influence on the immediate destinies of the German Baha'i Community, is
the adoption of the necessary measures for the introduction of the Faith
into neighbouring territories, such as the translation of Baha'i
literature into Russian and into the languages in use in the Baltic
states, and the exploration of every avenue designed to enable German
Baha'i pioneers to launch this vast, this historic and meritorious
campaign beyond the eastern confines of their native land.
The process of incorporating firmly established Baha'i local assemblies,
which has so far been regrettably slow, must be further stimulated, in
order to consolidate the legal foundations of the administrative structure
of the Faith in that land as well as in Austria.
The institution of the National Fund, whose fundamental importance cannot
be exaggerated, must receive a wider and fuller measure of support from
the rank and file of the believers, in order that it may be enabled to
provide more adequately than heretofore for the pressing material needs of
the infant institutions of the Faith, now faced with such tremendous and
inescapable responsibilities.
Particular attention must, moreover, be devoted to the vital and urgent
needs of the Faith in Austria, where a nascent community is heroically
struggling to establish its independent national Baha'i existence on a
secure foundation.
Constant encouragement, by whatever means possible, must, furthermore, be
given the suppressed and isolated local communities in Eastern Germany,
now so sadly detached from the general body of the followers of the Faith
in that land, and any assistance, lying in your power, must be extended to
them for the purpose of enabling some of their members to penetrate into
the remaining territories assigned to your assembly under the provisions
of the Ten-Year Plan.
The stalwart German Baha'i Community, ranking among the oldest and
certainly one of the most eminent, communities in Europe; firmly implanted
in the heart of that continent; constituting one of the leading
strongholds of the Faith within its confines; reassured, time and again,
through the glowing promises given it, in unmistakable language, by the
Centre of the Covenant, in the early years of that community's existence;
blessed so abundantly through His memorable visit to its homeland;
hardened and chastened in the school of adversity; emerging triumphant
over those adversaries that sought so ineffectively to arrest its march,
dim its hopes, and disrupt its foundations; fully equipped through more
than three decades of Baha'i administrative experience--such a community
finds itself, at this historic hour, fully and hopefully launched upon an
enterprise which, if successfully carried out, will enable it to bring to
a conclusion a chapter of the utmost significance in the evolution of the
Faith of Baha'u'llah in that land.
Aware of its manifold responsibilities, determined to fulfill the dearest
hopes cherished for it by 'Abdu'l-Baha, conscious of its inherent
strength, and encouraged by its multiple and heartwarming accomplishments,
this community, in conjunction with its younger sister, must redouble its
efforts to scale loftier heights, to plumb greater depths of dedication,
to evince a still nobler heroism, and to heighten, by its accomplishments,
and, above all, by a still more convincing demonstration of the spirit
animating its members, the feelings of admiration which I myself, as well
as the believers in other lands, hold them, in consequence of their mighty
endeavours and unforgettable exploits in the service, and for the Cause,
of Baha'u'llah.
May His Spirit ever shine upon, and warm, their hearts. May His precepts
ever guide their footsteps, and may His unfailing grace, vouchsafed from
the realms on high, be poured forth upon them in such abundance as to
enable them to achieve, in the years immediately ahead, total and complete
victory.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956
7 July 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Under separate cover, I am sending you the latest design of Mr. Teuto
Rocholl, which has been carefully reviewed by the Beloved Guardian.
Also enclosed in the same package is a design for the German Temple,
prepared by Mr. Charles Remey, which likewise has been very carefully
reviewed by the Guardian.
The Guardian feels that the German National Assembly may now make their
selection from either of these two, of the design for the German Temple.
He says you are free to chose either Mr. Rocholl's or Mr. Remey's design.
In making your selection, you must of course, bear in mind the cost
factor; that the building should not cost more than $300,000.
As soon as you have made your decision, will you please cable me so I can
inform the Guardian.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers--and sends his loving Greetings....
LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956
7 July 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The Guardian has directed me to advise you that he appreciates your having
established the Assistant Secretary of the NSA in the Hazira in Frankfurt.
The Guardian wishes you to bear this important matter in mind, for in
time, the full Secretariat must be established in the Hazira....
LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956
7 July 1956
Mrs. Anna Grossmann:
The June 1956 issue of "Pflanze und Garten" issued in Darmstadt,
Nicolaiweg 9, has an article on the Faith, and a number of photographs of
the Gardens and Shrine of the Bab, as well as the Mansion at Bahji.
If you have not already seen it, you will wish to secure copies. At the
same time, will you please send me for use here, 6 copies. It is not
necessary to send the entire magazine for all six, simply the pages
dealing with the Article. Two magazines will suffice, the other four to be
the pages only....
LETTER OF 8 JULY 1956
8 July 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Referring to my letter of yesterday, with regard to the design for the
German Temple.
My letter should have specified, that the latest revised plan of Mr.
Rocholl, No. 102-F is the one which should be considered for selection,
and no former plans of Mr. Rocholl. In other words, the choice is left to
the NSA of Germany, as to whether they select Mr. Rocholl's design No.
102-F, or Mr. Remey's design....
LETTER OF 27 JULY 1956
27 July 1956
Dearly Beloved Co-workers:
I telegraphed you today, at the direction of the beloved Guardian, the
wish that your Assembly, now concentrate closely, on the securing of the
new site for the Temple.
Now that you have determined on the design for the Temple, it is most
important that you secure the land on which it is to be built.
The Guardian feels this is a task of the utmost importance, as time is
rapidly passing on, and he fears that if the work on the Temple is not
started soon, it will not be completed during the Ten Year Crusade, which
would be a sad state of affairs.
The Guardian will be happy to learn at an early date, of what progress you
have made with regard to the location of the Temple....
LETTER OF 31 JULY 1956
31 July 1956
Dearly Beloved Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with the
Temple design for Germany, and the activities in connection therewith.
1. The Guardian feels your Assembly should not announce the selection at
this time, to the Friends. You should, quietly, review the matter
carefully, and ascertain what the cost of construction will be. It may be
if the expense is out of line with the amounts available, then some other
considerations will have to be given.
2. You should concentrate all your energies on the securing of the Temple
location. This is important, as the Temple cannot of course be started,
until the land is purchased.
3. When you have the arrangements made for the land purchase, and have the
costs of the Temple construction, let the Guardian know, and he will
advise the next step.
4. The Guardian will announce the selection of the Temple design to the
Baha'i World, after all these matters are settled.
The Guardian hopes you will be able to expedite all these matters, as he
feels, as I have written previously, there is no time to be lost, if the
Temple is to be completed before the close of the Ten Year Crusade.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
LETTER OF 26 AUGUST 1956
26 August 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of July 17th was duly received, and its contents
presented to the Beloved Guardian.
For the Endowment in Austria, no more than $1,000. should be spent. I
cabled you with regard to the gift of Mr. ..., asking his full name, or
initials, if you do not have the full name. This information is necessary
as he may be an individual whose voting rights were withdrawn by the ...
NSA, and if so, his contribution cannot be accepted. As soon as I have his
first name and initials, I will be able to tell, and will then let you
know definitely.
Your report for the year 112 in English has been sent on to the Guardian,
for his study and perusal....
LETTER OF 24 SEPTEMBER 1956 (SUMMER SCHOOL)
24 September 1956 (Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received your letter of August 17th, signed by
those present at the Summer School, and has instructed me to answer you on
his behalf.
He was happy to see that the Hands of the Cause were represented there,
also that Baha'is from different countries were present.
The friends can gain much spiritual reinforcement by drawing on the inner
strength of their fellow-Baha'is; and the Guardian hopes those who went to
Esslingen this summer received this renewed power from mingling with other
Baha'is; and returned to their homes more determined than ever to carry
forward in the speediest and most efficient manner possible--the work of
the World Spiritual Crusade.
He appreciates the prayers of the friends, and sends you all his loving
greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of Baha'u'llah sustain you in your splendid activities, aid
you to acquire a fuller grasp of the fundamental and distinguishing
features and teachings of our beloved Faith, and lend a great impetus to
its onward march,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956
27 September 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you to ascertain the present
status of the purchase of the new site for the Temple in Frankfurt.
As you know he attaches the utmost importance to this matter, and regrets
that it has not been consummated up to the present time. He is becoming
fearful that the Temple will not be built in Germany, during the Ten Year
Crusade, unless there is some strong immediate action taken in connection
with the purchase of the land, and then the prosecution of the
construction work.
Will your Assembly please let me know by return airmail, what the status
is of the land purchase....
LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956
27 September 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Please refer to your letter of July 17th and my reply of August 26th, with
regard to a gift of $1,000 from ... to the Austrian Fund.
It is satisfactory to receive this gift, as ... is a Baha'i of record of
the ... Assembly.
As I wrote you however, it cannot be used for the Endowment; as a gift of
$1,000 has already been made by ... for this purpose. Thus ... should be
informed, so he may direct in what manner he wishes the money used, or if
he gives it for the General Fund, which is, of course, best....
LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956
27 September 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly, to ask the
status of the purchase of the Endowment in Austria, which he hopes will be
purchased shortly. This should be a relatively simple matter, and he hopes
it can be followed through promptly.
He likewise is anxious regarding the incorporation of local Assemblies. He
hopes your Assembly will review the matter further at this time, to see if
more Assemblies cannot be incorporated at this time....
LETTER OF 28 SEPTEMBER 1956
28 September 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
The beloved Guardian has received your recent letter, and has instructed
me to answer you on his behalf.
He was grieved to hear of the passing of Mr. Rahmatollah Saffar. He deeply
appreciates the services rendered the Faith by him, and wishes to extend
his loving sympathy to his family, and to assure them of his prayers for
the progress of his spirit.
The Guardian will shortly be sending Five Hundred Pounds for the German
National Spiritual Assembly to help in the teaching work....
LETTER OF 6 OCTOBER 1956 (FIRST AUSTRIAN SUMMER SCHOOL)
6 October 1956 (First Austrian Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your note of greeting dated August 29th, signed by all present on this
important occasion, together with its enclosures, has been received by the
beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He
was happy to see the names of so many participants, as such gatherings
bring a fresh spirit and a renewed determination to carry forward the work
to all the friends.
The Guardian assures you he will remember you in his loving prayers; and
he urges you to steadily, courageously and whole-heartedly, pursue your
goals under the historic World Spiritual Crusade, confident that this will
attract to you the blessings of Baha'u'llah....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty guide your steps in the path of service, remove all
obstacles from your path, and enable you to extend the range of your
meritorious services, and win great victories in the days to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 20 OCTOBER 1956
20 October 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your loving letter of October 3rd was presented to the Beloved Guardian.
The Guardian has directed me to assure your Assembly, that he is praying
for the removal of every obstacle in the way of the purchase of the site
for the Temple at Frankfurt.
He hopes you and your committee will continue to press the matter
vigorously, as he hopes this important matter, can be successfully
achieved in the near future.
When you have concluded the purchase, he would appreciate a cable from
you.
He sends his loving greetings to each of you....
LETTER OF 22 OCTOBER 1956 (TEACHING CONFERENCE)
22 October 1956 (Teaching Conference)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received the letter which you all signed, dated
September 30th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
When we stop to think that we are already in the fourth year of the World
Spiritual Crusade, we realize that we cannot afford to look at our past
accomplishments, but must face the future and the tremendous tasks which
lie ahead.
He knows the attainment of the objectives of the Crusade is the concern
deepest in the heart of each believer; and he is confident this Conference
has sent forth those who attended with a renewed determination to do all
in their power individually and collectively, as the days and weeks pass,
to ensure its ultimate success....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty guide you in your constant endeavours for the spread of
the Faith, and aid you to extend continually the scope of your valued
activities, and lend, in the days to come, a great impetus to its progress
and the consolidation of its institutions.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 9 NOVEMBER 1956
9 November 1956
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to respond to your recent letter to
him, with regard to the Temple design, etc.
The Guardian likes the adjustments Mr. Rocholl has made in his design, and
now approves of the drawings you have sent him. Therefore you should now
proceed, within the following limitations.
No changes should be made further in the design. If it is necessary to
reduce the size in order to keep within the limit of financial resources,
that is permissible, but no change in the size or proportions should be
made.
As previously advised, the Guardian feels this Temple must be constructed
at a cost of not to exceed $300,000. He is willing to consider raising
this limit by $20,000, to cover furnishings, etc. or at the very outside
$30,000.
Now it is necessary for your Assembly to study the matter, and decide how
to proceed to construct the Temple within this money limit. The Temple
must be financed by the Baha'is of the world, and with the heavy
expenditures everywhere, economy must be exercised in all our
undertakings, and limits of budgets set.
The important thing now is to build a House of Worship, which will bring
untold spiritual blessings, wide publicity, and let us hope, a rapid
increase in the number of Baha'is and Centers.
As I have indicated, if it is necessary to decrease the size of the
structure, that is satisfactory, but no change in design or proportions
should be made to the main structure of the building.
This $320,000 figure, refers to the completed Temple, including fittings
and equipment.
Of course, the Temple cannot be built until the land has been secured. He
requests and urges that your Assembly expedite this important matter in
every way possible. He is fearful, if work on the Temple is not started at
an early date, it may be impossible to build the Temple in Germany during
the Ten Year Crusade.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving
Greetings....
P.S. The questions of materials to be used, he leaves to your Assembly.
You should endeavor to use such materials as are not too expensive, and
yet satisfactory for the Temple.
LETTER OF 15 NOVEMBER 1956
15 November 1956
Dearly Beloved Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the purchase
of the Endowment for Austria. He hopes very much it will be possible for
you to purchase this Endowment before Ridvan 1957.
He asks that you write me, giving the status of this matter, and when you
feel the purchase can be consummated....
LETTER OF 30 NOVEMBER 1956
30 November 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letters of November 19th and 22nd were duly received by the
Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge them on his
behalf.
He greatly appreciates, and was deeply touched, by your kind sentiments on
the occasion of the 35th anniversary of his appointment as Guardian. The
spirit of devotion and consecration of the German Believers, and its
National Assembly, augurs well for the future of the Faith in your
country. He is sure the Master will both guide and confirm you in your
work, as you carry forth the mandates of His Convenant, and the Teaching
Tablets.
With regard to the Temple Land--The Guardian feels this must be purchased
in Frankfurt, or its environs. He does not approve of buying in Offenbach.
Thus he feels you can secure the land anywhere in Frankfurt or its
environs, where it seems best suitable for our purposes.
The new location near Eschborn would seem satisfactory, but you must be
sure there will be no trouble with permits to build.
He feels you should again review the entire matter most carefully, and he
hopes you will soon find the location which will be the site of the House
of Worship in Germany.
With regard to the funds--he feels it is best that you allow them to remain
in the Bank as at present.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.
He is praying for you, and for the success of your work in the Faith....
LETTER OF 30 NOVEMBER 1956
30 November 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of October 17th was duly received, and its contents
presented to the Beloved Guardian. He has directed me to reply as follows:
He feels it is more advisable for ... to remain in Budapest, where the
Faith needs every help it can get, rather than go to either Austria or
Germany.
Of course, the terrible events in Hungary may have changed the whole
aspect of this important matter, and the question not now be in need of an
answer. The Guardian hopes that ... has not suffered nor met with
misfortune in that unhappy city.
At the same time, the Faith is needed more than ever, and it may be the
depressing conditions existing, may make it possible for more teaching
work to be done....
LETTER OF 5 DECEMBER 1956
5 December 1956
Dear Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning some copies
of the prints which Mr. Rocholl has made of the Temple Design for
Frankfurt.
He would like to secure 15 copies of the photo sent by Mr. Rocholl, which
shows the Temple in White lines, and the background black.
The Temple itself, should be no larger than the Shrine in the Colored
pictures of the Shrine of the Bab. Thus the measurement of the pictures to
be sent are 21 cm by 13 cm. There need be little space below or over the
Temple, but let the black run out to the edges, on both sides.
Do I make clear what the Guardian wants? If you will show Mr. Rocholl a
picture of the Shrine of the Bab colored, as printed in America for sale,
and which appears in the frontispiece of Vol. 9 of the Baha'i World, he
can have the pictures made accordingly.
The pictures should be black and white, glossy, and on as light paper as
possible. By light I mean, in weight.
Please cable me on receipt if this is clear, and if Mr. Rocholl can
provide the 15 copies at an early date....
LETTER OF 1 JANUARY 1957
1 January 1957
Mrs. Anna Grossmann:
Your loving letter of December 16th was duly received, and its contents
presented to the Beloved Guardian.
Needless to say, he is very disturbed with the recent developments with
regard to the Temple land and building. This matter has gone along for a
long period of time, and he feels it is now reaching the point where it
reflects on the Faith. He feels very definitely that if there should be a
failure in connection with the Temple to be built in Frankfurt, it would
be a great set back to the Faith, not only in Germany, but in all Europe.
The Guardian suggests your Assembly read carefully, the many statements
and letters to the American National Assembly, as to the importance of the
Temple, and its construction. He even says it will be the most important
teacher of the Faith, and with its completion, a new spiritual movement
will take place in America. Whatever the Master has said with regard to
the Temple in America, applies with equal force to Germany. Surely we
cannot allow the negative influences at work in Frankfurt and Germany, in
connection with our Temple project, to stop our forward progress.
The Guardian would like your Assembly to consider the project of the
Temple land, and the construction of the building, as its most important
task, and give it precedence over all other problems.
So far as the question of Environs of Frankfurt is concerned, he will
allow you to determine what constitutes the Environs of Frankfurt. If you
feel Offenbach, which is a separate city, is the environs of Frankfurt, he
will approve the construction there. If the hills of Taunus constitute the
environs, he will approve that location.
If the objection of the city of Frankfurt to the Temple model, is due to
its size, why not reduce the size. The important thing now is not the size
of the building, but the fact of the building.
Therefore the Guardian will approve reduction in the size, so as to permit
construction now, and in Frankfurt, or its environs.
The Guardian will pray for the guidance of your Assembly in working out
this important project; that it may be settled promptly, and that soon we
may rejoice, with the work of the Temple proceeding....
LETTER OF 10 JANUARY 1957
10 January 1957
GUARDIAN APPROVES PURCHASE LAND POLISCHER BERG WITH ASSURANCE NO
COMPLICATIONS ERECTION TEMPLE.
LETTER OF 11 JANUARY 1957
11 January 1957
MR SABET CHARGED BY GUARDIAN MEET WITH YOUR NSA IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE CABLE DATE PLACE NEXT MEETING.
LETTER OF 11 JANUARY 1957
11 January 1957
IS KRIFTEL REFERRED YOURS FIRST SAME AS POLISCHER BERG REFERRED MY CABLE
EIGHTH.
LETTER OF 13 JANUARY 1957
13 January 1957
GUARDIAN URGES IMMEDIATE PURCHASE TEMPLE LAND. TRANSLATION INTO UNOPENED
TERRITORY LANGUAGE ALSO HAVE PIONEERS READY TO MOVE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.
LETTER OF 19 JANUARY 1957
19 January 1957
WHAT IS STATUS TEMPLE LAND POLISCHER BERG PLEASE CABLE.
LETTER OF 19 JANUARY 1957
19 January 1957
Dear Baha'i Sister:
I cabled you today, as follows: "What is status purchase Temple Land
Polischer Berg. Please cable."