and that her devotion, and that of her family, will be the instrument for
attracting many hearts to our beloved Faith.
The Guardian assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for the
success of your work and that you may be given the strength to carry out
burden of responsibility for the prosecution of the Ten Year Plan in your
area....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The year that has just elapsed, though not one in which the fond hopes
entertained for the German Baha'i Community have been entirely fulfilled,
has, none the less, witnessed certain achievements in both the
administrative and teaching fields, for which we can feel truly grateful.
There can be no doubt that the problems, obstacles and challenges which
have faced the well-tried, long suffering, swiftly maturing community have
been formidable, and in some instances, such as to daunt their spirit and
discourage their efforts.
The continued and most lamentable division of the German nation, setting
up an almost insurmountable barrier between the vast majority of the
German followers of the Faith of Baha'u'llah and their isolated brethren
in the eastern territories of their country; ... the prolonged existence
of ideological and political barriers impeding contact between the
believers residing in the western Zone of Germany and the inhabitants of
the territories lying beyond the Iron Curtain and particularly the Baltic
States, Moldavia, White Russia, Albania and Rumania, assigned to them
according to the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan; the intense conservatism
and religious orthodoxy of the people inhabiting the Frisian Islands,
Crete and Greece, constituting yet another barrier and raising yet another
obstacle in the path of the pioneers who have consecrated themselves to
the task of implanting the banner of the Faith in those islands in that
historic land, in pursuance of the objectives of the World Spiritual
Crusade; the limitations placed upon them by their restricted numbers and
modest resources; the temptations and distractions to which a swift return
to material prosperity continually and increasingly exposes them--these, no
doubt, militate against the speedy and effectual accomplishment of their
manifold and sacred tasks.
No need, however, to dwell on the trials, problems and the inherent
difficulties with which the community of the followers of Baha'u'llah and,
to a lesser extent, their sister community in Austria, are beset during
these critical years in the unfoldment of the Ten-Year Plan.
However severe their trials, and disheartening the present situation may
appear, they must remember that the Faith to which they owe allegiance has
weathered, not so very long ago, storms of a far greater severity that
seemed, at times, capable of engulfing and of obliterating its nascent
institutions. The newly planted sapling of a divinely conceived
administrative order, having driven deep its roots in German soil, bent
momentarily under the hurricane which so violently swept over it, and no
sooner had the tempest spent its force than it righted itself, and,
growing with a fresh vigour, put forth branches and offshoots that now
overshadow the entire land, and even stretch out as far as the heart of
Austria.
The experience of so miraculous a recovery from so devastating an ordeal
should, alone, prove sufficient to infuse an invigorating spirit into
those who have been subjected to it, as well as into the new generation
who are still close enough to those events to appreciate its extreme
violence, such as will not only enable them to withstand onslaughts of
still greater severity, but impel them, both young and old, men and women
alike, to struggle, with redoubled vigour and deeper consecration, to meet
the pressing and the manifold requirements of the present hour.
To answer decisively the charges levelled against them, and the Faith
which they represent, by their adversaries and critics, they can do no
better than to determine--nay to ensure--that their numerical strength will
rapidly increase throughout the length and breadth of their homeland; that
the isolated centres, groups and local assemblies will multiply to an
unprecedented degree; that every firmly grounded local spiritual assembly
is duly incorporated; that the Baha'i Marriage Certificate and the Baha'i
Holy Days are recognized by the Civil authorities; that the literature of
the Faith in German, Russian and those languages spoken in the Baltic
States, is not only translated to an unprecedented extent, but broadcast
far and wide; and, above all that their zeal, whatever betide them, will
remain unquenchable, their spirit indomitable, their loyalty inflexible,
their determination to succeed unshakable.
Whilst efforts in this direction are being strenuously exerted by the rank
and file of the faithful, a no less energetic action must be taken to
ensure that the pioneers in the newly opened virgin territories, in the
North as well as in the South will continue to receive adequate guidance
and assistance, which will enable them to establish new centres and
reinforce the foundation which they have so patiently and devotedly laid.
The institution of the National Fund, so indispensable to the vigorous
functioning of the multiplying institutions of the Faith, must be
generously and systematically supported by the rank and file of the
believers, however great the financial sacrifice involved, it is through
such sacrifice that these institutions can exert their maximum spiritual
influence, and contribute their full share to the expansion and
consolidation of the Faith. To their brethren in the Eastern Zone, so
gravely handicapped by the unfortunate disabilities which they have, so
long and so patiently suffered, consistent support, in whatever way
possible, should be extended, and every avenue should be explored to
ensure that the flame burning in those valiant hearts, so heavily burdened
by cares and anxieties, will not be extinguished. The no less vital
obligation to introduce, however tentatively, the Faith in the territories
lying beyond the eastern confines of their homeland, and particularly in
the Baltic States, must be promptly and seriously considered, for upon it
will, to a very great measure, depend the success of the Mission envisaged
for them by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and now confirmed through the provisions of the
Ten-Year Plan. The assistance extended to their brethren and co-partners
in Austria, who have lately succeeded in enlarging the scope of their
beneficent activities, should, moreover be maintained, nay reinforced, for
the purpose of multiplying the local spiritual assemblies, and of
hastening thereby the emergence of an independent National Spiritual
Assembly in that land. Above all, the burning issue of the purchase of the
site and of the construction of the Mother Temple of Europe must be
resolutely faced, and, once and for all, definitely settled, even if it
becomes necessary to abandon Frankfurt, situated in the heart of their
country, and the national administrative headquarters of their Faith, and
substitute for it Stuttgart, as a site, for their first
Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar. Whatever is to be done should be expeditiously
carried out, for time is fast running out and the Ten-Year Crusade is
rapidly and inexorably approaching its midway-point. All eyes, in every
continent of the globe where Baha'is reside, are eagerly and anxiously
watching, expecting the early and definite settlement of these prolonged
negotiations, and prayerfully hoping to witness the first evidences of the
rise of the noble Structure, the erection of which has been entrusted to
the largest and one of the oldest national Baha'i communities in the
European continent.
The divers and formidable obstacles, challenging the spirit and resources
of this long-suffering, firmly based, highly-endowed, much admired
community, have been considered and enumerated. The vital and inescapable
obligations, calling for immediate resolute action, on the part of all of
its privileged members, have been touched upon and sufficiently
emphasized. Now, if ever, is the time for action, with practically half of
the period alloted for the prosecution of a decadelong Crusade already
behind us. The German Baha'i Community, the leading stronghold of the
Faith on the European mainland, must not, cannot fail. All its resources,
spiritual as well as material, must be mobilized at this hour to ensure
the speedy attainment of some of the most glorious objectives of a
glorious Crusade.
I fervently plead with its members, particularly with its watchful,
painstaking, devoted national elected representatives, to arise as one man
and carry to a successful conclusion yet another stage in the unfoldment
of their historic Mission.
May He Who through His power called this community into being, nurtured
and bestowed upon it His special blessings, crown their present and future
efforts with a success that will resound throughout the Baha'i world.
Shoghi
LETTER OF 16 AUGUST 1957
16 August 1957
USE ENGLISH EDITION BASIS TRANSLATION ANSWERED QUESTIONS GRIEVE PASSING
ALBRECHT NAGEL DEVOTED PROMOTER FAITH FERVENTLY PRAYING PROGRESS SOUL
KINGDOM APPROVE REVISED DESIGNS TEMPLE URGE EXPEDITE PURCHASE SITE LOVING
PRAYERS
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 27 AUGUST 1957
27 August 1957
GRIEVE PASSING DISTINGUISHED HANDMAID CENTER CONVENANT MUCH LOVED DEEPLY
ADMIRED ANNAMARIE SCHWEIZER RECORD NOTABLE SERVICES CLOSING YEARS HEROIC
THREE DECADES FORMATIVE AGES BAHAI DISPENSATION IMPERISHABLE REWARD GREAT
KINGDOM FERVENTLY PRAYING PROGRESS SOUL
SHOGHI
LETTER OF 3 SEPTEMBER 1957
3 September 1957
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf
about.... He has not only received a most unhappy and pitiful letter from
him but also letters from some of the German friends who are distressed
and unhappy over the severe measures your assembly has taken as regards
his teaching and freedom of movement.
He feels that you should deal with more kindness and leniency in this
matter; as far as he understands the accusations against him are because
of certain emotional relationships he has had. In such matters wisdom and
patience are required. It is only in cases of flagrant immorality that the
Assembly must step in and warn the believer in question that they must
behave in a way worthy of the Faith. He doubts if ... has conducted
himself in such a way. In any case he wishes you to do all you can to help
this unfortunate situation and prevent it from becoming a serious
issue....
LETTER OF 4 SEPTEMBER 1957
4 September 1957
Dear Baha'i Co-workers:
The Beloved Guardian has cabled you a short time ago that he approved in
the changes in the Temple which had been submitted by you and by Mr.
Rocholl.
The Guardian has directed me to confirm this matter with you so that there
might be no misunderstanding. In other words, he feels that the new
drawings which you have submitted will be satisfactory. He understands
that the building itself will be no higher than thirty (30) meters in
accordance with the Town Planning arrangements of the area.
As you know he is most anxious about this very vital Goal of the Ten Year
Crusade and sincerely hopes that all of the barriers will now be
eliminated and you will soon have authority to begin construction work.
He is praying for you and for the success of your labors. He sends his
loving greetings....
LETTER OF 5 SEPTEMBER 1957
5 September 1957
Dear Baha'i Friends:
In a recent letter from ..., he states that he has made an offer to the
German NSA to defray the expenses of translating the latest book of Dr.
Townshend, "Christ and Baha'u'llah" and to pay for its publication in
German.
As I have written you previously, the Guardian attaches the utmost
importance to this book as he feels it will clarify in the minds of
everyone the relationship of Christ to Baha'u'llah. It may shock some of
the Orthodox religious leaders but at the same time perhaps we have
reached the point where a shock will do them good. The Guardian feels that
even at the present if there should be some adverse criticism, in the long
run the publication of this book and its wide spread will bring about
renewed interest and activity in the Faith.
Thus he hopes your Assembly will see that the book is now published at an
early date, particularly inasmuch as the expense of publication has been
defrayed by....
LETTER OF 22 SEPTEMBER 1957
22 September 1957
Dear Baha'i Brother:
At the instruction of our beloved Guardian I am writing to inform you that
he has requested Mr. Varqa to forward to your Assembly on his behalf the
sum of five hundred pounds sterling. This contribution is to assist in the
many tasks your Assembly is carrying out....
LETTER OF 26 SEPTEMBER 1957 (SUMMER SCHOOL)
26 September 1957 (Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
Your letter dated August 22nd, which you all joined in signing, has been
received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you
on his behalf.
He was indeed happy to see that so many of the friends were present, and
is sure it was a great inspiration and joy for all.
The thoughts of all the Baha'is everywhere are now centered on achieving
the goals of our glorious World Spiritual Crusade, and the Guardian
assures you of his prayers that you may become assisted to perform nobly
your part, whatever it may be, in the present stage of this great
Crusade....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of Baha'u'llah continually guide your steps, inspire and
strengthen you, remove every obstacle from your path, and graciously
assist you to lend an unprecedented impetus to the all-important teaching
work in that promising country,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 3 OCTOBER 1957 (SUMMER SCHOOL)
3 October 1957 (Summer School)
Dear Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received your note of greeting dated September
5th, signed by those in attendance at the Summer School.
He hopes the friends will focus their attention on the needs of the
Ten-Year Crusade now moving along so rapidly; and in their home
communities endeavour to lend every possible assistance in their power to
the achievement of the objectives alloted to the believers in that land.
This will bring them spiritual reinforcement and success, in spite of the
difficulties that may be encountered by them....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless, abundantly and continually, your activities,
deliberations and services, guide every step you take, and fulfil every
desire you cherish, for the promotion and ultimate triumph of His Faith.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
LETTER OF 27 OCTOBER 1957
27 October 1957
Dear Baha'i Brother:
Your loving letter of October 17th has come duly to hand dealing with the
question of publishing the Guardian's telegram with regard to Mirza Buzurg
in the German Baha'i News.
This cablegram has been published in all Baha'i News and therefore there
should be no objection to it being published in the German News. When the
Guardian speaks of no publicity, he refers specifically to newspaper
publicity or other types of publicity before the public....
LETTER OF 30 OCTOBER 1957 (TEACHING CONFERENCE)
30 October 1957 (Teaching Conference)
ASSURE PARTICIPANTS GREATEST APPRECIATION MESSAGE SUPPLICATING
UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS STILL GREATER VICTORIES.
SHOGHI
FOOTNOTES
1 Letter without date, was received 23rd November 1955.