by the consecrated and firmly knit British Baha'i community, constitutes a
glorious landmark in recent Baha'i history, and will, when viewed in
proper perspective, deserve to be regarded as one of the most outstanding
enterprises launched by the followers of Baha'u'llah in the opening years
of the second Baha'i century. Alike in its magnitude and significance,
this momentous undertaking is unprecedented in the annals of the Faith in
the British Isles, and deserves to rank as one of the most compelling
evidences of the creative power of its Author, marking the rise and
establishment of His institutions on the European continent. It is yet too
early to assess the potentialities of this present Plan and those destined
to follow it, or estimate their future benefits. The blessings they will
confer, as the forces latent within them are progressively revealed, on
the people dwelling within those Islands, and subsequently, as their
sphere is enlarged and their implications are fully disclosed, on the
diversified peoples and races inhabiting the widely scattered dependencies
of a far-flung empire, in both the East and the West, are unimaginably
glorious.
A staggering responsibility rests on the shoulders of those who have been
called upon to assist in the operation of the initial stages of this
heroic colossal enterprise, and to participate in the privilege of
directing its course, and nursing its infant strength. Setbacks and
reverses are inevitable as this mighty Plan progresses and expands.
Critical stages in its unfoldment must be encountered with unswerving
resolution and confident hope. Whatever hardships and sacrifices its
future prosecution may involve must be borne with courage, pride and
thankfulness. To insure its speedy advancement every issue must be
subordinated to its vital requirements, and every individual effort
co-ordinated with the agencies designed for its execution.
Its present and pressing needs in the virgin territories of Eire, Northern
Ireland, Wales and Scotland must be met with concentrated attention,
continuous, systematic effort and the utmost self-sacrifice. The goals to
be achieved in the capitals and chief cities of these newly opened
territories must be relentlessly pursued, no matter how hard and stony the
path that must be trodden. The prizes already won in other towns in those
islands must at all costs be preserved and subsequently further enriched
by fresh spiritual conquests in neighbouring counties and farther afield.
Indeed the steps preliminary to the formation of a Baha'i administrative
centre in every county throughout the British Isles, must sooner or later
be taken, as an essential prelude to the effective proclamation of the
Faith to the masses. That the English Baha'is, aided and reinforced
gradually by fresh recruits from among their Irish, Welsh and Scottish
countrymen, may hasten the advent of such a glorious day in British Baha'i
history is the dearest wish of my heart and the object of my constant
supplication at the Threshold of Baha'u'llah.
Shoghi
Letter of 10 December 1947
10 December 1947
DEEPLY TOUCHED ASSEMBLY'S SOLICITUDE ALL SAFE HEARTFELT APPRECIATION.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 January 1948
7 January 1948
FERVENTLY PRAYING SIGNAL SUCCESS TEACHING CONFERENCE URGE CONCENTRATED
UNRELAXING EFFORT ENSURE GLORIOUS TERMINATION INITIAL PHASE HISTORIC PLAN
DELIGHTED SETTLEMENT CARDIFF DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 20 January 1948
20 January 1948
CHEERED HEARTENED MAGNIFICENT SUCCESS TEACHING CONFERENCE. GREATLY WELCOME
VALUABLE ASSISTANCE EXTENDED DISTINGUISHED TEACHER DOROTHY BAKER. INITIAL
PHASE PLAN DRAWING TRIUMPHANT CLOSE. SIGNAL SERVICES RENDERED SOUND
BLESSED FIRMLY KNIT WIDE AWAKE BRITISH BAHA'I COMMUNITY EVOKING ADMIRATION
SISTER COMMUNITIES EAST WEST SETTING STIRRING EXAMPLE RISING GENERATION
CONFERRING INESTIMABLE BLESSINGS POSTERITY MERITING APPLAUSE CONCOURSE ON
HIGH AUGMENTING MY DEBT GRATITUDE. PRAYING ARDENTLY SUCCESS NEWLY LAUNCHED
CO-ORDINATED TEACHING PLAN SUPPLICATING RICHEST BLESSINGS NEWLY ARISEN
PIONEERS DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 6 February 1948
6 February 1948
DEPLORE LOSS VALIANT SOUL JOHN MARSHALL PRAYING FOR HIM. PRAYING
CONTINUALLY EVER INCREASING SUCCESS GREATLY ADMIRED DEEPLY LOVED HIGH
SPIRITED BRITISH BAHA'I COMMUNITY.
SHOGHI
Letter of 25 February 1948
25 February 1948
INCREASINGLY ADMIRE DEEPLY THANKFUL PROGRESS HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENTS BLESSED
COMMUNITY DELIGHTED RESPONSE EDINBURGH ASSURE OLGA MILLS BEST WISHES
LOVING APPRECIATION PRAYING REMOVAL DIFFICULTIES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 3 March 1948
3 March 1948
ASSURE YOU PRAYERS SUMMER SCHOOL DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 4 April 1948
4 April 1948
KINDLY AIR MAIL AFTER APRIL ELECTIONS SEPARATE UP TO DATE ALPHABETICAL
LISTS ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED BELIEVERS BRITISH ISLES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 4 April 1948
4 April 1948(43)
ASSURE DEARLY LOVED ALFRED SUGAR FERVENT PRAYERS RECOVERY HEARTILY WELCOME
NEW BELIEVERS EDINBURGH DUBLIN GREATLY APPRECIATE SUPPORT NEW PIONEERS
ADDRESS LAST MINUTE APPEAL VALIANT BRITISH BAHA'I COMMUNITY INTENSIFY
EFFORT FILL REMAINING GAPS ENSURE TOTAL VICTORY INITIAL PHASE MOMENTOUS
PLAN ARDENTLY PRAYING FULFILMENT DEAREST HOPES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 25 April 1948
25 April 1948
ACCLAIM TRIUMPHANT CONCLUSION INITIAL STAGE EPOCH MAKING PLAN INITIATED
BAHA'I COMMUNITY BRITISH ISLES OPENING YEAR SECOND BAHA'I CENTURY
SUSTAINED PRODIGIOUS EFFORT CULMINATING LAYING STRUCTURAL BASIS RISING
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER LEADING CITIES EIRE SCOTLAND WALES UNPRECEDENTED
BRITISH BAHA'I HISTORY CONSTITUTES LANDMARK ANNALS WORLD BAHA'I COMMUNITY
SIGNALISES COMMENCEMENT SIGNIFICANT PHASE SPIRITUAL HISTORY IRISH SCOTTISH
WELSH PEOPLES POTENT SEEDS SOWN 'ABDU'L-BAHA'S TWICE REPEATED VISITS
UNITED KINGDOM LONG LAST GERMINATING CONCOURSE ON HIGH APPLAUDS BRILLIANT
FEAT UNITEDLY ACHIEVED BRITISH FOLLOWERS FAITH BAHA'U'LLAH SISTER
COMMUNITIES EAST WEST MARVEL VICTORY WON SUCH MAGNITUDE SO SHORT PERIOD BY
COMMUNITY SO SORELY AFFLICTED SO SMALL NUMERICALLY SO CIRCUMSCRIBED IN
RESOURCES YET SO ALIVE SO SOUND SO RESOLUTE PLEAD URGE VALIANT PROMOTERS
SO MOMENTOUS PLAN GUARD AGAINST DISSIPATION RESOURCES RELAXATION EFFORT
DISTRACTION ATTENTION FORFEITURE HARDWON PRIZES APPEAL FURTHER SACRIFICES
NOBLER DEDICATION GREATER INTENSIFICATION LABOURS UNTIL LAST ACT FINAL
PHASE DIVINELY SUSTAINED PLAN GLORIOUSLY CONSUMMATED.
SHOGHI
Letter of 29 April 1948
29 April 1948
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Your letters to our beloved Guardian, written on behalf of the British
N.S.A., and dated as follows: Oct 20th, 22nd, 24th and 29th, Nov. 10th and
17th, Dec. 1st and 15th of 1947, and Jan. 13th, Feb. 8th, 9th, 13th, and
27th, and March 1st and 4th of 1948 and April 5th, 1948, together with
various enclosures, have been received, and he has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.
A number of matters referred to in them have been answered by cable, so I
will not go into them again.
He was specially pleased to receive the copies of the Tablet of the Master
to Andrew Carnegie, as this is yet another authentic and interesting
Baha'i document.
He was, likewise, very pleased to receive the statement of Sir A.
Ramaswami Mudaliar testifying to his appreciation of the Faith, and he
will use it in the appropriate section of "Baha'i World" in the
forthcoming edition.
The instruction he gave to the effect that committees should elect their
own officers, he feels, is universal in scope and should, therefore, apply
to Great Britain as well....
Regarding the matter of the budget of the N.S.A. he feels that both wisdom
and courage is required in this matter. You should not fix a budget which
is too heavy for the community to meet, even with sacrifice. Both the
pressing needs of the Cause and your Plan, as well as the foreseeable
possibilities of your income should guide you.
He has no objection to extracts from his letters to ... being published.
He feels that in the future it is not necessary to ask his permission to
publish such extracts. As long as the person who has received a letter,
such as he would wish to share with others, from the Guardian, has no
objection to its publication, he has no objection either. Anything
confidential he always specifies as being such.
He feels that the question of Mrs. Hofman giving up the secretaryship of
the National Teaching Committee, and who is to be chairman of it, etc. is
something to be decided there by those responsible for the work.
In one of your letters you mentioned some ... who have visited the London
Centre and their attitude: great patience must be used in dealing with the
child-like members of some of these primitive races. They are innocent in
heart and have certainly had a very bad example, in many Christians, of a
purely mercenary approach to religion, but if their hearts and minds once
become illumined with the Faith they could make very fine believers.
Regarding the matter of believers who have been deprived of their voting
rights: just as no one should ever be deprived of his voting right
lightly, it should likewise be realised that to be deprived of it is a
grave matter, and involves heavy penalties spiritually. People who have
been so deprived should not be permitted to attend any meetings involving
the administration of the Cause, such as an election or a 19 Day Feast.
They can attend the 9 Holy Days, however; they should not be married by
Baha'i law, no money should be accepted from them, they should not be
given credentials (which imply a member of the community in good standing)
nor should they be used officially as teachers or speakers.
He has no objection to your getting out a book on Baha'i Procedure similar
to the synopsis you enclosed for his information. He wishes you, however,
to stick to essentials and, as far as possible, avoid--not only in the book
but in your Assembly's decisions--binding the friends by a lot of procedure
on minor matters which he always urges should be, as much as possible,
dealt with according to each case that comes up. He wishes to keep the
administration of the Cause as flexible as possible and not impede the
work by a codified set of rules.
As to the attitude of the Baha'is in the British Isles towards the World
Government Movement: he thinks that as this Movement, so far, seems to be
working for what we believe in, and not for anything we do not subscribe
to, the Baha'is should by all means support it, vote for the
representatives to be sent to its constituent Assembly in 1950, and stand
for election if they wish to. However, he feels your Assembly should keep
a careful watch on this Movement, and if it becomes in any way
imperialistic, anti-Russian, or in any other field starts sponsoring
attitudes partizan or political in nature, the believers should be advised
to withdraw their support and help. He does not think your Assembly should
take any initiative in this Movement outside of its jurisdiction, such as
in the Middle East, through asking the friends to send in non-Baha'i
names, etc.
He does not advise you to try and create more than one Assembly, i.e. the
present one, in the London area.
The work being accomplished in the British Isles is not only a source of
pride to him, but is increasingly being recognised and admired by the
Baha'i communities throughout the World, and is greatly encouraging them
in their own struggles. For people are prone to thinking that the American
Baha'is accomplish so much solely because of the great advantages they
enjoy in their very fortunate country, whereas now the friends, knowing
full well how much England suffered during the war, and is still
suffering, are forced to acknowledge that it is spirit, determination,
faith and devotion which bring victories into being, one after another, in
Britain, and not luxury and leisure. Your achievements are heartening the
friends in many places where their numbers are few, and the obstacles to
be overcome great! In fact the American Baha'is who have visited England
feel there is much to be copied at home in your spirit and methods.
He, therefore, urges you all to persevere courageously, knowing what you
are accomplishing is infinitely precious and great. You are witnessing
with your own eyes the fruition of your plans, the nearing of the moment
when your hopes will be fully realised.
He assures you all of his very loving prayers on your behalf, and for the
speedy progress of your work.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers,
The successful conclusion of the Initial Phase of the first collective
enterprise launched by the followers of Baha'u'llah in the British Isles
during the first year of the second Baha'i century constitutes a milestone
of the utmost significance on the road leading the British Baha'i
community to the glorious destiny ordained for them by Divine Providence.
The efforts exerted, the magnitude of the success which has been achieved,
the spirit of consecration that has been demonstrated, the solidarity,
determination and perseverance evinced by individuals, groups and
assemblies during the opening years of this century are indeed
unprecedented in British Baha'i history, and may be regarded next to
'Abdu'l-Baha's twice repeated visit to the British Isles, as the most
potent period in the annals of the British Baha'i community.
The establishment of the structural basis of the Administrative Order of
the Faith in Scotland, Wales and Eire--an accomplishment of tremendous
spiritual significance in itself--has greatly enhanced the momentous
character of this period, and will lend a mighty impetus to the evolution
of the Faith in the days to come.
The Final Phase of the Plan must now be carried forward with still greater
energy, with still nobler self-sacrifice, with a clearer vision of the
historic import of the work which is to be accomplished, with a mightier
determination to bring it to a successful conclusion. The resources at the
disposal of the community must, as a result of its expansion, be
continually augmented and carefully extended. The prizes so painstakingly
won must, at all costs, be safeguarded and consolidated. The newly
enrolled believers must be constantly encouraged to assume an increasing
share of the responsibilities and of the administrative functions
devolving upon the members of the community. The pioneer activities
undertaken by its members must, however great the sacrifices involved, be
increasingly developed, systematised and accelerated. The needs of the
Faith in the newly opened territories in the west, in the north, and in
the south, must, while the specific goals of the Plan are being pursued,
be given special attention, in order to enrich the life of the entire
community, to increase the diversity of its constituent elements, to
demonstrate the welding and assimilative power of the Faith, and to
stimulate the processes now set in motion for the spiritual regeneration
of all the ethnic elements within the British Isles.
In token of my gratitude for the work already accomplished, as a
recognition of the status achieved by the British Baha'i community in the
Western Hemisphere, in anticipation of the tasks that still remain to be
undertaken, I feel moved to initiate, as soon as the situation here
permits, measures that will enable me, through the institution of a
Palestine Branch of the British Baha'i National Assembly, to register in
the name of the body of the elected representatives of the followers of
Baha'u'llah throughout the British Isles, a portion of Baha'i
international endowments dedicated to the Shrine of the Bab on Mount
Carmel. May this step, associating it with its sister national assemblies
in the United States and India in the possession of so sacred a trust,
lend its share to the consolidation and distinction of the central
institution of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in the
British Isles.
Shoghi
Letter of 2 May 1948
2 May 1948
HAPPILY TRANSMIT REJOICING NEWS BELOVED GUARDIAN'S SAFETY HAIFA.
BAHABUREAU
Letter of 5 May 1948
5 May 1948
GREATLY WELCOME DEEPLY APPRECIATE CONVENTION'S RESPONSE SUCCESSFUL
CONCLUSION INITIAL PHASE PLAN ENCOURAGES ME INITIATE AS SOON AS
CIRCUMSTANCES PERMIT MEASURES ESTABLISH HOLY LAND PALESTINE BRANCH BRITISH
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ENABLE IT LEGALLY OWN PORTION BAHA'I INTERNATIONAL
ENDOWMENTS MT. CARMEL TOKEN MY ABIDING GRATITUDE SHINING ACHIEVEMENTS.
SHOGHI
Letter of 9 May 1948
9 May 1948
KINDLY CABLE NUMBER ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED BELIEVERS BRITISH ISLES.
SHOGHI
Letter of 13 May 1948
13 May 1948
LOULIE MATHEWS PROCEEDING SOUTH AFRICA THIS SUMMER ADVISE SEND HER CARE
HORACE HOLLEY ADDRESSES CONTACTS AFRICA ALSO INTRODUCTION FROM BARBE BAKER
PRAYING ARDENTLY SUCCESS NEWLY ELECTED NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TEACHING
COMMITTEE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 10 June 1948
10 June 1948
ASSURE GRACE CHALLIS ARDENT PRAYERS DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION SERVICES
ALSO PRAYING ... SUCCESS HOFMAN'S VISIT DEEPEST LOVE.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 July 1948
7 July 1948
PRAYING REMOVAL DIFFICULTIES URGE STEADFASTNESS INCREASING SELFSACRIFICE
ALSO WISDOM EXPENDITURE PRIZES PAINSTAKINGLY WON MUST AT ALL COSTS BE
SAFEGUARDED WORK INITIATED GOAL TOWNS ENERGETICALLY PURSUED DEEPEST LOVE
APPRECIATION.
SHOGHI
Letter of 7 September 1948 (Summer School)
7 September 1948 (Summer School)
ASSURE ATTENDANTS SUMMER SCHOOL LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS SESSIONS
DEEPER UNDERSTANDING DISTINGUISHING FEATURES FAITH CLOSER ASSOCIATION
MEMBERS VICTORIOUSLY ADVANCING STEADILY CONSOLIDATING COMMUNITY.
SHOGHI
Letter of 2 October 1948
2 October 1948(44)
ASSURE THREE NEW SETTLERS FERVENT PRAYERS DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION
DELIGHTED WELSH PUBLICATION EAGERLY AWAITING COPIES SUPPLICATING
ALMIGHTY'S BLESSING FORTHCOMING REGIONAL MEETINGS. CABLE WHETHER FIVE
HUNDRED POUNDS ARRANGE BE SENT YOU FROM ?IHRAN REACHED YOU.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 27 October 1948
27 October 1948
DR. YUNIS AFRU_KH_TEH STAUNCH DISTINGUISHED SERVANT FAITH PROCEEDING
ENGLAND MEDICAL TREATMENT EXTEND ASSISTANCE ADVISED HIM HELP TEACHING WORK
BRITAIN.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 29 October 1948
29 October 1948
ASSURE MILLS BACKWELL LOVING APPRECIATION GRIEVE PASSING CHALLIS PRAYING
PROGRESS SOUL SERVICES FAITH GRATEFULLY REMEMBERED.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 5 November 1948
5 November 1948
APPROVE TOWNSHEND'S ADMIRABLE STATEMENT CONVEY CONGRATULATIONS PRAYING
SIGNAL SUCCESS APPROVE APPEAL FUNDS OVERSEAS.
SHOGHI RABBANI
Letter of 5 November 1948
5 November 1948
Dear Baha'i Brother,
Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated July 14th and of July 20th,
August 6th and 30th and September 11th and October 8th, have been
received, as well as various enclosures forwarded, and he has instructed
me to answer you on his behalf.
...There are always bound to be some human complications cropping up in
the work, but with love and patience these can usually be smoothed out,
and he feels your assembly invariably shows these qualities in helping the
friends to overcome their problems.
He believes that people such as ... have no real idea of what the New
History Society stands for, and can therefore be taught the Faith, and
converted to it, by the right handling. All the friends must do in such
cases is to make quite sure that the person in question is sincere and
grasps the Will and Testament. There are, of course, some individuals in
whom the subversive spirit of Sohrab has taken root, and these should be
carefully guarded against, but they are more the exception than the rule.
He feels that the local Assemblies should be encouraged to realise that
the National Committees are constituted to serve their needs, not to
dictate arbitrarily to them, and to unify the work of the Cause which is
now spreading so rapidly in the British Isles. The committees in question
should be very tactful in dealing with a young assembly which is beginning
to "feel its oats", as this spirit of independence, if properly handled,
can lead it to be strong and independent rather than weak and always
relying on other bodies to carry it forward. Assemblies, however, should
certainly co-operate with National Committees and not refuse their
assistance.
Dr. Yunis _Kh_an Afru_kh_teh is planning to go to England for medical
treatment, and the Guardian would appreciate your Assembly's giving him
every assistance possible. He has been ill for some time, and Shoghi
Effendi hopes he will recover his health, as he is a wonderful believer,
full of wisdom and devotion, and his services are much needed in the
Cause. He has advised him to assist you in your teaching work as soon as
his health permits this exertion.
He also hopes dear Dr. Lotfullah Hakim will be of valuable assistance in
your teaching work.
He has recently asked Mr. Varqa, his representative, to transfer to your
Assembly five hundred pounds to assist you in your manifold activities
connected with your Six Year Plan. Unfortunately it is not possible to
send any money out of Palestine at present, even from Persia it is
difficult to transfer funds, but he trusts this sum will be of assistance
to you.
The Guardian feels that the assemblies of Cardiff, Dublin and Edinburgh
must receive sustained support, as they are the three most important
assemblies formed under the Plan, and must be built into strong and
flourishing communities, free from any danger of relapse.
He is very happy about the general progress of the work in the British
Isles, and the remarkable, sustained, and self-sacrificing work the
believers are doing, guided and assisted by the devoted efforts of your
Assembly.
You may be sure you are all remembered in his prayers in the Holy Shrines,
and he eagerly awaits news of fresh victories in the teaching field.
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends and co-workers,
The opening of the Final Phase of the First Collective Enterprise
undertaken in the history of the British Baha'i community marks the
closing of a stage of tremendous historic significance in the evolution of
that community and, indeed, in the spiritual history of the British Isles.
Well nigh fifty years after the inception of that community, almost a
quarter of a century after the birth of the Administrative Order, and on
the morrow of the world-wide celebrations of the centenary of the Faith, a
Plan, ambitious in its scope and endowed with vast potentialities, was
nobly and spontaneously conceived by the small band of its devoted
adherents in those islands. An effort, extending over a period of no less
than four years, nation-wide in its range, sustained, systematic,
prodigious has been exerted. A victory unparalleled in British Baha'i
annals has been achieved. Towards its consummation newly won recruits to
the ranks of this growing community, representative of the English, the
Scottish, the Irish and Welsh races have notably contributed. The seeds
sown, with such lavish hands by the Founder of that community in the
course of two successive visits to the United Kingdom, have at last
germinated. The machinery of the Administrative Order, slowly and
laboriously taking shape, on the morrow of His ascension, has, as destined
by Him who delineated its features in His Will and Testament, been put to
the service of this newly conceived Plan, and is now yielding its first
fruits. Born at the turn of the last century, its nucleus formed in the
heart and nerve centre of a far-flung Empire, gestating for over a decade
whilst confined to the narrow limits of the English territory whence it
first sprang, energised, after having lain dormant for no less than ten
years, through the twice repeated journeys of the Centre of Baha'u'llah's
Covenant to both the English and Scottish capitals, shaped and trained
through the processes of a divinely conceived, slowly evolving
Administrative Order, propelled along the broad highroad of its destiny in
direct consequence of the initial operation of the First Plan set in
operation for its further unfoldment, emerging as a truly representative
and firmly-knit community, at the conclusion of the Initial Phase of that
Plan through the spread of its ramifications among the peoples of
Scotland, Wales and Ireland, the organised band of the followers of the
Faith of Baha'u'llah throughout the British Isles, within sight of the
conclusion of the Final Phase of the Six Year Plan, stands on the
threshold of a door which when opened will disclose to the eyes of its
members a vista of vast dimensions, of majestic beauty, of infinite
promise.