I would also strongly urge the members of every incoming National
Spiritual Assembly to take all necessary steps to insure that every local
Assembly throughout America, without any exception whatsoever, should
immediately after its election send the complete list of its members
together with the full address of its secretary to the National Secretary,
who in turn will forward them to me directly, enclosing his own address as
well as the list of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. It
would also be extremely helpful, should actual circumstances permit, to
devise with the wholehearted assistance of every local Assembly ways and
means for the compilation of an authoritative, up-to-date, and exhaustive
list of recognized believers in America, supplemented by the full address
of each believer's permanent residence--this list to be continually revised
according to every change affecting the residence and number of such
believers. This would be particularly advisable in view of the permanent
residence of isolated believers in various parts of the country, as well
as of those who form parts of groups as yet numerically too small for the
formation of a local Spiritual Assembly.
However desirable these steps may be, it is evident that they are
secondary in their importance and urgency to the pressing and
ever-increasing issues that vitally affect the spread and the
consolidation of the work which you are called upon to perform, and which
it is my privilege to assist in and serve. I am enclosing a preliminary
list of Baha'i centers throughout the world, exclusive of Persia, which,
though inadequate, may still, I trust, be of some help to you. I would
welcome any additions or corrections you might be able to make and hope it
will evolve into a valuable section of the contemplated Baha'i Year Book.
I wish to assure you, in conclusion, of my heartfelt appreciation of your
devoted labors in the Divine Vineyard.
Your brother and fellow-worker,
SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine,
May 12, 1925.
Letter of June 3rd, 1925.
To the beloved of God and the handmaids of the Merciful, the delegates and
visitors to the Baha'i Convention, Green Acre, Maine, U.S.A.
Fellow-laborers in the Vineyard of God:
Once again the hand of divine power has gathered together the chosen
representatives of the American believers, assembled this time amid the
pleasant surroundings of a blest and beloved spot, to deliberate upon the
most effective measures that will insure the advancement of the Cause of
Baha'u'llah. I feel it a pleasure and privilege to offer you these few
thoughts as my humble contribution to the proceedings of your annual
Convention.
May I at the outset reaffirm my feelings of gratitude and keen
appreciation for the eminent share which the friends in America,
individually as well as by their collective efforts, have contributed to
ease the burden of responsibility and care that has so often oppressed my
heart. Your steadfastness, your unsparing devotion; your self-sacrifice in
upholding and fostering the institutions of the Cause; the notable advance
you have achieved in the coordination of your activities; the remarkable
solicitude you have shown, and the magnificent response you have made on
behalf of the oppressed and needy among your brethren; the measures you
have initiated, the hindrances you have removed and the means and methods
you have perfected--these and others beside have established you in the
confidence, the esteem and the admiration of all the Baha'i world. I
personally appreciate and am thankful for your unfailing supplications and
special prayers on my behalf. I am deeply touched by your expressions of
unwavering faith, of loyalty and affection, and fully reciprocate your
brotherly sentiments and your keen desire and readiness to collaborate
with me more closely and effectively than ever before.