few years, to move about much more, attend conferences in other European
countries, go forth as pioneers, and gradually increase the number of
centres in Germany and Austria. He attaches the greatest importance to
this because one of the main tasks of your Assembly is to insure that
Austria will have an independent National Assembly by the end of the Plan;
and she cannot do this unless she multiplies her Spiritual Assemblies in
order to build a broad foundation for the National Body. He hopes you will
constantly encourage the Vienna Baha'is and the isolated believers in
Austria to increase their teaching activities, to strengthen the work of
the Faith, to pioneer in new centres, and, above all, to be united; as
unity is one of the greatest forces at our disposal for achieving the work
of the Cause.
He assures you one and all that he remembers you most lovingly in his
prayers in the holy Shrine, and supplicates for the removal of every
obstacle in your path and the attainment of all your goals....
P.S. The Guardian wishes particularly to thank you all for your loving
message to him on the occasion of Ridvan, which he appreciated receiving
very much. He assures you all that he prays that great victories may
attend your efforts to spread the Faith and consolidate its foundations.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The steady extension and consolidation of the activities in which the
members of the Baha'i communities in Germany and Austria are so devotedly,
so unitedly and strenuously engaged, have greatly cheered my heart,
heightened my admiration for them, and reinforced my hopes for the
triumphant conclusion of their collective enterprises undertaken in
accordance with the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan.
By virtue of the important position they occupy in the heart of the
European continent; singled out for special favours by the Center of
Baha'u'llah's Covenant among their sister communities in that same
continent; distinguished through the appointment of two Hands of the Cause
from among their members; entrusted with the tremendous and sacred
responsibility of erecting the first Baha'i House of Worship on European
soil; displaying, on the morrow of the ordeals which have for so long and
so cruelly afflicted them, a virility, a courage, a fidelity worthy of
emulation by their sister communities not only in neighbouring lands but
throughout the Baha'i world, these twin communities, destined through
their common language, racial characteristics and traditions to play a
notable and distinct part in the world-wide progress of the Faith in both
the European and Asiatic continents, must continue to forge ahead, with
inflexible resolve, unshakable faith, undimmed vision, and unabated
vigour, along the road leading them to the fulfilment of their high
destiny.
The steady increase in the number of the adherents of the Faith in both
countries and the multiplication of isolated centres, groups and local
assemblies is a task of primary importance to which they must direct
special attention during the last year of the second phase of this
world-embracing spiritual Crusade. Equally vital in sacredness and
importance is the definite settlement of the issue that has arisen in
connexion with the purchase of the site of the future Temple in the
neighbourhood of Frankfurt, as well as the selection of its design, as
essential preliminaries to the excavation of its foundations and the
erection of its structure. Both of these require the concentrated and
sustained attention of the elected representatives of these communities,
whose task is to expedite this pre-eminent undertaking destined to exert a
far-reaching spiritual influence on the fortunes of the Faith not only in
Germany and Austria but throughout the European continent and even far
beyond its borders.
Still another obligation that must under no circumstances be lost sight of
or neglected is the incorporation of definitely established local
assemblies in these two adjoining countries, a process that will greatly
consolidate the administrative foundations of the Faith and enhance its
prestige in the European continent.
The adoption of special measures by these same elected national
representatives, designed to hasten the emergence of an independent
National Spiritual Assembly in Austria, is yet another duty which calls
for urgent and earnest consideration on their part and one which, if
worthily performed, will lend a tremendous impetus to the progress of the
Faith in a country occupying so central a position in Europe, so rich in
its past history, and blessed by the footsteps of 'Abdu'l-Baha.
The splendid work accomplished by German pioneers in virgin territories in
both the North and South of Europe, auguring well for the accomplishment
of a similar mission in the Eastern territories forming part of their
alloted task under the Ten-Year Plan, must be jealously safeguarded and
continually reinforced, as it constitutes a prelude to the victories that
must needs be won, in the course of future Plans, on the eastern confines
of that continent and even as far afield as the heart of Asia.
Nor must the establishment of the projected Baha'i Publishing Trust be
delayed, as it constitutes one of vital objectives of the Crusade on which
the German Baha'i community has embarked.
No sacrifice can be deemed too great for the attainment of these shining
goals and the winning of such precious prizes. The members of these
closely knit communities must arise as never before, and brace themselves
for a still greater output of energy, and a still more convincing display
of those qualities that have distinguished their stewardship to the Faith
of Baha'u'llah, and prepare to enter victoriously upon the third phase of
the Ten-Year Plan during the concluding months of this current year.
The tragic sufferings afflicting their brethren in Baha'u'llah's native
land, involving a setback in the projects of this persecuted community for
the erection of its Mother Temple in Tihran, must reinforce their resolve
to speed the erection of a corresponding House of Worship in the heart of
Europe. The efforts of their national elected representatives, strenuous
as they have been in recent months, must be doubled, nay trebled, in order
to offset, in this particular and most important field, the inevitable and
deplorable delay in the accomplishment of so meritorious, so momentous and
historic a task.
Unperturbed by the clamour of inveterate, powerful and malicious
adversaries in the land of the birth of their Faith; undaunted by the
opposition which exponents of religious orthodoxy are, to a lesser degree,
now beginning to show in their own homeland, these same elected
representatives, must press forward, resolutely, and confront and speedily
surmount whatever obstacles now stand in their path.
Theirs is a responsibility which, at this historic and crucial stage in
the evolution of their precious and beloved Faith, they can neither
minimize nor neglect. Theirs is a God-sent opportunity to demonstrate, at
this grave hour through which the overwhelming majority of their brethren
are passing, the incorruptible character of their faith, the indomitable
spirit which animates them, the sublimity of the principles which motivate
their action, providing thereby an abiding and sorely needed consolation
to the victims of the brutal, the wide spread and repeated persecutions
engulfing so many of their co-religionists in the cradle of their Faith.
That they may prove themselves worthy of their high calling; that they may
set an inspiring example to their co-workers in both Hemispheres, through
the number and quality of their accomplishments; that they may discharge,
in their entirety, the manifold responsibilities assured under a Plan
constituting so notable a stage in the accomplishment of the Glorious
mission envisioned for them by 'Abdu'l-Baha, is the object of my unceasing
prayers when supplicating at the threshold of His Shrine.
May His watchful, His sustaining and ever loving Spirit guide every step
they take, bless every effort they exert, and fulfil every hope they
cherish, in the pursuit of the victories they have resolutely set
themselves to achieve.
Shoghi
LETTER OF 23 SEPTEMBER 1955
23 September 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious indeed to have the latest word in
connection with the purchase of the Templeland in Germany, and the
development of the design for the Temple.
Can you write me by return mail, letting me know just what the status is
of both these very important matters?
He is anxious that the work on the Temple be expedited in every way; as he
is fearful if the work does not begin soon, it may be found impossible to
complete the task within the Ten Year period.
If you will write me, giving full details, it will be greatly appreciated
by him....
LETTER OF 23 SEPTEMBER 1955 (SUMMER SCHOOL)
23 September 1955 (Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
This is just a brief note to acknowledge, on behalf of the beloved
Guardian, your letter of August 21st.
He often remembers the dear friends in that land in his loving prayers;
and supplicates that they may receive the necessary strength and guidance
to carry forward in a befitting manner their share in this particular
phase of the World Spiritual Crusade....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your continued and meritorious efforts and services,
and enable you to extend continually the scope of your accomplishments,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 30 SEPTEMBER 1955
30 September 1955
GUARDIAN RECEIVED ONE PACKAGE TEMPLE DRAWINGS ARE THESE ALL SUBMISSIONS OR
ARE OTHERS ENROUTE LOVING GREETINGS....
LETTER OF 20 OCTOBER 1955
20 October 1955
YOUR CABLE OCTOBER 15 PRESUME DECISION TEMPLE DESIGN HAS NO BEARING ON
COURT DECISION OCTOBER 26 IS THIS CORRECT? DO YOU HAVE ADVANCE INFORMATION
AS TO WHAT DECISION WILL BE? GUARDIAN HAS MADE NO DECISION BUT SEEMS
PREFER AZAMAT BY HOPFER STUTTGART. PLEASE CABLE PROPOSED HEIGHT AND WIDTH.
HAVE YOU ANY IDEA COST OF CONSTRUCTION....
LETTER OF 19 OCTOBER 1955
19 October 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
I cabled you at the instruction of our beloved Guardian today as follows:
"Your cable October 15 presume decision temple design has no bearing on
court decision October 26 is this correct? Do you have advance information
as to what decision will be? Guardian has made no decision but seems to
prefer Azamat by Hopfer Stuttgart. Please cable proposed height and width.
Have you any idea of cost of construction".
As the cable indicates, it is my understanding that the decision with
regard to Temple design has nothing to do with the decision in the court
case, but that you wished the Guardian's decision in order to assist in
appropriate publicity. We hope and pray that the decision will be
favorable.
In reviewing these specifications which you have set up for the Temple,
the Guardian wishes to call your attention to the fact that you have
included some items in the specifications which are not necessary, and in
fact are definitely not a part of a Baha'i Temple, as follows:
Your No. 14--Assembly Hall. The Temple is for worship only, and no Assembly
Hall is permissible. (In America the basement of the Temple has been
temporarily used as a Foundation Hall.) This has been due to the long time
taken to construct the building etc.
No. 17--Conference Rooms. Inasmuch as the Temple is for worship only,
conference rooms are not required.
No. 18--Library and Archives. These facilities are not required nor
desirable in a House of Worship.
No. 19 and 20--Kitchen Facilities. These are not required, as food is not
to be served in the Temple. The Temple is for prayer and worship only.
No. 27--Air Raid Shelters. These are not required.
No. 30--Caretaker's House. This is not required at the present time, as the
caretaker can sleep in one of the spare rooms of the Temple.
The Guardian feels it important to direct your attention to the fact that
the Temple must be built just as economically as possible, and to provide
only the facilities which are prescribed for a House of Worship. The Cause
is under such heavy expense at the present time that we cannot undertake
the construction of buildings which require too great an outlay of funds.
The Guardian would appreciate your having some preliminary estimates made
just as quickly as possible of what it would cost to build the Temple
designated as "Azamat". He likewise would like you to send him now just as
many details as possible concerning the construction of this building,
materials to be used etc.
I presume by the time this letter reaches you, you will have cabled the
proposed height and width.
The Guardian would greatly value your giving him the detailed information
regarding "Azamat" just as promptly as possible....
LETTER OF 28 OCTOBER 1955
28 October 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of September 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian,
and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As you know, he is most happy that the believers in Vienna have their own
Center, and that in a short time it will be ready for Baha'i service.
These important institutions of the Faith are in themselves great
teachers. The spirit of love and unity among the friends in discussing,
arranging and carrying out the activities of the Faith in their
Haziratu'l-Quds, will become as a magnet which will attract to them divine
bounties. The Guardian is hoping from this Center the Faith will be
carried, not only throughout Vienna, but to other cities in Austria as
well....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty, Whose Cause you serve with such courage, devotion and
perseverance, guide and sustain you, and aid you to render His Faith
notable services in the days to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 10 NOVEMBER 1955
10 November 1955
Dear Baha'i Friend:
The beloved Guardian has reviewed very carefully your recent letter
dealing with the designs for the Temple to be built in Germany. He wishes
the following explanations to be made to you, and I am therefore
enumerating them, so that there may be no misunderstanding.
1. The Guardian has not definitely chosen the Temple design "Azamat" as
the one for the Temple in Germany. Of the submissions which have been made
up to this time, he feels this is the one that is best susceptible of
development for the final design of the Temple. He wishes it clear however
that up to the present he has not definitely accepted this design.
2. The Guardian does not wish to interfere unduly with the national tastes
nor the actions of the National Assembly; but he attaches the utmost
importance to the Temple in Eschborn, as this is the first Temple in
Europe, and the only one to be constructed in Europe during the Ten Year
Crusade. Therefore he feels that this House of Worship must represent
throughout Europe the dignity and spirit of the Faith.
3. The Guardian therefore feels that we should not accept an ultra-modern
building, which represents more or less the current spirit of the time,
rather than the delicate architectural beauty which the spirit of the
Faith should engender.
4. The Guardian would be happy if your Assembly could produce a design of
a building, graceful in outline, with a dome. If they can do this he will
be very pleased. The main thing for the architect to consider is the mass
of the building, the outline of the building and its architectural beauty.
Most of the sacred buildings, including the Temple at Wilmette, include
elements of the previous schools of architecture in an ensemble that seems
to present something new. He thinks the architects should study the
graceful mass of the Wilmette Temple, of the design of Mr. Remey for the
Temple on Mt. Carmel, and the Shrine of the Bab, as well as the outline of
the domes of important buildings, particularly the dome of St. Peters in
Rome. In this way they will get an idea of proportions which they feel are
suitable. The details and the style is somewhat secondary and is left to
the architect's taste.
5. The ten year period of the Crusade is running along very rapidly; and
the Guardian therefore hopes that your Assembly will present him with your
final views in connection with the Temple design at a very early date;
otherwise he is fearful this most important project will not be
consummated within the Ten Year period.
The beloved Guardian was very sorry to learn of the illness of Dr.
Muehlschlegel. He wishes to assure you and likewise to assure Dr.
Muehlschlegel of his loving prayers for Dr. Muehlschlegel's complete
recovery. He values Dr. Muehlschlegel's services very highly, and he hopes
he will soon be able to again become most active in the Baha'i work....
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends each his
loving Greetings.
LETTER OF NOVEMBER 1955
November 1955(1)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you in connection with
your recent letter to him concerning the Temple to be built in Germany.
The beloved Master has not given very many details concerning the House of
Worship. He has written in tablets, however, that the building must be
round, and be 9-sided. The Guardian feels that at this time all Baha'i
temples should have a dome. In other words, the instructions of the Master
to have a round, 9-sided building must be very carefully carried out; but
in addition the Guardian feels the Temples built now should likewise have
a dome.
The Guardian sees no objections to asking other architects to collaborate
with the architect of the design "Azamat". However it should be understood
that the Guardian does not wish this collaboration or adaptation to result
in the ultra-modern type of building which is the motif of the submissions
which have been made, and which he has rejected.
The Guardian advises that the 2 designs which are favored by your Assembly
and the architects of Germany are not acceptable; and therefore
correspondence with regard to these designs is no longer necessary.
Time moves on, and the Guardian therefore hopes that the result of the
collaboration and adaptation of the Azamat design will be presented to him
in the near future.
The Guardian has no objections of course to new designs being presented;
but they must carry with them the dignified spirit of the Faith, and must
be in keeping with the distinction and honor which comes to the temples
now being built being the first in their respective continents.
My letter of November 10th outlines in a little more detail what the
Guardian has in mind for Baha'i temples; and he hopes that something
suitable may soon be found for a temple in Germany.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his
loving greetings....
LETTER OF 23 NOVEMBER 1955
23 November 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received your letter of November 8th, reviewing
further the question of the Baha'i Temple in Germany.
Your letter crossed my communication to you of last week. The Guardian has
asked me to write you further, making the following points:
1. He does not approve of either design No. 11335 or Cupola.
2. As I have written you previously, he feels that the only submission
which has come to him which lends itself to adjustment for the Temple in
Germany is the design "Azamat".
3. As outlined in my letter of last week, the Guardian does not object to
your arranging for another architect to collaborate with Mr. Hopfner.
However in this collaboration, the general design of the Temple "Azamat"
should be continued; and under no circumstances should it be changed to
resemble the ultra modern architectural type of building which was the
motif of the other submissions.
4. As the Guardian has indicated, previously, this building need have
seating capacity of only 500 or 600 people.
5. It should be a more modest structure, as has been outlined in previous
correspondence. The Guardian feels the height should be not over 30
meters, and the other proportions of the building should be cut down
accordingly.
6. The Guardian feels the cost should run about $300,000 or a little more;
certainly on the outside not more than $400,000.
Therefore in revising the plan, it should be simplified in such a way as
to bring the cost down,--to a figure near $300,000.
It is noted in the details of the "Azamat" there are a number of things
still included, which certainly could be gotten along without, for the
time being.
With the elimination of the Assembly Hall in the basement, the elimination
of the tea kitchen and dining room, as well as conference rooms, library,
archives and the other rooms contemplated, this should make a rather
material reduction in expense. Likewise the caretaker's quarters should be
eliminated, as the caretaker could probably live in the basement for the
time being. Elevators need not be considered.
The basement floor of the Temple in Chicago is cement; and it would seem
if cement is suitable for that Temple, it would be satisfactory for the
Temple in Germany.
Three years of the Crusade are practically over. The Guardian hopes
therefore that he will receive at an early date the revision which is
proposed of the "Azamat" design, which should not be materially changed,
but may be simplified so that work may proceed at an early date on the
construction. The Guardian is fearful if this matter continues to drag,
the Temple may not be completed during the period of the Ten Year Crusade.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his
loving greetings....
LETTER OF 15 DECEMBER 1955
15 December 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you in connection with the
purchase of two endowments for the National Spiritual Assembly of Germany
and Austria.
As you know, the Hand of the Cause, Mrs. Amelia E. Collins, has
contributed one thousand dollars for the purchase of each of these
endowments.
The Guardian feels that 2 small pieces of land costing about one thousand
American Dollars each is sufficient to accomplish these two goals of the
Ten Year Crusade. He hopes therefore your Assembly will proceed at once to
purchase a small piece of land in Germany and also one in Austria.
Will you please let me know in due course what your Assembly will do to
accomplish this most important task?...
LETTER OF 15 DECEMBER 1955
15 December 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
...The Guardian is quite anxious that the question of the Temple land and
the Temple design be concluded at a very early date, as time is passing
very rapidly. He has asked me to meet with your Assembly, if the Assembly
does meet during my visit in Europe, or can meet. I could arrange to be in
Germany early in January....
LETTER OF 20 DECEMBER 1955
20 December 1955
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your loving letter of December 8th was received and immediately presented
to our Beloved Guardian:
He directed me to cable you yesterday, which I did, as follows:
"Guardian approves your asking other National Assemblies write Court.
Suggests you write them direct giving full particulars. Does not feel
exhibit appropriate until final Temple design approved. Writing."
The Guardian fully approved of your asking the various National Assemblies
to write the Court, with regard to the World Importance of the Temple. He
felt you should write them direct, giving them full particulars as to what
you wish in the letters, to whom to be addressed, and any other pertinent
data required. He hopes this will be helpful in working out this important
matter.
The Guardian felt it would be inadvisable to have an exhibit of proposals
for the Temple, until such time as the final plan is approved. Thus you
should hold the exhibit in abeyance until later. I am having sent you by
separate mail, the designs, photographs, etc. which you sent to the
Guardian.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his
loving Greetings....
LETTER OF 3 FEBRUARY 1956
3 February 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister: