Dear Baha'i friends:
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter of March 16th,
1941.
He was very pleased to learn that Mother Dunn has accepted in such a noble
and exemplary Baha'i spirit the loss of dear Father Dunn, and that the
friends of Sydney are preparing a full description of his death and the
funeral. The Guardian would like very much to receive all such histories
and reports for the next Vol. of "Baha'i World". He would also like you to
send him three good photographs of Father Dunn and some of his grave and
tombstone--whenever the latter are available.
The truly remarkable services of Hyde Dunn will never be forgotten. They
have added a golden page to the history of the Formative Period of our
Faith. The whole-hearted response to 'Abdu'l-Baha's call, raised more than
twenty years ago, which he and Mother Dunn made; their quiet and
unassuming sacrifices for the Cause; the wisdom and permanence with which
he laid the foundations of the work in Australia and New-Zealand; and the
faithful love with which both of these noble souls tended the growing
institutions of the Faith--all constitute a landmark in the victorious
progress of the Faith. He is indeed the spiritual conqueror of that
continent!
The Guardian was very impressed by your Assembly's recent statement
published in the January issue of "Baha'i Quarterly". So much so that he
felt impelled to have the American N.S.A. publish it in "Baha'i News" and
also have it read at the annual Convention. He feels that in excellent
form you have presented the very essence of the Baha'i attitude on these
matters. This has further strengthened his conviction that the Baha'is of
Australia and New-Zealand display a remarkable soundness in their views on
all matters concerning the Faith, a characteristic which greatly pleases
him.
Concerning your question whether a Baha'i Burial Service can be conducted
for non-Baha'is if requested by them: if non-Baha'is desire that the
believers should conduct such a service there is no objection at all.
The contemplated teaching trip of Miss Brooks, Mrs Hawthorne and Mrs
Moffit to Queensland, meets with the Guardian's whole-hearted approval. He
will pray in the Holy Shrines that its outcome will be richly blessed and
fruitful.
He was very sorry to learn that Miss Stevenson has passed on. He will pray
for her joy and advancement in the Worlds beyond. She had the great honour
and blessing of being the first New-Zealand believer and her reward must
be great.
With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi's most loving prayers for you all and
with Baha'i greetings,
Yours in His Service,
R. Rabbani.
P.S. He wishes me also to thank you for the Naw-Ruz and Ridvan greetings
from all the dear friends in Australia and New Zealand.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The community of the Most Great Name in these far-off islands have lost a
great leader, a stalwart upholder of the new World Order of Baha'u'llah.
The influence he has exercised will however continue to live, and the
example he has set will inspire the rising generation to perform deeds as
great and brilliant as those which will ever remain associated with his
name. Our dear friend, Mr. Hyde Dunn, will, from his exalted station
intercede on your behalf, and you should, on your part strive to emulate
one whom Baha'i historians will recognise and acclaim as Australia's
spiritual conqueror. I will pray for his dear spiritual children from the
depths of my heart.
Your true brother,
Shoghi.
The passing of yet another staunch and indefatigible worker, Miss
Stevenson, constitutes yet another loss to the believers in that
continent. The work which that exemplary pioneer has achieved however is
imperishable. Kindly assure her relatives of my deepfelt sympathy.
Sh.