Particular tribute should, I feel, at this juncture, be paid to the
stupendous work achieved, since the launching of the World Crusade, by the
representatives of this highly privileged community, in their capacity as
members of the International Baha'i Council, in connection with the
prosecution of a variety of enterprises embarked upon in recent years,
aiming at the expansion and consolidation of the international
institutions of the Faith, the enhancement of its prestige, the
embellishment of the surroundings of its Shrines, the efficient conduct of
its internal affairs, and the forging of fresh links binding it still more
closely to the civil authorities in the Holy Land. The erection of the
International Archives in the close neighborhood of the Bab's holy
Sepulcher; the extension of the international Baha'i endowments on the
slopes of Mt. Carmel; the formation of several Israel Branches of Baha'i
National Spiritual Assemblies; the embellishment of the precincts of the
resting-place of both the Bab and Baha'u'llah; the purchase of the site of
the first Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar of the Holy Land; the preparation of the
designs for the International Baha'i Archives on Mt. Carmel; and of the
Mother Temples of Persia and of Africa; the inauguration of the
preliminary steps for the eventual construction of Baha'u'llah's holy
Sepulcher; the measures adopted, with the assistance of various officials
of the State of Israel, for the eviction of the covenant-breakers from the
immediate precincts of the Shrine of Baha'u'llah and the elimination of
any influence they still exercise, after the lapse of over sixty years, in
the close vicinity of that Most Holy Spot--in these, as well as in other
various subsidiary activities, constantly increasing in number as well as
in diversity at the spiritual and administrative center of the Baha'i
world, have the members of the little band, assiduously laboring under the
shadow of the Holy Shrines, and befittingly representing the American
Baha'i Community, conspicuously participated, and through their dedicated
services, added fresh luster to the annals of the community to which they
belong.