He is extremely anxious to have these properties purchased, either
together in one place, or if this is not feasible, then in two separate
places, as he has already informed you. Eight of the eleven Temple sites
have been purchased, and many of them in very difficult places; and he
feels very strongly that it is a great pity that Canada should be
behind-hand in this matter, in view of the fact that she is one of the
oldest Baha'i Communities in the western world. No doubt the problem is
more difficult for you to solve, owing to special conditions in Toronto
and vicinity; but we know that all problems are solvable for the Baha'is,
with the power of God to help them; and he is eagerly awaiting news of
your success.
As regards your question about the nature of the endowment, which is one
of the objectives of your part of the Ten Year Crusade: although the
Maxwell house(41) in Montreal is really a national endowment he feels in
conformity to the policy being pursued in other countries, Canada should
acquire one also at this time. This may be a small piece of land purchased
for Two Thousand Dollars or even less, or for that matter, given to the
National Assembly as a gift. The important point is that Canada should
have its own National Endowment, as distinguished from the school
property.
The Guardian does not feel that it is possible or right to change
Anticosti and to substitute another goal in its place. He fully realizes
the difficulties involved; but feels convinced that sooner or later,
through perseverance and prayer, a way will open and a believer will be
able to get into the Island on a more-or-less permanent basis.
As regards the money you have received on account of the estate of dear
Fred Schopflocher(42) : this your Body is free to use for the purposes of
the Faith, at its discretion.
He hopes that the National Assembly, through its love, wisdom, patience
and leadership, will carry the members of the Canadian Community forward
during the coming year on the difficult road leading to the achievement of
their goals. The spirit of enthusiasm and consecration which animates the
Canadian Baha'is will, he feels sure, bring forth a warm and generous
response to all the plans made by your Assembly for obtaining your
objectives.
He assures you, and through you all the members of the Canadian Community
that the work in Canada is very dear to his heart, and that he will
remember you all in his loving prayers in the holy Shrines.
With warm Baha'i love,
R. RABBANI.
P.S.--He is very happy to see you are expediting building Mr.
Schopflocher's grave. The details he leaves to the discretion of your
Assembly, as he is too busy to go into such matters. The most suitable
passages should be chosen from his cable regarding Freddie at the time of
his death, and engraved on the tombstone of this distinguished Hand of the
Cause.
As regards building the grave of Mr. Maxwell(43), this has already been
taken care of by his family. However, he thanks you for the loving offer.
He approves of your taking steps right away to erect a worthy monument on
the grave of dear and heroic Marion Jack(44).
Dear and Valued Co-workers:
The steady progress of the manifold activities in which the Canadian
Baha'i Community is now so devotedly and unflaggingly engaged is a source
of great joy and satisfaction to all who have, in recent years, observed
its growth and noted its consolidation throughout that vast and promising
Dominion.
Though some of its most capable and active members have, urged by a
compelling force to forsake their homes and settle in distant fields,
ceased to lend to the members of this brave and greatly consecrated
community their valued support, and though a few others to be reckoned
among its oldest and most distinguished supporters have passed to the Abha
Kingdom, leaving a gap difficult indeed to fill, yet the body of the
Canadian believers, far from flinching or relaxing in its noble
endeavours, has amply demonstrated its capacity to assume and discharge
its heavy and multiple responsibilities, has steadily enlarged the scope
of its achievements, has preserved its unity, and coherence, and set an
inspiring example to Baha'i communities, both young and old, throughout
all the continents of the globe.
The superb feats achieved by this community's indomitable pioneers far
beyond the Arctic circle, in neighbouring islands of both the Atlantic and
Pacific Oceans, as well as in far off isolated territories; the
incorporation of the elected body of its national representatives; the
notable increase in the number of its members; its response to the urgent
needs of the National Fund, and the rapid enlargement in the scope of its
teaching and administrative activities, are all evidences of the intense
vitality of the faith which animates it, and of the firm attachment of its
members to the Cause which it has espoused.