his view that now that the National Hazira has been established and is
well able to take care of the national office of the National Assembly;
that the office of the Secretary of the National Assembly should be
established there as soon as convenient.
From the Hazira, all the national administrative activities should
emanate, and this cannot be done unless the National Secretary's office is
established there. He requests your Assembly study the matter and see if
it cannot soon work out some plan whereby the National Secretary's office
can permanently be established in Frankfurt in the National Hazira.
The Guardian assures the members of the Assembly of his prayers in their
behalf. He sends you his loving Greetings....
LETTER OF 20 MARCH 1956
20 March 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Thank you for your loving letter of March 10th, with regard to the
translations into Russian.
I hope the pamphlet which Mrs. Sommerau has prepared will soon be
published, so that there will be literature available for this teaching
work.
The Guardian is extremely anxious of course for proper contacts to be made
with the believers behind the Iron Curtain. However the utmost
circumspection must be used; and certainly no one must enter into
correspondence with them. I think you should inform ... that the Guardian
is anxious for the closest contacts to be opened and maintained, but not
through correspondence. Likewise when any Baha'i goes behind the Iron
Curtain and contacts the believers, it must be done very quietly and
carefully.
Do I understand from the letter that ... is intending to enter behind the
Iron Curtain to visit the believers? This would be commendable if it can
be done....
LETTER OF 23 MARCH 1956
23 March 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian was happy to receive your message of greeting dated
February 19th, signed by all those present, and to see that it was
possible for such a large number of the friends to attend this gathering.
He hopes that this year, Number 113, the Year of Abha of the sixth Vahid
in the Baha'i calendar, will prove to be a truly "Most Luminous" one; and
that, in spite of the ever-present difficulties which must constantly be
met and surmounted, your National Assembly, reinforced in all its efforts
by the entire body of the believers, may cause the Faith to forge ahead in
those regions with yet greater momentum and power.
He will remember you all in his loving prayers....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide every step you take, remove all
obstacles from your path, and aid you to win great victories in the
service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 25 MARCH 1956
25 March 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Referring to your loving letter of March 19th with regard to the designs
for the Temple in Frankfurt:
The designs of the second competition were duly received by the beloved
Guardian. He is now giving them very active consideration. As soon as some
decision is reached, I will be glad to communicate with you at once.
The members of the International Council greatly appreciate your warm
Naw-Ruz greetings, which they reciprocate most heartily. We will pray at
the Shrines that every success will attend your efforts; and that the most
important subject of the Temple grounds and Temple land will be
satisfactorily settled in the very near future....
LETTER OF 6 APRIL 1956
6 April 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Enclosed is the beloved Guardian's message to all Baha'i Conventions. He
would like you to please share it with the delegates and friends attending
your National Convention.
He hopes it will stimulate the teaching work, and particularly the pioneer
work....
LETTER OF 7 APRIL 1956
7 April 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of March 28th was duly received, carrying with it the
strong spirit which animates the friends in Germany.
The answers to the questions which you raised in your letter are as
follows:
The Guardian advises that he will leave to your discretion, just how the
$1,000 which is available in America is to be used, in connection with the
Endowment. In other words, you may purchase another piece of land for the
$1,000; may apply it to repair of existing holdings, other than the
Hazira, such as the House in Esslingen--or put it in the Temple Fund.
1. The goals of the Ten Year Crusade include the purchase of an endowment
for Germany. By referring to page 72 of the British Statistical Book,
issued at the beginning of the Ten Year Crusade, you will note, that
Germany is listed as requiring an endowment. I think the Assembly should
correspond with the American National Spiritual Assembly, so that the One
Thousand Dollars which Mrs. Collins has made available may be sent to you.
2. The beloved Guardian advises that he has ... on his list of those who
wish to make the pilgrimage. As soon as it is possible for them to come,
he will inform them. You might explain to these dear friends that there
are a great many Persian Baha'is who wish to make the pilgrimage; and the
Guardian feels he must invite them on the basis of the date of their
application. In other words, those who asked for permission first would be
the first to be invited to make the pilgrimage.
3. I did not present to the Guardian the question of new Baha'is in Greece
being allowed to remain in their church after they become Baha'is, because
I knew there was no such situation existing. The Guardian does not wish to
be asked to make rulings on situations which might develop. He has already
enunciated very clearly the principle that when people become Baha'is,
they should, if not immediately, then within a short time, leave the
church. If there is any exception to be made to these rules, it would be
on specific instances, and on specific application of a national assembly.
When the pioneers in Greece have any individuals ready to become Baha'is,
and then if the church question is a deterring factor, perhaps at that
time your Assembly will wish to take the matter up with the Guardian. I am
sure he would not want to issue a ruling on a possible future case.
If this handling is not satisfactory to your Assembly, and you wish me to
present the matter to the Guardian, in that event let me know and I will
do so.
4. I hope some arrangement is worked out to handle the publication of
Russian literature. It will be of advantage at this time for local
teaching and therefore what can--should certainly be prepared. I did inform
Mrs. Sommerau that I would see that her pamphlet was financed, and I have
had some correspondence with her and Marion Little concerning the matter.
As developments occur, I will be glad to let you know....
The Guardian sends his loving Greetings to the members of the N.S.A.
LETTER OF 27 APRIL 1956
27 April 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has been giving very serious consideration to the
model for the Temple to be built in Frankfurt.
He feels that the design No. 102-A, prepared by Architect Teuto Rocholl,
is susceptible of development into the type of building which we wish.
The Guardian asks that you consult with the architect, asking him to
submit a few modifications of the plan, simply in a rough pencil sketch,
incorporating the following adjustments:
1. A third story should be provided without of course increasing the size
of the building.
2. The building must be 9-sided instead of round.
3. A lantern should be placed on the top of the dome.
4. The dome should be more gracefully shaped, with a little more peak to
the top.
5. It might be that some windows could be placed at the base of the dome,
so as to give the impression of a clerestory.
The architect himself may have some other modifications that may occur to
him as he sets up plans.
If you could have this matter handled as quickly as possible, the Guardian
would be very appreciative. Time is running along very rapidly, and if an
early start is not made on the building, it may be difficult to finish it
during the Ten Year Plan.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956
19 May 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Referring to your letter of May 5th, with regard to the model of the
Temple. I cabled you May 14th, that the Guardian had not approved any
design for the Temple. He simply felt that there was possibility of the
design of Architect Rocholl, No. 102-A being developed into a suitable
design. He has not been satisfied with the submissions, but when the
revisions are sent by Mr. Rocholl, he will then reappraise all of them to
see if any can be given further consideration.
Please refer to my letter of November 23, 1955, item 6, in which it is
stated the Guardian felt "the cost should run about $300,000 or a little
more; certainly on the outside, not more than $400,000." The Guardian has
directed me to advise you, that he now feels the maximum which should be
spent on the construction, is $300,000 and no more....
LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956
19 May 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your loving letter of May 13th, has come to hand, and I am hastening to
answer, particularly that portion dealing with the translations in
Russian:
Mrs. ... was raised in Russia; at least in the early part of her life. She
fled with others during the Revolution. Thus her knowledge of Russian
should be excellent.
She has recently become a Baha'i, in Lausanne.
In Lausanne, another woman has become a Baha'i, who is Russian, and is an
excellent linguist. I understand in any translating now being done, she is
being consulted.
It is my thought that your Assembly should correspond with the Italo Swiss
NSA, so as to set up some method of handling Russian translations and
printing. As you know, ..., in Geneva, is Russian, and likewise a good
translator. If your two NSA's set up a General Translating Committee, I am
sure great results would be achieved.
I am sending Mrs. ..., some views of the Shrines and Gardens, which I hope
will give her happiness....
LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956
19 May 1956
Dear Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the court
case relating to the Temple Land near Eschborn.
You have asked if the decision of the Court should be adverse, if you
should appeal the case to a higher court.
The Guardian feels that if the decision of the Court is adverse, then you
should not appeal the case, but should at once look for another site for
the Temple.
Time is rapidly passing, and no further time should be lost in trying the
case. You should find another piece of land, so work on the Temple may
start. The Guardian is fearful, if there are further delays, either in the
question of land, or the question of Model, the time will have so flown,
that the Temple in Germany will not be built during the Ten Year Crusade.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends his loving
Greetings to all the members of the Assembly....
LETTER OF 5 JUNE 1956
5 June 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of April 19th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and
he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very happy that Vienna now has its own Haziratu'l-Quds, which will
become the National Headquarters of the Austrian National Spiritual
Assembly when formed.
This important step forward is bound to reflect itself in the teaching
work, and attract many new souls to the Faith.
The establishment of the other Centers in Austria during the past year has
been most encouraging, and he hopes that by Spring of next year there will
be a number of flourishing Spiritual Assemblies.
He will pray for you all and for the success of the work in Vienna....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty, Whose Cause you serve so devotedly, reward you
abundantly for your labours, remove all obstacles from your path, and
enable you to win great victories in the days to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 8 JUNE 1956
8 June 1956
Dear Baha'i Co-workers:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you, in response to your
recent letter to him, with regard to the modified Temple plans of Mr.
Rocholl.
As he understands the situation, your NSA is not pleased with the modified
plans, and Mr. Rocholl says he will submit one or two others. The Guardian
will await receipt of these further modifications, if it does not delay
the matter too long.
So far as a modification of Mr. Grund, he feels it would delay the project
too long to wait for new plans from him; unless of course, he has them
ready for sending now.
In other words, the Guardian will await for a reasonable time, the receipt
of further plans of Mr. Rocholl, before making final decision; and if by
that time, any modifications have come from Mr. Grund, he will consider
them; but he does not feel we can wait now, for an entire new development
by Mr. Grund, unless he has it under way....
LETTER OF 8 JUNE 1956
8 June 1956
Dear Baha'i Co-workers:
The Beloved Guardian, as you know, is very anxious to have the matter of
the land for the Temple near Frankfurt decided as quickly as possible, and
he is hoping the decision of the court will be favorably announced in the
near future.
Will you please cable me, just as soon as a decision is given, just what
it is, so I may hand it to the Guardian at once....
LETTER OF 21 JUNE 1956
21 June 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letters of August 8 and 18, September 9, October 4, November 8, 9 and
13, one undated, received December 18, 1955; and January 27, one dated
January, February 7, 24 and 28, April 21, May 5, and 31, with enclosures,
and also material sent under separate cover have all been received by the
beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has been very encouraged during the last year over the increased
activity on the part of the German Baha'is, as witnessed by the teaching
conferences they have held at different times and in different places; and
the growth of new Centers in Austria more or less as a direct outcome of
the devoted pioneer efforts of members of the German Baha'i Community.
This fulfills a long-cherished wish of his, and was a source of great
satisfaction. He hopes that the Groups in Graz, Innsbruck and Salzburg
will attain Assembly status by next Ridvan, thus giving the Austrian
Community a much firmer foundation and preparing it for the day when it
will have its independent National Assembly, a day which is not so very
far off after all, and towards which they must work constantly, with ever
increasing zeal and dedication.
He was also very happy to hear that the Vienna Community has settled down
in its Haziratu'l-Quds, its future national headquarters building; and
that this is not only a center for the Baha'is, but, what is even more
important, a center for their teaching activities on a larger and more
impressive scale in that city.
As he already informed you before, he felt that the generous contribution
of dear Mrs. Collins towards the purchase of a national endowment for
Austria should be used for that purpose only, and not diverted to anything
to do with the furnishing or embellishing of the Haziratu'l-Quds.
He hopes that the presence of a devoted American Baha'i, Mrs. Edna Johnson
Norvell in Austria will be of help to the friends. She is most eager to
serve and assist them in every way she can.
It has been recently a great pleasure for the Guardian to receive here as
his guests four of the pioneers to Athens. This contact has been most
welcome, and he feels that your Assembly can be proud of these fine young
people, who are making every effort to achieve the goals set for the
German Baha'is in Greece.
He has also had the great pleasure of receiving here the first German
Baha'i since before the war; namely, Miss Weber, one of the pioneers to
Crete.
He hopes that the German Baha'i Community will make every effort to send
forth a greater number of pioneers to the countries which have been made
their particular responsibility under the World Crusade, and also to
reinforce the work in Austria. They must never forget that one of the
first "pioneers", before the days when that term was even in use, was dear
Mr. Benke, who sacrificed his life in the service of the Faith with such
an exemplary spirit of devotion that the Guardian felt impelled to call
him the first European martyr for the Faith. This was a great distinction
and blessing conferred on the German Baha'is, and should stimulate many
others to follow in his footsteps.
The Guardian is very sorry that there has been so much delay as regards
the Temple in Frankfurt, both because of the difficulty of obtaining
permission to build on the site chosen, and the difficulty in coming to a
decision about the design.
He feels that, as this is the Mother Temple of Europe, and an institution
which will be supported by contributions from Baha'is all over the world,
that it has a very great importance; and must under all circumstances be
dignified, and not represent an extremist point of view in architecture.
No one knows how the styles of the present day may be judged two or three
generations from now; but the Baha'is cannot afford to build a second
Temple if the one that they built at the present time should seem too
extreme and unsuitable at a future date.
In view of this, he has pondered very carefully over the designs which
were submitted to him, and also consulted Mr. Remey. He hopes to come to a
decision, and will inform your Assembly accordingly.
He appreciated very much the cooperative spirit shown by many of the
German architects and their offer to come here and consult with him. This
would have been impractical, and a waste of the money of the Faith; but,
if your Assembly has occasion, he would like it to please thank these
gentlemen for their friendly and cooperative spirit as regards our Temple.
He feels that the National Haziratu'l-Quds in Frankfurt should act as the
Secretariat of the National Assembly as well. This is the main reason why
the Baha'is have National Headquarters--so that the office of the National
Spiritual Assembly can operate from the National Assembly's permanent
address. It may not be convenient at times, but it is essential that this
should be done. He has informed other national bodies of the same thing,
that is, those who had not already placed their Secretariat in their
Haziratu'l-Quds.
He feels that your Assembly should particularly concentrate at this time
on accelerating the work on the home front. Perhaps the most difficult
objective for any of the National Assemblies to accomplish is the one of
increasing the number of Assemblies and Centers under their jurisdiction
before the end of the Ten Year Plan. The friends must realize that this,
by its very nature, is a task which it is dangerous to postpone to the
latter years of the Plan. The construction of Assemblies is always a
laborious process, and one which demands a great deal of preparation and
forethought and time to achieve. Therefore, the sooner the believers go
out into the field, and assist, through settlement or through extension
teaching, or travelling teaching trips, or in whatever way they can, in
laying the foundation for these new Assemblies, the better.
He hopes that the Baha'i youth in Germany will be encouraged to take a
more active part in administrative affairs and in the teaching work. They
must always realize that they are the future of the Cause, and they should
gain from experience as teachers and administrators from the older
friends, in preparation for the time when the burden of the work will fall
on their shoulders.
The news of the publication work you have in hand was also encouraging;
and he hopes that, when you receive your Reparations from the proper civil
authorities there, you will be able to put the new Baha'i Publishing Trust
on a firm foundation, and get out more literature, which is the very
backbone of the teaching work.
You may be sure that he often remembers you in his prayers in the holy
Shrines; and he deeply appreciates the consecrated spirit with which you
are serving the interests of the Faith in Germany and Austria, and in the
virgin territories allotted to your care. He hopes that the national work
can be arranged in such a way that too great a burden does not fall on the
Hands of the Cause, who already have another important function to
discharge, and yet who are needed because of their capacities for the
National Assembly work as well.
He was very sorry to hear of the illness of some of the members who are so
needed in the teaching work in Germany, and he hopes and prays that they
are now fully recovered.
The good news that your National Convention was held so successfully
pleased him very much; and he was also happy to see that a young and
comparatively new Baha'i has been added to your Body. This will no doubt
be of assistance to the work of the Assembly.
He was also happy to see that you have been able to add another
incorporation, in such an important city as Frankfurt, the national
seat....
P.S. Mr. Ioas recently wrote your Assembly that the Guardian does not feel
it would serve any useful purpose to reconsider Temple designs with Prof.
Grund; please thank him for his helpfulness and fine spirit.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The progress achieved in recent years, and particularly since the
inception of the Ten-Year Plan, by both the German and Austrian Baha'i
communities, in the field of teaching and administrative spheres of Baha'i
activity, has been such as to evoke feelings of deep and abiding gratitude
in my heart, and to excite the admiration of their sister communities in
both the East and the West.
Emerging more than a decade ago, from a prolonged period of adversity,
which served to purge, discipline and spiritually quicken the nations to
which these communities belong; abundantly demonstrating, throughout the
afflictive trial they underwent, the sterling qualities of their faith and
the depth of their unalterable devotion to the Cause they have espoused;
firmly reestablishing, on the morrow of that ordeal, the institutions of
an Administrative Order which had been temporarily disrupted and suffered
an eclipse during the years of repression, suffering and confusion;
embarking, at a later period, and in concert with Baha'i communities the
world over, on the Ten-Year Plan, designed to carry them a stage further
on the road leading them to their high destiny--the members of these
communities are now, both individually and collectively, fully engaged in
the discharge of their sacred and heavy responsibilities--responsibilities
which they cannot shirk and which I feel confident, they will nobly and
fully discharge.
The third phase of the Plan which they now have entered must witness such
an acceleration in the tempo of Baha'i activity, in the various fields
assigned to them, and such a depth of consecration to the tasks they have
shouldered, as shall throw into shade every evidence of the valour
displayed during the infancy of the Faith in both of these countries.
The virgin territories alloted to your assembly, under the Ten-Year Plan,
must be carefully watched over, and the prizes won in those fields must be
constantly enriched, at whatever cost, through the dispatch of a larger
number of pioneers and a more adequate provision for the needs, both
material and spiritual, of those valiant souls who, by the very nature of
their services, constitute the vanguard of the future army of Baha'u'llah
which must, in the days to come be raised up in those territories. The
homefront, the reservoir which must be constantly replenished if the aid
given to these pioneers is to prove ultimately adequate and effective,
must be made the object of the solicitude and of the anxious deliberations
of the members of your Assembly. The remarkable success recently achieved,
through the multiplication of Baha'i assemblies, groups and isolated
centres, must be followed up by a corresponding increase in the number of
the avowed and active supporters of the Faith--the bedrock on which the
strength and stability of the entire community must rest. The preliminary
stages designed to launch the greatest enterprise confronting the German
Baha'i Community--the construction of the Mother Temple of Europe--must be
swiftly and energetically undertaken, particularly in connexion with the
ultimate settlement of the issue of the Temple site, and the provision of
the necessary authorization for the laying of its foundations and the
erection of its structure.