated that the Bahá’í has no prejudice of any type. Through their loving association on the basis of equality, they soon won the hearts and souls of the people.

So effective has been their teaching, that the new African Bahá’ís have arisen in numbers to carry the Message throughout the land, not only Uganda, but other consolidation territories, and more important, in virgin areas of the Crusade. Over six of the virgin areas of the Crusade have been filled by the new African Bahá’ís.

The peoples generally are seeking the light of Divine Guidance. The problems of the world have awakened the populace. It only remains for the Bahá’ís to raise the Call and give the Message according to the high standards enunciated by the beloved Master. The world can become alive with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, if the Bahá’ís fulfill their sacred obligations.

In pioneering fields, and on the home front, the friends must arise with the same spirit of dedication and consecration which animated the original pioneers. If they do, they will be astonished at the great results they will achieve. The Guardian calls expectantly to the believers of America, the favored friends of the Master, to arise now, and gain such victories in the Teaching Field, both at home and abroad, as to astonish the Bahá’í world, even surpassing the victories of Africa. He particularly awaits the response of the dedicated souls, white and colored, who will raise the Call among the Negroes of America.

Setting aside all the shibboleths of present day living, leaving behind the false standards of those endeavoring to solve the world’s problems by weak platitudes, and demonstrating the new Bahá’í way of dynamic spiritual living, let them, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, arise to spread the Water of Life over America. This will produce the results which the cries of humanity today require. Where are the spiritual souls who will now seize their opportunity, and achieve immortal glory in the service of the Faith!

Faithfully yours,

(signed) LEROY Ioas

Assistant Secretary

“The Continent Of Africa Is Pre-Eminent”

to USNSA

April 1953

– 1429 –

1954-04-xx To Enoch Olinga re African Believer Virgin Territories

and the tree clapped their hands, p272 Esther Tanyi

URGENT ENTRY AFRICAN BELIEVER VIRGIN TERRITORIES BRITISH FRENCH TOGOLANDS ASHANTI PROTECTORATE NORTHERN TERRITORIES PROTECTORATE BEFORE RIḌVÁN. WILL ENSURE VICTORY. SHOGHI.

– 1430 –

1954-05-05 To the Salas re Pioneering in Comoros and Zululand

Tending the Garden: A Biography of Emeric and Rosemary Sala, p101

Haifa, Israel

May 5,1954

Mr. and Mrs. Emeric Sala

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letters, one from Mrs. Sala, dated February 20th, and two from Mr. Sala, dated March 25th and April 15th, have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He fully realizes how deep your disappointment has been that you are not able to secure your visa for the Comoro Islands. He himself was deeply disappointed also. However, some of these places are extremely difficult to enter; and he hopes that where you have failed, at least for the time being, someone else will prove successful at a later date.

He urges you, upon your arrival in Zululand, to find out the status of the Cause in neighbouring places, and, if it is possible for you to settle in one of the neighbouring countries where the Center is much weaker, and where it is more difficult for people to get established, and there is a better possibility for people like yourselves to build up a business and remain, that you by all means go to the weaker Center, in preference to Zululand, which now has a certain number of pioneers.

He assures you that the example that you and the Robarts have shown has moved him very deeply, and he hopes it will stir the Canadian Community, and impress upon them the advisability of answering the pioneer call now, while the field is open, and the opportunities and the rewards so glorious.

You are often remembered in his prayers in the holy Shrines, and he is supplicating that you may be richly blessed, and meet with success in both your teaching efforts and in your personal affairs.

With warmest Bahá’í love,

R.Rabbání

May the Beloved bless your constant endeavours, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to enrich the record of your meritorious services to His Faith.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1431 –

1954-05-06 Guardian Expects An Upsurge Of Activity

USBN #282 August 1954 p1

As the Guardian cabled the entire Bahá’í world at the time of the Conventions, he hopes that the dynamic spirit which was generated during the first year of the Plan will be augmented during the second year of the Plan, and all the Bahá’ís arise everywhere with renewed effort in order to spread the Glad-Tidings. This year must mark a very substantial increase in the number of Bahá’ís throughout the world — on the homefronts, in the consolidation areas, and in the virgin areas. Particular attention should be paid to the home fronts and the consolidation areas. As the Guardian indicates, he is expecting “an upsurge of activity which, in its range and intensity, will excel the exploits which have so greatly enlarged the limits, and noised abroad the fame, of the Cause of God.”

The Guardian urges that all the Bahá’ís center their complete attention on the obligations of the Ten Year Crusade. He feels that no new activities should be undertaken of any type, whether of a local or a national nature. The friends must concentrate on the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, which are principally national and universal. For instance, no local Haziras should be considered during the Ten Year Crusade, no projects on a national scale should be considered which do not definitely relate themselves to the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade. Funds should not be used for any purpose except the objects of the Ten Year Crusade.

We are embarked upon the greatest spiritual drama the world has ever witnessed and it is going to require the sacrifice of every individual, every community and every Assembly, whether local or national, in order to reach the goals. The Guardian feels they can be reached if we will concentrate, and not allow our attention to be diverted for a moment for any purpose whatsoever.

(May 6,3. )

– 1432 –

1954-05-07 To Meerburgs re Pioneering to New Guinea Indonesia

The Bábí Question You Mentioned, Jelle deVries, p245

He was very happy indeed to see that you have been united, and that you are going to be able to establish a permanent residence in New Guinea, and teach the Faith there. He attaches the greatest possible importance to your presence in that virgin country; and he urges you under no circumstances to abandon your post, but to perservere, and with tact and patience gradually build up contacts with the local people, so that you can seek out those souls who are waiting to hear the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and will prove the most receptive.

The most important thing for the pioneers to do in these countries into which it is difficult to gain entry, is to be very careful not to antagonize the officials, the missionaries or the local people, as this might cause them to be deprived of their possibilities of gaining a livelihood, or to be driven out of the country and to have their visa suspended.

To remain, to keep the beacon burning, to teach the Faith discreetly and to establish a foundation, is the work of every single in the Ten Year Crusade.

– 1433 –

1954-05-11 To Uganda Teaching Committee re Proud of Achievements

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p187-8

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your letters of June 15, October 15 and November 25 1953, with enclosures, have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is also, in order to save himself the extra effort of yet another letter, replying to the personal one from Mr Hainsworth, dated January 2827. As he has answered him through a letter written by me, and has also cabled him, I will not go into detail in this letter. The Guardian hopes that, at a future date, it will be possible for him to make the pilgrimage. During the coming months it is out of the question.

The news which your Committee has conveyed to him has greatly rejoiced his heart. Indeed he feels that, of all the countries in the Bahá’í World, Uganda has made the most progress since the inception of the Faith there a few years back and indeed during this year. He is immensely proud of the achievements of both the pioneers there and the African converts to the Faith. They have set a very high standard, and shown forth most exemplary devotion. The spirit of the African believers is very touching, very noble, and indeed presents a challenge to their fellow Bahá’ís all over the world. It seems that God has endowed these races, living in the so-called ‘dark’ continent, with great spiritual faculties, and also with mental faculties which, as they mature in the Faith, will contribute immensely to the whole, throughout the Bahá’í World.

The power of Bahá’u’lláh is being witnessed during the opening years of the Ten-Year Crusade, we might almost say, as never before. Certainly in the teaching field, there has been the most extraordinary leap forward — in one year, one hundred countries!

He will remember all of you also in his prayers in the Holy Shrines, and he compliments you on the wonderful work which you have done during the past year. All the Bahá’ís, including the Guardian himself, are very proud of Uganda.

Assuring you of my personal prayers for the success of every of every effort you exert for the promotion of our beloved Faith, and the realisation of every hope you cherish in the service.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1434 –

1954-05-23 Most Import Ant Thing For Bahá’í Schools

USBN #282 August 1954 p2

He (the Guardian) thinks the less time spent on such topics as Current Events in the light of the Bahá’í Faith” and “The Bahá’í Faith and Modern Science” the better. There is no harm in having an evening lecture by a qualified speaker once on each of these subjects, but he certainly does not feel that much time should be spent on them, for the very simple reason that there is so little that can be said on the subject. The Bahá’ís are not scientists, and cannot very well go into details of the relation of the Bahá’í Faith to Modern Science; and “Current Events in the Light of the Bahá’í Faith” is also a topic which can be dealt with briefly.

He feels that the most important thing for the Bahá’í Schools all over the world at present to do is to strongly impress upon the Bahá’í attendants the urgency of arising not only to fulfill pioneer goals and to consolidate the work on the home front, which is getting weaker every year instead of stronger, but also to bring home to the friends the necessity of dispersing.

He is quite serious in stating that he believes that even in the large cities, such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, Baltimore, etc., the Cause would not suffer if the membership were reduced to fifteen. The Bahá’ís, who have been struggling for practically fifty years to attract people to the Faith in these immense cities, have been wholly unsuccessful, when one considers the slight numerical increase in the voting lists. He therefore feels that they had better go out and teach in towns and villages. They will be safer, in case war should break out, and they will be better off spiritually, away from these centers of intense materialism, where so much time is wasted on trivialities and non-essentials.

The Bahá’ís must realize that they belong to a world-wide Order, and not an American civilization. They must try and introduce the Bahá’í atmosphere of life and thought into their Summer Schools, rather than making the Summer School an episode and a pleasant vacation period, during which they learn a little more about the Faith.

– 1435 –

1954-05-24 Share Example Marion Jack

Quoted in Never be Afraid to Dare, Jasion, p228-9

He would suggest that, when writing to the European centres, you share with the believers the glorious example of the life of Marion Jack. Young or old could never find a more inspiring pioneer in whose footsteps to walk, than this wonderful soul.

For over thirty years, with an enlarged heart and many other ailments she remained at her post in Bulgaria. Never well-to-do, she often suffered actual poverty and want: want of heat, want of clothing, want of food, when her money failed to reach her because Bulgaria had come under the Soviet zone of influence. She was bombed, lost her possessions, she was evacuated, she lived in drafty, cold dormitories for many, many months in the country, she returned, valiant, to the capital of Bulgaria after the war and continued, on foot, to carry out her teaching work.

The Guardian himself urged her strongly, when the war first began to threaten to cut her off’ in Bulgaria, to go to Switzerland. She was a Canadian subject and ran great risks by remaining, not to mention the dangers and privations of war. However, she begged the Guardian not to insist and assured him her one desire was to remain with her spiritual children. This she did, up to the last breath of her glorious life. Her tomb will become a national shrine, immensely loved and revered, as the Faith rises in stature in that country.

He thinks that every Bahá’í and most particularly those who have left their homes and gone to serve in foreign fields, should know of, and turn their gaze to, Marion Jack.

[letter to European Teaching Committee, 25 May 1954]

– 1436 –

1954-05-24 To Philip Hainsworth re Photos of Africa Bahá’ís

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p152-3

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

The beloved Guardian thanks you for the photographs you sent in your letter of March 25th, which he was very interested to see.

He was delighted with the progress of the work in Uganda, and he hopes that, now the Africa Committee is going to give more support to Kenya, and to dear Ted Cardell, we will find that he is getting on as well in Nairobi as you are in Kampala! Your work and you yourself, are very dear to his heart.

With loving greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Beloved whose Cause you are serving with such a devotion, zeal, ability and perseverance, reward, bless, and sustain you and enable you to continually enrich the record of your splendid services to His Faith,

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi

=========

Several of these photos are in an honored place in Bahjí.

– 1437 –

1954-05-24 Tomb of Marian Jack to Become National Shrine

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #27

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Her tomb will become a national shrine, immensely loved and revered, as the Faith rises in stature in that country.

(24 May 1954 to the European Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States)

[Reference to Marion Jack]

– 1438 –

1954-05-xx Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár for Persia

USBN #282 August 1954 p1-2

Very active consideration is now being given to the erection of the Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár for Persia. The Guardian has asked the Persian Bahá’ís to submit plans for this noble edifice. They have provided him with some plans.

Owing to the great importance of this unique structure, the beloved Guardian feels submissions should be made by Bahá’í architects from many parts of the world; and he is therefore asking your Assemblies to inform the friends that he would value any suggestions or plans which any of the Bahá’ís may wish to submit for this sacred enterprise. Will you please let the friends know that the Guardian will appreciate any submissions anyone might wish to make.

In height, the building should be not more than '10 meters, although he feels perhaps a building 65 meters high is sufficient. The building should be wider than the Temple in Chicago, so as to accommodate more people. The interior plans should be so set up as to develop a spaciousness.

Of course, it is understood by that the building should be circular in shape, and nine-sided. The Guardian does not wish detailed blueprint drawings, but he would like a general drawing of the proposals which anyone wishes to submit.

It is probably best that the friends submit their proposals to the National Assembly, so that the National Assembly may in turn send them on directly here to the Holy Land.

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings,

– 1439 –

1954-06-03 To President Ben Zvi re Tnx for Hospitality

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p294

I wish to thank you and Mrs. Ben Zvi for your kin hospitality. Mrs. Rabbání and I enjoyed our visit with you very much, and I feel sure that this opportunity we have had of visiting with you our Bahá’í Holy Places and calling upon you in the capital of Israel has served to reinforce the bonds of affection and esteem which unite the Bahá’ís to the people and Government of Israel. With kind regards to you and Mrs. Ben Zvi…

– 1440 –

1954-06-10 For Shoghi Effendi to Individual Believer re the Seed of the Spirit

Unrestrained as the Wind: A life dedicated to Baháʼuʼlláh

compiled by U.S. Bahá’í National Youth Committee

When a person becomes a Bahá’í, actually what takes place is that the seed of the spirit starts to grow in the human soul. This seed must be watered by the outpourings of the Holy Spirit. These gifts of the spirit are received through prayer, meditation, study of the Holy Utterances and service to the Cause of God. The fact of the matter is that service in the Cause is like the plough which ploughs the physical soil when seeds are sown. It is necessary that the soil be ploughed up, so that it can be enriched, and thus cause a stronger growth of the seed. In exactly the same way the evolution of the spirit takes place through ploughing up the soil of the heart so that it is a constant reflection of the Holy Spirit. In this way the human spirit grows and develops by leaps and bounds.

– 1441 –

1954-06-20 Various to NSA

USBN #283 September 1954 p1-2

He was very pleased to note that a Certificate of Excellence was awarded to the Publishing Committee. There is no doubt that we cannot make our publications too attractive, especially as they are being so much more widely circulated than before. He placed the Certificate in the mansion in Bahjí.

The Pioneer Record

The phenomenal progress which has been made throughout the Bahá’í world in settling the virgin countries during the first year of the Ten Year Crusade has been a source of great joy and comfort to the Guardian. Over-worked and often tired out as he is, the news of the arrival of pioneers in over one hundred posts has, one might almost say, kept him going. He is very proud of their achievements — the American pioneers and all their co-workers who have arisen to answer this mighty call. However, this is only the beginning. The next step is to keep these virgin areas open and settled with at least one pioneer, and preferably, of course, two or three; and to get pioneers into the few remaining countries outside the Soviet zone of influence.

He thinks that, in spite of a few lapses from duty, so to speak, the record is remarkable, and that your Assembly and your Committees handling the pioneers in different continents have every reason to feel proud and gratified over your success. The pioneers themselves must realize that not only are they fulfilling the wishes of Bahá’u’lláh, and doing that which the Master Himself said He longed to do; namely, to go, if necessary on foot, and carry His Father’s Message to all the regions of the earth; but they are enhancing the prestige of the Faith to a remarkable degree in the eyes of the public, and especially in the eyes of officials. There is no doubt that the rapid forward march of the Faith recently has attracted a far greater measure of attention on the part of thoughtful people, and people of position in society and in educational fields, than has been the case for almost one hundred years. Therefore, each pioneer must feel his responsibility very heavily, and understand that his calling is far above the average service; and his duty to remain at his post a very pressing one indeed.

The Auxiliary Board

The Guardian feels sure that the Auxiliary Boards recently appointed by the Hands of the Cause will stimulate and help the teaching work, which of course includes pioneer work, and be a prop and mainstay to the often over-worked and overburdened National Spiritual Assemblies, as well as to the Hands of the Cause who are carrying, usually, heavy administrative loads in addition to their exalted position as Hands.

The general principle is that the National Spiritual Assembly to which a country has been allotted, is responsible for the progress of the Faith there, and the unfoldment of its administrative activities, regardless of whether the territory in question is the possession of a nation other than that which the National Assembly in question represents.

In other words, your Assembly might be carrying out teaching work in British, Portuguese, Spanish or French territories, and the British, Portuguese, Spanish or French Assemblies would have nothing to do with the matter.

Concern over the Home Front

He is very concerned over the work on the homefront. The American Bahá’ís have, with devotion, enthusiasm and confidence, gone out to answer the pioneer call all over the world, but he does not feel that they have made an adequate response to the needs of the work in the United States.

He has been told that some of the friends are disturbed over reports brought back by the pilgrims concerning the dangers facing America in the future whenever another world conflagration breaks out.

He does not feel that the Bahá’ís should waste time dwelling on the dark side of things. Any intelligent person can understand from the experiences of the last world war, and keeping abreast of what modern science has developed in the way of weapons for any future war, that big cities all over the world are going to be in tremendous danger. This is what the Guardian has said to the pilgrims.

Entirely aside from this, he has urged the Bahá’ís, for the sake of serving the Faith, to go out from these centers of intense materialism, where life nowadays is so hurried and grinding and, dispersing to towns and villages, carry the Message far and wide through the cities of the American Union. He strongly believes that the field outside the big cities is more fertile, that the Bahá’ís in the end will be happier for having made this move, and that, in case of an outbreak of war, it stands to reason they will be safer, just the way any other person living in the country, or away from the big industrial areas, is safer.

Pilgrim’s Notes

It is remarks such as these that the pilgrims have carried back in their notes. He sees no cause for alarm, but he certainly believes that the Bahá’ís should weigh these thoughts, and take action for the sake of spreading the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and for their own ultimate happiness as well. Indeed the two things go together.

Increase in Local Assemblies

He hopes that during the present year there will be a great surge forward on the home front, that the number of Assemblies will be markedly multiplied, and that also there will be more incorporations of Spiritual Assemblies. The Ten Year Plan, if the friends will study it, comprises not only glamorous goals far afield, but extremely important ones near at hand. If these are not achieved, the Plan will have failed.

He knows from his past experience, and his long association with the American Bahá’ís in the service of the Faith, that they are capable of arising and meeting the requirements of the hour, and he feels sure that, at this period in their Bahá’í history, they are going to demonstrate their sterling qualities just as they always have in the past.

Temple Dependency

As he has already informed your Assembly, he feels that the first Bahá’í institution to be built in the neighborhood of the Temple at Wilmette should be a Home for the Aged. There are a number of reasons for this. First of all, it need not be a very expensive undertaking in the beginning, or require a tremendous outlay of capital. Second, he believes that it is now time for the Bahá’ís to show the people of the world that our aim of rendering service to humanity is a concrete thing, and not confined to words. Until now, the Bahá’ís have not been in any position to create philanthropic institutions, and they have often been criticized for this. He feels therefore that in a small way they can now begin, through the founding of this first institution in the neighborhood of the Temple.

Bahá’í Symbol on Tombstones

In regard to your question regarding the use of the Greatest Name on tombstones of Bahá’ís, the Guardian considers this too sacred to be placed in such a position in general use, and the friends should not use it on their tombstones. They can use quotations from the Teachings, if they wish to, but not the Greatest Name. Naturally, if anyone has already used it, it does not matter.

Marriage to a Non-Bahá’í

The general principle in regard to the marriage of a Bahá’í to a non-Bahá’í is as follows: If a Bahá’í marries a non-Bahá’í who wishes to have …….. the religious ceremony of his own sect carried out, it must be quite clear that, first, the Bahá’í partner is understood to be a Bahá’í by religion, and not to accept the religion of the other party to the marriage through having his or her religious ceremony; and second, the ceremony must be of a nature which does not commit the Bahá’í to any declaration of faith in a religion other than his own.

Under these circumstances, the Bahá’í can partake of the religious ceremony of his non-Bahá’í partner. The Bahá’í should insist on having the Bahá’í ceremony carried out before or after the non-Bahá’í one, on the same day.

— R. RABBANI,

Secretary

June 20, 1954

– 1442 –

1954-06-24 To Central America NSA re General Goals

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp98-102

Dear and Valued Co-workers:

The Central American Bahá’í Community, occupying so pivotal a position in the heart of the Western Hemisphere, stands, at this hour, marking at once the termination of the opening phase of the Bahá’í World Spiritual Crusade and the commencement of the second period in its unfoldment, on the threshold of an epoch of glorious expansion, both within its homeland as well as in foreign fields.

Its members can do no better than to recall at this juncture, with joyous gratitude, the series of historic events which have led, in the course of almost four decades to its gradual emergence, its rapid rise and steady consolidation. The epoch-making travels of some of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s disciples, headed by the incomparable Martha Root, during the concluding years of the Heroic, and the opening decade of the Formative Age of the Faith, in response to the call raised by the Centre of the Covenant in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, may be regarded as the prelude to the formal and definite introduction of the Faith in that vast and prominent region. His preliminary years of wide-spread and strenuous seed sowing paved the way, on the morrow of the establishment of the framework of the Administrative Order of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere, for the launching of the First Seven Year Plan formulated by the American Bahá’í Community which culminated in the laying of the Administrative foundations of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Republics of Central America and the Antilles. This initial stage in the rise and establishment of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in the heart of the Western Hemisphere was immediately followed by the initiation of yet another Plan which attained its climax, on the morrow of the centenary of the Bib’s martyrdom, through the formation of the Central American Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly, — an auspicious event that was befittingly celebrated in the course of the festivities commemorating the centenary of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission. This notable and unforgettable event in the annals of the Faith in the New World was destined to be succeeded by the launching of a small albeit carefully devised plan by the newly launched National Spiritual Assembly and which culminated in those same never to be forgotten festivities. The launching of this Plan was in itself a prelude to the initiation of a Ten-Year Plan, formulated to meet the immediate needs of the Central American Bahá’í Community, in conjunction with a Spiritual Crusade embarked upon by National Bahá’í Communities throughout the entire globe.

The opening phase of this Ten-Year Plan, which may be said to have inaugurated the Mission of this same community beyond its homeland has now drawn to a close, a year that has witnessed the opening, with a single exception, of all the virgin territories assigned, in accordance with that same Plan, to this community.

This great victory, in which the followers of the Faith in Central America have themselves played a notable part, and which has virtually set the seal of strength on the initial stage of this glorious crusade must, at this hour of the unfoldment of the second phase of this historic enterprise, prove in turn a forerunner of a period of unprecedented, rapid and systematic expansion and consolidation of the Faith in each of the Republics of Central America and the Antilles,

‘Whilst every effort must be strenuously exerted to safeguard at any cost the prizes won in the six newly opened territories in the American and Asiatic Continents, attention must, in the course of the present year, be focused on the multiplication of Bahá’í Centers, and on the formation of local assemblies, in order to broaden the foundations on which future independent National Spiritual Assemblies must ultimately rest. A no less assiduous effort should be exerted to increase rapidly the number of the avowed supporters of the Faith, particularly among the Indians, whose spiritual potentialities ‘Abdu’1-Bahá repeatedly emphasized…. Simultaneously measures should be speedily undertaken to assist the United States National Assembly in expediting the translation and publication of Bahá’í literature in the Indian languages specifically mentioned in the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan. No effort should moreover be spared in assisting the South American National Spiritual Assembly in the all-important work of translating, printing and disseminating Bahá’í literature in both the Spanish and Portuguese languages.

Particular attention should likewise be devoted to the acceleration of the process of local Bahá’í incorporation, so vital to the further consolidation of the newly emerged administrative institutions of the Faith in Central America and the Antilles.

As the process of internal expansion and consolidation gains momentum, the elected national representatives of this community must not fail to consecrate themselves to the no less fundamental task of enriching continually the spiritual life of its members, of deepening their understanding of the essential verities, tenets and principles underlying their Faith, of demanding a strict adherence to its laws and statutes, and of setting an example to their fellow-believers through a fuller reflection, in their personal lives and conduct, of the ennobling truths animating the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh.

May this community which, in the course of over a decade, has demonstrated so conspicuously its devotion to the ideals of the Faith it has risen to champion, furnish, as the years roll by, further proofs of its staunchness, its courage, its fidelity, its watchfulness, its singlemindedness and unswerving determination to fulfill its high destiny through the attainment of every single objective of the Plan to which it stands committed.

Your true brother,

(Signed) Shoghi

– 1443 –

1954-06-25 Future of Marion Jacks Tomb

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #28

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

… . [Marion Jack] remained at her post, and won for herself imperishable fame, her resting-place becoming a shrine in Bulgaria, which the people of that country will increasingly honour and cherish.

(25 June 1954 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria)

– 1444 –

1954-07-17 Hands Authority Overrule Guardian

USBN #288 February 1955 p1

“The statement in the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá does not imply that the Hands of the Cause of God have been given the authority to overrule the Guardian. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá could not have provided for a conflict of authority in the Faith. This is obvious, in view of His own words, which you will find on page 13 (p. 11 of 1944 U. S. edition) of the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. ‘The mighty stronghold shall remain impregnable and safe through obedience to him who is the guardian of the Cause of God… It is incumbent upon… the Hands of the Cause of God to show their obedience, submissiveness and subordination unto the guardian of the Cause of God, to turn unto him and be lowly before him. He that opposeth him hath opposed the True One,’ etc.”

(Letter to Rex King from the Guardian through his secretary, June 6, 1954)

– 1445 –

1954-07-23 Maintenance Of Assemblies

USBN #283 September 1954 p1

Information incorrect. Maintenance all Assemblies vital.

— SHOGHI

July 23, 1954

[reply to a National Spiritual Assembly request for advice concerning a statement he has been alleged to have made to the effect that every Bahá’í should scatter, and many feel that this means that Assembly status need not be maintained in large industrial cities or in goal cities.]

– 1446 –

1954-07-24 To Central America NSA re Various

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp95-8

He was extremely pleased that your Assembly was able to purchase the site for the Bahá’í Temple in Panama before the expiration of the first year of the Ten-Year Crusade. He advises your Assembly while safeguarding and maintaining the property, and living up to the terms of the contract which you signed, to spend as little money on the site as possible. Your resources are too limited, and the needs in the teaching field are too urgent, for money other than for the purpose of the purchase and bare maintenance of the property to be spent on the Temple site, at the 95 present time. The important thing was to buy it, and this has been satisfactorily accomplished.

He is very proud of the fact that Central America had filled all her pioneer goals with the exception of the Marshall Islands, to which Mrs. Steward is now en route. ²

He has read with attention the consolidation plan prepared by the National Teaching Executive Committee, a copy of which you forwarded to him in your most recent letter; and, although he thinks that the general outline of activities is excellent, there are two points to which he would like to call your attention.

The first is that he has not decided that there will be definitely no Regional National Assemblies prior to the establishment of independent National Assemblies for each Latin American country. As the work unfolds and the centers multiply, this matter will have to be carefully considered. At present it is premature to reach any conclusions,

He also believes that, before any abolition of the present basis of electing delegates to the National Convention, (in other words, the delegates represent Assemblies, and not Groups and isolated believers as well) is made, the Cause must grow much stronger in each of the Central American republics.

Perhaps your Assembly is not aware of the fact that with the exception of the United States and Persia, the two countries where the mass of the believers is the greatest in the Bahá’í world, all other National Assemblies are elected by delegates, who are elected in their turn by local Assemblies, and not by the body of the believers residing in any particular country.

He considers the introduction of the latter system premature in Lath America. You must first have many more active Groups and isolated centers, before there is any point in electing the national delegates for the Central American Convention by the method used in the United States at present.

This is one of the reasons why he is urging Bahá’ís everywhere to, above all, concentrate on increasing the number of Spiritual Assemblies and Groups, as well as isolated believers, educating them more deeply in the administrative and spiritual fundamentals and doctrines of the Faith, and increasing their awareness of their great responsibility as Bahá’ís in both the teaching and administrative work of the Faith. He always considers that the foundation is securely laid, there should be no attempt at elaborating the superstructure.

He hopes that the Auxiliary Board, working in conjunction with the Hands of the Cause, will be able to carry a new impetus to the teaching work, and, in collaboration with the National Assemblies, help to strengthen and revitalize weak centers.

Another matter to which he attaches the greatest importance is that of keeping the pioneers at their posts, and urging upon them the necessity of persevering at all costs, lest one of the so-hardly-won goals of the Ten-Year Crusade suffer even a momentary eclipse.

Your Assembly must feel very proud of the fact that a number of its members have gone into the pioneer field. The National Assembly must always show forth signs of true Spiritual leadership; and he is very happy that your Body is so active, so devoted and so united.

He hopes that, in the unfoldment of your work throughout the region, you will pay special attention to teaching the Indians and minority groups, and converting them to the Faith. He attaches the greatest importance to this work, and is always glad to receive news of the names of any new Indian tribes represented in the Cause of God, or contacted.

With Warmest Bahá’í greetings,

(signed) R. Rabbání.

=========

– 1447 –

1954-08-05 Delighted Progress Manifold Activities

USBN #283 September 1954 p1

Delighted progress (of) manifold activities. Supplicating abundant blessings exemplary performance pressing sacred tasks. Loving appreciation.

— SHOGHI

August 5, 1954

[response to a message sent him from the July-August meeting in which the Assembly reported on current activities including the development of consolidation pioneer projects for Finland, France, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico.]

– 1448 –

1954-08-13 To Louhelen Junior Youth Of 16 July 1954

Haifa, Israel

13 August 1954

To the Bahá’í Youth present at the Junior Youth Session at Louhelen School — July 16th

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of July 16th, signed by all those present at the Junior Youth Session, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Now that you have received the spiritual benefits and bounties of the Summer School, the Guardian hopes, wherever possible, you will endeavour to encourage your parents to move to one of the goal cities or towns of the Ten Year Plan, so that they and you may have a more vital part to play in this second phase of the World Spiritual Crusade.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty guide your steps, aid you to acquire a fuller knowledge of the essentials of His Faith, and render effective service to its institutions in the days to come

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1449 –

1954-08-22 Goal is Rapid Multiplicity of Number of Bahá’ís

USBN #285 November 1954 p3

“We have now entered the second phase of the great Spiritual Crusade. The goal of this phase is the rapid multiplicity of the number of Bahá’ís throughout the world, in virgin areas, in consolidation areas, and on the home front.

“The Guardian has pointed out that the most important service anyone can render the Faith today is to teach the Cause of God. The degree of importance of areas of service is first, pioneering in a virgin area of the Crusade, second, pioneering in one of the consolidation areas abroad, and third. settling in one of the goal cities of the home front; and, finally, teaching with redoubled effort wherever a Bahá’í may reside.”

August 22, 1954, to Mr. Willard P. Hatch.

–  1450 –

1955-01-31 No Mention of Permission of Anybody Else for Marriage

Marriage, Consent of Parents to compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

The “Aqdas” requires permission of the parents for marriage. There is no mention of permission of anybody else being necessary.

written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi 31 January 1955 to an individual believer.

– 1451 –

1955-01-31 On Behalf of to an Individual Believer re Not Try to Understand Everything

Scholarship (BSB)

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Bulletin Vol 1-1

The Bahá’ís should seek to be well informed on the Teachings, but not waste too much time trying to understand everything, especially as some of the material we have is not well translated, and meanings are occasionally ambiguous. The main point is to understand the Faith, and be able to convey it to others, and not waste too much time on details.

– 1452 –

1955-01-31 Various Symbolic Allusions in Bible

The Bible: Extracts on the Old on New Testaments compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Except for what has been explained by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, we have no way of knowing what various symbolic allusions in the Bible mean.

(31 January 1955 to an individual believer on Behalf of the Guardian)

– 1453 –

1955-02-17 When Physically Incapable of Performing Genuflexions

Obligatory Prayer Exemption compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

As regards the questions about the proper use of the Long Obligatory Prayer: All the writings of the Faith may be read and should be read for the instruction and inspiration of the friends. This includes the specific prayers. If a believer is physically incapable of performing the genuflexions accompanying one of the prayers, and yet he longs to say it as an obligatory prayer, then he may do so. By physically incapable is meant a real physical incapacity which a physician would attest as genuine.

(17 February 1955 to a Local Spiritual Assembly on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

– 1454 –

1955-03-03 Attaining Spiritual Goals

George Townshend, David Hofman, p319

March 3, 1955, was:

As we almost never attain any spiritual goal without seeing the next goal we must attain still beyond our reach, he urges you, who have come so far already on the path of spirituality, not to fret about the distance you still have to cover! It is an infinite journey, and, no doubt in the next world the soul is privileged to draw closer to God than is possible when bound on this physical plane.

And Shoghi Effendi’s personal note reads:

May the Almighty, Whose Cause you promote with such love, zeal and distinction, reward you a thousandfold for your historic labours, fulfil every desire you cherish, and aid you to enrich continually the record of your unforgettable achievements.

to George Townshend, 3 Mar 1955

– 1455 –

1955-03-06 Persevere and Make it Plain re Permission

Marriage, Consent of Parents to compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

If you persevere and make it plain to the mother that you will not marry her daughter without her consent, it is quite possible she will become impressed by your devotion to your Faith, and give her permission. In any case, your Bahá’í duty in the matter is quite clear.

written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi 6 March 1955 to an individual believer.

– 1456 –

1955-04-09 Regarding the Temple to be Built in Frankfurt

Arts and Architecture #12 compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

He was very happy to hear that the National Assembly is pressing the work as regards having designs made for the Temple to be built in Frankfurt. He attaches the greatest importance to this enterprise, as you know; and considers that two points must be constantly borne in mind by the architects; one, that the building must not be too expensive, and two, that the design must be beautiful and dignified, and not show the influence of the extremes of modern architecture, which are transient in style, for the most part ugly, and altogether too utilitarian in aspect for a House of Worship.

(on behalf of the Guardian 9 April 1955, to an individual believer)

– 1457 –

1955-04-21 This Magnificent Edifice [the Shrine of the Báb]

Zikrullah Khadem: The Itinerant Hand of the Cause, Javidukht Khadem, pp282-3

This magnificent Edifice [the Shrine of the Báb] stands facing Bahá’u’lláhs Most Great Prison, extolled by the Pen of Glory as the “Heaven of heavens,” and looks toward the Qiblih of the people of Bahá, that Spot within the Vale of Security and Peace, the Plain of ‘Akká, round which circle in adoration the Concourse on high. To her right are the hills of Galilee in which nestles the childhood home of the beautiful Christ, and the locality by the banks of the Jordan River where He who is the Spirit [Jesus] was called to prophethood; and on her left, on the crest of Carmel, are to be found the Cave of Elijah and the exalted Spot which was blessed by the footsteps of the Most Holy Abhá Beauty and was ennobled through the revelation of the Tablet of Carmel from the treasury of the Pen of Glory. Behind her stand the twin Mounts of Zion and Olivet and the holy and ancient city of Jerusalem, within whose walls lie the site of the martyrdom and the burial place of Jesus Christ, the seat of the Throne of David, the glorious Temple of Solomon and the Aqsá Mosque, which ranks third among the shrines of the Islámic world. Beyond these there rises Mount Sinai, the cradle of the Jewish Faith, that Sacred Mount, the Paran of light, that holy land where He Who conversed with God heard the Voice from the Blessed Tree. And further beyond lies the Arabian Peninsula, the land of Hijáz, the cradle of the Muḥammadan Dispensation, with the two cities of Bathá and Yathrib, the noble Mecca and the bright Medina, one enshrining the Qiblih of Islám and the other the resting-place of Him Who is the Lord of mankind [Muḥammad] — upon Him be countless salutations and praise.

High, immeasurably high is this Shrine, the lofty, the most great, the most wondrous. Exalted, immeasurably exalted is this Resting-place, the fragrant, the pure, the luminous, the transcendent. Glorified, immeasurably glorified is this Spot, the most august, the most holy, the most blessed, the most sublime.

Upon thee, O Queen of Carmel, be the purest, the most tender salutations, the fairest, the most gracious blessings! Glorified is He Whose footsteps have ennobled the spot whereon thou standest, Who ordained thy Seat, and Who extolled thee in His Tablet and Book. How great is the potency of thy might, a might which has bewildered the souls of the favored ones of God and His Messengers.

Methinks I behold thee in my dreams established upon thy glorious throne, attired in thy white raiment, crowned with thy golden crown, resplendent with the lights shining within thee and around thee, calling aloud in ringing tones and raising thy voice between earth and heaven.

Methinks I perceive the souls of the holy ones and of the dwellers of the realms above hastening toward thee with utmost joy, eagerness and ecstasy, pointing to thee, circling round thee, inhaling the perfume of thy flowers and roses, seeking blessing from the earth of thy precincts, bowing their foreheads to the ground before thee in recognition of the majesty and glory which surround the Holy Dust reposing within thee, the Pearl which is enshrined in thy bosom.

Blessed, immeasurably blessed is the person who visits thee and circles around thee, who serves at thy threshold, waters thy flowers, inhales the fragrance of holiness from thy roses, celebrates thy praise and glorifies thy station for the love of God, thy Creator, in this hallowed and radiant, this great, august and wondrous age.

[Shoghi Effendi, Naw-Rúz 1955, translated by BWC]

– 1458 –

1955-04-26 Grateful Magnificent Achievements Valiant Friends African Continent

“Rejoice greatly admire deeply grateful magnificent achievements valiant friends colored white pioneers teachers administrators four areas African Continent. Loving fervent prayers surrounding them.”

— SHOGHI

to Hand Of Cause For Africa Mr. Musa Banání, April 26, 1955

– 1459 –

1955-07-09 Julia Goldmans Death

“The Guardian was very sorry to hear of Julia Goldman’s death. She was one of the most devoted Bahá’ís of that older generation, ever loyal, ever active. He will certainly pray for her soul’s progress.”

July 9,

– 1460 –

1955-07-12 If One Cannot Perform Postures for Long Prayer

Obligatory Prayer Exemption

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Whichever obligatory prayer is chosen to be used should be followed in full. If one cannot perform the postures necessary in connection with the long obligatory prayer, he may choose another if ill, or just the very short one.

(12 July 1955 to an individual believer on behalf of Shoghi Effendi)

– 1461 –

1955-07-15 To Central America NSA re Goals and Future

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp102-08

July 15, 1955, directed to the National

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central America from the Bahá’í World Center:

As regards your question about giving the Faith publicity, in the places that pioneers have moved to in order to fill the goals of the Plan; it depends on the place. If there is absolutely no danger of publicity stirritg up antagonism, or leading to the expulsion of the Bahá’í, or his being deprived of his residence visa, then there is no objection to publicity. The general principle, however, is this — that the Bahá’ís should keep as quiet as possible, seek out and confirm the receptive souls, and build their future Assemblies on a solid foundation. To broadcast the news of their activities is not essential in these virgin areas at the present time, and can in most cases be dangerous, and hinder the spread of the Faith.

He urges your Assembly to bear in mind that shortly National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds will be needed in each country, and that the friends should begin to look for suitable Centres that will under no circumstances be too expensive, nor too far out from the centre of the city.

He was delighted to see that, following speedily upon the purchase of the Panama Temple site, the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of Central America has also been acquired.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

(Signed) R. Rabbání

P. S. — Since commencing the above letter, the beloved Guardian has received your other letters dated April18. (2), April 12, and May 14. He was very happy to know that you have increased the holdings of the Temple property in Panama. Please thank Miss Sneider on his behalf for this generous act on her part, an act which will be appreciated increasingly as time goes on and the Temple itself is erected.

July 15, 1955

Dear and Valued Co-Workers:

His year which has just been concluded witnessed a succession of achievements on the part of the members of the Central American Bahá’í Communities and particularly of the elected body of their national representatives, worthy of the highest commendation. In both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, these newly fledged communities have demonstrated their firm attachment to the Faith they have expounded, their loyalty to its fundamental verities and principles, and their inflexible resolve to extend the range, and reinforce the foundations of their collective and meritorious activities and achievements.

They are now, by the virtue of the splendid services they have performed, the spirit they have so powerfully evinced, the noble example they have set, approaching a stage in the evolution of the Faith in that highly promising area of the globe, which bids fair to eclipse the magnificent efforts which have been exerted, and the noteworthy services which have been performed, since its inception in the Antilles and the Central American Republics. They will soon be entering a period which is destined to witness the emergence of Regional National Assemblies which are to be regarded as stepping stones paving the way for the ultimate establishment of independent National Spiritual Assemblies, which are destined to act as pillars, and participate directly in the formation of the future International House of Justice, ordained by Bahá’u’lláh as the supreme Legislative Organ of His World Order.

Now is the time for those communities to prepare themselves, in the course of the two fast-fleeting years separating them from the opening of the third phase of a world spiritual crusade, individually as well as collectively, to assume befittingly the staggering responsibilities so soon to be placed upon them.

They have thus far, discharged their task with befitting courage, zeal and loyalty. The foundations they have securely laid must now be both enlarged and strengthened. The virgin areas of the globe, assigned to their elected representatives, under the Ten-Year Plan, have been triumphantly and speedily opened.. The translation and publication of the literature of the Faith into both the Spanish and Portuguese tongues have been vigorously undertaken. The plot whereon the first Mashriqu’1-Adhar of Central America must needs be erected has been purchased in the Republic of Panama, the importance of which has been so clearly stressed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The first two of the historic National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Qudu that are to be established in the capital cities of the Republics of Central America and the Islands of the Antilles have been acquired.³ A beginning has been made in the translation of Bahá’í literature into the American Indian languages spoken in those regions.

The tasks, now confronting them in the course of this current year and of the next, demand a still greater exertion on their part, a more complete dedication to the aims, purposes and principles of their Faith, a firmer resolve to achieve the immediate goals of their Ten-Year Plan, and a still nobler self-sacrifice in the path of the Cause they have espoused to champion.

The two crucial years, constituting the concluding year of the second and the opening year of the third phase of the Ten-Year Plan must be signalized, if they would prove themselves worthy of their stewardship to their Faith, by a series of achievements even more conspicuous than those that have distinguished the opening years in the annals of that Faith in Central America and the Antilles,

The number of avowed adherents of the Faith must, throughout that area, be speedily and substantially increased. Simultaneously a notable multiplication of groups and assemblies must be ensured in order to enlarge and reinforce the foundations of the forthcoming Regional National Assemblies. The incorporation of firmly established local spiritual assemblies must likewise be expedited. The prizes won in distant and Virgin fields must not only be preserved but continually enhanced. The translation of Bahá’í literature into the American Indian languages assigned under the Ten-Year Plan must also be energetically prosecuted. The establishment of national endowments throughout that area must be, moreover, diligently undertaken and rapidly carried out. Above all, the purchase of National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in the remaining Republics of Central America and the Antilles must, ere the conclusion of the second year of the second phase of the Ten-Year Plan be consummated.

Then, and only then, can the Central America Bahá’í Communities, that have won such superb victories in the past, confidently assume the sacred burden of responsibility incumbent upon them in the course of the third phase of this world encircling crusade. Then, and only then, can they demonstrate to the Bahá’í World their capacity to carry out in its entirety their share in ensuring the triumphant conclusion of this worldwide enterprise launched by the valiant upholders of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

The tribulations now experienced by their brethern in the land of its birth should, far from crushing their spirit or dampening the zeal which animates them, infuse into them fresh courage and a more determined resolve to arise and compensate for the loss which the Cause is now sustaining. Individually as well as collectively, in their capacity as teachers and administrators, they should prove by their conduct the world-redeeming capacity of their Faith, demonstrate its incorruptible spirit, proclaim the sublimity of its teachings, and silence the criticism of its opponents.

Theirs is a glorious opportunity which they must not, in these day of test and trial, neglect. Theirs is a sacred duty which they must be fittingly discharge. May they arise as one man, and armed with the invincible power of Bahá’u’lláh, play their part in a manner that will bring everlasting consolation to the hearts of their persecuted brethern, and dishearten thoroughly those redoubtable adversaries who are so artfully and persistently labouring to undermine its foundations and extinguish its light.

Your true brother,

(Signed) Shoghi

– 1462 –

1955-08-13 To Philip Hainsworth re Concerns About Construction of Uganda Temple

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p197

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letter of July 12th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He appreciates the difficulties with which you are faced, in trying to give your ideas to him from such an isolated point.

You should write your views to Mr Banání. If he finds the officials are proving difficult or hesitant, then the Guardian would urge that you make a special trip to Kampala, so that you can go with Mr Banání, and do your utmost to arrange for this permission.

The Guardian attaches great importance to this project. Any service you can perform in connection with it will be deeply valued by him.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you always, aid you to extend the range of your meritorious services, and win great victories in the days to come.

Your true brother,

Shoghi.

– 1463 –

1955-08-26 To Louhelen Junior Youth Of 14 July 1955

Haifa

Israel

26 August 1955

To the Bahá’ís who attended the Junior Youth Session at Louhelen Bahá’í School, July 14th

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of July 14th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is hoping the Summer School has implanted in your hearts a firm resolve to tell as many of your friends as possible of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh. This will give happiness to your dear Bahá’í sisters and brothers in Írán, who have been and are now experiencing great suffering for the Faith. The young people in the United States should greatly appreciate their freedom, and can show their gratitude by telling others of their wonderful Faith at every opportunity.

The beloved Guardian thanks you for your prayers for him, and assures you of his supplications that you may be guided in your affairs.

With warm Bahá’í greetings

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty bless your continued and meritorious endeavours, guide every step you take, and fulfil every wish you cherish, for the promotion of His glorious Faith,

Your true brother,

Shoghi

[Your True Brother: Messages to Junior Youth Written by or on Behalf of Shoghi Effendi]

– 1464 –

1955-08-xx If Faith Held Down in One Land

USBN #299 January 1956 p1

“He is eagerly hoping the friends in the United States, and in other lands where freedom exists, will constantly bear in mind the restrictions and persecutions of their brothers and sisters in Persia, and will seize this opportunity to proclaim the Faith on every occasion that presents itself to them. If the Faith is held down in its progress in one land, God will cause it to advance more quickly in other countries, if the friends will just arise and make use of the great power that has been released through these severe persecutions.”

to the Tennessee Valley States Area Teaching Committee in response to a letter of greeting from their Blue Ridge Conference in August.

– 1465 –

1955-11-05 To John B. Cornell re Divorce

Letter from the Guardian to John B. Cornell, 1955

by Shoghi Effendi

Nov. 5th, 1955

Major J. B. Cornell

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter of Oct 3 has been forwarded to the beloved Guardian by the American N.S.A. as well as copy of document you enclosed.

The Guardian has, at various times, given the N.S.A. certain brief instructions as to Bahá’í divorce; he does not consider that these should be amplified at the present time or elaborated, as it is premature.

Bahá’ís should turn to their Assembly (first local and then National if necessary) in all questions of divorce. This is the advice he not only has given you and Mrs. Cornell, but all other Bahá’ís.

He feels, as he has already stated, that you and Mrs. Cornell should seek the advice of the Assembly in your particular case and, as believers, abide by it. It is not possible for him, obviously, to go into such details himself and arbitrate the cases of the Bahá’ís.

He assures you of his prayers.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání

May the Almighty guide your steps, and enable you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith and of its nascent institutions.

Your true brother,

Shoghi

– 1466 –

1955-11-10 Prayers for Teaching Work in Greece

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #29

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

The Guardian wishes to assure you and your dear wife of his prayers on your behalf. He hopes every obstacle will be removed from your path, so that you can carry on the teaching work actively and diligently. Greece is a most important country, and should have a virile Assembly, particularly in Athens.

(10 November 1955 to an individual believer)

– 1467 –

1955-xx-xx Deplore Loss Edith Sanderson.

USBN #297 November 1955 p1

“Deeply grieved. Deplore loss (of) staunch, courageous, tireless promoter (of) Faith, Edith Sanderson, greatly beloved (by) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Long record (of) historic services covering heroic, formative age (of) Faith imperishable, reward (in) Abhá Kingdom great, assured. Urge believers (in) centers (throughout) France hold memorial gathering, extol (her) exemplary spirit, emulate (her) noble example. Exert utmost (to effect) burial (in) Paris (in) execution (of) Bahá’í laws.”

— SHOGHI

to the European Teaching Committee Office in Geneva and to the Spiritual Assembly of Paris

– 1468 –

1955-xx-xx Contacting Intl Figures

USBN #293 July 1955 p2

The Guardian also noted the open letter which you wrote to President Eisenhower, Marshall Bulganin and Prime Minister Winston Churchill with regard to the Bahá’í Peace Program.

The Guardian feels that any communications addressed to international figures of this nature, particularly in connection with political proposals of any one group, should not be written unless approved by him. He feels matters of this type so important that he does not wish such communications sent without his prior consideration and approval. It may lead to quite difficult and embarrassing situations, especially when the letters are made public…”

to an individual believer “a few months ago”

– 1469 –

1955-xx-xx Loss Precious Pioneer Elsa Vento

USBN #297 November 1955 p1

“Grieve loss precious pioneer Elsa Vento. Her historic services unforgettable. Praying (for) progress (of her) soul (in the) Kingdom.”

— SHOGHI

to the Bahá’ís of Helsinki, Finland.

– 1470 –

1956-03-26 He is Trying to Assist the Friends to Build Up National Archives

Guidance Regarding Bahá’í Archives

Compiled by Bahá’í International Archives

As regards the things you have, associated with the beloved Master, he feels that, unless you have some objection to the suggestion, the best thing you could do would be to entrust them to the Bahá’ís of France….

He is trying to assist the friends to build up, in a modest way, National Archives; and any object associated with the Master is naturally a very prized possession. Also it seems to him befitting that you, as one of the older “French” Bahá’ís, should be associated with this institution, which in the future will no doubt grow to be of considerable importance.

From a letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi dated 26 March 1956 to an individual

– 1471 –

1956-04-xx Supplementary Message To Four Africa Conventions

USBN #306 August 1956 pp1-2

At this historic hour, marking the opening of the third phase of the global Spiritual Crusade so courageously undertaken by the followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, I hail the convocation of the four epoch-making Bahá’í Conventions now being held in the African Continent.

My heart brims with joy and my soul is uplifted with thankfulness as I contemplate on this auspicious occasion, the magnificent feats which have been accomplished in recent years over the entire length and breadth of a rapidly quickening continent, feats which, in their range, number, quality and swiftness, have eclipsed the signal victories which have distinguished the campaigns successively launched in the Continent of Europe and in Latin America.

Continent Boasts Many Supporters

This vast, highly receptive, spiritually famished and long down-trodden continent — the nest of the Negro race, constituting so large a proportion of the world’s population — which was first opened, in an hour of trial and adversity, in the lifetime of Bahá’u’lláh; whose southern fringes were, during the last epoch of the Heroic Age of the Faith, illuminated by the rays of a divinely established Covenant; on whose northern shores the standard of Bahá’í emancipation has been hoisted and the struggle for the recognition of the independent character of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh has commenced — such a continent now boasts, by virtue of the dynamic influence exerted by a rising divinely conceived Order, and the propelling forces generated by a world-embracing, three-year-old Spiritual Crusade, over three thousand avowed supporters, five-sixths of whom belong to the Negro race, scattered throughout more than fifty territories and islands, and residing in over four hundred localities. Representatives of no less than one hundred and forty of its tribes have, moreover, enlisted under the banner of the Faith. Over a hundred and twenty Bahá’í local assemblies are already functioning throughout its territories. Into more than fifty of its indigenous languages Bahá’í literature has been and is being translated. The process of incorporating the newly formed local assemblies has furthermore been inaugurated. A National Administrative Headquarters has been established in each one of its four pivotal centers, while three Temple sites situated within its confines have been recently purchased, on one of which the Mother Temple of Africa is soon to be erected.

The Concourse on high cannot but laud such remarkable, soul-stirring exploits. The Captain, guiding from His throne of glory in the Abhá Kingdom the march of the army of Bahá’u’lláh’s Crusaders, undoubtedly applauds the fidelity, the valour, the zeal and the perseverance of the executors of His Design, while the Founder of the Faith Himself, the wellspring of the energizing influences nourishing the lives, and sustaining the activities, of these Crusaders, confers His benediction upon, and lays up treasures for, those who have so conspicuously contributed to the glory and honor of His Name.

I feel impelled, on so memorable an occasion, to pay a warm and heartfelt tribute to the Hand of the Cause appointed for the African Continent; to the members of the British, the American, the Persian, the Indian, the Egyptian and the Iraqi National Spiritual Assemblies; to the members of the African Auxiliary Board; to the numerous assemblies, committees and pioneers who have, singly and collectively, contributed in such a large measure to the expansion of so colossal an enterprise, and who have had so decisive a share in directing its course, in stimulating its unfoldment, and in consolidating its foundations.

Assemblies Will Lend Impetus

I cannot but feel confident that the emergence of four regional National Spiritual Assemblies, as a result of the deliberations of the delegates attending these four Bahá’í Conventions-Assemblies designed to pave the way for the erection of the pillars which must support the future Universal House of Justice — will, by enabling the activities of the Faith to be directed and coordinated from within the Continent itself, lend a tremendous impetus to the progress and eventual fruition of the stupendous undertaking launched from coast to coast through the concerted and systematic efforts of the followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

I call upon these Regional National Spiritual Assemblies to celebrate their birth, and signalize the opening of the third phase of this World Spiritual Crusade, through the formulation of four subsidiary SevenYear Plans, designed to multiply the number of the avowed supporters of the Faith and of the isolated centers, groups and local Assemblies; to consolidate the work already achieved in the newly opened virgin territories within the confines of that Continent and in its neighboring islands; to initiate the institution of the National Bahá’í Fund; to stimulate the twin processes of establishing Bahá’í endowments and of incorporating local spiritual assemblies; to hasten the construction of the first Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár of the African Continent; to ensure the establishment of the Bahá’í Publishing Trust in Egypt; and to speed up the translation of Bahá’í literature into the remaining African languages listed in the Ten Year Plan, as well as the incorporation of the newly formed Regional National Spiritual Assemblies.

Lend Continued Support

I appeal to the British, the American, the Persian, the Indian, the Egyptian and the Iraqi National Spiritual Assemblies, who have set in motion these vast undertakings, not to abandon these fledgling African Bahá’í communities to their fate, but to lend their support and assistance to the newly emerged Regional National Spiritual Assemblies, enriching thereby the record of the superb and historic services rendered by them, throughout that continent, to its diversified peoples, tribes and races.

May the manifold blessings of Bahá’u’lláh, glorifying in His Kingdom the African victories won in His Name in such rapid succession, rest upon the deliberations of all the delegates attending these four history-making Conventions. May the combined efforts of the faithful, laboring now and in the days that lie ahead, yield, in the years to come, a harvest which will infinitely enable the record of unforgettable achievements associated with the rise of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and the establishment of His World Order in the African Continent.

— SHOGHI

April, 1956

Supplementary Message

To The Four Africa Conventions, April 1956

– 1472 –

1956-06-10 To Conv Delegates of the Bahá̀is of Central and East Africa

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p200-1

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Your loving letter of 26 May was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to respond on his behalf.

He is greatly pleased, and values most highly, the establishment of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa. This is an historic act, and one that augurs well for the future of the Faith in that promising land. Surely this new pillar of the House of Justice will win many victories for the Cause of God, and spread the Faith rapidly throughout the vast areas coming under their jurisdiction.

The Guardian will pray for the Assembly, the members, and the success of its work.

When your statistics are amplified, the Guardian will appreciate early advices.

The Guardian was happy to receive the photo of the nine friends, eight of the Assembly and Hand of the Cause Músá Banání. When a photo is ready of all nine of the Assembly, he will appreciate having it for placement in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh.

The Guardian sends you all his loving Greetings.

Leroy Ioas

– 1473 –

1956-07-19 The Past Bahá’í Administrative Year

USBN #307 September 1956 pp1-2

“The past Bahá’í administrative year was one full of events, achievements and anxiety. In looking back over it, he feels that concrete progress has been made in many fields; that the American Bahá’í’s have reason to feel encouraged by the scope of their activities, and by the fact that many of their enterprises connected with the Ten Year Plan have reached fruition.

“He was particularly glad to note that a friendly contact had been made with the Chief Executive of the United States, and that he had acknowledged over his own signature, in appreciative terms, the receipt of the Bahá’í prayer your Assembly had forwarded to him. He was also very pleased to note the helpful attitude of the State Department, particularly in connection with the persecutions of our brethren in Írán.

An Important Turning Point

“The establishment of the South and West Africa National Bahá’í Assembly signalizes an important turning-point in the execution of the Divine Plan by the Bahá’ís of America. A capable and representative national body has evidently been elected; and the Guardian cherishes the highest hopes for the unfoldment of the work in that part of the world, a work whose foundations have been so brilliantly laid down by a singularly distinguished and devoted group of pioneers from different countries, chief amongst them those from the western Hemisphere. The new world has indeed paid back part of its debt to the “dark continent” it at one time so ruthlessly exploited.

“The Guardian hopes that the Kampala Temple project, designs for which are now well advanced, and, have been carried out by the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Mason Remey, will soon be set in motion. The new National Assembly for Central and East Africa will be directly responsible for this work.

“The new incorporations added during the past year in the United States, although a step in the right direction, are not sufficient. He feels that during the coming year every effort should be made by Assemblies that have a well-grounded, if small, community, to incorporate.

“He was particularly happy to hear of the incorporation of the Tokyo Spiritual Assembly. Indeed the initiative shown throughout the Pacific area in this respect and many others is truly challenging and stimulating; and the American Bahá’ís, the parents of so many of these other communities, should take heed and follow the lead of their exuberant offspring.

“The Guardian feels that during the coming year, the National Assembly should pay particular attention to getting teachers with spiritual capacity and a deep knowledge of the Covenant out to the weaker communities on circuit teaching trips, and that an effort should be made for them to stay for some time in each place. It is evident that one of the reasons that the work on the home front in America is so seriously lagging is that the Bahá’ís themselves, though undoubtedly devoted, loyal and conscientious, are not always very deeply grounded in the spiritual fundamentals of their Faith. This produces a maladjustment, so to speak, in the nature of their service to the Cause; and only through a deeper understanding of their Faith and the inner spiritual strength that this understanding brings will they be able to reinforce themselves to meet their tasks to see the joy of discharging their duties and grasping their privileges.

Extraordinary Progress

“The Guardian has been particularly happy at the extraordinary progress made in acquiring Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and endowments all over the world. The Bahá’ís may well look upon the accomplishments in this field as little short of awe-inspiring, and every believer should feel highly encouraged that one of the most difficult aspects of the Ten Year Plan, namely the financing of such enterprises, has been more than two-thirds fulfilled by the end of the third year of the Plan.

“The Guardian feels that if the friends would meditate a little more objectively upon both their relationship to the Cause and the vast non-Bahá’í public they hope to influence, they would see things more clearly. The friends are not being forced to do anything, either by the Guardian or by the National Assembly. However, the condition that the world is in is bringing many issues to a head. It would be perhaps impossible to find a nation or people not in a state of crisis today. The materialism, the lack of true religion and the consequent baser forces in human nature which are being released, have brought the whole world to the brink of probably the greatest crisis it has ever faced or will have to face. The Bahá’ís are a part of the world. They too feel the great pressures which are brought to bear upon all people today, whoever and wherever they may be. On the other hand, the Divine Plan, which is the direct method of working toward the establishment of Peace and World Order, has perforce reached an important and challenging point in its unfoldment; because of the desperate needs of the world, the Bahá’ís find themselves, even though so limited in numbers, in financial strength and in prestige — called upon to fulfill a great responsibility. They must, at all times, remember that when the Guardian makes his appeals to the friends, he is only presenting the situation to them. Each one must evaluate what his own response can be and should be; nobody can do this for him. There is no other pressure than the pressure of historical circumstances. He fully realizes that the demands made upon the Bahá’ís are great, and that they often feel inadequate, tired and perhaps frightened in the face of the tasks that confront them. This is only natural. On the other hand, they must realize that the power of God can and will assist them; and that because they are privileged to have accepted the Manifestation of God for this Day, this very act has placed upon them a great moral responsibility toward their fellowmen. It is this moral responsibility to which the Guardian is constantly calling their attention, as he too cannot but obey the compelling force of circumstances and fulfill his paramount duty of calling to the attention of the believers their opportunity, their privileges, and their responsibilities.

“The American Bahá’ís have so far never failed in any mission they undertook, and he hopes and believes there will be no failure this time. He has the greatest confidence in their loyalty, their faith, and their devotion, and he feels sure that with the help of Bahá’u’llah they will arise to the occasion which history has literally thrust upon them.”

July 19, 1956

– 1474 –

1956-09-01 First Bahá’í in Greece

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #30

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Your loving letter of August 17th, with the photograph of the first Bahá’í Group in Athens, and showing the first Greek Bahá’í in Greece, was received, and presented to the beloved Guardian.

He was very happy to see the likeness of the Friends serving so diligently in Greece. He hopes your teaching efforts will be confirmed, and many seeking souls find eternal life through your sacrificial efforts. Greece is a most important country, as he has explained to you, and the Faith should be firmly implanted in that country, in many cities. The first step, of course, is a Spiritual Assembly in Athens.

(1 September 1956 to an individual believer)  

(see USBN #309 Nov 1956 p8)

– 1475 –

1956-09-28 To Philip Hainsworth on His Marriage to Lois

Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p209

Dear Bahá’í Brother,

Your letter of August 29 has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He will be happy to hear from the Rev. W Hellaby; and he feels, when he leaves the church, he should courageously give the Faith as his reason for doing so.

The Guardian says you, yourself, should not be discouraged. You have already accomplished much, and will no doubt render even greater services in the days to come.

He assures you of his loving prayers for those whose names you have mentioned, as well as for your constant strength and guidance in your labours.

With warmest Bahá’í greetings,

R Rabbání

In her own handwriting:

Dear Philip,

The beloved Guardian was most happy to hear of your marriage and hopes your union will be blessed and enable you to achieve even greater victories for our Faith with the help of your wife.

May the Almighty bless your union, reward you abundantly for your past labours, that are indeed truly historic, and enable you, together with your wife, to render memorable services to his Faith and its nascent institutions, in that promising continent.

Your true brother, Shoghi

=========

Rev W Hellaby would be Bill Hellaby, husband of Helen.

– 1476 –

1956-10-06 To Jane Boekhoudt re Homosexuality

The Bábí Question you mentioned …Jelle deVries, p259

Your letter of September 4th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Homosexuality is highly condemned and often a great trial and cause of suffering to a person, as a Bahá’í. Any individual so afflicted must, through prayer, and any other means, seek to overcome this handicap. But, unless the actions of such individuals are flagrantly immoral, it cannot be a pretext for depriving them of their voting rights.

They young believers in question must adhere to their Faith, and not withdraw from active service, because of the tests they experience. In one way or another we are all tested; and this must strengthen us, not weaken us. The Guardian will pray for these two young believers, and also for you and for the situation there.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

R. Rabbání.

– 1477 –

1956-11-09 re Building Temple

Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 4:1

In building the Temple, one must be careful not to be carried away with the ideals and emotions of the situation, but keep oneself firmly on the ground, and realize they are buildings of steel and stone. That which will produce a House of Worship that is pleasing and attractive is what is required — not a replica of the Shrine of the Báb, or the Temple in Wilmette. We are not seeking outstanding examples of architecture, but rather the release that will come from the construction of the first spiritual edifice in Europe.

(9 November 1956 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria)

– 1478 –

1956-12-06 To USNSA re Passing of Juliet Thompson

USBN #311 January 1957 p1

DEPLORE LOSS MUCH-LOVED, GREATLY ADMIRED JULIET THOMPSON, OUTSTANDING, EXEMPLARY HANDMAID ‘ABDU’L-BAHÀ. OVER HALF-CENTURY RECORD MANIFOLD, MERITORIOUS SERVICES, EMBRACING CONCLUDING YEARS HEROIC, OPENING DECADES FORMATIVE AGE BAHÀ’I DISPENSATION, WON HER ENVIABLE POSITION GLORIOUS COMPANY TRIUMPHANT DISCIPLES BELOVED MASTER ABHÁ KINGDOM. ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERING MASHRIQU’L — ADHKÁR PAY BEFITTING TRIBUTE IMPERISHABLE MEMORY ONE SO WHOLLY CONSECRATED FAITH BAHÂ’U’LLÂH, FIRED SUCH CONSUMING DEVOTION CENTER HIS COVENANT. (SIGNED) SHOGHI

December 6, 1956

– 1479 –

1956-xx-xx To a National Assembly re Temple Design Must Have Dignity and Grace

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p359

He was sorry to have to disappoint Mr. F__ … However, there was no possible questions of accepting something as extreme as this. The Guardian feels very strongly that, regardless of what the opinion of the latest school of architecture may be on the subject, the styles represented at present all over the world in architecture are not only very ugly, but completely lack the dignity and grace which must be at least partially present in a Bahá’í House of Worship. One must always bear in mind that the vast majority of human beings are not either very modern or very extreme in their tastes, and that what the advanced school may think is marvellous is often very distasteful indeed to just plain, simple people.

– 1480 –

1956-xx-xx To a National Assembly re Temple Design

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p359

He feels that, as this is the Mother Temple…it has a very great importance; and must under all circumstances be dignified, and not represent an extremist point of view in architecture. No one knows how the styles of the present day may be judged two or three generations from now; but the Bahá’ís cannot afford to build a second Temple if the one they build at the present time should seem too extreme and unsuitable at a future date.

– 1481 –

1957-02-15 For SE re Trans Into European Languages

Bahá’í Studies Bulletin Vol 5 #1-2 September 1985 pp93

He is interested in accomplishing two things — he would like in the European languages to have as much uniformity with the English translations as possible; he does not wish the Bahá’i translations to be in any way a flagrant violation of the rules of the language into which our literature is being translated.

Your committee must conscientiously study this question and then do the best you can to have the Bahá’í literature in French meet the high standards of the French language and grammar.

If the possessive and demonstrative adjectives and pronouns in French are never capitalized where they stand for “God” then this should not be done in the Bahá’í literature. If there is a precedent for doing so in the French language, however, they should be. The same is true of the attributes of God.

=========

(15 February 1957 to a National Translation and Publication Committee of a National Spiritual Assembly)

– 1482 –

1957-05-25 To an Individual re Spreading Msg Among Own People

Islands of the South Pacific #26

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 6 ABS-ESE 1996

These great blessings likewise carry with them responsibilities and the Guardian hopes these Friends will arise and spread the Message amongst their own people, far and wide.

This is the way the Faith spread so rapidly in Africa and now in the South Sea Islands. The native Believers became enthused and arose with devotion and consecration and taught their fellow people. The Guardian hopes you will be able to encourage the Friends in the Cape Verde Islands to do the same thing.

– 1483 –

1957-05-27 Attitude Toward Teaching Faith in Southern States

Cited in To Move the World, Gayle Morrison, p293-4

White American Bahá’ís, he feels, although they have very much less prejudice than the American people, are nevertheless tainted to some extent with this national evil, perhaps wholly unconsciously so. Therefore, it behooves every believer of white extraction to carefully study his own attitude, and to see whether he is condescending in his relations with his fellow-Bahá’ís of negro extraction… .

The attitude toward teaching the Faith in the southern states of the United States should be entirely changed. For years, in the hope of attracting the white people, in order to “go easy” with them and not offend their sensibilities, a compromise has been made in the teaching work throughout the South. The results have been practically nil. The white people have not responded worth mentioning, to the Faith, and the colored people have been hurt and also have not responded.

He feels it is time that the Bahá’ís stopped worrying entirely about the white element in a community, and that they should concentrate on showing the negro element that this is a Faith which produces full equality and which loves and wants minorities. The Bahá’ís should welcome the negroes to their homes, make every effort to teach them, associate with them, even marry them if they want to. We must remember that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself united in Bahá’í marriage a colored and a white believer. He could not do more.

Also … the Faith must be representative of the population. In a great many places in the South, the majority of the population is still negro. This should be reflected in the Bahá’í Community, fearlessly. Both the white Bahá’ís and the colored Bahá’ís must steadily work to attain this objective of bringing the Faith to the colored people, and of confirming many of them in it. Both sides have prejudices to overcome; one, the prejudice which is built up in the minds of a people who have conquered and imposed their will, and the other the reactionary prejudice of those who have been conquered and sorely put upon.

Your committee should devote the major part of its effort towards attaining these goals in the South, and it should also as part of its work, urge the Bahá’ís, wherever they may be, to devote more attention to the minorities.

to Bahá’í Inter-racial Teaching Committee, Dorothy Frey, chrmn., 27 May 1957, Letters of Shoghi Effendi, USBNC Archives

– 1484 –

1957-05-27 Interracial Teaching

White American Bahá’ís, he feels, although they have very much less prejudice than the American people, are nevertheless tainted to some extent with this national evil, perhaps wholly unconsciously so. Therefore, it behooves every believer of white extraction to carefully study his own attitude, and to see whether he is condescending in his relations with his fellow-Bahá’ís of negro extraction …

The attitude toward teaching the Faith in the southern states of the United States should be entirely changed. For years, in the hope of attracting the white people, in order to “go easy” with them and not offend their sensibilities, a compromise has been made in the teaching work throughout the South. The results have been practically nil. The white people have not responded worth mentioning, to the Faith, and the colored people have been hurt and also have not responded.

He feels it is time that the Bahá’ís stopped worrying entirely about the white element in a community, and that they should concentrate on showing the negro element that this is a Faith which produces full equality and which loves and wants minorities. The Bahá’ís should welcome the negroes to their homes, make every effort to teach them, associate with them, even marry them if they want to. We must remember that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself united in Bahá’í marriage a colored and a white believer. He could not do more.

Also … the Faith must be representative of the population. In a great many places in the South, the majority of the population is still negro. This should be reflected in the Bahá’í Community, fearlessly. Both the white Bahá’ís and the colored Bahá’ís must steadily work to attain this objective of bringing the Faith to the colored people, and of confirming many of them in it. Both sides have prejudices to overcome; one, the prejudice which is built up in the minds of a people who have conquered and imposed their will, and the other the reactionary prejudice of those who have been conquered and sorely put upon.

Your committee should devote the major part of its effort towards attaining these goals in the South, and it should also as part of its work, urge the Bahá’ís, wherever they may be, to devote more attention to the minorities.

[letter on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to Bahá’í Inter-racial Teaching Committee, Dorothy Frey, chrmn., 27 May 1957, Letters of Shoghi Effendi, National Bahá’í Archives, Wilmette, Ill., cited in Morrison, To Move the World, page 293-4]

– 1485 –

1957-06-30 NSA Should Be Loving Parent Not Stern Judge

Bahá’í Journal UK Vol 7 #2 May 1990 p5

… The believers are, for the most part, young in the Cause, and if they make mistakes it is not half as important as if their spirit is crushed by being told all the time — do this and don’t do that! The new National Body should be like a loving parent, watching over and helping its children, and not like a stern judge, waiting for an opportunity to display his judicial powers. The reason he points this out to you is that constantly, for the past twenty years and more, he has been pointing this out to the old and tried National Assemblies, and he does not want the younger bodies to make the same mistakes …

[Letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska, June 30, 1957]

– 1486 –

1957-07-04 Baltic States Destined to Play Memorable Part

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

An attempt must also be made to introduce the Faith, however tentatively, into each of the three neighbouring Baltic States, destined, in the course of time, to play a memorable part in the establishment of the Faith in North-East Europe…

(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 4 July 1957 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland)

– 1487 –

1957-07-28 To Central America RSA

Divine Springtime — Louise Coswell Recalls, pp108-14

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer on his behalf your letters dated May 30th, June 26th, and July 16th.

He was delighted to hear that the Convention was such a success, and that the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Khadem, was able to visit so many centers throughout that region. He feels sure that the spirit he imparted to the friends, as well as the stirring events of the Convention and the election of your Assembly, will all mark a turning point in the work in that area and give the forward march of the Faith a new impetus.

Now that the New Regional Assemblies in Latin America have been formed, and that each one embraces a more limited area than the previous Central and South American assemblies, the work should be much easier to handle, and therefore go ahead much faster. He anticipates great things from your assembly and is eagerly awaiting news of fresh victories.

His paramount task is, of course, the teaching work: at every session your assembly should give it close attention, considering everything else of secondary importance. Not only must many new assemblies be developed, as well as groups and isolated centers, but special attention must be focused on the work of converting the Indians to the Faith. The goal should be all-Indian assemblies, so that these much exploited and suppressed original inhabitants of the land may realize that they are equals and partners in the affairs of the Cause of God, and that Bahá’u’lláh is the Manifestation of God for them.

Another of the important tasks facing your body is that of purchasing sites for future Temples in the outskirts of the capital cities of all the Republics under your jurisdiction, with the exception of Panama, which has its Temple site already. The land need not be large, two or three acres being quite sufficient for your purposes at this time; it need not be in the city but anywhere within a radius of fifteen kilometers, and economy should be borne in mind. If, when the time comes to build a House of Worship, the site is not suitable, it can be exchanged or sold and another one acquired.

Wherever the laws permit, firmly established local assemblies should be incorporated, thus laying a foundation on which the future independent National Spiritual Assemblies can build when they come into being.

Every step forward in the expansion of our glorious Faith releases new spiritual energies. The believers, as well as your assembly, must seize upon this opportunity they now have with both hands, and arise to new levels of self-sacrifice, service and dedication, confident that Bahá’u’lláh is only waiting for the instruments to be put in His hands in order to fulfill His Divine purpose.

The Guardian assures you he will support you, one and all, with his prayers, and supplicate that you may be guided in carrying out your great work, strengthened and protected.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,

(Signed) R. Rabbání

Dear and Valued Co-workers:

The formation of a Regional Spiritual Assembly representing the Bahá’í Communities of Central America and Mexico, with its seat fixed in the capital city of a Republic the future 110 of which the pen of the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant has extolled, is indeed, an auspicious event of far-reaching significance, to be acclaimed as the forerunner of no less than seven National Spiritual Assemblies, designed to support, each as a separate pillar, the noble and divinely conceived structure of the Universal House of Justice.

There can be no doubt that the remarkable progress achieved, singly and collectively, in both the teaching and administrative fluids, by the followers of the Most Great Name, labouring, in the course of two decades, so diligently, for the propagation of His Faith, throughout the length and breadth of an area linking the northern and southern continents of the Western Hemisphere, has been responsible for this great step forward that has been taken towards the consummation of so historic a task.

The various and urgent enterprises, now challenging both their spirit and resources, demand a consecration as complete, a resolve as firm, and a zeal as ardent as any they have hitherto envinced.

The Six-Year Plan formulated to enable them to meet the immediate requirements of their mission should be prosecuted with the utmost diligence. Attention, on the part of all the members of the seven Bahá’í Communities participating in this world crusade, as well as their elected representatives, should be continually focused on its objectives.

A Systematic effort must be made by the rank and file of these communities to increase rapidly the number of avowed supporters of the Faith, of isolated centers, of groups and of local spiritual assemblies. Every firmly grounded assembly should, at the earliest opportunity, be incorporated for the purpose of reinforcing the foundations of the rising structure of a divinely conceived administrative order. Every avenue should moreover, be explored in order to obtain recognition from the civil authorities concerned, of the Bahá’í marriage certificate and of the Bahá’í Holy Days. Nor must the meritorious work, so zealously undertaken in the newly opened virgin territories be, under any circumstances, neglected. The translation of Bahá’í literature into the Spanish and American Indian languages, its publication and dissemination, should likewise, be carried out with efficiency and vigour. The all-important enterprise, aimed at winning the whole-hearted allegiance of the members of various tribes of the American Indians to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, and of ensuring their active and sustained participation in the conduct of its administrative affairs, must likewise be seriously considered and strenuously pursued. And, last but not least, a site of modest dimensions should in the neighborhood of the capital cities of each of these seven Republics, with the exception of Panama, be chosen and promptly purchased, designed to pave the way for the ultimate erection of a Mother Temple in each of these Republics.

Marvellous opportunities, which if not seized at once may not reoccur, have been vouchsafed, at this auspicious hour, to the prosecutors of this historic and momentous Plan, on which the immediate destinies of these communities, now gathered under the shadow of Bahá’u’lláh, depend. Theirs is the privilege and sacred duty to exploit them to the full, ere it is too late, and to play their part, befitting the co-executors of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan and members of that band of crusaders now battling for the strength of His Father’s Cause in building up the institutions, and in broadening and reinforcing the foundations, of the embryonic world order of His Faith in the heart of the Western Hemisphere.

No matter how severe the testis and trials they may encounter, however arduous the task that confronts them, they must, one and all, pursue steadily the path they now tread, with undimmed vision, undeviating loyalty, unrestrained devotion and unyielding determination, until the Plan they are pledged to execute will have been carried out in its entirety, and the fondest expectations entertained for their success by their watchful brethern throughout the Western Hemisphere, and, indeed, in every continent of the globe, are triumphantly fulfilled.

May the spirit of Bahá’u’lláh bountifully sustain them while discharging their manifold and pressing responsibilities, and may the Author of the Divine Plan, whose design they are painstakingly labouring to create, and whose mandate they have willingly arisen to obey, guide every step they take, remove every obstacle obstructing their path, fulfill every hope they cherish, and enable them, through a still greater measure of His abiding grace, promised unequivocally to all those who will respond to His call, to write an unforgettable chapter in Latin American Bahá’í history, and contribute a share to its enrichment which posterity will soever cease to extol.

(Signed) Shoghi

July 28th,

– 1488 –

1957-07-29 To a National Spiritual Assembly re Refrain from Introducing Rules

Unlocking the Power of Action, #34

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

He urges your Assembly, as it embarks upon its great work, to refrain from introducing rules and regulations which serve no useful purpose at this time when the communities are small and undeveloped, and will only stifle the spirit of the friends and confuse them. Like a wise and loving parent the Assembly should conduct the affairs of the Bahá’ís, constantly and patiently, encouraging them and instilling enthusiasm for the work to be done.

– 1489 –

1957-07-xx To an African Regional Assembly re Additional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p329

Now that the work all over the Bahá’í world is progressing so remarkable and to all intents and purposes the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and national endowments have been purchased, he feels the friends should be left free to add additional Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds and endowments wherever they wish to.

– 1490 –

1957-08-08 To an African Regional Assembly re Purpose of New African Assemblies

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p322-3

During Mrs. __’s visit, the Guardian discussed with her the teaching work in __ where there is such a response to the Message, and where the people in outlying districts seem to be eager to enroll. He feels that those responsible for accepting new believers should consider that the most important and fundamental qualification for acceptance is the recognition of the station of Bahá’u’lláh in this day on the part of the applicant. We cannot expect people who are illiterate (which is no reflection on their mental abilities or capacities) to have studied the Teachings, especially when so little literature is available in their own language in the first place, and grasp all their ramifications, the way an African, say in London, is expected to. The spirit of the person is the important thing, the recognition of Bahá’u’lláh and His position in the world in this day. The friends therefore must not be too strict, or they will find that the great wave of loving enthusiasm with which the African people have turned to the Faith, many of them already accepting it, cools off; and being very sensitive, they will feel in some subtle way that they are rebuffed, and the work will suffer.

“The purpose of the new National Assemblies in Africa, and the purpose of any administrative body, is to carry the Message to the people and enlist the sincere under the banner of this Faith.

“Your Assembly must never lose sight of this for a moment, and must go on courageously expanding the membership of the communities under your jurisdiction, and gradually educating the friends in both the Teachings and the Administration. Nothing could be more tragic than if the establishment of these great administrative bodies should stifle or bog down the teaching work. The early believers in both the East and the West, we must always remember, knew practically nothing compared to what the average Bahá’í knows about his Faith nowadays; yet they were the ones who shed their blood, the ones who arose and said: ‘I believe,’ requiring no proof, and often never having read a single word of the Teachings. Therefore, those responsible for accepting new enrollments must just be sure of one thing — that the heart of the applicant has been touched with the spirit of the Faith. Everything else can be built on this foundation gradually.

He hopes that during the coming year it will be increasingly possible for the African Bahá’í teachers to circulate amongst the newly-enrolled Bahá’ís and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Teachings.

As regards the questions of tribal practice, the Guardian wishes you to be extremely forbearing and patient in weaning the Bahá’ís away from their old customs. this can only be done by taking each case individually as it comes up, using the greatest wisdom and kindness, and not trying rigorously to impose all Bahá’í laws in every detail at this time.

“Of course it is obvious that if a Bahá’í man already has one wife he cannot take another, no matter what the tribal law may be. Your Assembly should distinguish between this fundamental point and other phases of the tribal community life in which the new Bahá’í may still be deeply involved, and from which he cannot extract himself until the Bahá’í element in his community is strong enough to be a power in its own right.

“He agrees with the feeling of your Assembly that to start imposing the heavy sanction of depriving the friends of their voting rights is most unwise at the present time. The best policy is one of loving education.”

– 1491 –

1957-08-12 Role of Italy and Switzerland

Germany, France, Italy, and Switzerland

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 4:1

In their constant concern to illuminate the hearts of their countrymen with the radiance of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, and in their daily contact with peoples intensely conservative by nature, steeped in tradition, bound, for the most part, by the ties of religious orthodoxy, sunk in materialism, and fully content with the standard they have achieved, the members of these communities must, of necessity, find the work to which they have dedicated themselves painfully slow, extremely arduous, and often highly discouraging. The seeds, however, they are now sowing — and to this particular task they must, in the days to come, address themselves with redoubled vigour and renewed consecration, despite their daily preoccupations and constant concern with the expansion and consolidation of the administrative machinery of the Faith — will, under the watchful care of Providence, and in consequence of the tribulations which a heedless generation is bound sooner or later to experience, germinate, at the appointed time, and yield a harvest of such proportions as will fill them with astonishment.

As the World Spiritual Crusade moves swiftly along its destined course, and approaches its mid-point, the attention of the indefatigable members of these wide-awake communities must be focused on ways and means that will not only ensure the awakening, to an unprecedented degree, of the interest of the masses in the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh, but will bring about a substantial increase in the number of adherents who will willingly arise to proclaim its truths, whole-heartedly support its institutions and effectively promote their interests.

A sustained concentration, on the part of the entire company of the faithful, and particularly their elected representatives, whether local or regional, on this pre-eminent duty, of transcendental importance, and of extreme urgency, cannot fail at this hour, to draw forth from the Source of invisible Power in the Abhá Kingdom a measure of blessings that will abundantly support the bearers of the glad-tidings of the New Day to the peoples and races of a sorely afflicted continent, and enable them to reap, in this particular field the possibilities of which, alas, have not been sufficiently exploited, such a harvest as will amaze not only themselves, but their countrymen as well.

A rapid, a decisive and brilliant success in a vast field stretching from the southern confines of Germany to the southern extremity of the Italian Peninsula, embracing within its scope Corsica and Sardinia to the west, Sicily to the south, and Rhodes to the east of that Peninsula, is bound, through its repercussions, at no distant date, to rouse the potential adversaries of the Faith, belonging to both the catholic and protestant communions, from their lethargy, and precipitate a spiritual contest which by its very nature, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has repeatedly assured the American believers, will be the signal for the launching of a publicity campaign which the combined resources at the disposal of these communities could never enable them to initiate and conduct, paralleled by a corresponding and an extraordinary upsurge of the mysterious forces latent in the Faith, which will carry them upward from the shadowed valleys of obscurity to the sunny uplands of fame, prosperity and triumph.

That the members of these sister communities now linked by ties of spiritual comradeship, at this earliest stage in the unfoldment of their separate Missions, and destined to exert, as they mature, and pursue independently the path of service to their beloved Cause, a profound and abiding influence, by virtue of the position they occupy, and the fame acquired by their countries as seats of mighty institutions, both religious and secular, on the fortunes of the Faith in Europe and beyond its confines, that the members of these communities may meet befittingly the challenge of the present hour, and arise as one man to accomplish each of the goals set before them, is a prayer that I never fail to utter and a wish which I cherish with all my heart.

(12 August 1957 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Italy and Switzerland)

– 1492 –

1957-08-12 To NSA Italy and Switzerland re Temple Site

The Priceless Pearl, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum, p135

As he explained to _____, he is very anxious for Switzerland to purchase a plot, however shall in size, and modest a beginning it may be, for the future Mas̱hriqu’l-Aḏhkár of that country. He feels this should be in the outskirts of Bern, overlooking the Bernese Oberland; and he is very happy to be able to present this land himself to the Swiss Community. No publicity whatsoever should be given to this matter lest an opposition resembling that which has arisen in Germany should be provoked amongst the orthodox element in Bern. Whenever the committee responsible for finding this land has located a suitable plot, he would like your Assembly to inform him of the details.

=========

In the Priceless Pearl, pp134-5, Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum says that during the last year of his life, two Swiss pilgrims came to Haifa and he described to them his love of Switzerland and desire for a Swiss Temple, indicating where it should stand. She says that a letter dated 12 Aug 57 to the NSA of Italy and Switzerland he formalized his desire in this regard. The Swiss pilgrims are not identified and a likely named ref to them in the letter is removed.

There has been on-line a paper of unknown provenance, “Refreshed and Renewed: From Shoghi Effendi to the Guardian” by Robert Atkinson, which is mostly about Shoghi Effendi in Switzerland. In it, he says the first two Swiss pilgrims were a Dr. and Mrs Ott, who were on pilgrimage in April 1957, and that they hand carried the letter back to the Swiss and Italian NSA.

In the BW XVII entry for Mark Tobey, it notes “biographical remarks by Dr. Ott, professor of theology at the University of Basel.”

Presumably these are all ref’s to Heinrich Ott, Reformed Church theologian who took the place of Karl Barth. By what I can find on-line, he was pastor at Castiel from 1952-57, at Arisdorf 1957-62 and was at the Univ of Basel fm

Was his wife Ingeborg perhaps a Bahá’í who left the Faith or was forced to disassociate herself by her husband’s church positions? The portion of Shoghi Effendi’s letter quoted by Rúḥíyyih Ḵhánum indicates his concern about conservative backlash if it is found the Bahá’í’s intended on building a Temple near Bern.

– 1493 –

1957-08-14 German Bahá’ís to Provide Support for Those in Eastern Zone

Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union A Compilation From the Bahá’í Writings, #42

Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice

To their [German Bahá’ís] brethren in the Eastern Zone, so gravely handicapped by the unfortunate disabilities which they have so long and so patiently suffered, consistent support, in whatever way possible, should be extended, and every avenue should be explored to ensure that the flame burning in those valiant hearts, so heavily burdened by cares and anxieties, will not be extinguished. The no less vital obligation to introduce, however tentatively, the Faith in the territories lying beyond the eastern confines of their homeland, and particularly in the Baltic States, must be promptly and seriously considered, for upon it will, to a very great measure, depend the success of the Mission envisaged for them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and now confirmed through the provisions of the Ten Year Plan…

(14 August 1957 to the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria)

– 1494 –

1957-09-21 Particular Attention Devoted Attracting Colored People

He also feels that particular attention should be devoted to the teaching work in the South, and to attracting the colored people. The years of careful attention, which have been devoted to the white element in the South, in the hope of placating them, enrolling them in the Faith, and also enrolling the colored Bahá’ís at the same time, have not shown satisfactory results. In view of this, he urges the friends to concentrate on teaching the Negroes. They should be courageous in their racial stand, particularly as so many non-Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’í organizations are showing marked courage at this time, when the decisions of the Supreme Court are being so hotly contested in the South. The friends must remember that the cardinal principle of their Faith is the Oneness of Mankind. This places an obligation on them far surpassing the obligation which Christian charity and brotherly love places upon the Christians. They should demonstrate this spirit of oneness constantly and courageously in the South.

On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, 21 September 57, Bahá’í News, no. 321, 11/57, insert

[as cited in Pupil of the Eye p158]

– 1495 –

[unknown date] re Hidden Word Arabic No. 71

References of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi to the Hidden Words

Compiled by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice.

Published in Bahá’í Studies Review 9

The intent is total fulfilment of, and complete adherence to, the divine ordinances and exhortations.

(In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi on the margin of an incoming letter — translated from the Persian, unknown date)

[Response to a question asking about the stations which are higher than martyrdom in His path, mentioned at the end of the Arabic Hidden Words.]

– 1496 –

[unknown date] re Whether You Should Have More Children or Not

Bahá’í Studies Bulletin Vol I #4 March 1983 pp83

“Regarding your question of whether you should have more children or not, the Guardian feels that this is a matter for you and your husband to decide. However, we must always bear in mind that God will protect His own, and that the Bahá’í children are the future servants of mankind who will help to carry the world forward into the glorious New Order which Bahá’u’lláh has prepared for it in this day of days. We should not face the future with fear, but with glad and assured hearts.”

(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual and cited in a letter written by the Universal House of Justice dated 31 July, 1970)