On occasion of Naw-Ruz of Holy Year convey twin joyful tidings to National
Assemblies of the Baha'i world. Building operations of the final unit of
the Bab's Sepulcher commenced. Recall at this hour successive landmarks,
each coinciding with a Naw-Ruz Festival in the history of the sixty year
old enterprise founded by the Author of the Baha'i Revelation. First,
Naw-Ruz, 1909, witnessed the entombment within the Holy of Holies of the
Shrine constructed by 'Abdu'l-Baha of the dust of the Martyr-Prophet of
the Faith. Second, Naw-Ruz, 1949, coincided with the laying of the first
threshold stones of the arcade. Third, Naw-Ruz, 1951, synchronized with
the termination of the excavation within the Shrine foundations for the
eight piers designed to support the weight of the three story
superstructure. Fourth, Naw-Ruz, 1952, is associated with the completion
of the octagon setting second crown of the holy Edifice.
The celebrations of Naw-Ruz in this Holy Year are heightened by the
placing of the first stones encircling the base of the dome. Anticipating,
as the climax of the world-wide rejoicings of the Holy Year draw near, the
placing of the gilded tiles, the fourth and last unit of the majestic
Edifice. Fervently hoping that the greatest enterprise undertaken at the
World Center of the Faith will be consummated ere the conclusion of the
festivities of the Holy Year.
International endowments surrounding the tomb of the Prophet-Herald of the
Faith on the bosom of God's Holy Mountain are considerably extended
through the acquisition, after thirty years' effort, of a wooded area of
over twenty-three thousand square meters, including a building overlooking
the sacred spot, made possible through the estate bequeathed to the Faith
by the herald of Baha'u'llah's Covenant, Roy Wilhelm, raising the total
area within the precincts permanently dedicated to the Bab's Sepulcher to
almost a quarter million square meters.
Heart filled with humble gratitude at the double victory of the Faith,
adding great joyousness to the Baha'i New Year's Day, presaging still
greater triumphs as the Baha'i World approaches the high water mark of the
world-wide celebrations of the memorable year commemorating the hundredth
anniversary of the birth of the Mission of Baha'u'llah.
--Shoghi
[Cablegram, March 21, 1953]