Though much has been achieved in the course of the two years that have
elapsed since the formulation of the Plan, the objectives that the members
of this struggling, youthful and valiant community have set themselves to
attain are still far from being fulfilled. Though the process of the
multiplication of Baha'i centres, over the length and breadth of so vast a
territory, has been, steadily and speedily, gathering momentum, the number
of groups that have achieved Assembly status is still relatively
insignificant, while the pioneer activity designed to awaken and stimulate
the interest of the Eskimos in the Faith and enlist their support may
hardly be said to have been vigorously and adequately launched. The call
to which this newly-fledged community has been summoned is admittedly
urgent and challenging. The character of the tasks alloted to it is, in
many respects, unique. The resources at its disposal for the discharge of
its peculiar responsibilities are no doubt as yet inadequate. The
obstacles that stand in its way and obstruct its path seem almost
insurmountable. Its membership, when viewed in relation to the range over
which it operates, is no doubt wholly inadequate yet the spirit which has
consistently animated the members of the entire community, and the energy
and determination which have distinguished their elected representatives
in the discharge of their sacred duties, are such as to fortify the hopes
which I, as well as their fellow-workers in both hemispheres, have
cherished in our hearts, since the inauguration of their first collective
enterprise in a land so rich in promise, so vast in its potentialities,
and so honoured by the visit of the Centre of the Covenant Himself as well
as by the glowing references made to it by Him in His immortal Tablets.
As the centenary of the birth of Baha'u'llah's prophetic Mission
approaches, as the first historic Plan, signalizing the birth and rise of
a highly privileged community, the sole partner of its great sister
community in the South in the prosecution of 'Abdu'l-Baha's Divine Plan,
gathers momentum and enters the concluding stages in its evolution, a
dedication even more conspicuous than that already manifested in the hour
of the launching of the Plan must needs be displayed by all those who are
called upon to participate in its prosecution. A sterner resolve, a nobler
heroism, a greater unanimity in sacrifice, a further intensification of
effort must be manifested, as the first stage in the evolution of the
mission of the Canadian Baha'i Community draws to a close, and paves the
way for the inauguration of still more splendid enterprises along the path
laid down for them by the unerring hand of the Author of the Divine Plan.
That this community will never relax in its high endeavours, that the
vision of its glorious mission will not be suffered to be dimmed, that
obstacles, however formidable, will neither dampen its zeal or deflect it
from its purpose, is my confident hope and earnest prayer. He Who watches
over its destinies, from Whose pen testimonies so significant and soul
thrilling have flowed, will no doubt continue to direct its steps, to
shower upon it His loving bounties, to surround it with His constant care,
and to enable it to scale loftier heights on its ascent towards the summit
of its destiny.
With a heart brimful with gratitude for all that this community has so far
achieved, and throbbing with hope for the future exploits that will
distinguish its record of stewardship to the Faith of Baha'u'llah, I pray
that by its acts, this community will prove itself worthy of the trust
confided to its care, and the station to which it has been called.
Your true and grateful brother,
SHOGHI.