Likewise of course you will be interested to know that the work on the
drum of the beautiful Shrine of the Bab is progressing nicely. The columns
between the lancet windows are rising higher with each passing day. The
beauty of this Gem on Mount Carmel is attracting widespread interest, not
only on the part of the Baha'is, but of the public of the State of Israel
as well....
LETTER OF 11 OCTOBER 1952 (SUMMER SCHOOL)
11 October 1952 (Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter addressed to the beloved Guardian and signed by all the
friends, has been received, and I have been instructed to answer you on
his behalf. He was most happy to see that such a large number of the
believers were present to gain renewed zeal and inspiration from this
important Baha'i institution.
As he has already informed the friends there, great work lies ahead for
Germany in the next ten years, and it is of the utmost importance that all
the Baha'is prepare themselves for that work now....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty abundantly bless your high endeavours, guide your steps,
remove every obstacle in your path, and assist you to lend a tremendous
impetus to the progress of our beloved Faith,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 29 NOVEMBER 1952
29 November 1952
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious to conclude the preparation of the
new statistical book to be issued during the Holy Year, concerning the
status of the Faith over the world.
We still do not have the list of Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers
in Germany and Austria.
Can you send by return air mail a list of the Assemblies, Groups and
Isolated Believers in Germany, and also another list giving the same
information for Austria? In other words, a separate list should be sent
for each country....
LETTER OF 8 MARCH 1953
8 March 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY COMBINATION BONN OTHER CITIES NOT ADVISABLE. URGE
INDEPENDENT ASSEMBLY BONN.
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 30 MARCH 1953
30 March 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY BONN KOELN SEPARATE.
Shoghi
LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953
19 April 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY NEW STANDARD CIVIL LIMITS SHOULD BE ENFORCED BY
APRIL 1954.
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953
19 April 1953
Dear Baha'i Brother:
Owing to the fact that telegrams and cables going out from here are
frequently garbled in transmission and the meaning is not clear, I am
mailing to you at the instruction of our beloved Guardian, his Message to
the German Baha'i Convention.
Please cable him immediately this Message reaches your hands, so that he
will know that you have received it in time for the Convention. It is
really a cable which is being mailed to you, in order to prevent errors.
The Guardian hopes the German and Austrian friends will have a wonderful
Convention this year, as preparation for the great work that lies ahead of
them, and assures your Body of his prayers for the success of the
Convention and the manifold activities of the German believers....
LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953 (CONVENTION)
19 April 1953 (Convention)
HEART UPLIFTED PROSPECT GLORIOUS MISSION AWAITING LEADING BAHA'I COMMUNITY
EUROPEAN CONTINENT. ITS VALIANT MEMBERS STANDING THRESHOLD PERIOD
UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION CONSOLIDATION INSTITUTIONS FAITH BIDDING FAIR
ECLIPSE ANY PREVIOUS PERIOD GERMAN BAHA'I HISTORY. TEN YEAR PLAN DESIGNED
CONSOLIDATE INSTITUTIONS GERMANY AUSTRIA INAUGURATE MISSION GERMAN
BELIEVERS BEYOND CONFINES HOMELAND INVOLVES FIRST OPENING FOLLOWING VIRGIN
TERRITORIES CRETE FRISIAN ISLAND GREECE AS WELL AS CIRCUMSTANCES
PERMITTING ALBANIA ESTONIA FINNO-KARELIA LATVIA LITHUANIA MOLDAVIA RUMANIA
WHITE RUSSIA SECOND CONSOLIDATION FAITH AUSTRIA AS WELL AS WHENEVER
FEASIBLE BULGARIA CZECHOSLOVAKIA HUNGARY POLAND RUSSIAN S.F.S.R.
YUGOSLAVIA THIRD CONSTRUCTION MASHRIQUL-ADHKAR FRANKFURT FOURTH
ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AUSTRIA FIFTH INCORPORATION
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AUSTRIA SIXTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL
ENDOWMENTS GERMANY SEVENTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS AUSTRIA
EIGHTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL HAZIRATUL-QUDS VIENNA NINTH DOUBLING NUMBER
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES GERMANY TENTH DOUBLING NUMBER LOCAL
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES AUSTRIA ELEVENTH INCORPORATION NINETEEN
LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES GERMANY AUSTRIA TWELFTH FORMATION GERMAN BAHA'I
PUBLISHING TRUST FRANKFURT THIRTEENTH ESTABLISHMENT ISRAEL BRANCH GERMAN
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY FOURTEENTH FORMATION EUROPEAN TEACHING
COMMITTEE DESIGNED STIMULATE COORDINATE TEACHING ACTIVITIES PLAN. MAY
ENTIRE COMMUNITY GERMAN AUSTRIAN BELIEVERS AFIRE VISION GLORIOUS DESTINY
ARISE CONTRIBUTE NOTABLE SHARE PROSECUTION WORLD CRUSADE CULMINATING WORLD
WIDE CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATING CENTENARY ASSUMPTION BAHA'U'LLAH HIS
PROPHETIC OFFICE.
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 26 APRIL 1953 (CONVENTION)
26 April 1953 (Convention)
DEEP APPRECIATION MESSAGE LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES PRAYING SUCCESS GREAT
TASKS AHEAD DETAILED CONVENTION MESSAGE MAILED WEEK AGO.
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 5 MAY 1953
5 May 1953
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the reports which he
has received of the teaching activities throughout the world.
Notwithstanding we have just published the statistical book, giving the
number of localities throughout the world where Baha'is reside, yet the
Guardian would like to have accurate information now, based on the results
of the elections on April 21, 1953.
Will you therefore please send to me just as quickly as possible, a
statement showing the localities in your country and Austria where Baha'is
reside, and in each instance, indicate whether it is an Assembly, a Group
or isolated believers....
LETTER OF 10 JUNE 1953
10 June 1953
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him
from all parts of the Baha'i World; of the victories already gained, and
the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.
They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May
28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of
the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced, that the Friends
will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote
of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action.
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify
some of the aspects of his dynamic message.
The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that
he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type
of Baha'i service--whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields
of the Faith.
In America some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some
of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has
informed the American National Assembly, that because of their being the
Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Baha for teaching throughout
the world, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world,
regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish
to pioneer in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will
communicate with you.
There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you,
and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below. 1. Every
individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in
every way possible by the National Assembly. 2. Every application for
pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either
in the handling by the NSA or any Committee working out the details for
the NSA. 3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin
areas, the first order of their business. In other words nothing is more
important at this time, than settlement of the 131 virgin areas. 4. More
than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; except of course,
unless they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to
settle each area with Baha'is, and therefore, 1 Baha'i will fulfill the
initial task.
The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are:
A1. Areas close at hand easy of settlement should be filled first. Then
the areas more difficult, and finally, those which will be difficult.
B2. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at
once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place, and any pertinent
information.
C3. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the
Secretary-General of the International Baha'i Council, giving the progress
of your teaching work in new areas of the Plan, particularly the virgin
areas assigned to your NSA. This does not mean your assembly should
correspond with the International Council concerning administrative
matters in connection with the Plan, but that only reports of progress
should be sent them. Administrative matters, etc., should be handled by
your Assembly directly with the Guardian.
D4. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled, and
he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest
possible date:
Frisian Islands.
Greece--(this is very important, because it is the last national community
in Europe without Baha'is).
Crete.
After these are settled, others more difficult should be considered.
The beloved Guardian wishes the German Baha'is, likewise to assist more
actively in the spread of the Faith in Austria. There should be additional
Baha'i Centers in Austria, and he hopes the German Baha'is will be most
helpful in accomplishing this.
The Baha'is of Germany and Austria have a very great responsibility in
connection with the development of the Ten Year Crusade. 'Abdu'l-Baha
himself visited your countries. He spoke often and lovingly of the German
Friends. Their countries are the heart of Europe, and the heart must be
strong and vigorous. Now then, is the time for the Believers to achieve
the blessings the Master promised them, by "scattering", and continuously
settling new areas. The Guardian will await with keen anticipation reports
of your activities in the all important teaching field.
As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian will have prepared, an
illuminated "Roll of Honor", on which will be inscribed the names of the
"Knights of Baha'u'llah", who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This
"Roll of Honor" will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner
Sanctuary of the Tomb of Baha'u'llah.
From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Baha'i World, the
names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his
message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for the Cause of God.
Now is the time for the Baha'is of the World to demonstrate the spiritual
vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the
Lord, over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure, that the Baha'is
of Germany and Austria who have served and sacrificed so long for the
Faith, will continue their glorious record by winning many new victories
for the Glory of the Lord.
The Guardian will pray fervently for the Baha'is of Germany and Austria,
and for the success of their efforts.
He will pray for the members of the Assembly, whose sacrificial efforts he
will cherish for all time....
LETTER OF 21 JUNE 1953
21 June 1953
Dear Baha'i Brother:
Your letters of June 18 and 24, July 29, August 11, October 9, November
27, 1952 and January 5, February 26, March 12 and 18, April 5, May 6 and
31, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed
me to answer you on his behalf.
The work has been greatly added to, here at the International Center,
owing to the inauguration of the Ten Year Crusade. In fact, the beloved
Guardian is finding it more and more difficult to keep up with his
letters, even the important National Spiritual Assembly ones.
In regard to various matters you have raised in your correspondence with
him:
The National Baha'i Convention must be held during the twelve days
constituting the Ridvan period. Each national assembly is free to choose
the dates that suit its convenience during that period.
The question of adhering strictly to the principle that every Spiritual
Assembly must be composed of voting members living within the civic limits
of the town, and that the Baha'i Community of that town must likewise be
composed of residents within its civic limits, is of the utmost
importance. It is a matter of fundamental principle, and the Baha'is all
over the world must conform to it, especially now that the Cause is
becoming firmly established in so many nations. There is no objection if
the believers living in a certain area comprising a number of civic units,
join together to commemorate Baha'i Holy Days, but Nineteen Day Feasts
should be held apart by each Assembly in question. There can be no
exceptions to these rules, and although it may temporarily diminish the
number of assemblies in your country, you should establish the Cause on
this firm foundation by next Baha'i election.
Please send the Guardian ten copies of the "Paris Talks" and ten copies of
"Some Answered Questions" for the international libraries here, and ten
copies of any future publication in German.
He was very happy to hear that the visit of the Hands and of other Baha'is
traveling in Europe, was of such stimulation to the friends.
He hopes that as many of the German believers as possible will attend the
Stockholm Conference, which is very important for the future work in
Europe, and to which they can contribute a great deal by their
presence....
As regards the purchase of the land for the future Temple: He thinks it
does not need to be in the heart of the city; it could be in the suburbs
and an area of ten thousand square metres would be sufficient, less if
necessary. The Chicago Temple only seats 1200 people so it is not a very
large building. Your Temple could be smaller and competitive designs be
submitted. But the first step is to investigate the sites available and
inform the Guardian.
The step to which he attaches at present the greatest importance is the
dispatch of pioneers under the auspices of your Assembly to the virgin
territories alloted to the German and Austrian Baha'is under the Ten-Year
Plan. Naturally, at present it is out of the question to think of sending
anyone into the Soviet-dominated countries. But every effort should be
made to get someone off to Greece, a very important country and far too
long neglected. This Holy Year should witness, or at least this calendar
year, the filling of all goal posts which are not behind the Iron Curtain.
He hopes that some one of the friends will be able to find a position in
Greece, or to be sent there by you.
Likewise of great importance is the multiplication of centers on the home
front, particularly in Austria where such slow progress has been made. If
Austria is to have an independent National Assembly the work in that
country must be greatly accelerated in order to provide sufficient local
assemblies to serve as a firm foundation for the National Assembly. He
hopes that members of the German community will visit and teach there, and
use be made of any friends from other countries who may be able to work
there under the guidance of your assembly.
His loving thoughts and prayers are with you always, you may be sure....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The expansion and consolidation of the institutions of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah, as a result of the operation of the Plan initiated by your
Assembly, on the morrow of one of the severest ordeals which has ever
afflicted the German Baha'i Community, marks a chapter of the highest
importance in the annals of the Faith in both Germany and Austria and will
be regarded by posterity as a milestone of historic significance in the
evolution of the Faith on the European Continent. I greatly value the
exertions of both the German and Austrian Baha'i Communities which have,
in recent years contributed so decisively to the rise and establishment of
the Baha'i Administrative Order in the heart of that Continent, which is
destined to play a notable part in the prosecution of the world spiritual
Crusade recently launched under such auspicious circumstances by the
followers of Baha'u'llah in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
The German and Austrian Baha'i Communities, on whom 'Abdu'l-Baha lavished
His favours, for whose future He cherished such high hopes, occupying such
a central position in a continent endowed with such great potentialities,
must by reason of their unique, and predominant position, their past
history, their virility, tenacity and splendid accomplishments, assume a
preponderating role in the conduct of a Crusade in which all Baha'i
communities dwelling on the European mainland, both young and old, are
called upon to participate to the utmost of their capacity and with all
the resources at their disposal.
They stand, moreover, at this crucial hour in their destiny, on the
threshold of a new era in their history--the era that must witness the
initiation of their mission beyond the borders of their homeland, and one
which must culminate in their carrying the banner of the Faith of
Baha'u'llah across the eastern frontiers of Europe, and as far as the
territories lying in the heart of the Asiatic continent.
Their task is a twofold one. On the one hand, they must strive to
consolidate, by every means in their power, the work already accomplished
in their homelands; on the other they must initiate the meritorious task
of opening the virgin territories and islands allocated to them in
pursuance of the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan committed to their
charge.
On the homefront the most vital, the most strenuous and glorious task
confronting them--a task that will have far-reaching repercussions on not
only the fortunes of the Faith in their homeland but on the whole
continent as well, and is bound to exercise a far-reaching influence on
the destinies of the Faith throughout the world--is the initiation of
prompt and effective measures for the selection and purchase of the site
of the first Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar in Europe to be followed by the
adoption of a suitable design and the necessary steps for its execution.
This enterprise is admittedly colossal, taking into consideration the
circumscribed resources of the two communities and their limited
membership. It will, however, as soon as it is set in motion, through the
initiative and efforts of your assembly, receive, in view of its cardinal
importance and world-wide significance, a substantial measure of
assistance from the world centre of the Faith and the various National
Assemblies throughout the Baha'i world.
As soon as the site of the projected House of Worship is selected, either
within or in the immediate vicinity of the City of Frankfurt, which, owing
to the establishment of the Haziratu'l-Quds within its confines, has come
to be regarded as the national Baha'i Administrative Headquarters of your
Assembly,--an area that need not, for the present, exceed one or two
acres--steps will be taken by myself as well as by your sister-Assemblies
in both Hemispheres to aid you in this historic fate-laden enterprise
which will enable the continent of Europe, the third in the Baha'i world,
to boast of having raised in its very heart, its own Baha'i House of
Worship and which will, God willing, through its termination, at the
appointed hour, contribute an outstanding share to the projected
festivities which are to commemorate the centenary of the Declaration of
the Mission of the Founder of our Faith.
Second in importance and no less urgent a task is the opening, ere the
close of the current year, of the three virgin territories assigned to
your Assembly, through the despatch of at least one pioneer...
While these primary and urgent tasks are being diligently prosecuted, the
utmost effort should be exerted to stimulate the all-important process of
multiplying and consolidating the newly-established assemblies, groups and
isolated centres in both Germany and Austria as the essential
pre-requisite to the early formation of independent National Assemblies in
both countries occupying so central a position in the European continent,
and destined to play so vital a part in the promotion of the interests of
the Faith in the heart and in the eastern as well as the southern regions
of that continent.
The responsibilities devolving upon these two communities, in the course
of the coming ten years are enormous, pressing, sacred and inescapable.
The Plan committed to their care will inaugurate a new and glorious stage
in the unfoldment of their historic Mission--a stage that will enable them
to carry, for the first time in their history and in a systematic manner,
the banner of Baha'u'llah beyond the confines of their homelands.
Every sacrifice should be made, and all agencies, local, regional and
national, must energetically, whole-heartedly, and steadfastly
participate, to ensure a worthy inauguration and an efficient prosecution
of the Ten-Year Plan, on which the immediate fortunes of these communities
must necessarily depend. All without distinction of age, sex or calling
should arise and lend, to the utmost of their capacity, an impetus to the
progress of this tremendously important and dynamic process now operating
in the heart of Europe, and whose possibilities can only be dimly imagined
at present.
The hour is propitious for the members of your Assembly, reinforced by the
continual, the whole-hearted and strenuous exertions of the entire body of
the German and Austrian believers, to distinguish themselves in their
ceaseless efforts to attain the objectives of their Ten-Year Plan, by
deeds of such valour as will eclipse the feats achieved by them in the
past.
Cognizant of the splendid qualities that have characterized their
stewardship to the Faith of Baha'u'llah, fully aware of the services, they
have rendered, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Baha'i
activity, despite the severe and prolonged tests and trials which they
have experienced, I feel confident that these communities, so valiant, so
richly endowed, so tenacious in their faith and sterling in their
character, will, at this challenging hour grasp this priceless opportunity
for the display of still greater heroism and of a still more compelling
love and devotion to the Cause they love so dearly, to which they have
been so unwaveringly faithful and which they have served so long and so
well.
Shoghi
LETTER OF 4 AUGUST 1953
4 August 1953
Dear Baha'i Co-workers:
The beloved Guardian has been greatly delighted with the reports he has
received from all over the Baha'i world of the pioneers who have
volunteered for service in the virgin areas. It indicates a very
enthusiastic attitude on the part of all of the Baha'is toward the
Ten-Year Crusade; and he feels sure that if this spirit continues, it will
assure us of winning all of the goals set for the Crusade.
The Guardian asks that you send me by air mail, or by cable if possible,
the number of pioneer offers which your Assembly has received, the number
which have been settled, and the number which you are actively handling
for settlement.
The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to all the members of your
Assembly. He greatly values your devotion and sacrificial services in the
Cause of God....
LETTER OF 17 AUGUST 1953
17 August 1953
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf
concerning a gift which has been made by one of the very dear believers in
Persia, Mr. ... for the international activities of the Faith.
The Guardian has decided that at present he feels the best use for half of
this fund is to ask Mr. ... to give it to the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria, to be used for the building of the
Temple in Frankfurt. He has written Mr. ... to this effect; therefore in
due course you should receive 50000 tumans, or its equivalent in German
marks.
When this gift is received from this devoted believer, the beloved
Guardian would like you to write an appropriate letter of appreciation for
the very generous gift; sending the letter of appreciation to the
Guardian, so that he can see that it reaches Mr. ... safely.