THE LIGHT OF DIVINE GUIDANCE [First of two volumes]
(Germany, 1982)
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17 December 1922
Blest and beloved ones of &Abdu'l-Baha!
To have been unable, owing to sad circumstances over
which I have had no control, to keep in close and constant
touch with you, the beloved children of &Abdu'l-Baha, since
His passing from this world, is to me a cause of sad surprise
and deep and bitter regret. To say that ever since the Dawn
of a New Day has broken upon me I have in the least felt
reluctant or disinclined to enter into relationship with every
one of you, or felt indifferent to a Cause which is so close
and dear to your hearts, would indeed betray every
sentiment of love and fellowship which animates every one
of us in our servitude to His Holy Threshold. It was rather
my utter exhaustion, my profound feelings of sorrow, the
overwhelming sense of my own position and responsibilities
and the extreme pressure of work that have caused me to
maintain such a long silence and seem forgetful of those
brave and valiant lovers of the Master in that land.
Of the thoughts that sustained and comforted me during
my hours of restful retirement was the realization, never
dismissed from my mind, that in the German friends the
Master will surely find loyal and grateful children who will
repay the tender love and paternal care which He had for
them with a devotion and service, so profound and lasting
that will prove worthy of the many blessings that have been
theirs in the past.
The news of your most spiritual gatherings, since the
Great Plan of the Master as revealed in His Testament has
been unfolded to our eyes; the formation and functioning of
the National Body with efficiency and harmony; the
extension of your activities; the widening of your
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correspondence; the generous and spontaneous help you
have extended us in connection with our difficulties in the
Holy Land and above all the spirit of ready devotion and
ever-increasing zeal which is back of it all--these are sweet
thoughts that cheer the bereaved Ladies of the Holy
Household and encourage here and abroad the many friends
who look forward to the hour when all the Master has
promised His friends in Germany will come to be fulfilled.
Having returned to the Holy Land with a renewed vigour
and a refreshed spirit, I shall not fail with the help of the
Master to do my part in enabling you to carry on further
and still further the Glorious Standard of &Baha to the very
heart and uttermost confines of Germany and thus hasten
the Day when the Spirit of Faith and Peace as revealed in the
Cause of &Baha'u'llah will fill the world and the darkness of
strife be no more.
In sweet remembrance at the Three Holy Shrines of your
labours of love for His Cause, I am and remain your brother
and coworker in His service.
19 January 1923
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful
throughout Germany,
Care of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
My dearly-beloved friends!
Ever since I have resumed my work in the Holy Land I
have been awaiting with eager and particular interest the
detailed letters, individual as well as collective, of my loved
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ones in Germany, who, I am sure are arduously, devotedly
and efficiently carrying on the Great Work which the
Master has destined for them in this world.
Much as I desire to correspond individually with every
one of you, yet I find that in view of the marvellously rapid
extension of the Movement all over the world to start and
maintain individual correspondence with the vast and ever-increasing
number of &Baha'is in the East and the West
would entail so much time and energy on my part as to
prevent me from paying adequate attention to my other
duties that are so urgent and vital in these days.
I shall therefore very regretfully and reluctantly have to
content myself with direct correspondence with every &Baha'i
group in each locality, be it a city or hamlet, keeping in
constant touch with them directly and through their
respective local assemblies and co-ordinating their spiritual
efforts and activities through the National Spiritual
Assembly (National Body), representative of all the
believers and local assemblies throughout the land.
I am exceedingly anxious, as a preliminary to the faithful
execution of this plan, to receive as soon as it is convenient
an official, comprehensive and detailed report from the
National Spiritual Assembly, stating accurately the actual
standing of the Cause in Germany, describing the progress
of the activities of the friends throughout that land and the
adjoining countries such as Austria and Northern
Switzerland, and setting forth the names, the numerical
strength, the history, the needs and the activities of every
locality throughout these regions, however small in size,
where the Light of the Cause has so far been able to
penetrate.
I hope by this measure to enter into direct and constant
communication with every locality, however small it may
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be, where a single friend or more is striving to teach the
Cause and establish a &Baha'i centre.
It has been my great pleasure to read some of the letters
addressed during the past months by the German friends to
the Greatest Holy Leaf, and their perusal, I assure you, has
filled me with intense satisfaction and made me still more
confident of that glorious era of spiritual reawakening
which the unseen Hand of our Master is sure to unfold to
our eyes in the near future.
Your labours are unceasing, your effort knows no
bounds, your devotion and selflessness are indeed worthy of
the many blessings our Beloved has bestowed upon you and
the Guidance of &Baha'u'llah and His unfailing assistance
will, I am certain, enable you to crown your ceaseless
endeavours with glorious and well-deserved success.
In my hours of prayer and meditation, I remember you
most tenderly and beseech every time I visit the Sacred
Shrines a fresh outpouring of His Grace and Spirit upon
your efforts for the spread and triumph of His Cause.
As I was the other day studying various &Baha'i documents
I came across a most inspiring and encouraging message
from our Beloved written in his own handwriting and
bearing no date and sign as to the place and circumstances
in which it was revealed. I enclose a copy of its translation
together with various &Baha'i prayers and Tablets all of
which I trust will be of great help and assistance to you in
your work of service to the Cause. I submit them all to the
members of the National Spiritual Assembly for translation
into German and circulation among the friends.
I have asked a very experienced Persian teacher, by the
name of &Jinab-i-Avarih, who is at present in England, to pay
a special visit to the various &Baha'i centres in Germany and
endeavour with the hearty cooperation of every one of you
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to arouse deep and widespread interest in the Movement
throughout that land.
I am eagerly anxious to receive a copy of your &Baha'i
organ which I trust you will be able to publish both in
German and in English and which I hope will truly and fully
describe the great effort which is now being made in those
regions for the diffusion of the &Baha'i principles and
teachings. With the introduction of an English section into
your &Baha'i Magazine the number of its subscribers will I
am sure greatly increase as the many friends in America,
Great Britain, France, India and Egypt would be most
pleased and grateful to gather from its columns the full news
of the onward march of the Cause throughout Central
Europe.
It would be a great encouragement to the friends in
America and India if the German friends would through
their respective assemblies subscribe to the two leading
&Baha'i organs in the world, namely the Star of the West and
the &Baha'i News, and contribute regularly reports of their
own activities and submit for publication carefully written
articles, sanctioned by the members of the National
Spiritual Assembly, and bearing upon spiritual matters in
general, that the East and the West may be closely linked
together and the friends the world over may know of one
anothers activities and services to the Cause.
The time is sure to come and the signs are already
apparent, when the various and distant members of this
great world community will find their activities co-ordinated,
their purpose unified, their efforts re-inforced
and the effect of their combined efforts manifest throughout
the world. May the Power of &Baha'u'llah breathe the
dynamic spirit of Life into the combined and systematized
efforts of the friends the world over and revive through
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them the body of stricken humanity and give it the peace
which it yearns for and which the world cannot give.
Your devoted brother
16 February 1923
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful
throughout Germany,
Care of the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
My dearest brethren and sisters in &Abdu'l-Baha!
I have received with mixed feelings of sadness and
gratitude your longexpected letter, sent on behalf of the
National Spiritual Assembly (National Body), and written
by our sincere and devoted brother Consul Schwarz. It
made me feel relieved and grateful at receiving at last the
news of your safety and the assurance of your unwavering
determination to serve with heart and soul and to the very
end the Cause of &Baha'u'llah; and it filled me with sorrow to
hear of the grievous calamity that has befallen your land and
the hardships that are afflicting your country.
Let me assure you, at the outset, of the deep sympathy of
the Ladies of the Household, of the friends the world over,
and of myself, in your great suffering, and our unfailing
prayers to &Abdu'l-Baha, that He may dissipate these
gathering clouds of animosity and strife, and relieve your
great and beloved country from its present state of
uncertainty and peril.
Why fear and sorrow? Have we not the express promise
of the Master, uttered after the termination of the Great
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War, that Germany, now humbled and weakened, will no
doubt be freed from its fetters and will develop, materially
and spiritually, and shall one day emerge from this sad
turmoil strong, united and prosperous, ready to take her
place in the great Family of the advanced nations of the
world?
I am enclosing for you all my translation of a number of
selections from the Master's soul-stirring and comforting
words, revealed some twentyfive years ago, and during the
darkest days of his incarceration in the prison-city of &Akka.
You will I hope translate them and publish them in your
&Baha'i organ the "Sun of Truth", copies of which I shall be
most pleased to receive and share with my friends in the
Holy Land.
I am enclosing also a copy of my last letter to you,
wherein I have asked you, among other things, to send me a
detailed report of your activities, and I sincerely hope that I
shall soon be in receipt of a detailed answer from you on all
the points which I have raised in my last letter.
I am also enclosing my revised translation of the Hidden
Words of &Baha'u'llah, both Arabic and Persian, and hope to
send you more of His Words and Teachings in future.
Awaiting your news, and wishing you the highest success
in your glorious work of service,
I am your devoted brother
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4 December 1923
To the dearly-beloved friends throughout Germany.
Care of the National Spiritual Assembly
My well-beloved friends:
What a joy to correspond with you again, and express,
after a long and unbroken silence, my warm sentiments of
love and affection for those tried, yet steadfast, lovers of
&Abdu'l-Baha! Your trials and sufferings have been a
constant source of anxiety and painful sorrow, not to me
alone, but to the Ladies of the Household as well as to the
friends at large.
True, humanity is to-day widely afflicted with
unprecedented ills and calamities, but you, the chosen and
favoured children of &Abdu'l-Baha, have, by some wisdom
inscrutable to us all, received the fullest measure of this
distress, and are carrying the burden of your cares with
heroic fortitude, unflinching faith, and undaunted courage
worthy of the admiration of even the most severely tried of
your fellow-sufferers in far-away Persia.
Your only consolation lies in the ever-living words of our
departed Master, who confidently declared that the days are
not far distant when Germany, will shake off her present
humiliation, and will emerge, mighty, united and glorious,
not only to take her destined place in the councils of
nations, but to raise high the triumphant banner of the
Cause in the very heart of Europe.
Your ceaseless activities since His departure from our
midst have been steadily extended as your tribulations and
anxieties have multiplied, and I feel hopeful that ere long the
true Faith of God will blaze worth in that land, and will
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herald publicly the Message of Salvation to that distracted
continent.
I am so desirous to receive from the National Spiritual
Assembly, frequent, comprehensive and up-to-date reports
on the present position of the Cause throughout Germany,
with an account of the activities of the various &Baha'i centers
recently established throughout that land.
Your &Baha'i Magazine, I have regularly received and read
with deep interest. I strongly urge you to devote a section of
it, written both in German and English, to an account of the
current activities of the Movement throughout the length
and breadth of Germany, a step which I am sure will rejoice
the hearts of our spiritual brethren and sisters the world
over.
The members of the holy Family and myself have joined
lately the resident friends in the Holy Land in contributing
towards the relief of the present distress in Germany, and
we trust our modest efforts will mitigate to some extent the
rigours of this coming winter in that afflicted country.
Hoping to hear from you, individually and collectively,
and remembering you always in my prayers,
I am your brother and co-worker
28 December 1923
To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the
Merciful in Leipzig, Germany,
Care of his honour, Mr. Herrigel.
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My dearest brethren and sisters in &Abdu'l-Baha:
I need not emphasize the deep and genuine pleasure I felt
when I received and read your most welcome letter dated
November 11th. 1923. With what pride and gratitude I
learned from it that already, through the ever-present and
omnipotent spirit of our departed Master a fresh start has
been made and a promising center established in that
beautiful city of yours, one of the leading centres of thought
in your beloved country.
True, your fatherland is now fallen a prey to chaotic
conditions and severe distress, yet in this hour of trial and
suffering we should all remember the inspired words of our
Beloved who, more than once, declared that out of this
humiliating turmoil Germany is sure to rise again, united
and mighty, ready to render her services, spiritual as well as
material, to the cause of mankind.
Let these words cheer us, let them sustain us with hope
and confidence, and inspire us to serve His Cause and
spread His Message, however trying the conditions may be.
I await lovingly and eagerly your letters, individually as
well as collectively, and will be delighted to hear of the
progress of your activities, of the full account of your
meetings, and of your plans for the promotion of the &Baha'i
Movement.
May His spirit, amid these trying circumstances and
vicissitudes of your domestic life, sustain you and guide you
in rendering distinct services to our beloved Cause.
Assuring you of my earnest prayers on your behalf,
I am your brother in His love
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31 December 1923
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful
in Hamburg, Gera, Schwerin, Rostock and &Warnemunde.
My dearly-beloved brethren and sisters in the love of God!
The letter of our beloved and highly-esteemed fellow-worker,
Dr. Grossmann, together with the enclosed &Baha'i
leaflets and reports, as well as the most welcome and
encouraging circular letters sent out by the Hamburg and
Gera &Baha'i Assemblies, have all been received and read
with pride and gratitude. So unexpected were these
messages that were conveyed to us from those uttermost
corners of Germany, and so beautiful their spirit, that we all
felt at once surprised, gladdened and inspired. How
wondrous, how all-conquering is the Spirit of our beloved
Master which, despite the terrible distress now reigning all
over Germany, and notwithstanding the confusion and the
gross materialism in which mankind is now sunk, is causing
these vigorous, radiant and hopeful &Baha'i centres to be
established, linked together and strengthened, in even the
uttermost regions of your great country.
I have shared all your news with the friends in the Holy
Land, and will forward them to all the &Baha'i centres
throughout the East, that the friends of &Abdu'l-Baha may
realize more deeply than ever how His promise is being
fulfilled. The Haifa Spiritual Assembly will soon send you a
special message acknowledging the receipt of your circular
letters and will be glad to share your news with the friends
throughout the East and the West.
Germany is at present in the throes of unprecedented
afflictions, and the immediate future may seem still dark
and disquieting, yet we, who follow in the Master's
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footsteps will ever bear in mind His sure and emphatic
promise that your fatherland's present plight will erelong be
turned into a material prosperity and a spiritual
regeneration more glorious than ever before, and will offer
to the eyes of the world a vast, rich, and ready field for the
propagation of the &Baha'i principles.
Let us then take heart, and endeavour to deepen in spirit,
to reinforce our numbers, so that, however depressing and
distracting the conditions around us may be, we may
persevere, with clear vision, steadfast hope, and united
effort to achieve the triumph of the &Baha'i Revelation
throughout the world.
I am eagerly awaiting every news you may wish to send
me, for I thirst after the glad tidings of the progress of the
Cause in your mighty and promising land.
Your fellow-worker,
Shoghi
27 November 1924
To my dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in &Abdu'l-Baha.
My most precious brothers and sisters in the love of God!
Your most welcome letter bearing the signatures of those
who have attended your Annual &Baha'i Congress recently
held in Stuttgart filled my heart with a joy that I cannot
express. As I read it over and over again I could feel from
every word, nay every syllable, of that soul-stirring message
of yours the promised quickening power of the Word of
&Baha'u'llah and the love of &Abdu'l-Baha which will, in time,
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I am certain, achieve the most far-reaching transformation
throughout Germany.
Your great and promising country, dear to you all, blest
by &Abdu'l-Baha's sacred feet, and the object of the hope and
affection of &Baha'is in every land, is in a most startling
manner rising phoenix-like from the ashes of humiliation
and despair, determined now to raise aloft victoriously and
serene the Standard of &Baha'u'llah and with His love set all
the world aflame.
From the reports of the marvellous progress of your work
leading to the establishment of an ever-increasing number of
&Baha'i Centres and Assemblies in the North, South and
Center of Germany I can well realize how faithful and loyal
you have been to the last wishes of our departed Master,
how the showers of His promised help have rained upon
you, how gloriously triumphant you must feel now that the
hour of a re-awakened Germany has struck. I should be so
pleased to receive a general and up-to-date report on the
present activities, position, and strength of the Cause in
Germany together with a list of the various &Baha'i centres
recently established.
Persevere in your task, redouble your efforts, spread on to
the remotest corners of your vast and mighty land,
approach fearlessly both the high and the low, infuse deeper
and deeper the &Baha'i Spirit into every heart, and do not for
a moment relax till all your land may from end to end throb
with the joy of the recognition of this Most Great Cause.
Behold what &Abdu'l-Baha saith: "The triumphant hosts
of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the
Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and
assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence
spurs on his charger into the arena of service. Well is it with
that fearless warrior, who armed with the power of true
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knowledge hastens unto the field, disperses the armies of
ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who holds aloft
the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the Clarion of
Victory..."
Be assured my dearest friends of my unfailing prayers.
On this day when with bleeding hearts we commemorate
the passing of our beloved &Abdu'l-Baha we remember you
most tenderly, we pray for your success at His Holy shrine,
and feel confident that you will soon achieve the greatest
victory.
Awaiting eagerly your joyful news,
Your true brother
2 February 1925
To my well-beloved &Baha'i brethren and sisters throughout
Germany.
Care of the German National Spiritual Assembly.
Loyal and capable children of our beloved &Abdu'l-Baha!
I have received with the greatest pleasure from the
National Spiritual Assembly, through our dearly-beloved
Consul Schwarz, the report of your activities that reflect so
vividly the unquenchable spirit of love and self-sacrifice
which animates you in your service for the Beloved's Cause.
Your unremitting labours are worthy of the highest praise,
the success you have so far achieved is well deserved. The
refreshing vitality of your work, the unity of purpose and
the concerted action attained recently by your fast-growing
community are resplendent features of your activity. They
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continually remind us of the Master's intense love for you,
His high hopes in you, His often expressed admiration for
the ardent devotion, the unquestioned sincerity, the
unrivalled capacity of His loved ones in Germany. By what
you have already accomplished, and by what you are
determined to achieve in times to come, you have merited
His abundant blessings and proved in the highest sense
worthy of the unsurpassed affection He had for you.
The signs of the promised revival of your sorely-tried
Fatherland can now be easily discerned. In material
prosperity it is steadily advancing, its power and worldly
prestige are being fast regained, and above all the dawn of a
spiritual awakening, unparalleled in your history, seems at
last to have broken upon it. His sure and often repeated
promise will erelong be fulfilled.
Let your National Assembly, therefore, redouble its
efforts, inaugurate a fresh campaign of ever-expanding
activity, and make a solemn determination not to relax till
their one aim is attained. Let them, with the full and
sustained support, moral as well as financial, of the vast
company of the believers throughout your land, send forth
their teachers far and wide, that they may scatter to the very
confines of Germany and endeavour by every intelligent and
effective method to lend a fresh impetus to the newly-established
centres, add to their number, satisfy their needs
and coordinate their efforts.
Let him who desires to hasten the advent of the day when
all Germany will waken to the recognition of this one
Message of Universal Salvation arise to contribute his share
to the work, so gloriously begun, so effectively pursued. Let
him by his written and spoken word, in private as well as in
public, in the course of his travels and in his association
with all sorts and conditions of men teach the Cause of God
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with purity of heart, with unflinching determination and
complete understanding.
I assure you, dear friends, we shall all remember you most
tenderly, most affectionately, whenever we visit the Three
Holy Shrines. We will supplicate for you the aid and
assistance from on high. We will implore Him Who loved
you most dearly to bless you even more richly than before,
shield you from the malice of the ungodly, bind you closer
one to the other, deepen your faith, clarify your vision,
widen the scope of your activities, and reinforce your noble
endeavours.
We all love you, we all pray for you, we all await the
joyful tidings of your land.
Your true brother
7 March 1925
To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the
Merciful in Vienna.
My dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in &Abdu'l-Baha!
Your joint letter dated February 13th. 1925 has rejoiced
my heart and has served to deepen my admiration for the
splendid efforts displayed by your spiritual teacher, our
never to be forgotten &Baha'i brother Mr. Herrigel. As I read
the full list of your beloved names, I could not but feel a
thrill of joy and gratitude for the manifold blessings of our
departed Master who has graciously called upon you and
chosen you to carry on the great work to which He
dedicated His whole life. It is indeed a great privilege for
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you all to be able to labour in this Divine Vineyard, and to
lay down the basis of the spiritual as well as the material
development of your ancient and beloved country.
I shall be so glad to receive frequent and detailed reports
on the progress of your activities individually and
collectively, and assure you of my ardent desire to help you
in any way I can for the expansion and advancement of your
work.
Persevere in your task, endeavour by every means at your
disposal to add to your numbers, study profoundly the
Writings of &Baha'u'llah and &Abdu'l-Baha, devote a special
attention to the proper education of your children, and arise
to start and maintain constant correspondence with the
various &Baha'i centres throughout the East and the West. Be
assured of the emphatic never-failing promise of our dear
Master that whoso ariseth to deliver this Message with
purity of heart and sincerity of purpose the hosts of the
Supreme Concourse will enable him to achieve in a short
period of time what all the nations of the world combined
can never accomplish.
I will specially pray for you at the Three Holy Shrines that
the All-Bountiful may bless richly your efforts, that the
seeds sown by our Beloved in Vienna may germinate
through your persevering efforts and usher in the era of true
felicity and peace for your sorely-tried and illustrious
fatherland.
Awaiting eagerly the glad-tidings of the progress of your
work, and assuring you of my brotherly love,
I am your true brother
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27 May 1925
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful
throughout Germany.
My dearly-beloved friends:
Our well-beloved brother and fellow-worker Dr.
Esslemont acting on medical advice is proceeding to the
Black Forest for treatment and recuperation. He has been
suffering of late from ill-health which has interfered with the
unique and most valuable work he has been doing in Haifa.
His past services, his selflessness and devotion, his book of
unsurpassed excellence, his noble character and great
industry entitle him to the highest esteem and warmest
affection of every true &Baha'i.
He has been advised to spend the hot summer months in a
dry and cool climate and to secure proper medical treatment
in a quiet and restful place. I am sure that the German
friends who have already learned to love and admire such a
precious and capable servant of the Cause will do all in their
power to extend to him every facility and ensure his full and
speedy recovery.
He will be accompanied by our dear &Baha'i sister, Mrs.
Lowell, who is returning to America via Germany and
whom you will be glad to welcome in your midst.
Assuring you of my affection and prayers,
I am your brother in His service
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26 October 1925
To the esteemed editor of the "La Nova Tago", the
International &Baha'i Esperanto Gazette
My dear fellow-worker:
It has given me the greatest pleasure to receive the first
issues of the &Baha'i Esperanto Gazette, and to learn of the
splendid start you have made along a path which I am
certain will lead you ultimately to glorious and abiding
success.
I hail the inauguration of an international &Baha'i Organ,
so vitally needed at the present stage of our work, and
destined to render services that are unique in their character
to the component parts of the ever-expanding &Baha'i world.
Though limited in its sphere of influence, and modest in
features, yet it shall, due to the vital position it fulfills, grow
from strength to strength and vindicate its claim as the one
medium of international &Baha'i intercourse. That it may
achieve this purpose, it is incumbent upon those who are
responsible for its publication and development to devise
ways and means for the establishment and maintenance of
regular and frequent communications with the various
&Baha'i National Spiritual Assemblies, that in time this
promising Magazine may faithfully portray with force and
beauty the diverse achievements of &Baha'i communities
throughout the world.
I assure you of my deepest interest in this fresh field of
&Baha'i enterprise, and of my great desire to promote in such
parts of the &Baha'i world as present circumstances permit
the study of an international language which is of such an
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obvious and practical utility to our steadily advancing
Cause.
May &Abdu'l-Baha bless richly your efforts,
Your brother and fellow-worker
5 November 1925
To my dearly-beloved brothers and sisters in &Abdu'l-Baha
the members of the National Spiritual Assembly,
Care of the Secretary, Mrs. Consul Schwarz, Stuttgart,
Germany.
My dear fellow-workers:
It is always a great pleasure to us all to receive from the
German National Spiritual Assembly, in whose members we
have the greatest hopes, detailed and frequent reports
regarding the work entrusted to their charge. I shall always
welcome with the greatest joy and satisfaction any
suggestions you may wish to offer, would be gratified to
share in the study of your plans, in the consideration of your
manifold difficulties and problems as well as in the joy of
your individual as well as collective accomplishments. I
therefore earnestly request you to inform me as regularly
and as frequently as possible of the various features of your
work, of the plans and schemes which you have in mind, of
the various obstacles in your path, and of whatever is
needed to ensure the peaceful and steady progress of your
work and the consolidation of your devoted labours.
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An active, united, and harmonious National Spiritual
Assembly, properly and conscientiously elected, vigorously
functioning, alert and conscious of its many and pressing
responsibilities, in close and continuous contact with the
international center in the Holy Land, and keenly watchful
of every development throughout the length and breadth of
its ever-expanding field of work--is surely in this day of
urgent necessity and paramount importance, for it is the
corner-stone on which the edifice of Divine administration
must ultimately rest. It is my hope and prayer that the ever-watchful
Spirit of &Abdu'l-Baha will guide, reinforce, and
bless your unceasing and unsparing efforts, and crown with
brilliant success the services which His well-beloved and
loyal German friends are rendering to His Cause.
I am enclosing a general letter of appeal addressed to the
declared believers throughout the &Baha'i world, acquainting
them with the present situation of the land in close
proximity to the Shrines of Mount Carmel and urging them
to do all in their power to safeguard for the future the
surroundings of this cherished and sacred Spot.
I am also enclosing a copy of the list of transliterated
terms commonly used in &Baha'i Literature, and ask you to
distribute them throughout the various &Baha'i centres in
Germany and Austria, that the friends the world over may
adopt in their writings one common, authoritative, and
uniform system of spelling and thus avoid inevitable
confusion in future.
I have already acquainted you by cable of the sad and
grave situation in &Baghdad in connection with the House of
&Baha'u'llah, wherein He passed the greater part of His
sojourn in &Iraq, which He explicitly designated as sacred,
object of &Baha'i veneration and pilgrimage, and of the future
of which He spoke and wrote with glowing praise and
+P28
majestic confidence. I am certain that every true believer in
Germany and Austria, conscious of the gravity of the
present situation, will after due consultation and
deliberation, do all in his power to safeguard such an
infinitely precious and sacred edifice.
The publication of "La Nova Tago" the first International
Esperanto Gazette, has given me genuine and deep
satisfaction and I trust that this promising Magazine,
properly directed and nurtured, will achieve great things for
the Cause in future. I strongly urge you to support it, guide
it and direct it along the most profitable channels, and make
of it in time a true mirror reflecting the world-wide activities
of the &Baha'i Cause. May it achieve its great and laudable
purpose!
In my hours of prayer and meditation at the three holy
Shrines, I particularly and most tenderly remember my
unforgettable German friends, in whose ability, ardour,
thoroughness, sagacity and constancy our Beloved had the
greatest belief and confidence, of whose land He spoke so
highly, and on whom He lavished His lovingkindness and
blessings. We follow your present activities with no less
admiration and affection, and feel certain that you are
destined to play your part in securing the ultimate and
universal recognition of the &Baha'i Faith.
Awaiting eagerly your individual and collective letters,
and assuring you of my undiminished affection,
I am your true brother and fellow-worker
+P29
3 December 1925
The beloved of God and the handmaids of the Merciful in
Dresden. c/o Mr. Herrigel.
My Dearly-beloved friends:
I have learned with feelings of gratitude and satisfaction,
the welcome news conveyed in Mr. Herrigel's letter
regarding the establishment of a &Baha'i centre in Dresden. I
hasten to offer you in the name of all &Baha'is the expression
of our warmest welcome, and our best wishes for the
expansion, and the consolidation of your newly-established
centre.
The efforts of our indefatigable and self-sacrificing
brother, Mr. Herrigel, have at last yielded the promised
fruit, and we feel confident, that by the unfailing assistance
of the power of &Baha'u'llah, and the fostering care of our
dear brother, your numbers will increase, your knowledge
of this Most Great Cause deepen, and your opportunities for
the service of mankind in accordance with the Sublime
principles of &Baha'u'llah multiply.
I assure you, one and all, of my keen interest in your
work, your plans and hopes for the future and of my fervent
prayers for your happiness, success and welfare whenever I
visit the Holy Shrines.
I trust and pray that some day we shall meet face to face
in Haifa, and visit together the various historic sites, that
have been hallowed by footsteps of &Baha'u'llah and &Abdu'l-Baha.
I urge you to take up earnestly the study of the &Baha'i
history and teachings, and to read most carefully such parts
of Dr. Esselmont's book as have been already translated
into German.
+P30
Wishing you success from all my heart, and assuring you
again of our hearty welcome to the &Abha fold,
I am your brother and well-wisher
Shoghi
1 April 1926
Dear spiritual brothers and sisters:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated &Baha, 1, 83. He always looks with great
expectation to the news of the progress of the Cause in
Germany. That country together with the other states of
central Europe have come out of the war, and the later
developments of the political conditions almost ruined.
They all feel the need for some new spirit which will pull the
world out of the morass it is in. If the teachings of the Cause
be properly set forth, if its solution of the social problems be
clearly expounded, the people will undoubtedly grasp its
significance and further its progress.
Shoghi Effendi prays to God that you may all be guided in
your services so that the hopes of the Master may be realized
in Germany even before it was expected.
There is no especial news here in Haifa. Pilgrims are
coming and going, taking with them the beautiful spirit they
obtain at the Blessed Shrines.
All the members of the family are well and eagerly await
the news of your success....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-workers:
Your letter has greatly encouraged me in my work. I have
great hopes in your future work and am deeply grateful for
+P31
what you have already achieved. I will remember you in my
prayers at the Beloved's Shrine and will supplicate for you
that you may attract many a soul to this mighty and
wondrous Revelation.
Your brother and well-wisher,
Shoghi
28 June 1926
Dear Spiritual brothers and sisters:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
those few kind words of love you all signed and sent. The
picture which your secretary sent under a separate cover
was also received. He hopes that more of such congresses
will be held in that land and the youth awakened to the duty
that has been laid upon them. Unless they are aroused,
unless they begin to feel their responsibility, unless they rise
to active and effective service, the Cause will not really
spread and quickly attain its desired aim.
The geographical position of Germany has given her a
unique position in the spread of the Cause in Europe. She
stands actually in the center of that continent and from it
can branch out tentacles which will gradually unite the
whole Europe. The signs that she can undertake such a task
are clear. We see there the largest number of the European
&Baha'is most active and promising. The only thing is, that
the more united they are, the more devoted and steadfast in
their faith they become, the sooner they will attain their goal
and bring their task to a successful and glorious ending.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to assure you of his prayers. He
hopes that the German friends will leave a memorable
+P32
record on the annals of the Cause and fully justify the
expectations the Master had in their spiritual future....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear fellow-workers:
Your most welcome letter has rejoiced my heart. Your
magnificent endeavours, your tenacity of purpose, your
firmness of faith, the ardour of your love and your grasp of
the Divine Teachings are assets which I greatly prize and
value. My hope and prayer is that &Baha'u'llah may shower
upon you His infinite blessings that the promise of our dear
Master may erelong be fulfilled and that Germany may arise
with one voice and one mind to champion the Cause of God
and in the spiritual realm direct the nations of the earth to
the path of true Brotherhood and Peace. Yours is a great
privilege and a noble mission; may He enable you to achieve
your heart's desire.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
8 April 1927
Dear &Baha'i brothers and sisters,
The beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, thanks you for
your good &Naw-Ruz letter to him, dated 1 &Baha 84.
He is very pleased that you have good hopes for the future
and he will pray at the Holy Shrines for you, that you may
be abundantly blessed--and that you may be enabled to
draw many souls to the light of these Divine Teachings.
He is very interested to hear of your plan to build a
wooden house on your new piece of land, to be a home for
the young and the aged--and also that is to be used as a
+P33
home for poor children, to give them a change and rest
during the summer. It will be a very good and excellent
work to build this house--and Shoghi Effendi hopes that
you will have great success with it, and that you will find it
of the utmost use and benefit for those who are poor in the
world's goods....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-workers:
Your sweet and touching message of loyalty and love has
greatly cheered and encouraged me. I rejoice to learn of
your steadfast love and devotion to our beloved Cause. I am
greatly heartened by the thought of your constancy in
service and your splendid achievements. I am deeply
thankful for your aid and assistance in safeguarding and
promoting the interests of the Cause. I will continue to pray
for you, one and all, from the depths of my heart, that the
Beloved may deepen your understanding, broaden your
vision, remove obstacles from your way, and enable you to
become the purest mirrors reflecting the beauty and
radiance of the Divine Revelation.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
3 April 1929
Dear &Baha'i brothers and sisters:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your joint letter dated March 21st 1929 in which you
extend to him hearty New Year greetings. He wishes me to
reciprocate those sentiments and assure you of his prayers.
He hopes that through your combined efforts this coming
year will bring to the Cause, especially in that country,
+P34
wonderful success. May God hear our prayers and grant us
His blessings...
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-workers:
I am deeply impressed by your message. I will assuredly
remember you in my prayers, that your numbers may
increase, your influence extend, your understand of the
Cause deepen, and your efforts be richly blessed by our
beloved and departed Master. Persevere and study the
Teachings. Rest assured that He will continue to reinforce
your endeavours and enable you to realize your heart's
desire.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
4 April 1930
Dear Mrs. Brauns:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated March 22nd 1930, as well as the enclosed
note signed by a number of the friends. Shoghi Effendi
hopes that the Master's spirit will assist you and guide you
through these days of great tests.
There is always an important difference between friends
and tested friends. No matter how precious the first type
may be, the future of the Cause rests upon the latter. Up to
the present the German friends were considered as loving
&Baha'is, from now on they can be ranked as tested ones.
+P35
In every country where such difficulties arise, they
generally end with added energy and more intensive service
of the Cause. Shoghi Effendi hopes that in Germany also
Mrs. White's activities will only arouse the friends and make
them redouble their energy. They can now see what enemies
the Cause has to confront and how essential it is to
strengthen its following.
In the &Bayan the &Bab says that every religion was meant to
be universal and also deserved to become so. The only
reason why they have all failed to stand up to that mark was
due to the inability of the followers who where entrusted
with that task. Let us endeavour lest we also fail to realize
that ideal which &Baha'u'llah has set before us.
Please convey to all the friends Shoghi Effendi's loving
greetings and assure them that during his moments of prayer
he will ask God for their guidance and help....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear and precious co-workers:
I am so pleased to have received your noble assurance of
faith and loyalty to the Cause. These days of storm and
stress will serve to invigorate the Cause, purify and
consolidate its foundations.
Persevere in your efforts, and be assured of my prayers.
The Master will surely fortify, guide and bless His loyal,
faithful and persevering loved ones. I trust that my last
circular letter which I sent to Germany a week ago, will
clarify the vision and deepen the understanding of the
friends. May &Baha'u'llah's almighty arms surround you and
fulfill your hearts' desire.
Lovingly and affectionately,
Shoghi
+P36
4 April 1930
Dear friends:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated March 25th 1930. He hopes and prays
that you will stand firm in these days of tests and appreciate
the light and seek it steadfastly. Miss Wright comes from a
country where the friends have at several occasions been put
to test and therefore she appreciates the difficulties that the
friends are confronting. Shoghi Effendi hopes, that coming
from the Holy Land she will import to you the spirit she
obtained at the Holy Thresholds.
Ever since the inception of the Cause we have been
experiencing constant attacks. Sometimes they came from
outside. Other times they came from souls most trusted and
loved. In every case however they have proven to be for the
good of the Faith. It is such events that arouse the friends to
added service.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that as a result of Mrs. White's
activities the friends will become more united and feel to a
greater extent the importance of their task. Perhaps, if we
had endeavoured more, if we had sacrificed to a greater
extent, if, following the explicit wish of the Master, we had
sought to spread the Cause even more than we have done,
Mrs. White and her like could not criticise us to such an
extent and say that the administration has killed the spirit.
Let us therefore take a lesson from what has passed and
render to the Cause services still unseen in the history of the
movement.
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi's prayers
and loving greetings,...
+P37
[From the Guardian:]
My dearly-beloved friends:
The expression of your loyalty and perseverance has
rejoiced my heart. You are truly the heroic pioneers of the
Cause of God. I will supplicate for each one of you at the
Beloved's Shrine, that your understanding of the Faith may
deepen, and that each of you may grow to become a shining
star in the firmament of our beloved Cause.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
14 June 1930
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated 31-5-30. Concerning his translation of the
&Iqan, Shoghi Effendi has finished it, but it needs going over
and retyping, and this he cannot as before summer. By the
next autumn he believes it will be ready for publication.
Shoghi Effendi would therefore advise you to wait until
then before you take any decision as to your German
translation.
Shoghi Effendi much appreciates the service you are
rendering. The &Iqan is the most important book written on
the spiritual significance of the Cause. I do not believe any
person can consider himself well versed in the teachings
unless he has studied it thoroughly. To publish it therefore
in a comprehensive German will be one of the greatest
services rendered to the Cause in that land...
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi's loving
greetings and best wishes....
+P38
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-worker:
I trust that the day will soon come when you will be able
to visit Persia and meet the &Baha'is and visit the shrines of
the martyrs. I pray that the Beloved may guide your steps,
cheer your heart and bless your efforts.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
20 June 1931
My Dear Friends,
I am directed by our Guardian to thank you for your
letter of June 5th.
He learns with extreme pleasure and satisfaction of your
gathering at a meeting at which all the dear friends of
Vienna together with our good friend Mr. Adam Benke of
Leipzig were present. And he deeply appreciates your loving
message of greeting above your individual signatures. Such
messages are always a source of pleasure to him, but he is
especially glad to see the newly established centre in Vienna
so full of enthusiasm, of love and of devotion to the Cause
of &Baha'u'llah. He prays from the bottom of his heart that
our precious Master may fill your souls with His beautiful
spirit and may help and guide you to serve His Cause and
humanity.
He is so glad to know that Mr. Benke is going to Sofia to
help Miss Jack, and he trusts that he will be of very great
help to her.
With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings to
you all,...
+P39
[From the Guardian:]
My dear and precious co-workers:
I was so pleased to hear from you and to learn of your
steadfast loyalty to the Cause. The friends in Vienna are
ever in my thoughts and heart and I will continue to
supplicate for them the Master's richest blessings.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
23 December 1931
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to drop you these few lines to
inform you that few days ago he sent to your address c/o
Mrs. Schwarz a copy of his translation of the &Iqan which
has just come out. He hopes that it will help you in revising
your translation into German which you have already
made. This is in fulfilment of the promise he made last year
to send you a copy of his English translation when out of the
press.
Shoghi Effendi has, through various channels, been
hearing of the wonderful services you are rendering to the
Cause. He sincerely trusts that the young and educated
&Baha'is, who have their spiritual faculties fully developed,
and who as a consequence appreciate the significance of
&Baha'u'llah's mission in the development of the world, will
with one accord, arise and establish the Kingdom of God
upon the earth. The world around us is in a pitiable
condition and its ills seem daily to increase. It is for us, we
&Baha'i youths, who have been entrusted with this divine
mission, to do our utmost and rest only when the task has
been carried to its successful conclusion.
+P40
In his moments of prayer and meditation at the Shrines
Shoghi Effendi will think of you and ask for you divine
guidance and help....
24 February 1932
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated Feb. 13th, 1932. He was very glad to
know that you have recovered your health and can resume
your work as well as services to the Cause. We surely cannot
afford seeing the competent servants of the Faith
handicapped by their health. They are too few to be spared
so easily.
Shoghi Effendi was very glad to know that the new
edition of the &Iqan has reached you safely and that you are
going to use it in going over your translation into German.
He is surely very sorry that not knowing Persian you cannot
go to the very original. He sincerely hopes that before long
we will have some of the younger members of the German
&Baha'is who would make translation their life-work, and
with that object in mind make a thorough study of Persian
and Arabic. They would surely be rendering a wonderful
service to their nation as well as to the Faith as a whole.
In closing may I assure you of Shoghi Effendi's prayers
and best wishes. He will always be waiting to hear of the
wonderful progress the Faith is making in Germany and of
the role you are playing in it....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-worker:
I wish to add a few words in person and assure you of my
keen and heartfelt appreciation of your high and
+P41
painstaking endeavours for the spread and consolidation of
the Faith in that land. The German believers have
undergone tests of unprecedented severity. They have
weathered the storm in a marvellous spirit and with fine and
praiseworthy determination. These tests were God-sent, and
will serve to deepen the roots of the Faith in that promising
country. Wishing you success in your devoted labours and
assuring you of my prayers in your behalf.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
30 March 1932
Dear &Baha'i brothers and sisters:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter written at the occasion of the &Naw-Ruz feast and
conveying the greetings of the season. He wants me to
reciprocate these feelings and express his hope that during
this new year, which has just begun, the Cause may make a
progress in Germany unsurpassed in the history of the
Cause in that land.
The world as a whole, but especially the people of that
continent of Europe, is suffering great calamities as a result
of wars, social dissatisfaction, fear, hatred and jealousies.
And these forces of darkness are leading humanity to
absolute destruction. This state of affairs shall continue
until the world is awakened to the importance of the
Message of &Baha'u'llah--a Message especially sent by God
to heal human ills in this present day.
Should we not, we who have been entrusted with this
divine Cause, arise and with one accord proclaim the Word
+P42
of God throughout the world? Should we leave humanity
writhe in its suffering and prove ourselves untrue to the
covenant made with the Master--the covenant, that we
will to the last moment of our life strive to save God's people
from complete destruction?
In his moments of prayer Shoghi Effendi will think of you
all and ask God to guide your steps and re-enforce your
efforts in proclaiming His divine message through the length
and breadth of that vast continent. He read your circular
letter with deep interest; may the one you will write next
&Naw-Ruz have still more inspiring news of the progress of
the Cause to share with the friends throughout the world....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
I wish to add a few words in person, and assure you again
of my deep affection and deep interest in your activities.
Your loyalty and perseverance, in the face of formidable
tests, are indeed worthy of the highest praise. May the
Beloved continue to guide and bless your high endeavours,
and enable each one of you to render great and memorable
services to His Cause,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
19 May 1932
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Some time ago I received a letter from you in Persian. So
happy I was to see you study that language that I showed
your letter to Shoghi Effendi. He thereupon gave me the
&Iqan and also a booklet containing the Hidden Words, the
+P43
Seven Valleys and some Odes of &Baha'u'llah to send to you.
Being very busy I did not accompany them with a letter. I
sincerely hope you have received them and are trying to read
them. In any case, if you have received them please drop me
a few lines to that effect....
10 September 1932
Dear &Baha'i Friends,
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter dated August 20th, 1932 and to extend to you all
the expression of his heartfelt appreciation and thanks.
The news of your successful "Sommerwoche" greatly
comforted his aching heart. He hopes that such important
gatherings will serve to deepen the understanding of the
friends and inspire them with renewed faith and courage to
consolidate the work already inaugurated through the
precious efforts of our German friends.
Shoghi Effendi wishes you to persevere in your services
and be confident in God's unfailing help. The Master has
given us the assurance that He will bless our efforts and will
not leave us alone and unaided.
With the renewed assurance of Shoghi Effendi's best
wishes and of his fervent prayers on behalf of every one of
you....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
I cannot refrain from adding a few words in person as a
token of my admiration for the manner in which you are
conducting your activities for the spread of the Cause. You
are often in my thoughts and are the object of my fervent
and loving prayers. The work you perform in summer
+P44
should be extended, its influence must spread, its
attendance increase, and its foundations be strengthened.
May the Beloved guide and sustain your high endeavours,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
14 September 1932
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
I am in receipt of your letter dated September 4th 1932.
Regarding your question on the subject of holding the usual
festivals during this year when we are mourning the loss of
the Greatest Holy Leaf; inasmuch as Shoghi Effendi has not
yet returned from his summer vacations I cannot put your
question to him and answer you immediately. The friends in
America, however, who were confronted with the same
problem, put to him the same question by telegram. I could,
therefore, do no better than send you a copy of Shoghi
Effendi's answer. I believe it will give you the necessary
guidance in solving your problem. His cable runs as follows:
&Baha'i New York festive anniversaries should be
suspended administrative gatherings including nineteen day
feasts should be held with utmost simplicity....
30 November 1932
Dear &Baha'i Brothers and Sisters:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of
your joint letter dated November 12th 1932 written on the
occasion of the birthday of &Baha'u'llah.
+P45
We should feel deeply gratified and thankful to God that
at a time when all humanity seems to be struggling in
despair we can come together and, with great assurance,
feast and be merry over the dawn of a new day; that in the
darkness which envelops the world we see the approach of
a new light and the breaking of a new era. This is a true
blessing and a bounty from God to those who believe in
Him and accept His Revelation.
To express our deep appreciation for this gift bestowed
by God we should arise and spread this message of hope to
the suffering humanity around us. Such is the nature of this
gift that the more we give from it to others the greater will
be our remaining share. For what pleasure can compare the
pleasure of bringing joy and hope to other hearts. The more
we make others happy the greater will be our own happiness
and the deeper our sense of having served humanity.
In his moments of prayer at the blessed Shrines, Shoghi
Effendi will think of you all and ask God to guide and assist
you in spreading His message throughout that land and the
neighbouring countries. He trusts that, through your
persistent efforts, innumerable souls will be guided to see
the Truth and flock to its support....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
Your joint and welcome message brought strength and
comfort to my sorrow-stricken heart. The burden of my
sadness and grief has been considerably alleviated. I value
the sentiments you have expressed. Each one of you is near
and dear to my heart. I will continue to pray for you all, that
the Beloved may protect, guide and bless you in your
constant efforts for the spread of this mighty and precious
Cause,
Your true brother, Shoghi
+P46
3 May 1933
Dear &Baha'i Brothers and Sisters:
The Guardian wishes me to thank you for your kind
words of April 23, 1933, expressing the greetings of the
season.
He is deeply gratified to learn that when the friends
assemble at such gatherings, and remember the occasion
they are celebrating, they renew their determination to serve
and ask God to shower upon them His infinite blessings and
help them in the realization of their noble aim.
The more society is threatened by wars, and the more
humanity is seen desperate before the problems that
confront it, the more should the &Baha'is take courage and
redouble their energy in diffusing the teachings. For it is
only through such divine precepts that the world can obtain
peace and tranquility, and become an environment within
which man can spiritually progress and attain his noble
destiny.
In his moments of prayer at the Blessed Shrines the
Guardian will think of you all and ask God to guide and aid
you in the service of His Faith. May through the light that
emerges from your gatherings all the people of those regions
receive the light of God and find their way towards eternal
salvation....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved guide your steps, cheer your hearts,
enable you to promote far and wide the interests of our
beloved Faith and aid you to consolidate its rising
institutions,
Your true and affectionate brother,
Shoghi
+P47
16 May 1933
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
The Guardian ... does sincerely hope that the reports we
receive here about the sentiments rampant in Germany are
untrue to fact, that it is a regeneration of the people rather
than a retrogression towards a dead past. Because whatever
we say of Germany, we have to admit that its people are
endowed with a spiritual vitality quite superior to many
other races. Being in the heart of that populated continent
and being inspired by such a strong religious spirit,
Germany can easily achieve a wonderful task in
regenerating the world. The eyes of the world are surely
centered around it expecting to see what it will do.
Yet we &Baha'is should remember that we stand above
politics. That that field does not interest us; that we
attribute importance to things of the spirit, that we await
salvation to come from the Faith that burns in our hearts.
In his moments of prayer and meditation at the Blessed
Shrines, the Guardian will think of you and the other friends
in Germany and ask God to guide you and assist you in
playing your important &role of spiritualizing the whole
world--so immersed at present in material pursuits and
interests....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and precious co-worker:
I was so pleased to receive your letter. I long to hear more
fully and more frequently from you. You are a tower of ...
and a pillar of His Faith in that land. Germany has a glorious
future under the banner of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah. Its
mission is to champion the cause of God in Europe and
establish it firmly in the heart of that continent. The tests
and trials which have beset the Faith in that land were
+P48
necessary and providential. It is for the German believers,
who have weathered the storm, to arise and promote the
Cause, to proclaim the non-political character of their
Faith, to establish its nascent institutions and prove by their
words and acts their freedom from every taint of
particularism and prejudice. May the Almighty guide their
steps, sustain them in their efforts and bless their activities.
Shoghi
14 June 1933
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Many thanks for your letter of June 4th 1933. I presented
it together with the enclosed report on the Summer school to
the Guardian who was very pleased to read them.
He kept the report but wishes me to inform you that as
the &Baha'i World Volume five will not be compiled and
made ready for the press except after the coming summer,
you could write another and fuller report to include the one
that will be held this year. There will surely be some further
points of interest that could be mentioned; and it is always
better to have such reports as up-to-date as possible.
The Guardian hopes that this summer a great step will be
taken in developing the School and that you will play an
important &role in that connection.
In case of the need of further correspondence on this or
similar subjects please write directly to Shoghi Effendi, it
will avoid unnecessary delay.
In closing may I express the Guardian's prayers and best
wishes for the progress of your work in serving the Faith....
+P49
27 June 1933
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge on his behalf
the receipt of your letter dated May 11th, 1933, together
with the enclosed Program of the &Baha'i meetings held in
Stuttgart and Esslingen, all of which he has carefully read
and deeply appreciated.
In regard to the transliteration of Oriental names and
words into German he wishes me to inform you that the
system of transliteration actually in use in the &Baha'i world
has been adopted and approved with only slight changes by
a general Orientalist Congress representative of world's
greatest orientalists including some outstanding German
authorities in various branches of Oriental history and
literature. As you see, therefore, it is a highly recommendable
system of transliteration and this is why the
Guardian is so emphatic about its univeral adoption by the
&Baha'is the world over. Any departure from that system, he
strongly feels, may lead to incalculable difficulties and
misunderstandings in the future. He would certainly urge
you to adopt it yourself and then advise our German friends
to do the same in all their official &Baha'i publications and
particularly in the forthcoming issues of the "Sonne der
Wahrheit" wherein some chapters of the "Dawn-Breakers"
are going to be published.
Concerning the date of the anniversary of the &Bab's
declaration the Guardian feels that it would be preferable to
postpone the consideration of this problem until the
Universal House of Justice is established. In the meantime
he would advise you to follow the system actually in use in
the &Baha'i world, i.e. (year 9.) even in Germany. According
to this system the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration
+P50
of the Faith should be celebrated in May of the year 101,
that is when we enter the second &Baha'i century. By year 90
we should not mean that 90 years have elapsed since the
declaration of the &Bab but that we are in the 9th year. But
whether it is preferable to adopt this system or that
suggested by you and which, you remark, is in use among
Christians and Moslems, the future House of Justice has to
decide.
Touching the &Baha'i funeral service the Guardian would
like you to know that it is of an extreme simplicity,
consisting as it does of a congregational prayer which has
not yet been translated into any western language but which
Shoghi Effendi is planning to have it translated and
circulated among the friends. The friends and relatives of
the deceased who are unwilling to attend the service should
not be forced to do so.
In closing may I extend to you the loving greetings of the
Guardian....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
This is to assure you how glad and gratified I feel to learn
that the German believers are taking so active a part in the
international activities of the Cause. Their thoroughness,
ability, patience and open-mindedness highly qualify them
to assume such responsibilities and undertake so great a
task. I trust that the letters you will soon be sending to the
British High Commissioner for Palestine will be a prelude to
the brilliant services you are destined to render to the Cause
of &Baha'u'llah.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
+P51
9 August 1933
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to inform you of the
receipt of your letter dated July 13th, 1933, together with
the enclosed copy of the petition addressed by the German
&Baha'i National Assembly to the British High Commissioner
in Jerusalem and the report of the &Baha'i activities in
Stuttgart, all of which he has read with great care and
deepest interest and for which he has asked me to offer you
his heartfelt thanks.
Your petition, though short is, nevertheless, strongly
worded and very substantial. It is hoped that it will impress
the authorities in Palestine and will enable them to realize
the gravity and the urgency of our case.
Assuring you of his best wishes and of his ardent prayers
for the success of your work,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and prized co-worker:
Your prompt and able response to my request has greatly
touched me, and I wish to express again my lovely
appreciation and abiding gratitude. I cherish great hopes for
your future contributions to the spread and consolidation of
the Faith in that land, and will continue to pray for your
success from the depths of my heart.
Your true and affectionate brother,
Shoghi
+P52
1 October 1933 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i co-workers,
The Guardian has just received your beautiful message of
Sep. 3rd, 33, written through the kindness of Miss Jack,
and he has directed me to thank you all for the success that
has attended your summer school classes at Esslingen. The
importance and significance of such annual gatherings are
immense, since they offer each and every one of you a
unique opportunity to come and discuss together the ways
and means whereby the Faith can extend and develop
throughout Germany. By the collective spirit, the unity and
the enthusiasm they create, these meetings serve to
strengthen the bonds of amity and cooperation among the
friends and to give them a new vision of the Cause, of its
imperative needs and requirements in these days of political
agitation and strife. The social and political conditions in
your land are, indeed, very distressing, and if they remain
unchanged for a long time, may hamper the progress of the
Faith. It is now that you should work in utmost unity and in
the spirit of an unflinching devotion to the ideals and
teachings of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that your summer school will
increasingly develop and will become an important center
for the spread of the Message. You should try to raise its
intellectual as well as its spiritual standard and to pave the
way for its future development into one of the foremost
&Baha'i universities in the West. Much stress should be laid
on the thorough study of the history and of the teachings of
the Cause, and particularly of the nature, basis and
outstanding features of the Administration. The severe tests
and trials through which our German brethren have passed
during the last few years clearly demonstrate how much
+P53
they are in need of a full comprehension of the
administrative basis of the Cause. It is hoped that in the
coming years much progress will be achieved in this respect.
Assuring you all of our Guardian's best wishes and of his
ardent prayers on your behalf....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
It is such a joy to learn that you have had the pleasure and
benefit of the companionship of our dear and distinguished
&Baha'i sister, Miss Jack, whose recent and exemplary
services we all deeply appreciate. I will remember you all in
my prayers at the holy shrines, and will supplicate for you
the Beloved's richest blessings. May He guide your steps and
cheer your hearts in the service of His glorious and sacred
Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
11 February 1934
Dear &Baha'i Brother,
I am charged by the Guardian to thank you for your letter
of Jan. 30th as well as for the enclosed pamphlet containing
the address delivered by Herr Hitler on Oct. 14th, 1933, on
the subject of Germany's attitude towards peace, all of
which he read with deepest care and sustained interest. He
wishes me to convey to you and to all the members of your
German National Assembly and through them to all the
followers of the Faith in Germany his views on the present
conditions in that land, and particularly in their relation to
the nature and scope of the &Baha'i activities of our German
believers.
+P54
At the outset it should be made indubitably clear that the
&Baha'i Cause being essentially a religious movement of a
spiritual character stands above every political party or
group, and thus cannot and should not act in contravention
to the principles, laws, and doctrines of any government.
Obedience to the regulations and orders of the state is
indeed, the sacred obligation of every true and loyal &Baha'i.
Both &Baha'u'llah and &Abdu'l-Baha have urged us all to be
submissive and loyal to the political authorities of our
respective countries. It follows, therefore, that our German
friends are under the sacred obligation to whole-heartedly
obey the existing political regime, whatever be their
personal views and criticisms of its actual working. There is
nothing more contrary to the spirit of the Cause than open
rebellion against the governmental authorities of a country,
specially if they do not interfere in and do not oppose the
inner and sacred beliefs and religious convictions of the
individual. And there is every reason to believe that the
present regime in Germany which has thus far refused to
trample upon the domain of individual conscience in all
matters pertaining to religion will never encroach upon it in
the near future, unless some unforeseen and unexpected
changes take place. And this seems to be doubtful at present.
For whereas the friends should obey the government
under which they live, even at the risk of sacrificing all their
administrative affairs and interests, they should under no
circumstances suffer their inner religious beliefs and
convictions to be violated and transgressed by any authority
whatever. A distinction of a fundamental importance must,
therefore, be made between spiritual and administrative
matters. Whereas the former are sacred and inviolable, and
hence cannot be subject to compromise, the latter are
secondary and can consequently be given up and even
+P55
sacrificed for the sake of obedience to the laws and
regulations of the government. Obedience to the state is so
vital a principle of the Cause that should the authorities in
Germany decide to-day to prevent the &Baha'is from holding
any meeting or publishing any literature they should obey
and be as submissive as our Russian believers have thus far
been under the Soviet regime. But, as already pointed out,
such an allegiance is confined merely to administrative
matters which if checked can only retard the progress of the
Faith for some time. In matters of belief, however, no
compromise whatever should be allowed, even though the
outcome of it be death or expulsion.
There is one more point to be emphasized in this
connection. The principle of obedience to government does
not place any &Baha'i under the obligation of identifying the
teachings of his Faith with the political program enforced by
the government. For such an identification, besides being
erroneous and contrary to both the spirit as well as the form
of the &Baha'i message, would necessarily create a conflict
within the conscience of every loyal believer.
For reasons which are only too obvious the &Baha'i
philosophy of social and political organization cannot be
fully reconciled with the political doctrines and conceptions
that are current and much in vogue to-day. The wave of
nationalism, so aggressive and so contagious in its effects,
which has swept not only over Europe but over a large part
of mankind is, indeed, the very negation of the gospel of
peace and of brotherhood proclaimed by &Baha'u'llah. The
actual trend in the political world is, indeed, far from being
in the direction of the &Baha'i teachings. The world is
drawing nearer and nearer to a universal catastrophe which
will mark the end of a bankrupt and of a fundamentally
defective civilization.
+P56
From such considerations we can well conclude that we as
&Baha'is can in no wise identify the teachings of &Baha'u'llah
with man-made creeds and conceptions, which by their very
nature are impotent to save the world from the dangers with
which it is being so fiercely and so increasingly assailed.
The Guardian hopes that these brief explanations will be
sufficient to guide our German National Assembly in their
efforts to safeguard and promote the interests of the Faith,
and that through them they will be given a new vision of the
Cause and a fresh determination to carry forward its
message to the world at large.
With greetings and best wishes to you and to all the
friends in Germany,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I wish to add a few words in loving appreciation of your
strenuous, your intelligent and devoted efforts for the
spread and consolidation of our beloved Faith. May the
Almighty bless your endeavours, deepen your understanding
of the essentials and requirements of our beloved
Cause, and enable you in these difficult and challenging
days to promote its interests and consolidate its institutions,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
21 February 1934
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
At the instructions of the Guardian I am writing these few
lines, requesting you to contribute an article in German for
publication in the forthcoming issue of the "&Baha'i World".
+P57
In view of the fact that the Biennial is an international
&Baha'i organ, Shoghi Effendi feels that it would be
appropriate and in full consonance with its nature and
purpose to further widen its scope by publishing in it, from
time to time, articles in various important languages which
are of sufficient use among the friends. This would greatly
enhance the nature and render effective the circulation of
the "&Baha'i World" by enabling non-English speaking
believers to better acquaint themselves with some of its
major contents.
Two articles in French have already been contributed to
this end. One of them is from the pen of a newly-converted
and capable believer from Paris, a Princess, and the other is
from a certain professor connected with the Sofia
University. Though not officially recognized as a &Baha'i, yet
he is very sympathetic to the Cause.
The Guardian hopes, therefore, that you will be kind
enough to respond to his request. He feels certain that our
German believers will greatly appreciate your contribution,
and will be glad to witness that one of their members is
taking such an active part in representing them in the
preparation of this international &Baha'i record. You need
not write too detailed an article, and you can choose any
subject you wish, provided it agrees on every point with the
spirit as well as with the form of the Teachings of the
Faith....
P.S. The Guardian can wait till the end of April for your
article. Will you please send it directly to his address and not
to America?
+P58
8 May 1934
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel:
I am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your letter
dated Apr. 29th, as well as for the enclosed article and
poems in German from your pen which you have kindly
contributed to the "&Baha'i World". He is planning to have
them published in the forthcoming issue of the Biennial. The
German believers will, it is hoped, greatly enjoy reading
them, and will be certainly encouraged to contribute more
frequently in the future towards the publication of so
important and so significant a record.
With the renewed assurance of the Guardian's good
wishes and of his supplications for the expansion of your
&Baha'i activities...
[From the Guardian:]
With the assurance of my deepfelt appreciation of your
prompt response, and of my continued prayers for your
welfare and success,
your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
30 July 1934
Dear &Baha'i Friends,
Your letter of June 19th written on your behalf by Miss
&Kostlin has been received, and its contents as well as the
accompanying documents and notes have been carefully
read by the Guardian. He wishes me to thank you for them
+P59
all, and to convey to you his deepfelt appreciation of your
painstaking labours for the consolidation of the
administration in your community. It gives him real
pleasure to learn of the spirit with which you are toiling for
the attainment of this supreme objective, and he is fervently
praying for your guidance and assistance that you may
speedily and effectively attain the goal of your heart's desire.
In view of the fact that there are no competent and fully
reliable persons here to undertake for him any translations
from German, the Guardian would prefer that henceforth
you should send him a translation of the minutes of your
meetings into English, so that he may be in a position to
read them without any difficulty. He fully realizes the
difficulties which such a rendering would entail, and for this
he wishes to assure you of his abiding appreciation and of
his deepfelt gratitude.
In closing may I also express his hope for the success of
your next summer school. From various communications
and reports recently received from the friends, he gathers
that a large number of believers both from Germany and
abroad are planning to attend the summer classes. May such
a gathering prove to be the right medium for bringing the
German believers closer than ever, and for fostering among
them the spirit of initiative, of service and of selfless and
wholehearted cooperation in the path of service to the
Faith....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and precious co-workers:
The message you have sent me is indeed most welcome. It
has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving. I am
continually urging the friends and pilgrims to visit the
German &Baha'i centres and particularly the Esslingen
Summer School, as I attach the greatest importance to this
+P60
vital national institution. I will continue to pray for your
success from the depths of my heart.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
8 September 1934 (Summer School)
Dear Friends and co-workers,
On behalf of the Guardian I wish to thank you for your
deeply-appreciated message of August 11th which conveyed
the gratifying news of the successful conclusion of the
meetings and classes held at the annual &Baha'i summer
school at Esslingen. He was deeply impressed by the large
number of the believers who have attended these gatherings,
and particularly by the fact that they were representative of
so many different communities both in Germany and
abroad. It is his deeply-cherished and long-wished hope that
these annual meetings will in the next few years develop into
an important center for the teaching and training of &Baha'i
teachers, and that through them the knowledge of the Cause
will gain an increasing ground throughout Germany and in
the neighbouring countries and regions. He would urge each
and every one of you to make an effort to attend as regularly
and as whole-heartedly as you can the future classes and
meetings at Esslingen, and to advise your friends to do the
same, so that through the collective and continued labours
of you all these annual gatherings may develop both in their
scope and in their influence.
The Guardian is ardently supplicating on behalf of you
all, and is praying that &Baha'u'llah may continue to bless,
enrich and widen the scope of your labours for the
+P61
promotion and consolidation of the Faith in your respective
communities. With his warmest greetings to you all...
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
Your message, which I regard as a compelling evidence of
the regenerative power and irresistible march of the Cause
of God has brought immense joy to my heart. The
convocation of such a representative gathering at such a
historic spot, and on the morrow of the unprecedented trials
which, through the mysterious dispensations of Providence
have so severely afflicted the German believers, is indeed a
historic event that every well-wisher of the Cause should
heartily and joyously welcome. A splendid beginning has
been made. I pray that as a result of the unshakable faith
and the persistent endeavours of the German believers this
institution may grow in effectiveness and scope and lend a
mighty impetus to the spread of the Cause in your promising
country.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
25 September 1934
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter dated August 29th, and to express his
appreciation of your highly-valued efforts for the
translation of the "&Kitab-i-'Ahd" into German. He hopes
that copies of this precious tablet will soon be made
available to all the friends, and that through its study their
+P62
knowledge of the Teachings will be deepened, and their zeal
for their spread stimulated and sustained.
The term "&afnan" means literally small branch, and refers
to the relatives of the &Bab, both men and women. As the
&Bab's only son died while in infancy, the former had no
direct descendants. The "&afnan" are, therefore, all indirectly
related to the &Bab.
As to "&aghsan", it also means branch. But it is a bigger
branch than "&afnan". It refers to &Baha'u'llah's descendants.
The "&Kitab-i-'Ahd" is, as you know, &Baha'u'llah's "Book
of Covenant". It is entirely written in His own handwriting.
And in the light of the objections raised by some of the
believers concerning the Will and Testament of &Abdu'l-Baha,
it is highly significant to note that this Book of
Covenant of &Baha'u'llah bears neither signature, nor seal,
nor any date. It was shown to the believers, and was read in
their presence nine days after &Baha'u'llah's ascension. The
manuscript was in the possession of &Abdu'l-Baha all
through His ministry, and after His passing it was found
enclosed in His own will. These two precious documents,
namely the book of Covenant of &Baha'u'llah and the Will
and Testament of &Abdu'l-Baha have both been carefully
preserved and are now in the possession of the Guardian....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I greatly value these fresh evidences of your continued,
your intelligent and most helpful labours for a better
understanding and a wider diffusion of the essentials and
fundamentals of our beloved Faith.
You are indeed a pillar of the Administrative Order,
which, despite the storms and tests of recent years, is rearing
its head in the heart of your beloved and promising country.
+P63
Persevere, be happy and confident. I will continue to pray
for you from the depths of my heart.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
3 November 1934
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian has received and deeply appreciated your
message dated October 8th, and he has directed me to thank
you for it.
He is, indeed, gratified to learn of your projected visit to
the Holy Land, and wishes me to hasten in extending to
Mrs. &Muhlschlegel and yourself a most hearty welcome.
It is his sincere and much-cherished hope that this
pilgrimage will, in addition to its manifold spiritual
blessings, give you a full opportunity to discuss with him in
detail about the conditions of the Cause in Germany, and
particularly as to the ways and means whereby the friends
can best extend and consolidate the foundations of the
Administration throughout that country. You will be
welcome anytime in February or March--which time
seems to be the best for visiting Palestine.
With the renewed assurance of Shoghi Effendi's best
wishes and of his prayers on your behalf, and with his
hearty greetings to you and family,...
[From the Guardian:]
With the renewed assurance of my love, my admiration
and prayers for you and extending to you both a warm
welcome,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
+P64
5 November 1934
Dear &Baha'i Friends,
Your message of October 20th addressed to the Guardian
is just at hand. He has read it with deep interest, and was
profoundly touched by the expressions of love and devotion
which it contained. He wishes me to thank you for it, and to
reciprocate, fully and to each and every one of you, the
warm greetings and good wishes which you have been
moved to extend to him on the occasion to the celebration
of the birthday of the &Bab.
He wishes me also to take this opportunity for conveying
to you all his deepfelt appreciation of your labours for the
study and the spread of the Cause in Esslingen. He hopes
and prays that your community may, in the years to come,
play an increasingly vital &role in promoting the Message
throughout Germany, and particularly in strengthening the
foundations of the Administration in that land. Your centre
is one of the oldest and best we have in Germany, and has
tremendous possibilities. You should, therefore, feel
confident and to strenuously toil, so that your community
may develop both in number, in strength and in influence.
With the renewed assurance of the Guardian's best wishes
and of his supplications on behalf of you all,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
I am deeply grateful to you for the many and repeated
evidences of your splendid devotion and firm determination
to serve the best interests of our glorious Faith. The work in
which you are engaged is dear and near to my heart. My
prayers are always with you. Persevere in your labours and
never feel discouraged, however great the obstacles that
+P65
may stand in your way. The Beloved is surely watching over
you. Be happy and confident.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
10 January 1935
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian has received your letter of the first instant
and he wishes me to thank you for it.
In regard to your visit to the Holy Shrines, he is sorry
indeed that your coming has been delayed but hopes
nevertheless that it will materialize very soon, and that the
obstacles standing at present in your way will be completely
removed, enabling you thereby to carry out your plan in its
entirety. He is fervently praying for your assistance and
success in this connection.
With reference to the decision passed by your N.S.A. to
publish in booklet form certain of the important writings
revealed by &Baha'u'llah and the Master, Shoghi Effendi
wishes you to express to the National Assembly his full
approval of their plan. He feels, indeed, that the time has
come for the German believers to acquire a thorough
knowledge as well as a full understanding of such important
Tablets as &Baha'u'llah's "Book of Covenant" and &Abdu'l-Baha's
Will and Testament, both of which constitute the
very bedrock upon which the entire administrative system of
the Faith has been raised and established. As to the
"Dispensation of &Baha'u'llah" it also constitutes an
invaluable supplement to these afore-mentioned Tablets. In
connection with the "&Kitab-i-'Ahd", the Guardian thinks it
preferable that it should be published in a separate booklet,
+P66
and that the "Tablet of the Branch" and the
"&Lawh-i-Aqdas", both of which have been rather poorly
translated from the original, should not be included in it.
As to the Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the
N.S.A., he wishes to re-emphasize the importance of your
Assembly's adhering to the exact wording of the text of the
constitution adopted by the American N.S.A. which, as he
has repeatedly stated, constitutes a model for all national
&Baha'i constitutions. Anything not specifically mentioned in
this national charter is left to the full discretion of every
N.S.A. inasmuch as it constitutes a matter of secondary
importance. In fundamentals, however, strict conformity
should be maintained throughout the &Baha'i world, and to
this category belong all the principles, laws and regulations
set down in the text of the national constitution. As an
example of the loyalty with which the friends are following
this principle the Guardian is enclosing a copy of the
national constitution of the &Baha'is of India and Burma
which, with the exception of the Article VIII which is now
being amended, conforms in every detail to the text of the
constitution of the American N.S.A.
With his loving greetings to you and all the friends,...
[From the Guardian:]
With the renewed assurance of my loving prayers for you
and of my deepfelt appreciation of your magnificent labours
in the Divine vineyard.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
+P67
4 February 1935
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian has duly received your letter of the 29th of
January last, and has carefully noted the points which you
had raised in connection with certain &Baha'i administrative
regulations and principles governing the election of local
and national assemblies.
First, he wishes me to express the hope that your next
National Assembly meeting may be fully guided in its
deliberations on the various issues confronting it at present,
and also to assure you, as well as your co-workers in that
body, of his prayers for the success of your efforts in this
connection.
Now, as regards the number of delegates at the annual
convention of the German friends, the Guardian fully
approves of the practice which your N.S.A. has thus far
adopted and enforced, namely to have 19 delegates instead
of 95. This, of course, is the only solution possible for the
present, in view of the limited number of the declared
believers in Germany.
As to the practice of nomination in &Baha'i elections, this
the Guardian firmly believes to be in fundamental disaccord
with the spirit which should animate and direct all elections
held by the &Baha'is, be they of a local or national character
and importance. It is, indeed, the absence of such a practice
that constitutes the distinguishing feature and the marked
superiority of the &Baha'i electoral methods over those
commonly associated with political parties and factions.
The practice of nomination being thus contrary to the spirit
of &Baha'i Administration should be totally discarded by all
the friends. For otherwise the freedom of the &Baha'i elector
in choosing the members of any &Baha'i assembly will be
+P68
seriously endangered, leaving the way open for the
domination of personalities. Not only that; but the mere act
of nomination--leads eventually to the formation of
parties--a thing which is totally alien to the spirit of the
Cause.
In addition to these serious dangers, the practice of
nomination has the great disadvantage of killing in the
believer the spirit of initiative, and of self-development.
&Baha'i electoral procedures and methods have, indeed, for
one of their essential purposes the development in every
believer of the spirit of responsibility. By emphasizing the
necessity of maintaining his fully freedom in the elections,
they make it incumbent upon him to become an active and
well-informed member of the &Baha'i community in which he
lives. To be able to make a wise choice at the election time,
it is necessary for him to be in close and continued contact
with all local activities, be they teaching, administrative or
otherwise, and to fully and whole-heartedly participate in
the affairs of the local as well as national committees and
assemblies in his country. It is only in this way that a
believer can develop a true social consciousness and acquire
a true sense of responsibility in matters affecting the
interests of the Cause. &Baha'i community life thus makes it a
duty for every loyal and faithful believer to become an
intelligent, well-informed and responsible elector, and also
gives him the opportunity of raising himself to such a
station. And since the practice of nomination hinders the
development of such qualities in the believer, and in
addition leads to corruption and partisanship, it has to be
entirely discarded in all &Baha'i elections.
In connection with this, the Guardian wishes to draw
your Assembly's attention to the necessity of adopting the
system of plurality voting rather than that of absolute
+P69
majority voting. For the latter, by making the repetition of
elections a necessity, causes, though indirectly, much
pressure to bear upon the person of the elector. The &Baha'i
elector, as already emphasized, should be given full freedom
in his choice. Anything, therefore, which can in the least
interfere with such a freedom should be considered as
disastrous and hence should be completely wiped out. In all
elections, it is always difficult, that more than a few
individuals of high position should obtain a majority of the
votes of the electorate. Most of those elected have a
plurality of votes. To enforce the principle of majority
voting, therefore, it requires that the election be repeated
again and again and until all the members to be elected
have obtained more than half of the votes cast--a thing
which becomes the more difficult when it is a matter of
electing an assembly of nine persons. So, repetition in
elections becomes inevitable. And such a repetition is in
itself a restriction imposed upon the freedom of the
electorate. The only course, therefore, is for every elector to
write down the name of nine who he thinks are most
worthy. These nine who obtain the highest number of votes,
irrespective of the majority of the votes cast, will constitute
the members of the Assembly.
As to your last question whether the individual voter can
conscientiously vote for himself. The Guardian believes that
not only the &Baha'i voter has the right, but is under the
moral obligation to do so, in case he finds himself worthy
and capable of assuming the responsibilities and duties
imposed upon the members of every duly elected &Baha'i
assembly. It is for every believer to carefully weigh his own
merits and powers, and after a thorough examination of his
self decide whether he is fit for such a position or not. There
is nothing more harmful to the individual--and also to
+P70
society than false humility which is hypocritical, and hence
unworthy of a true &Baha'i. The true believer is one who is
conscious of his strength as well as of his weakness, and
who, fully availing himself of the manifold opportunities
and blessings which God gives him, strives to overcome his
defects and weaknesses and this by means of a scrupulous
adherence to all the laws and commandments revealed by
God through His Manifestation.
With the Guardian's greetings and best wishes to you and
all the friends,...
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty protect, bless and sustain you in the
historic services you are rendering His Faith, and graciously
assist you to lay a firm and unassailable foundation for the
future progress and extension of the newly-born institutions
of our glorious Faith in your land.
Shoghi
5 March 1935
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian has received and carefully considered your
letter of the 24th of February last, and wishes me to thank
you for it.
With reference to your questions concerning the "&Kitab-i-Aqdas",
he does not think that it would be advisable to
circulate at present, whether among the friends or in the
outside public, any of the existing translations of this book,
in view of the fact that all these versions, both English and
Russian, are not authoritative and hence may misrepresent
altogether the Teachings.
+P71
He would, however, suggest that your N.S.A. should
appoint a Committee for the purpose of undertaking the
translation of the "Aqdas" into German. This is of course a
peculiarly difficult task, as some of the members of such a
committee should have sufficient knowledge of the Arabic
language, and in addition should be well versed in the
history and teachings of &Islam.
The Guardian hopes, nevertheless, that with your
knowledge of Arabic and German you may be able to do
something truly worthwhile and substantial in this
connection. Your translation, of course, will not be
considered as final. But for the present it would be of a great
assistance to the friends in Germany who, as you rightly
suggest, have a great desire to get acquainted with the laws
and precepts of the Cause as recorded in the "Aqdas".
When completed, this translation should not, the
Guardian feels, be printed entirely and circulated among the
believers. But only extracts of it should, with the approval
of your N.S.A., be brought to the attention of the friends
until such time as the publication of the whole book would
be deemed advisable....
[From the Guardian:]
May our beloved and vigilant Master even keep you
under His wings, and inspire you to promote far and wide
and in a most effective manner the manifold interests of His
Faith and its ever-developing institutions.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
+P72
7 May 1935
Dear &Baha'i co-workers,
The Guardian has just received your warm and
encouraging message of the 28th of April last, and has been
deeply moved by the kind greetings and good wishes you
have extended to him on the occasion of the holding of your
thirteenth annual &Baha'i Convention in Stuttgart. He wishes
me to reciprocate the sentiments you have been moved to
express to him, and to assure each and all of you of his
abiding appreciation and gratitude for the remarkable
unity, efficiency and zeal with which you are fostering and
safeguarding the manifold and vital interests of our beloved
Faith throughout Germany and Austria. He feels confident
that your mighty and sustained exertions will, even as a
magnet, draw upon you the blessings and guidance of the
Almighty, and thus pave the way for the wider penetration
and firmer establishment of the Cause in your country.
The Guardian has been greatly impressed by the
unusually wide attendance at this year's national
Convention. His hope is that this active and close
collaboration among the believers in Germany and Austria
will continue to manifest itself in all your local as well as
national &Baha'i activities throughout the coming year. He is
entreating &Baha'u'llah, that His confirmations may keep,
strengthen and inspire you in the fulfilment of your most
urgent and sacred mission.
With the renewed expression of his heartfelt
appreciations and thanks, and with his cordial and most
loving greetings to you all...
[From the Guardian:]
Dearest co-workers:
Your impressive and most welcome message has revealed
+P73
afresh the potency of the irresistible power of our Faith as
manifested in the renewed activities, the solidarity, the
consciousness and determination of the assembled
representatives of the German believers. This year's
convention marks a turning point in the history of the Cause
in your land. It eloquently testifies to the tenacity of your
faith, to your grasp of its distinguishing features and
essential principles, to your firm resolve to lay an
unassailable basis for the rising institutions, to your
capacity to weather the fiercest storms and overcome the
most formidable obstacles, to your worthiness to rank as
the standard-bearers of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah in the
continent of Europe. May signal victories crown your high
endeavours.
Shoghi
5 July 1935
Beloved &Baha'i Brother,
On behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge the
receipt of your welcome letter of the fourteenth of June last,
written in the name of the Archives-Committee of the
German N.S.A., and to convey to you and to them his
loving appreciation and thanks. He trusts that his gift,
offered to your National Archives through the kind care of
Miss Edith Horn, will serve to remind the German believers
of the importance and sacred character of that institution,
and to encourage them to help in contributing their full share
towards its further development and expansion. The
institution of the National &Baha'i Archives which all the
National Assemblies have already established is, indeed,
highly-important, the significance of which will be
+P74
increasingly realized as years go by. It is now that so many
precious sacred relics are still in the possession of individual
believers, that steps must be taken in order to insure their
safe preservation in the National Archives. The friends must
be encouraged to cooperate with their N.S.A. for the
attainment of this objective.
In closing may I assure you again of Shoghi Effendi's best
wishes and prayers for you and family, and to express hope
that your long-cherished desire to visit the Holy Land may
be realized in the near future.
With his cordial greetings...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and prized co-worker:
I cannot refrain from adding a few words in person and
assure you afresh of my deepfelt love, appreciation and
gratitude for the energy, the ability and loyalty with which
you are promoting the vital interests of the Faith. My
prayers for you and your dear and valued collaborators will
be continually offered to the throne of &Baha'u'llah.
Your true and grateful brother.
Shoghi
10 August 1935
Beloved &Baha'i Friends,
On behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge the
receipt of your beautiful message dated July 8th, and to
convey to you his loving thanks and appreciation for the
kind sentiments which you have been moved to express to
him on the eve of the anniversary of the &Bab's martyrdom.
+P75
He is, indeed, very much pleased, and feels greatly
encouraged, to learn of the beautiful meeting you have
organized in order to commemorate this most sad and yet
unique event in the history of the Cause, and sincerely trusts
that the recollection of these early days of the heroic age of
the Faith will have served to fill with fresh enthusiasm and
renewed vigour your souls, and that as a result you all now
feel the urge to play a more active part in establishing the
Cause in Austria.
The Guardian has been also gratified at the news of the
marriage of our dear and devoted co-worker Mr. Franz
Pollinger to Miss Anny &Modlogl. He wishes them both a
most happy and successful union and is praying to
&Baha'u'llah that He may continue showering upon them His
favours and blessings, and thus render their lives successful
and of benefit to His Cause.
With cordial greetings from the Guardian and with his
best wishes and prayers for you all,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
Your message filled my heart with joy and has powerfully
reminded me of the firmness of your faith, the extent of
your devotion, and the degree of your self-sacrifice and
endeavours for the promotion of the Cause of God. I urge
you to maintain the closest contact with the believers in
Germany and particularly with the National Assembly, to
study and digest the chapters of &Nabil's narrative as they
appear in "The Sun of Truth" that you may obtain a fuller
grasp of the purpose, the influence and the moving episodes
of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
+P76
12 October 1935
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
I am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your letter
dated September 7th, and to express his regret for the delay
caused in answering it.
With regard to the "&Kitab-i-'Ahd" and the Will and
Testament of &Abdu'l-Baha, he wishes me to inform you that
he fully approves of your suggestion that these two Tablets
be printed in one single booklet.
Also regarding the advisability of printing extracts from
the Master's Will, he fully recommends that your Assembly
should follow the method adopted by the American &Baha'is
in this matter, provided of course it is financially feasible.
The American text of the Will contains, indeed, all the
fundamental points that every newcomer who wishes to join
the Movement should know regarding the basis, and
various vital implications of &Baha'i Administration. The
extracts contained in that text are thus what is vitally
required of a believer desiring to become a voting member.
Concerning the new German edition of "&Baha'u'llah and
the New Era" which the N.S.A. is planning to publish very
soon; Shoghi Effendi trusts that this work will be completed
in the near future. He would be pleased, indeed, to receive
any suggestion which the German Publishing Committee
may wish to offer with the view of modifying and improving
certain passages of the present text, and will inform you
whether the modifications suggested are advisable, and
hence whether they should be inserted in the new volume or
not.
With his cordial greetings and best wishes to you and to
all the friends in Stuttgart, specially to your dear family...
+P77
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I wish to reaffirm my deepfelt appreciation to the manner
and spirit in which you strive to promote, consolidate and
defend the interests of our invincible Faith. Future
generations will no doubt extol your services in this
formative period of our Cause. Persevere and rest assured
that my fervent prayers will continue to be offered on your
behalf. Gratefully and affectionately.
Shoghi
22 October 1935
Dear &Baha'i Friends,
Your message of the first of this month has been received
by our beloved Guardian, and its perusal has brought much
joy and satisfaction to his heart. He feels, indeed,
profoundly touched by the kind sentiments you have been
moved to express to him, and wishes me to reciprocate your
greetings and good wishes, and in particular to assure you
of his abiding gratitude for the ceaseless endeavours you are
all exerting for the wider spread and firmer establishment of
the Cause in your centre. He cherishes the brightest hopes
for the future of the Faith in Esslingen which, he trusts, will
as a result of your sustained and collective efforts, and
through the continued guidance and assistance of the
German N.S.A., develop into one of the most active and
flourishing &Baha'i communities not only in Germany but
throughout Europe. It has already acquired great fame and
importance as an international meeting centre for all the
believers throughout that continent, and specially in
connection with the annual Summer School of the German
friends which has been invariably held there.
+P78
The Guardian is fervently praying that this progress,
which has been so characteristic of the development of your
community during the last few years, will continue
increasing, and will thus fully repay your labours for the
establishment and wider penetration of the Faith
throughout Germany.
With his cordial greetings to you all,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I value the sentiments you have expressed in your most
welcome message, and I am deeply touched by its contents. I
wish to assure you in person of my loving and continued
prayers for you, that you may grow in understanding,
spirituality and influence, and play a worthy part in the
expansion of the Faith and the consolidation of its
institutions.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
12 November 1935
Dear Dr. Grossmann,
The Guardian is in receipt of your letter of October 26th,
and feels very much pleased of the news of the completion of
the German translation of "The Seven Valleys". He wishes
me to congratulate you most heartily for this great service
you have been able to render the Cause, and which no doubt
will serve to enrich the record of the manifold
contributions you have, during the last few years, so
brilliantly made towards the spread of the Faith throughout
Germany. He is praying to &Baha'u'llah that He may
+P79
continue to guide and inspire you, and assist you in
accomplishing still more outstanding works for the Cause in
your country.
Regarding the publication of the manuscript, he sees no
objection that it should be undertaken by a &non-Baha'i
publisher, inasmuch as it will then have a greater appeal to
the general public. But, of course, in this as well as in all
other local matters of this kind you should seek the approval
of the N.S.A. As to the expenses of printing the work, they
should be preferably furnished by the national fund.
The Guardian is also very much pleased to learn of the
new publications which the N.S.A. is planning to issue very
soon. The printing of the lectures delivered at the last
Esslingen Summer School in a book form is, no doubt,
highly useful. It is hoped that the funds required in this
connection, as well as for other important publications, will
be generously contributed by both the individual believers,
and the local groups and assemblies.
With reference to the publication of the "&Kitab-i-Iqan"
into Esperanto, the Guardian also hopes that some action
will be taken in this matter by the N.S.A. But obviously the
printing of this, and other non-German works, should be
subordinated to the publication of &Baha'i literature in
German....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I am so eager to learn that your health is fully restored,
for I believe your services are a most valuable asset to the
Faith you serve in these troublous days. I welcome your
efficient and unrelaxing cooperation, in spite of the
obstacles which face you, in so many fields of &Baha'i
activity. I am confident that as a result of your strenuous
endeavours the administrative institutions in your land will
+P80
be further consolidated and extended and the cause of
teaching receive an added impetus.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
5 April 1936
Dear &Baha'i Friends,
Your most welcome message of the first &Naw-Ruz has
just arrived and its perusal has brought indescribable joy to
our Guardian's heart. He is so thankful and happy that the
friends in Vienna are working so unitedly and with such
fervour, and he hopes that as a result the Cause will steadily
develop, and your centre will become one of the leading
&Baha'i communities in the West.
The most vital matter on which the Guardian wishes you
to fully concentrate is that of consolidating the foundations
of the Administration. Not until your group learns to work
efficiently through obedience to the local assembly and
under its guidance can there be any hope for future
expansion. The friends must all realize the necessity of
internal discipline and order which only a properly elected
and efficiently functioning body such as the local assembly
can effectively maintain. Obedience to the decisions of the
local assembly should be unqualified and whole-hearted, as
by this means alone can the community work as a united
body and achieve something constructive and enduring.
The Guardian feels also the necessity of urging you to
keep always in touch with the friends in Germany. The
center in Vienna, though outside the political boundaries of
Germany, forms nevertheless an integral part of the
+P81
German-speaking &Baha'i community. It is therefore of a
vital importance that the ties of fellowship and cooperation
between you and the German believers be increasingly
strengthened and consolidated so that through your united
endeavours the Cause in Germany and Austria may rapidly
spread and be established on firm foundations....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly beloved friends:
I am deeply grateful to you for your constant services,
your unswerving loyalty, your firm determination and
exemplary devotion to our beloved Cause. Unity and
cooperation are absolutely essential and vital at the present
stage of your development. Persevere and rest assured I will
continue to pray for you all from the depths of my heart.
Affectionately,
Shoghi
10 May 1936
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
Your letter dated May 1st with the enclosed message from
the Annual Convention of the German friends have all duly
arrived and been read with deepest interest and satisfaction
by our beloved Guardian.
He is indeed pleased to learn of the results of your
national elections, and wishes me to ask you to kindly
convey to the members of the new N.S.A. his hearty
congratulations, as well as the assurance of his fervent
supplications on their behalf at the Holy Shrines.
The Guardian very much regrets, however, that the
Convention has not been quite representative of the centers
+P82
in Germany, and particularly deplores the fact that the
Vienna community has been unable to send any delegate to
the meeting. He feels the necessity of urging you to bring
this matter before the N.S.A. at its next session, in order
that they may strongly recommend all the local communities
having an assembly to send every year at least one
representative to the Convention. The Convention meeting
is indeed a very important gathering, and the friends should
be strongly impressed with its importance and significance.
With some effort and sacrifice it is always possible for the
delegates to be present at the Convention-sessions....
[From the Guardian:]
My very dear co-worker:
I am so glad to receive such a splendid message from the
Convention. To you, no doubt, must, in a very great
measure, be attributed the success that has been achieved.
The days of your pilgrimage will long be remembered, and I
trust and pray that both you and your dear wife will as a
result be assisted to lend a fresh impetus to the onward
march of the Cause in Germany. Upon you rests a high
responsibility, and I am sure you will rise to the height of the
occasion.
Affectionately,
Shoghi
10 May 1936 (Convention)
Dear Friends and co-workers,
Dr. &Muhlschlegel has kindly transmitted to the Guardian
your very warm message, and he has read it with greatest
pleasure and satisfaction, and felt deeply touched at the
+P83
assurances of devotion and loyalty which you have been
moved in conveying to him. He highly appreciates the
sentiments you have expressed, and fully reciprocates your
greetings and good wishes. He has been very much
impressed indeed at the large number of the attendants of
this year's Convention, and hopes that in the years to come
that number will continue increasing.
The Annual Convention is indeed a very important
gathering at which both delegates and visitors should try
their very best to be present. It is a splendid and unique
opportunity for the believers to come together and
deliberate on the vital and pressing issues facing the Cause.
It is for this reason, and also because the Convention is the
sole body entrusted with the election of the N.S.A., that the
friends, and particularly the delegates, should make every
effort to take part in the deliberations and discussions of
that annual gathering.
With most loving greetings, and sincere good wishes from
the Guardian to you all....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly beloved friends:
The Convention of the German believers marks another
milestone in the notable progress achieved in recent years by
the German &Baha'i Community. My heart is filled with
gratitude for the manifold evidences of the tenacity of faith,
the collective efforts, the consolidated unity, the
administrative accomplishments and the spiritual fervour so
strikingly displayed by its members. &Abdu'l-Baha, whose
special care, love and solicitude for the followers of
&Baha'u'llah in that promising country, most of you have
recognized and no doubt still remember, is truly proud of
your accomplishments and is well-pleased with the spirit
that so powerfully animates you in His service. His spirit
+P84
will continue to overshadow you in your labours and to
sustain and guide you in your exertions. Persevere and be
confident.
Affectionately
Shoghi
10 September 1936 (Summer School)
Beloved &Baha'i Friends,
Our dear friend Miss &Kostlin has kindly transmitted to
the Guardian the beautiful message which you have
addressed to him on the occasion of the holding of the fifth
German &Baha'i Summer School at Esslingen, and I wish to
hasten in thanking you on his behalf for the expressions of
loving devotion and the assurances of loyalty which you
have been moved in conveying to him. He profoundly
values the warm sentiments you have expressed, and fully
reciprocates your greetings and good wishes.
What has particularly rejoiced and cheered his heart is the
realisation that the Esslingen Summer School is steadily
developing and is speedily attaining the character of an
international meeting place for all &Baha'i residents as well as
travellers throughout Europe. The success that has attended
your school this year, as evidenced by both the wide range
and number of the attendants, is truly encouraging and
augurs well for the future of that institution which, we have
every reason to hope, is destined to develop into a leading
&Baha'i University throughout the West.
The Guardian's hope is that the German N.S.A. will, as
in the last few years, continue extending to that school the
moral as well as the financial assistance which it needs for
its further expansion, and for a still wider and more
+P85
effective penetration of its influence in every &Baha'i center
throughout Europe.
He also hopes, and indeed would urge each and every one
of the believers in Germany to extend full and continued
support to the N.S.A. in its highly-meritorious efforts for
the extension and development of the Summer School at
Esslingen. He is confident that through such a close and
whole-hearted collaboration between the individual
believers and the N.S.A. that school will succeed in
gradually fulfilling its unique and truly noble mission, both
with regard to Germany and to Europe as a whole.
With the loving greetings and best wishes of the Guardian
to you all,...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued friends:
I am thrilled by the tone and character of the joint
message you sent me. The splendid achievements that have
signalized the proceedings of this year's summer school are a
source of abiding inspiration to me in my work, and will as
a powerful magnet attract future blessings upon the great
and noble work which its organizers are labouring to
promote. I will continue to pray for you and for your work
in such a promising field and for so meritorious a purpose.
Gratefully and affectionately,
Shoghi
9 December 1936
Beloved &Baha'i Brothers and Sisters,
Shoghi Effendi is just in receipt of the message you have
written him through ... dated November 28th. How kind of
you to address to him such touching and assuring words on
+P86
the occasion of the anniversary of the passing of our beloved
Master &Abdu'l-Baha. Your words have sunk deeply into his
heart, and have imparted to it fresh encouragement and
deep comfort. What a greater satisfaction is there for him
indeed than to see the friends, and particularly his well-beloved
co-workers in Germany, unitedly and
harmoniously striving to spread the glad-tidings of this New
Day of God? It is his most fervent hope and the object of his
continued supplications at the threshold of &Baha'u'llah
that your community which is already functioning with such
a remarkable vigour, unity and efficiency may rapidly gain
in numbers and in strength, and become a beacon of light,
the radiance of which shall gradually penetrate and envelop
all the neighbouring centers and regions.
Esslingen is not only one of the oldest centers of the Cause
in Germany, but it is actually one of its most active,
prosperous and promising communities. Your center has
indeed a glorious tradition behind it, and it is high time that
you all, whether young or old, rich or poor, and no matter
how limited your resources and numbers, should unitedly
endeavour to extend and further consolidate the basis of
your teaching as well as administrative activities.
The Guardian wishes you, in particular, to make a
supreme effort to widen the scope of your teaching work,
but would urge you to proceed in this, as well as in all other
fields of &Baha'i service, with the utmost caution and
wisdom, so that you may not run the danger of
antagonizing or even displeasing the authorities. With this
important consideration in mind, exert all your efforts and
all your resources for promoting this sacred Cause of
teaching in Esslingen and in the surrounding communities.
With warmest greetings and hearty good wishes from the
Guardian,...
+P87
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-loved friends:
I am profoundly touched by your message. I thank you
from the depths of my heart. I feel proud of you, of your
perseverance, your devotion and your loyalty. Persevere
and rest assured. The Beloved is watching over you and will
continue to bless your meritorious endeavours.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
17 March 1937
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your message of the seventh of March is just at hand, and
I wish to hasten to thank you for it on behalf of our beloved
Guardian, and to renew his gratitude and appreciation for
the assurances of devoted love and loyalty which you had
been moved to convey to him. He very deeply values your
sentiments, indeed, and greatly admires the spirit of
sacrifice and of whole-hearted consecration with which you
are labouring for the promotion of the Faith. The success of
your efforts will assuredly depend upon the measure of
unity within your group, and upon your firm resolve to
uphold, in words as well as in deeds, those basic verities
which the Teachings inculcate.
The Guardian's message to you is that you should
constantly strive to mirror forth in your private lives, and
also in your social relationships, the beauty, purity and
regenerative power of the Message of &Baha'u'llah. The
&Baha'i youth of today should be an example to the youth of
the world, and should therefore live up to the highest
standards of conduct. Nothing short of such a close, united
+P88
and concrete adherence to the ideals and teachings of the
Faith by every young &Baha'i man and woman can impress
and attract to it the serious attention and consideration of
the world outside.
It is Shoghi Effendi's hope therefore that your youth
group will make a renewed and determined effort this year
to put into daily practice the principles and teachings of the
Cause, and thus demonstrate to the &non-Baha'i youth of
your country the tremendous power which the &Baha'i
Teachings have to shape, mould and reconstruct the lives of
men.
He is praying to &Baha'u'llah to bless and guide your
endeavours to that end....
[From the Guardian:]
May the almighty power of &Baha'u'llah bless you and keep
you, shower his bestowals upon you, deepen your
understanding of the fundamental verities and requirements
of His Faith, and enable you to extend the range and
reinforce the basis of your activities and achievements.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
10 December 1937
Dear Frau &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian was deeply rejoiced to receive your very
cordial message of the first ins., and is indeed happy to
know that during the next few months you will be travelling
regularly to &Zurich, and that you intend in this way to
communicate to him any news regarding the situation of the
Cause in Germany. He truly welcomes your offer, and feels
+P89
that it is a most urgent and valuable service you can render
the Faith.
Mr. Greeven, as you may know, is in close touch with the
authorities in Berlin, and has so far succeeded in inducing
the government to give more sympathetic consideration to
our case. The secretary of the Minister for Church affairs
has promised him that the funds, books and archives will be
returned, but that there can be no hope of having the
government rescind the rulings entirely. The negotiations,
as you see, have not been quite in vain. The friends should
not feel unnecessarily agitated, but should have full
confidence in the future which, we firmly believe, is
gloriously bright. As in the past, the German &Baha'i
Community will eventually overcome and crush such forces
of opposition, and will arise, out of the storm and stress of
its present-day afflictions, stronger and purer and more
determined to accomplish its allotted task in the
establishment of the New World Order. Assure the believers
that they have no reason whatsoever to feel distressed. The
Cause is God's and is therefore in safe hands.
Regarding the German translation of the "Dispensation
of &Baha'u'llah"; a copy of the German text of that pamphlet
prepared by Miss Grossmann was forwarded to Haifa about
two months ago through the care of Frau Brauns. The
Guardian wrote her in answer, that he would keep the
manuscript until such time when the time and means for its
publication would be found.
Now he wishes to know whether the translation
mentioned in your letter is the same as the one sent by Frau
Brauns, or is a new rendering made by Dr. &Muhlschlegel.
To you, to him, as well as to all your children he sends his
loving thoughts and greetings....
P.S. At the Guardian's instruction I am mailing to your
+P90
address a copy of the "&Baha'i World" vol. III, as to is not
certain whether you or any of the German friends has seen
this latest issue of the Year book....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I wish to assure you and through you our dearly beloved
German friends that the trials to which they are subjected
are but a prelude to an age of unprecedented glory and
activity in the service of the Cause of God. These clouds will
dissipate and the splendour of the Faith will be shed with
increasing radiance. Let the Cause grow silently and acquire
greater depths in the hearts of the tested believers in that
land, and the day will surely come when its potentialities
will be manifested in a manner that would cause every
beholder to marvel.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
2 February 1938
Dear Frau &Muhlschlegel,
The Guardian was pleased to receive your letter of the
26th January last, and to hear again from you about the
conditions of the Cause in Germany.
He feels exceedingly sorry that the authorities have not so
far lived up to their promise of returning the books, funds
and archives that were confiscated, but still hopes that
through the vigilant care, and the sustained and wise efforts
of Mr. Greeven some definite results will be eventually
obtained. The friends need not lose courage, but have full
confidence in the future which, we are all certain, is
immeasurably bright.
+P91
Now regarding the manuscript of the German
"&Baha'u'llah and the New Era"; the Guardian has learned
with satisfaction that the printing of the text has been
completed, and he feels that in view of the present
restrictions in Germany it would not be advisable to proceed
with the binding there. He would advise that the unbound
copies be sent over, through the safest means possible, to
the Spiritual Assembly of Vienna that they may complete
the binding of as many copies as they can arrange for the
distribution of the book.
Not only it would be too risky, and even dangerous, to
publish anything at present in Germany, but it would
constitute an act of disloyalty to the government on the part
of the German believers, as you no doubt well know that in
such purely administrative matters the friends are under the
strict obligation of obeying the authorities.
As regards the manuscript of the "Dispensation of
&Baha'u'llah", the Guardian is sending you under separate
cover the copy which was presented to him sometime ago by
Frau Martha Brauns, with the hope that the friends may be
able to arrange for its publication outside Germany.
In closing kindly convey his loving thanks to dear Frau
Vautier and to Mr. Leo Bernhard for the kind words they
have appended to your letter. He will remember you all in
his prayers at the Holy Shrines, that you may be ever
assisted and guided in your efforts for the service of
&Baha'u'llah....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
The services you are rendering in these days of stress and
turmoil are highly appreciated and deserve the highest
praise. Kindly assure again the dear German believers of my
constant prayers for them. The critical stage through which
+P92
the Faith is passing in their beloved land is but one stage in
its evolution, a step that will carry them farther on the
glorious path they have chosen to tread. Perseverance is the
virtue they mostly need at present. An All-mighty
Providence is watching over them. Never must they feel
disheartened. I am deeply grateful and feel truly proud of
the spirit they manifest.
Shoghi
31 March 1938
Dear Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
Your letter of the 20th ins. sent from &Zurich has duly
reached our beloved Guardian, and he was indeed pleased
to hear from you, and was deeply touched by the messages
which you and Mrs. &Muhlschlegel, Mrs. Vautier and Mr.
Gollmer have so kindly sent him on the occasion of your
visit to &Zurich. Please assure them of his keenest
appreciation of the sentiments they have expressed, and of
his prayers for their protection and guidance in these
difficult and indeed distressing times.
The Guardian is thankful for the report which you and
Mr. Gollmer have given him regarding the situation of the
Cause in Germany. He truly deplores the existing state of
affairs, but still hopes that conditions may improve sooner
or later. With the annexation of Austria, however, there is
little chance of the authorities rescinding their rulings at
present regarding the prohibition of the Cause, but there is
every reason to believe that the assembly in Vienna will too
be dissolved in the next few months.
Now regarding the publication of the German edition of
the Esslemont book; now that the new regime in Austria
+P93
makes it quite impossible for the friends there to complete
the printing of the book and arrange for its sale, the
Guardian suggests that the best course to take would be for
you to approach the American N.S.A. and to ask them to
purchase the whole order. Owing to the expansion of the
teaching work in South America, where, as you know, there
are many large German communities, particularly in
Argentina, there would be a great demand for this book,
and the Publishing Committee of the N.S.A. might arrange
to sell many copies there, and distribute some, for sale,
among various other &Baha'i centers in Europe and in the
East.
The Guardian would further advise that you also
approach the British N.S.A. who may find it possible to
assist you in this matter....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-worker:
I am so pleased to learn that despite the anxieties and
obstacles that confront and afflict the dearly-loved German
believers, their devotion, loyalty, confidence and
perseverance remain untarnished and unshaken. I shall be
glad to contribute the sum of thirty pounds as soon as I hear
that arrangements have been made for the publication of
Esslemont's book, and trust and pray that ways and means
will be found to bring to a successful conclusion this all-important
undertaking.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
+P94
25 April 1938
Dear Friends,
The postcard message which you had sent the Guardian
on the occasion of Dr. &Muhlschlegel's visit to Vienna, has
just been received, and it made him immensely happy to
realize that the friends in Germany and Austria have been
again drawn together, and are closer than ever in the past.
He hopes that the removal of the barriers which have
hitherto so sadly separated the German and Austrian
communities will mark the beginning of a new era of
unprecedented growth and expansion in your affairs. He is
certain that you are fully alive to the far-reaching
possibilities which the present hour offers, and wishes you
therefore to be happy and thankful, and confident in the
blessings which the future has in store for you, and your
dear co-workers in that land.
I take this opportunity of assuring you once more of his
prayers for your welfare, protection and continued
guidance, and reciprocating your very kind greetings,...
[From the Guardian:]
Assuring you in person of my incessant prayers for your
protection, guidance and happiness,
your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
21 May 1938
Dear Frau &Muhlschlegel,
Many thanks from the Guardian for your very kind letter
of the 11th ins. just received, and also for the revised
+P95
manuscript of the German translation of the "Dispensation
of &Baha'u'llah" you have sent under separate cover. He
indeed appreciates Dr. &Muhlschlegel's painstaking efforts in
revising the text, and wishes you to assure him that he will
pray that a way may be soon opened for its publication.
As regards the German "&Baha'u'llah and the New Era", it
would certainly rejoice your heart to know that in a letter
recently received from the American N.S.A. they have
suggested to defray the cost of purchasing the types, and of
arranging for its publication in Switzerland. The Guardian
wrote them in reply approving of their suggestion, and
urged them to take immediately the necessary steps, and
also informed them of his offer to contribute thirty pounds
towards the printing cost. He will send the sum directly to
the N.S.A., as soon as he receives word from them that the
necessary negotiations have been completed.
Regarding the confiscation of &Baha'i literature and
archives in Germany; the Guardian in a recent letter to Mr.
Greeven advised him again to continue his negotiations with
the authorities, but also stressed the absolute necessity of
avoiding the exercise of too much pressure on them. The
situation is exceedingly delicate, and nothing short of
Divine help and guidance can indeed enable the friends to
obtain even this minimum of their demands from the
Government.
In closing please convey the Guardian's loving
appreciation and thanks to dear Frau Vautier for the word
of greetings she so kindly appended to your letter. Also
kindly convey to Dr. &Muhlschlegel and the friends in
Stuttgart his warmest and affectionate greetings....
[From the Guardian:]
Wishing you and your dear and distinguished husband,
the utmost success in your unceasing and noble endeavours
+P96
for the promotion and protection of the Faith in these days
of stress and trial, and assuring you of my abiding and
loving gratitude.
Your true brother, Shoghi
7 May 1939
Beloved Friends,
Shoghi Effendi has received your welcome card dated
April 20th, and immensely appreciates the message of love
and greetings you have been moved to convey to him on the
occasion of the Feast of &Ridvan.
He too wishes me to extend to you his deep love and good
wishes on this happy and blessed occasion, and to assure
you, and our dear friends in Esslingen, of his prayers for
your protection and guidance in these days of widespread
gloom and distress, that your hearts may be strengthened
and assured, and that you may emerge from your present-day
tests and trials more united, and firmer than ever in
your love and loyalty towards the Faith.
However gloomy the immediate future may seem to
appear, the prospect which the distant future has in store for
the community of German believers is of such immeasurable
brightness as it cannot but afford the deepest comfort and
encouragement to you in your moments of uttermost
sorrow and distress.
More than ever to-day the Guardian's thoughts turn
towards you, and our sore-tried brethren in your land, in
admiration for the courage and fortitude you have so well
displayed in the midst of your afflictive trials, and in
thanksgiving to the almighty God for having sustained and
+P97
blessed you so repeatedly through His unfailing grace and
mighty confirmations.
May His Spirit continue to aid and guide your
Community in the distressing days yet to come....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
It was such a joy to hear from you. You, as well as the
other German believers, are often in my thoughts and
prayers. I will continue to pray for the realization of your
highest hopes. Do not despair, nay be assured that a
glorious future awaits you all, more brilliant than any you
can imagine.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
6 June 1939
My Dear Friend,
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your
letter of May 19th.
Although he was very sorry to hear of the deep
misunderstandings and lack of unity that still exists in ..., he
is thankful to you for your writing him about it, and he
knows full well that you wrote because you are animated
with a deep desire to remove all ill-feelings among the
friends there.
The fact is that the Guardian is very sad over the present
condition and because it is almost impossible for him to
intervene from such a distance and without hearing both
sides, he has written over and over again asking that the
friends should gather, should talk frankly and fully without
ill-feeling and should solve their difficulty. This to Shoghi
+P98
Effendi's deep disappointment has not been possible, Mr.
Herrigel has been uncompromising and firm and the result
is that the Cause in ... is at a standstill. This is why Shoghi
Effendi would ask everyone and especially yourself to make
every effort and help the situation....
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-worker:
A trusted friend of ours, Dr. Yunis &Khan is proceeding to
Germany to visit the &Baha'i centres and I trust he will be
enabled to promote true understanding and sustained
cooperation in.... He is most trustworthy and capable. I
will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.
Rest assured and never feel disheartened.
Your true brother, Shoghi
5 November 1945
Dear &Baha'i-Brother:
The message signed by you and other of our dear &Baha'i-friends,
and dated Sep. 16th, Esslingen, reached our
beloved Guardian, and brought great joy to his heart. He
wishes you if possible to convey the following message to
those who addressed him:
Tell them that it was a source of deep comfort and
gratification to him to receive a word of love and devotion
from some of the German &Baha'is after all these years of
silence and danger. He was so happy to know they are well
and have been able to meet with you and receive news of the
progress of the Faith in other lands.
+P99
He hopes that now that the war is over, and the regime
which banned all &Baha'i activities in Germany is no more,
the believers there will exert their utmost to teach this great
religion of ours to their fellow-countrymen. No doubt after
so many years of deep suffering and bitter disillusion there
are many souls eager for the truth, and more awakened to
the need of a spiritual solution for the world's problems.
Please convey his love to them all, and assure them they
are, and have been, often remembered in his ardent prayers.
The Guardian was so very glad to know you had been
able to meet with some of the German &Baha'is. He urges you
to help and inspire them all you can.
His loving prayers surround you, you may be sure...
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was thrilled by the message you have sent, and feel
profoundly thankful to &Baha'u'llah for having preserved you
and your dear co-workers in that land, and for the spirit,
which, despite the sufferings and turmoil that have afflicted
your country, you so powerfully display and exemplify. I
cherish great hope for the future of your work, and I pray
from all my heart for the Almighty's richest blessings on
your activities. Rest assure, be happy, and persevere in your
historic and meritorious labours.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
30 December 1945
Beloved &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of April 4th has just been received by our
beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it at
once on his behalf.
+P100
It was with feelings of great pride and deep sorrow that he
read of the sufferings of the German believers for their Faith
and the persecutions they underwent so heroically, and with
such unflinching loyalty, for our Holy Cause.
All during these long and tragic years of war his thoughts
have been with the Community of the German believers,
and his prayers have constantly been offered for their
protection and the lightening of their heavy burden. Other
&Baha'i Communities, like France and England, have also
suffered, but not to the extent of the German and Burmese
friends who have been in lands ravaged by war and
invasion, and in the hands, at the same time, of political
parties who persecuted them.
The loss of all the records of the National and Local
Assemblies is indeed very great, and he hopes that your
family, Dr. &Muhlschlegel, Dr. Schmidt, Herr &Jorn, Anna
&Kostlin, Frau Schweizer, Frau Schwarz--, in fact, all the
old believers, will try and reconstruct from memory, and
write down, as much of the history of the Cause in Germany
as they can remember, so that some accurate records for the
future will remain. He would also like you to write a
comprehensive account of what the &Baha'is have endured in
Germany since 1937 for the "&Baha'i World", vol. X, and
send it to him as soon as possible. The news of the German
believers' activities has been sadly missed in the last two
volumes, and he is anxious to have them take their place
again as soon as possible.
He has just written to N.S.A. of America urging them to
help, and do all they can to protect the German &Baha'is; he
has also urged them to make every effort to get German
&Baha'i books published, and sent to Germany as soon as
possible.
+P101
You all have a tremendous task before you. He knows
how great is the suffering for just ordinary German citizens
at present as an aftermath of the war--but in spite of these
physical hardships the German believers are called upon to
establish again the institutions of their Faith, teach its life-giving
message to the masses, and help their country to
obtain the spiritual destiny &Abdu'l-Baha foresaw for it. You
may be sure the Guardian and the &Baha'is everywhere will
do all in their power to help the German believers
accomplish their tasks.
Please assure all the friends--especially those who have
lost dear ones in the war--of his most loving and ardent
prayers on their behalf, and of his feelings of pride and
gratitude for their devotion and loyalty to the Faith.
To you all he sends his loving greetings, his deep
appreciation of your spirit, and the assurance of his
constant prayers....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
My heart is filled with joy, pride and gratitude as I
witness, thru the receipt of your most welcome letter, the
evidences of the protection of the Almighty and of the
vitality of the faith of the long-suffering German believers,
who have laboured so devotedly and valiantly during so
long and crucial a period and who as a community have
survived the greatest ordeal in the history of their Faith in
that land. My prayers during these years of danger, of
stress, of suspense and anxiety have ever surrounded them,
and I rejoice to learn of their safety, their unity, their zeal,
and their determination to arise and resume the great and
historic work they are destined to carry to a triumphant
conclusion in the years that lie ahead. The organization of
spiritual assemblies, the reestablishment of the national
+P102
assembly, the formation of national committees are the
immediate objectives, and should, if possible be carried out
with the utmost speed and vigour, for upon them will rest
the expansion and consolidation of the activities of a sorely-tried
Faith. I am appealing to various &Baha'i communities in
East and West to lend their assistance in whatever manner
possible to the arduous task of reconstruction that now
faces the German believers. I long to hear of the news of the
friends in other parts of that land and will do my utmost to
aid them to resume their activity and services to our beloved
Faith. Please assure them all of my great love, of my
profound admiration, of my bright hopes for their future, of
my heartfelt gratitude for their perseverance and of my
fervent prayers for their future success.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
Dec. 30th, 1945
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
It was with great joy that the beloved Guardian received
your letter of Aug. 1st, and he has instructed me to answer it
on his behalf.
During these long, sad, years of separation his thoughts
have constantly been with the well-loved German &Baha'is,
and his ardent prayers have been offered in the Holy Shrines
for their protection and the protection of the Faith there.
Now that the friends are once again free to profess their
beliefs, hold their meetings, teach the Cause, and uphold its
institutions, he hopes they will exert their utmost to
reestablish, as speedily as possible, the &Baha'i Communities
of Germany. The Faith in that land had, before it was
+P103
suppressed and banned, just began to enjoy the fruits of many
long years of labour to promulgate it, and create its
administrative bodies; he hopes that all the German &Baha'is
will unite to bring it to the former level of prosperity it
enjoyed.
He wishes to assure you all, and through you, all your
&Baha'i brothers and sisters in Germany, that he will do all in
his power to assist you in your labours, and that your
&fellow-Baha'is the world over will likewise aid you as much
as they can.
The beloved Master cherished very bright hopes for the
future of the German &Baha'is. His promises and prophecies
will surely be fulfilled, and the Holy Faith not only be
reestablished in Germany but grow and expand as never
before.
The Guardian has urged the American N.S.A. to supply
the German &Baha'is with literature as soon as possible; this
will enable you to bring the teachings to your sore-stricken
countrymen, and enlist them under the banner of
&Baha'u'llah.
You may be sure the Guardian's loving prayers surround
you all and sustain you in your labours for the Cause....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved Friends:
Your joint and most welcome letter brought indescribable
joy to my heart. I am thrilled by this latest and indeed most
significant evidence of the unfailing protection of the
Almighty, and of His manifold blessings vouchsafed to His
dearly-beloved and worthy servants labouring so heroically
for His Faith in that land. Though I am greatly saddened by
the fate that has overtaken a few of them during this
prolonged ordeal they have experienced, I rejoice and am
filled with gratitude, pride and happiness to realize that the
+P104
Faith itself has survived this fiery test, and has demonstrated
its resilience, its vitality and incorruptibility after so crucial
a period of stress, of suffering and danger. The duty facing
the triumphant community in your land is to reconstruct,
with the utmost speed and vigour its administrative
institutions, and above all, its national assembly. I will
appeal to our brethren in East and West to offer every
assistance in their power for the rehabilitation of a
community which is destined to play, in accordance with
&Abdu'l-Baha's prophecy, so vital a role in the future
orientation and expansion of the world-wide Faith of
&Baha'u'llah. I will do everything I possibly can to help it in
its task and assist it in the achievement of its high destiny. I
will pray and supplicate on its behalf the abundant blessings
of the Almighty, that its influence may revive, its number
increase, its activities multiply, its resource develop, and its
mission be fulfilled.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
8 April 1946
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your loving message, addressed to our beloved Guardian,
brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.
We all know how dark, and spiritually dead, the world is
today, and how desperately it stands in need of spiritual
guidance. The &Baha'is alone, through the Message of
&Baha'u'llah, hold the key to the solution of humanity's ills,
and as much of the tremendous work which lies ahead will
perforce have to be undertaken by young people, he
+P105
attaches great importance to the activities of &Baha'i Youth
everywhere.
He hopes you will all study deeply the teachings, as this
alone will give you the foundation you need for your
services to the Faith. You should also make every effort to
distinguish your lives from those of other young people of
your generation, and thus, by the display of &Baha'i virtues
and morals, attract the interest and esteem of others.
You may be sure that his loving prayers will be offered for
your guidance and protection in the Holy Shrines....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
I was so pleased and thankful to receive your most
welcome message, and to learn of the resumption of your
activities to which I attach the utmost importance. I will
pray for your success from the depths of my heart, and urge
you to get in touch, as soon as possible, with the &Baha'i
Youth in various parts of the world, and to strengthen the
bonds that unite you to them, and to work in close
collaboration and under the supervision of your national
assembly as soon as it is elected. May the Beloved bless,
sustain, and guide you at all times, and crown your
activities with signal success.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
4 May 1946
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of March 17th (the copy of which Mr.
Eichenauer also forwarded) has been received by the
+P106
beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you
on his behalf.
He is very anxious for the young &Baha'is, everywhere, to
deepen their knowledge of the teachings, of &Baha'i
administration and laws, and to live an exemplary &Baha'i
life in order to prepare themselves for their work in the
Cause as teachers and administrators. They are the ones
who will toil in the glorious and difficult days that lie ahead,
and they must now fit themselves to be worthy of their
future high responsibilities and duties.
He assures you all he will pray for your services, your
progress and development, in the Holy Shrines, and he
cherishes great hopes for your future....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
My heart rejoiced and my soul was refreshed at the
receipt of your most welcome message, signed by so great a
number of ardent and youthful co-workers in a land so rich
in promise, so blessed by our Beloved, and so severely tried
by the vicissitudes of war. You are, I assure you, often in my
thoughts and prayers, and I cherish the brightest hopes for
your future work. You are, I feel confident, destined to
achieve memorable victories, both in your native land and
on the continent of Europe, and you should diligently and
unitedly prepare yourselves for this glorious task. Persevere,
redouble your efforts, and rest assured that the Beloved will
bless and sustain you always.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
+P107
30 July 1946
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of June 29th, with its translation, was
received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to
answer it on his behalf.
He was so very happy to hear from your Assembly after
all these years, since that important institution was
disbanded, and hopes from time to time you will send him
reports of your work.
As regards the question you asked him: he feels that the
&Baha'is in Germany should, by all means, follow the same
procedure as regards withdrawing from church membership
as that in America. You should point out to the believers
that, by belonging to other organized religious bodies, we
are not acting openly because we firmly believe Christ has
come again--so how can we belong to a church which does
not accept &Baha'u'llah and His message as the fulfilment of
Jesus' message and the reappearance of Jesus Himself?
He is very anxious that ways should be found for you to
receive the money collected in &Tihran and spend it on the
Cause and its institutions in Germany. The eagerness of the
people to hear of the Faith imposes a sacred duty on all the
German &Baha'is to see that they are not denied this Divine
Revelation in their hour of need.
You may be sure the Guardian will do all he can to assist
you, and his ardent prayers are offered on your behalf, for
your assistance, your guidance, and the success of your
sacred labours to give to Germany the news of this precious
Faith's existence, and to administer with wisdom the affairs
of the Cause there.
+P108
He urges you to hold as frequent meetings as possible,
and, in cooperation with the American N.S.A. to get as
much literature printed and disseminated as you can....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
Your letter brought great joy to my heart. I rejoice to hear
of the formation of your assembly, the cornerstone of the
foundation of the Faith in that land. I urge you to consult
and deliberate as frequently as you can on the affairs of the
Faith, devise the most effective measures for its spread,
extend the range of &Baha'i publications, and the friends to
scatter as widely as they can in order to multiply the centres
and establish new assemblies, extend any assistance you can
to the friends in Vienna and take whatever steps are
required to enable you to establish the centre of the Faith in
Frankfurt. Your task is immense, the obstacles formidable,
the need of your fellow countrymen for the healing truths of
the Faith urgent and pitiful, the promised help from on high
ready and assured, if you persevere in your task and arise to
discharge befittingly your responsibilities. The considerable
sums accumulated in &Tihran will aid you to extend the
scope of your activities and to consolidate your
achievements. You should, though these sums have not yet
reached you, embark on great projects, and devise, after
careful deliberation, effective methods for the propagation
of our beloved Faith. I am following the progress of your
highly important activities with intense interest. You are, I
assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I will
continue to supplicate for you the Master's richest blessings.
Rest assured, persevere, and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
+P109
31 July 1946
Dear &Baha'i-Brother:
Your letter of July 1st was received by our beloved
Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his
behalf.
He was delighted to hear of the &Baha'i wedding which
recently took place in your Community of Stuttgart &Baha'is
and he thanks all the dear friends who were present, whose
names you forwarded to him on the list enclosed in your
letter, for their greetings and their loving thought of him.
In connection with the National Administrative Center of
the Faith being in Frankfurt, he wishes to point out to you
the following:
This is a purely practical measure because Frankfurt a/M
is so much more centrally located than Stuttgart in the south
of Germany. The dear friends of Stuttgart must not for a
moment feel that this detracts from the unique place their
city occupies in the history of the Faith in Germany.
It is very similar to what has happened in the United
States; &Abdu'l-Baha conferred many honours on New York
and called it the "City of the Covenant", but this did not
prevent Chicago from being chosen as the National
Administrative Headquarters owing to its central position in
America.
The Stuttgart friends should do all in their power to foster
the development of this Administrative Headquarters in
Frankfurt, and to ensure its success, as this is what is best
for the development of the Faith in Germany. But you can be
sure Stuttgart holds a unique position and has received from
the Master Himself unique distinction.
It is probable, but not certain, that the first Temple will
also, for the same reason, be in Frankfurt. The publishing
+P110
work, likewise, should be there in the future, but at present
its location is for the N.S.A. to decide.
He was very pleased to hear you are requiring all &Baha'is
to withdraw from church membership and similar
organizations; he considers your Community the mother
community in spirit, and is confident it will continue to lead
the way in its exemplary conduct.
You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for the
success of the teaching and administrative work of the
Stuttgart believers...
P.S. In the future Stuttgart must naturally have its own
administrative headquarters for that city, and he hopes you
will soon have found a suitable meeting place.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was so pleased to receive your most welcome letter. The
friends in that centre are very dear and near to me, and I
cherish the brightest hopes for their future in the service of
our beloved Faith. The Beloved poured forth His manifold
blessings upon them and greatly admired their spirit. May
His Spirit continue to guide, sustain and bless them in their
future services and high endeavors for the promotion of His
Faith.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
22 November 1946
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your most welcome letter of Aug. 21st reached our
beloved Guardian after a long delay, as you can see, but
brought him great joy. He has instructed me to answer it on
his behalf.
+P111
He is fully aware of the very sad and difficult conditions
under which you are labouring to reestablish the spiritual
well-being of the German and Austrian believers, but he
feels confident that your great faith, determination and
devotion will enable you to achieve your ends and the aid of
&Baha'u'llah is surely vouchsafed you as you serve His Cause
and seek to bring enlightenment and inner comfort to the
war-weary German people.
In connection with the various points you raise in your
letter:
He is very anxious to see the "Sonne der Wahrheit"
published again; as it will greatly assist you in sustaining
and guiding the German believers and in teaching other
German-speaking people. He urges you to go on petitioning
the U.S. authorities for permission to resume this important
activity.
That so many members of the former "&Baha'i World
Union" should now be seeking enrollment as believers
greatly pleases him, and he feels you should by all means
accept them as registered &Baha'is, unless you yourselves
have any reason to question some individuals' sincerity.
He would like to receive regularly the minutes of your
assembly's meetings in German; it is not necessary to
translate the whole thing each time, but if a short summary
of the important points could also be sent in English he
would appreciate it.
The flourishing activities of the &Baha'i Summer School at
Esslingen greatly pleased him, and he is so happy to see the
way the friends have not only protected this &Baha'i Home
during the long years of war and persecution, but
immediately rallied around it again and made it once more a
source of unity and a center of &Baha'i study.
+P112
The long sessions of your National Assembly meetings
are very essential for the promotion of the work in Germany
and the rehabilitation of the affairs of the Cause there. In
your meetings he urges you to give considerable attention to
carrying out the following very important tasks: It is of the
utmost importance that the friends be well supplied with not
only &Baha'i literature, but with a regular &Baha'i News letter
--the organ of your assembly--and also with their own
magazine, the "Sonne der Wahrheit". He therefore urges
you all to persevere in pushing these publication matters
forward. Needless to say the translation work must also go
on uninterruptedly and receive first attention, as there is
now a wealth of &Baha'i literature in English for you to draw
upon and which is much needed by the German friends to
help deepen their understanding of the Divine Cause, and
better enable them to teach it.
The teaching work is, of course, the most important of
all. He has been very encouraged to see the efforts the
friends are making in the U.S. Zone and to hear of the good
results they are achieving. But the primary responsibility for
this great work rests on your assembly, and you must devise
as many ways and means as possible for prosecuting your
teaching plans on a wide scale and covering a wide field.
Now that your country is in such a state of despair, and the
people have suffered so deeply, their hearts are more
receptive, as you pointed out in your letter, and therefore at
this time they must be approached with the Divine Message
before internal integration and new problems or new
possibilities arise to sidetrack their attention. He hopes that
you will continually urge the friends to arise and teach, that
you will devise ways and means (such as the summer-school
and various conferences, committees, etc.) of training more
of them--particularly the youth--as public speakers and
+P113
teachers and, in short, leave no stone unturned in
prosecuting this major task.
Hand in hand with this intensification of the teaching
work must go the multiplication of groups and their
development into Spiritual assemblies.
Another important matter to which he wishes to draw
your special attention is that of the Nat. &Baha'i
Headquarters in Frankfurt. He fully realizes the obstacles
which must be overcome in order to carry out this historic
project, but feels sure that &Baha'u'llah will help and guide
you to find a suitable spot and make preliminary
arrangements. Ten thousand pounds is now reposing in the
special fund he has established in &Tihran for the rehabilitation
of the Faith in Germany and the relief of the
dear friends there. A considerable part of this he himself has
contributed to this community which both the Master and
he love so dearly--so you see the means to help you carry
out the many great tasks confronting you are there. He is
most anxious that this money should reach you, and hopes
ways can soon be found of sending it to your assembly; you
should constantly bear this in mind, and let him know of
any possible means you find of transmitting this sum.
I need not assure you of how dear your work is to the
heart of our Guardian, of how eagerly he receives news of
your activities, of how much he appreciates your many self-sacrificing
and exhausting labours for the promotion of our
beloved Cause! You are very often remembered in his
prayers, and he feels sure that the Master is extending you
His own aid in serving His Faith in that country He loved so
much....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
It is such a joy, mingled with feelings of deep thankfulness
to &Baha'u'llah, to be able to resume direct correspondence
+P114
with the elected national representatives of a community
that has achieved so much in the past for our Faith, that has
been so dearly loved by &Abdu'l-Baha, and is destined to
spread, as He foretold, the light of God's sacred Revelation
not only in the heart of Europe but throughout that dark,
war-devastated spiritually famished continent. Now that
the shackles imposed upon that community have been
removed, and its chief and central administrative institution
is again vigorously functioning, a concerted, sustained and
systematic effort must be made, not only by its members,
but by the rank and file of its supporters throughout that
land, to expand, multiply and consolidate the community's
nascent institutions, widen, considerably and rapidly, the
range of its literature, establish, firmly and definitely, in
however rudimentary a form its national headquarters in
Frankfurt situated in the heart of that country, reinforce and
develop the work assigned to its national committees,
revitalize its summer-schools and other subsidiary
institutions, maintain and develop its contact, through
correspondence, with national and local administrative
bodies throughout the &Baha'i world, devise effective
measures for the proclamation, boldly and determinedly, of
the message to the masses, fortify and enrich its corporate
life and lay an unassailable foundation for its future
development. The task is immense, the opportunities are
priceless and manifold, the hour is critical and challenging,
the promises given by &Abdu'l-Baha are clear, unmistakable,
and soul-refreshing, His assistance ready and unfailing. All
that is required, in thanksgiving for the protection
vouchsafed to this community by &Baha'u'llah is to arise with
courage, high resolve and clear vision, to carry out the
immediate task in its entirety, and thus prepare the way for
the opening of a new and still more glorious chapter in the
+P115
history of the evolution of the Faith in that land. I pray from
all my heart for the speedy and complete realization of the
high hopes I cherish for that dearly-beloved, long-suffering,
richly blessed community.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
18 February 1947 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter sent to our beloved Guardian from the
Esslingen &Baha'i Summer School session of August 1946,
brought him great joy, and he has instructed me to answer it
on his behalf.
It is wonderful to see that the German believers are not
only free at last to meet and propagate the Faith of God, but
that they are also receiving public recognition from officials,
and that their numbers are constantly swelling!
All the sufferings the German believers have endured are
not in vain; they now see before them many, many of their
fellow-countrymen ripe to receive the Message of
&Baha'u'llah, which, some of them, in the past, would never
have listened to for a moment.
Now is the time to teach the Cause of God in Germany as
never before; in spite of the hardships you are all
undergoing, you must be active in building up new &Baha'i
Assemblies while the people are still seeking some spiritual
food. We do not know what their spiritual condition will be
like in the future when their physical lives are once again
more stable and secure--so we must seize this golden
+P116
opportunity, and make every sacrifice to rapidly spread the
Divine Message in Germany now.
He will pray for you all, that God may bless, aid and
guide you....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was deeply touched by your message, and I greatly value
the sentiments you have expressed, and the efforts you exert
for the promotion of our beloved Faith. I will pray for your
success from the depths of my heart. Rest assured, and
persevere in your high and meritorious endeavours.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
22 February 1947
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters dated Sept. 24th, Oct. 1st and Nov. 12th,
1946, have all been received, as well as the interesting
reports you enclosed with them, and our beloved Guardian
has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was delighted to see that such large study classes are
being held in Esslingen, and that so many people are
becoming students of the Faith. The German believers must
concentrate all their efforts on teaching the Cause, as at the
present time there are many truth-seekers; in the future it
may be more difficult to reach the people.
The Summer School was also a great success this year,
and our Guardian was very happy to see so many attended
and that the activities of the &Baha'is are now receiving public
approval, after so many years of persecution!
+P117
You may be sure his loving prayers are offered for the
success of your devoted services to the Cause of God....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of &Baha'u'llah sustain, guide and bless your
meritorious efforts, aid you to render notable services to our
beloved Cause, and consolidate its new-born and God-given
institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
26 February 1947
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Sept. 25th,
1946, was received, as well as the minutes of your meeting
of Nov. 2nd and 3rd., and he has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.
Regarding the question of Herr &Jorn: Smoking is not
forbidden by &Abdu'l-Baha; He advises against it for reasons
of health, but we have no right to prevent anyone from
smoking. But drinking and the use of drugs are strictly
forbidden and the &Baha'is should obey this command.
The Guardian has received a number of letters from the
&Baha'is of ..., and in the interest of promoting unity among
the friends in Germany he is going to write them instructing
them to cooperate with and obey your Assembly; he feels
that you should send capable &Baha'is there to teach them
and strengthen them in the Faith, and to make sure no
political elements are allowed to enter into their discussions
or be a part of their group.
He has recently had fifteen hundred dollars sent from the
Relief Fund in &Tihran to America for the immediate
+P118
purchase of food parcels for the German and Austrian
&Baha'is, and hopes these will soon reach them. It is very
distressing that so much money over ten thousand pounds
(&10.000) should be held in the name of the German
friends, and yet no way of sending it be found. He hopes
your Assembly will make every effort to arrange for this
money to be received in Germany.
He is also very anxious to receive news of exactly what is
happening about the National &Baha'i Headquarters in
Frankfurt; he gathers from your minutes that negotiations
are in progress for a building in that city? He attaches great
importance to this undertaking, and urges you to press the
matter constantly.
The reports he received of the young peoples' Summer
School and the Summer School at Esslingen were most
encouraging, and he is delighted to see that in spite of so
many handicaps the friends are so devoted and active! He
was also very happy to note that new spiritual assemblies
are in the process of formation, and hopes you will
concentrate on their establishment and the formation of
many new groups. In spite of the conditions in Germany it is
of the utmost importance to teach the Cause as widely as
possible, especially to the youth, now that through suffering
and disillusionment the hearts of the people are more
receptive.
You may be sure that his ardent and loving prayers are
offered for each and every one of you, and for the success of
your devoted labours for the Cause of God....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved friends:
The revival and rapid consolidation of the German &Baha'i
community after the prolonged and terrible ordeals to
which it has been subjected is a striking evidence of the
+P119
irresistible power of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah, as well as a
magnificent testimony to the vitality of the faith of the
German believers. I feel proud and profoundly thankful for
the loyalty, the perseverance, the resolution, the unity, the
zeal and the devotion which characterize their collective
efforts and corporate life in the service of this glorious
Cause. The prompt establishment of the national &Haziratu'l-Quds
in the city of Frankfurt; the rapid translation,
publication and dissemination of &Baha'i literature; the
multiplication of &Baha'i centers, whether groups or
assemblies; the consolidation of the institution of the
Summer School; the initiation of effective measures aimed at
a close collaboration with the American European Teaching
committee; the proclamation of the teachings of the Faith to
the spiritually famished, the disillusioned and longsuffering
masses--these stand out as the primary and urgent tasks
that demand the immediate, the earnest and undivided
attention of your assembly. I will pray for your success from
the depths of my heart and feel confident that the dearly-beloved
heroic German believers will arise, as one man and
despite the obstacles confronting them, to achieve these
immediate tasks that constitute only a prelude to the
tremendous enterprises which it is their destiny to
accomplish in the years to come.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
4 June 1947 (Convention)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
It was with great joy that our beloved Guardian received
your loving message dated April 26th, and signed by so
+P120
many of the dear believers. He has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.
The re-florescence of the Holy and beloved Faith in
Germany, after so many bitter years of suppression and
suffering, has brought great happiness to not only his heart
but to the hearts of the &Baha'is all over the world.
That you should be able, in relatively so short a period of
time, and in the face of so many obstacles, to reconstitute
your assemblies and National Assembly, be in a position to
elect new assemblies, and to hold your Summer School and
various conferences, all point the way to a brilliant future
for the German followers of the Cause of God.
He urges you individually and collectively to teach the
Faith constantly to your spiritually starved countrymen, to
support and assist your National Assembly in carrying out
its heavy responsibilities and to do all in your power to
hasten the day when a befitting National Headquarters,
situated in Frankfurt a.M., will have been purchased and
established, one that will be commensurate with the
importance of the German &Baha'i Community, the strongest
and largest on the Continent of Europe.
You may rest assured that his loving and ardent prayers
are offered for your progress and success in the Holy
Shrines....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly beloved friends and co-workers:
I was deeply touched by your message, and I greatly value
the sentiments you have expressed, the zeal and unity you
demonstrate, the deeds you accomplish, the plans you have
conceived, and above all the spirit you so powerfully
manifest in your diligent labours for the spread and
consolidation of our beloved Faith in your promising
country. The German &Baha'i community, emerging
+P121
triumphantly from one of the severest ordeals that have
afflicted any of its sister-communities in East or West, now
stands on the threshold of a new era in its development.
Great tasks confront it. The establishment of a befitting
administrative centre in the heart of that country, the
multiplication of groups and assemblies, the dissemination
of &Baha'i literature and the proclamation of the Faith to the
masses are among the most urgent, the most vital and
outstanding of these tasks. The entire community, however
difficult the present circumstances, must arise and carry
them out. Its future as prophecied by &Abdu'l-Baha is
glorious. Its spirit is magnificent. Its members are
distinguished among the followers of the Faith throughout
the world by their tenacity, their thoroughness, their great
capacity and resourcefulness. Our beloved Master, who
watches over them, has greatly praised them, loves them
dearly, is ready to bless their labours and reinforce their
exertions. Its members must rise to the height of their
present and priceless opportunity. They will, I feel
confident, prove themselves worthy of the great blessings
showered upon them in the past by their Lord and Master.
Affectionately,
Shoghi
19 June 1947
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your loving message, sent to our beloved Guardian on
the occasion of the celebration of his twenty-five years of
Guardianship, reached him and touched him very much
indeed.
+P122
He feels a special affection for the Esslingen Community,
as it is not only one of the oldest ones in Germany but he
associates it with the important Summer School held in its
neighbourhood.
Your love for and devotion to our glorious Faith are
greatly appreciated, and the many services that members of
your Community have rendered, and are rendering it,
deeply valued.
He assures you all he will pray for the success of your
labours in the Holy Shrines, and that &Baha'u'llah may
increase your numbers and richly bless you all....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps,
remove every obstacle that impedes the growth of your
Community, and assist you to proclaim the truths of His
Faith and consolidate its institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
24 June 1947
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter, dated June 16th, has been received, and our
beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his
behalf.
He can quite well understand that after so many years of
isolation from the rest of the &Baha'i world it came as a
surprise to some of you to hear that we, as &Baha'is, must not
have any affiliations with churches or political parties. But
he feels certain that when you meditate on this matter you
yourselves will see the wisdom of it. We, as &Baha'is, can
never be known as hypocrites or as people insincere in their
+P123
protestations and because of this we cannot subscribe to
both the Faith of &Baha'u'llah and ordinary church dogma.
The churches are waiting for the coming of Jesus Christ; we
believe He has come again in the Glory of the Father. The
churches teach doctrines--various ones in various creeds
--which we as &Baha'is do not accept; such as the bodily
Resurrection, confession, or, in some creeds, the denial of
the Immaculate Conception. In other words there is no
Christian church today whose dogmas we, as &Baha'is can
truthfully say we accept in their entirety--therefore to
remain a member of the Church is not proper for us, for we
do so under false pretences. We should, therefore, withdraw
from our churches but continue to associate, if we wish to,
with the church members and ministers.
Our belief in Christ, as &Baha'is, is so firm, so unshakable
and so exalted in nature that very few Christians are to be
found nowadays who love Him and reverence Him and
have the faith in Him that we have. It is only from the
dogmas and creeds of the churches that we dissociate
ourselves; not from the spirit of Christianity.
Very much the same reasons motivate us in withdrawing
from all political movements, however close some of their
ideals may be to ours. We &Baha'is are one the world-over,
we are seeking to build up a New World Order, Divine in
origin. How can we do this if every &Baha'i is a member of a
different political party--some of them diametrically
opposed to each other? Where is our unity then? We would
be divided because of politics, against ourselves, and this is
the opposite of our purpose. Obviously if one &Baha'i in
Austria, is given freedom to choose a political party and join
it, however good its aims may be, another &Baha'i in Japan,
or America or India, has the right to do the same thing, and
he might belong to a party the very opposite in principle to
+P124
that which the Austrian &Baha'i belongs to. Where would be
the unity of the Faith then? These two spiritual brothers
would be working against each other, because of their
political affiliations (as the Christians of Europe have been
doing in so many fratricidal wars).
The best way for a &Baha'i to serve his country and the
world is to work for the establishment of &Baha'u'llah's
World Order, which will gradually unite all men and do
away with divisive political systems and religious creeds.
He does not force you to do this at once; but urges you all
to decide to withdraw from your churches and political
groups within, say, a year, and then to help each other to do
this. You will find your spiritual strength greater for taking
this step.
Please assure dear Mrs. Schwarz of his loving prayers on
her behalf.
He will also pray for you all in the Holy Shrines, and
urges you to persevere in your services to our beloved
Faith....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was so pleased to receive your message and so thankful
for the evidences of devotion, of determination and love it
contained. The Austrian believers are dear and near to my
heart, and I deeply sympathize with them in the ordeal and
tribulations which they have suffered, and which have
demonstrated the quality of their faith and the depth of their
devotion. The funds accumulated for their relief and for the
development of the Faith in their land will, I trust, be soon
forwarded to them, and will no doubt greatly contribute to
the rehabilitation and growth of their beloved community.
Persevere in your meritorious labours, and rest assured that
you are often in my thoughts and prayers, and that I will
+P125
continue to supplicate for you all the Master's richest
blessings.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
P.S. He feels that the German and Austrian believers are one
in language and that the Austrian friends should consider
the N.G.R. as their National Assembly, the same as before
the war. We are &Baha'is and have no nationalistic feelings in
such matters. Our ties are purely spiritual. But you can
consult the European Teaching Committee if the NGR is
too difficult at present. The Guardian wishes you to know
that as soon as there are a sufficient number of &Baha'i
assemblies in Austria she will naturally have her own NGR.
27 September 1947 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters to our beloved Guardian reached him
through Mr. ..., and he was delighted to see that
so many believers had been able to attend the school at
Esslingen this summer.
It shows the vitality of the German &Baha'is and their
intense desire to further the interests of our glorious Faith in
Germany, and build up its institutions.
He urges you all, in your work for the Cause in your local
Communities, to stress the need for the greatest love and
unity amongst the &Baha'is themselves. It is this love and
spiritual solidarity that is so sadly lacking in the world
today, and for which its people are starving. When they see
within the &Baha'i Community the true spirit of brotherhood
+P126
exemplified, they will turn to &Baha'u'llah and embrace His
Message.
He also urges you to exert yourselves ceaselessly in the
teaching field, and build up new &Baha'i centers, establish
new spiritual assemblies, and convert the existing groups
into assemblies by April of next year.
The Cause, we know, has a great future in Germany, and
he assures you all he is constantly praying for the success of
your devoted labours....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
Your messages, eloquently testifying to the dynamic faith
which inspires and sustains the German &Baha'i Community,
now triumphantly emerging from its long and severe ordeal,
rejoiced my heart, and served to deepen my feelings of
affection and admiration for its members. You who now
stand on the threshold of a new era, have great tasks ahead
of you and a glorious mission to fulfil. The institutions you
are now initiating and developing will no doubt enable you
to achieve speedily and effectively your goal. The Beloved is
watching over you. His love surrounds you, and His spirit
sustains and guides you. Persevere in your glorious task.
Rest assured that my prayers will continue to be offered on
your behalf, and be confident that &Baha'u'llah will aid you
to achieve ultimate victory.
Shoghi
24 October 1947
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Dec. 4th,
1946, Jan. 6th, March 19th, June 15th, Aug. 27th and
+P127
Sept. 28th, 1947, have all been received, and he has
instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He has also
received a letter, on behalf of your secretary, written by Dr.
&Koller-Jager, and enclosing an English translation of your
minutes. This was dated March 13th.
In regard to the various matters you have raised in these
letters:
He noted the report of Mrs Grossmann about her meeting
with the grandchild of &Subh-i-Azal. He feels that the friends
should as much as possible avoid her, as it is very unlikely
she has anything but prejudice against &Baha'u'llah, in view
of her background.
He deeply appreciated the message of love and loyalty
you sent him on the occasion of the celebration of twenty-five
years of Guardianship.
He is extremely pleased to see the way the Cause is
spreading in Germany, and the steady growth in the number
of the assemblies there. This would be a remarkable
achievement under normal circumstances, but in view of the
weakened state of the health of the &Baha'is and the
hardships they and their countrymen are undergoing, it is
little short of heroic. The &Baha'is everywhere are watching
the labours of their German brothers and sisters with deep
admiration.
Concerning your question about forming Spiritual
Assemblies this year as soon as circumstances permit, and
without waiting until April 21st, 1948: he does not think
this advisable. In order to encourage the German friends, so
long oppressed and prevented from serving, he made an
exception last year, but this year he feels all assemblies
should wait until April to hold their elections. He has
recently advised the European Teaching Committee to do
likewise, as some of the pioneers were eager to form
+P128
assemblies as soon as 9 &Baha'is existed in a city of one of the
goal countries!
He is pleased to hear you have strengthened and assisted
the Nuremberg &Baha'is, and that there are now so many
there. Also he is glad to hear you are protecting them and
the Cause from the misrepresentations and ambitions of
Mr. ... Great vigilance and wisdom is required in such
matters.
Regarding the publication of books for use in Germany in
Switzerland: he feels that this is out of the question at
present, owing to the fact that the exchange of Persian into
Swiss money, (providing it could be made at all), would be
prohibitively expensive. You would lose far too much this
way. He, therefore, suggests that you get in touch with Mr.
David Hofman of England, who is a publisher in a small
way, and very anxious to be of help in printing &Baha'i
Literature. He is a member of the British N.S.A., and if you
arrange some satisfactory way of having him print books or
booklets for you, it will be easier and cheaper to transfer
some of the money from &Tihran, for this purpose, to
England. The Guardian has already written Mr. Hofman he
favours his doing this, if you and he can agree.
Unfortunately, owing to the fall in the value of the
pound, the conversion of Persian money into American
dollars involves considerable loss. In view of this the
Guardian is going to instruct Mr. &Varqa in &Tihran to send
to the American N.S.A. five hundred pounds for the
purpose of buying Care Packages, which will be sent to you
for your use in securing the National Headquarters.
There is, in the special Fund held in &Tihran on behalf of
your assembly, about ten thousand pounds. He feels you
should spend a third of this on your National Headquarters.
But, as mentioned above, he advises you to try and go ahead
+P129
with the preliminary arrangements through using five
hundred pounds in Care packages, and thus not lose too
much of this money through the poor exchange at this time.
He leaves details of this matter to the discretion of your
assembly, and hopes you will keep him informed of what
action you have taken, and of the progress made in
obtaining the National Headquarters.
He assures you all of his admiration for your steadfast
labours to protect and promote every interest of our beloved
Faith in Germany, and of his loving and ardent prayers for
the success of your work....
[From the Guardian:]
Dearly-beloved Friends:
The spirit which the entire body of the German believers
have displayed, despite the hardships and trials which they
have heroically endured, and are still enduring, is a
magnificent example to their fellow-workers in both the
East and the West, a source of great inspiration to me, and a
magnet that will powerfully attract the blessings of the
Almighty. My thoughts, though I myself am immersed in an
ocean of work and preoccupations, often turn in loving
admiration and gratitude to those who, for more than a
decade, have in the face of constant peril, held fast to the
Faith of God, who have survived the greatest ordeal that has
ever afflicted the Faith of &Baha'u'llah in the West, and who
are now forging ahead, united, resolved and consecrated, in
the path leading to still greater victories.
I rejoice to learn of the preliminary steps that are being
taken to enable the dearly beloved and highly promising
German &Baha'i Community to own its first National
&Haziratu'l-Quds in the heart of that sorely-tried country.
The utmost effort should be exerted to complete the present
negotiations, and to initiate the national activities in that
+P130
centre. I will, for my part, assist in any way possible, your
assembly, in the historic enterprise which it has launched,
and feel confident that the Beloved will bless your efforts,
fulfil your highest expectations in this vital sphere of &Baha'i
activity.
The dissemination of &Baha'i literature, is moreover, a
matter of vital importance, which must be promoted by
every means at your disposal. The multiplication of &Baha'i
centres, the formation of new assemblies, the consolidation
of newly-established groups, constitute, likewise, the
primary objective of your assembly, demanding constant
exertion, watchfulness and guidance on your part, as well as
full support and still greater sacrifice by the rank and file of
the believers.
The promotion of the interests of the Austrian believers,
owing to their proximity to your country, their past
association with you and their practical isolation from the
&Baha'i centres in East and West, should be regarded as one
of your outstanding tasks, and I trust that every obstacle
will be surmounted, enabling you to enrich thereby the
record of your distinguished services to the Faith of
&Baha'u'llah.
The path you are treading is hard and stony and beset
with many pitfalls. The tasks you are called upon to
discharge are varied, complex, urgent and gigantic. The
resources at your disposal are meagre. The hour, however,
for raising the call of &Baha'u'llah is propitious. The hearts of
your countrymen, prepared by bewilderment and suffering,
are ready to respond to His message. You stand at the
threshold of a new and glorious era in the evolution of His
Faith in that land. The opportunities of the present hour are
priceless and may never recur again. Time is pressing. The
eyes of your fellow-workers in both Hemispheres are fixed
+P131
upon you. Our beloved Master who showered, through His
visit and His messages to you, so much love and
encouragement and so many blessings, is watching over you
from on high, ready to sustain your efforts and lead you on
to victory.
That you may rise to still greater heights of heroism, that
you may discharge befittingly your sacred responsibilities,
that you may adorn the annals of your Faith with still
greater evidences of your devotion, courage and
perseverance, that you may achieve your high destiny as the
torch-bearers of the light of Divine Guidance to the
neighbouring countries in that continent, is the object of my
fervent prayers at the holy shrines, and the dearest wish of
my heart.
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
15 November 1947 (Teaching Conference)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your message to our beloved Guardian reached him, and
he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to tell
you of how delighted he was to learn of your Teaching
Conference.
Such gatherings are a great stimulation to the work of the
Cause, and inspire the believers to go out and spread the
Divine Message. He hopes others will be held, as time goes
by, in different parts of the Country, so that many more of
the friends can attend them.
He assures you all of his loving prayers for your welfare
and your &Baha'i work....
+P132
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved aid you to extend continually the range
of your truly meritorious services, win memorable victories
in the teaching field, and promote, in a most effective
manner, the vital interests of the institutions of our glorious
Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
17 January 1948
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY CUT OUT NOTE TO
PRAYERS ENCLOSED IN THEIR LETTER DATED
DECEMBER 19.
SHOGHI RABBANI
28 February 1948
The &Baha'i Youth of Vienna
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your communication addressed to our beloved
Guardian, and dated Jan. 25th, has been received, and he
has instructed me to answer you all on his behalf.
He was most happy to see that there are so many &Baha'i
Youth and children in Vienna. Although your number may
seem small to you, it is the beginning of something very
important, the beginning of the spread of this Divine Faith
amongst the youth of Austria.
He, therefore, urges you to persevere in your devotion to
the Cause of God, to study its teachings deeply, and to mold
your conduct into the pattern of true &Baha'i life.
+P133
He will pray for you all, that God may bless, guide and
protect you in every way....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I was so glad to receive your message and to learn of your
continued efforts in the service of our Beloved despite the
severe trials you have suffered and are still suffering. You
are often in my thoughts and prayers, and I will supplicate
the Beloved to guide your steps, remove every obstacle from
your path, and aid you to extend the range of your valued
activities, and win signal victories for His Cause and its
institutions,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
1 April 1948
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY HAVE INSTRUCTED AMERICA
TO SEND FOOD PARCELS FOR SUMMERSCHOOL.
Shoghi
11 May 1948
Dear &Baha'i Brother:
Your communications, addressed to our beloved
Guardian, and dated January 11th, February 14th, and
March 31st, have been received, and he has instructed me to
answer you on his behalf.
The progress the Faith is making in Germany is a source
+P134
of great happiness to him, and the list you sent him,
showing the large increase in the number of assemblies,
groups and isolated &Baha'is, greatly encouraged him, and he
hastened to share this good news with the friends in other
countries.
He was, likewise, very pleased to see that the Esslingen
School is going to be so well attended, and that your
assembly is so wisely making this spot a rallying point for
&Baha'i Youth and their friends. Upon receipt of your letter
he cabled Mr. Holley to send the food parcels you required
for the Summer School, and he hopes that these reach you
safely.
He is delighted over the signs of maturity which are
becoming increasingly evident in the German &Baha'i
Community. Not only is your membership steadily
increasing and the number of your assemblies multiplying,
but also the fact that most of the believers are realizing the
need for breaking off their church membership and standing
forth as members of an independent Faith; all these are
welcome signs of progress and maturity. And in view of this
expansion in &Baha'i membership, and the consequent rapid
increase in the number of Spiritual Assemblies, he feels that
from now on you should increase the number of delegates,
apportioned to the German and Austrian &Baha'i
Community, from 19 to 38, (which is of course, twice
nineteen.) This will ensure a fairer representation of the
numerical strength of the &Baha'is at their annual
Convention, and enable the assemblies having a large
community to receive more proportioned representation.
The Cause of God must be protected from the enemies of
the Faith, and from those who sow seeds of doubt in the
hearts of the believers, and the greatest of all protections is
knowledge: there is no doubt that the silliest of all charges
+P135
ever made is that the "Will and Testament" of the Master is a
forgery! It is all in His own hand, sealed in more than one
place with His own seal, and was opened after His death by
some members of His own family, who took it from His
own safe, in this house, and from that day it has been kept
in the safe under lock and key. The charges of Mrs. White
were the result of an unbalanced mind. No other enemy,
even those who were shrewd and clever, made this foolish
accusation! The case of &Ahmad Sohrab is, for one who has
had any experience of orientals and of psychology, easily
understandable. He was, for some years the secretary of
&Abdu'l-Baha and enjoyed, as a result of this and the fact
that he accompanied Him to America, (to be sure with a
number of other Persians), a great deal of attention from the
&Baha'is who looked up to him and admired him. However,
since the Master's Will was read, and the administrative
order, under the Guardianship, began to be developed, he
became cognizant of the fact that his personal ambition for
leadership would have to be subordinated to some degree of
supervision; that he would have to obey the National and
local assemblies--just like every other &Baha'i, and could
not be free to teach wholly independent of any advice or
supervision. This was the beginning of the defection which
in the end took him outside the pale of the Faith: he refused
not to be handled always as an exception, a privileged
exception. In fact, if we keenly analyse it, it is almost
invariably the soaring ambition and deep self-love of people
that has led them to leave the Faith. Towards the end
Sohrab used, in the course of his lectures, to incorporate
quotation after quotation of &Baha'u'llah's words in his
lectures, without once stating they were &Baha'u'llah's, and
when the believers remonstrated with him over this
plagiarism, it had no effect. After he had, of his own accord,
+P136
left the organized body of the Faith and refused to be
reconciled with it, he began to attack the administrators of
it, first the American N.S.A., then the entire administrative
order, and in the end the Guardian. What he teaches at
present is so far divorced from our beloved Faith, and so
tinged with the doctrines of many "cults" which we see
thriving at present, as to be almost unrecognizable. Sohrab's
influence and activities in America have waned greatly, and
he seems to now feel his only chance of causing mischief is
to be active with his "caravan" movement abroad. The
books and articles he published attacking the Guardian and,
in fact, everything established in the Master's Will, had no
effect, and far from succeeding in causing any breach in the
Faith in America, some of the very few who followed him
out of the Cause, gave him up, and returned to serve the
Cause with redoubled enthusiasm!
The Guardian feels that one of the best antidotes to those
--Sohrab or others--who seek to undermine the faith of
the believers, especially by harping on the subject of
excommunication, is to place in their hands a German
edition of "God Passes By". For in that book he (the
Guardian) has clearly pointed out that the Cause of God has
always been attacked from within, and that, beginning in
the days of the &Bab, the "Sea of Truth" has over and over
cast out its spiritually dead. It must do this, even as the body
seeks to rid itself of poisons so as to preserve the health of
the entire organism.
Your assembly should do all it can to protect and educate
the believers so that they will understand that it is not
personal ill-will, or lack of love, which leads to the
excommunication of a person, but rather the fact that he
has become like a cancer which must be removed before the
entire body is destroyed.
+P137
He is very anxious to have the work on the National
Headquarters in Frankfurt a.M. reported to him, and to
receive pictures of the building purchased, for publication in
"&Baha'i World".
The way the work your Assembly is doing is progressing,
pleases him greatly, and he assures you all of his loving
prayers on your behalf, for your protection and your
success....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The marvellous progress achieved in recent months by the
virile, steadfast and dearly beloved German &Baha'i
community has rejoiced my heart, and deepened the
admiration of the followers of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah in
every land, for the qualities of mind and heart that
distinguish the adherents of this Cause in your country.
The marvellous increase in the number of newly-enrolled
believers, the multiplication of groups and assemblies
throughout the length and breadth of your land, the
purchase and projected restoration of the national
&Haziratu'l-Quds in the city of Frankfurt, the impetus lent to
the translation and publication of &Baha'i Literature, the
receptivity shown by your country-men to the teachings of
&Baha'u'llah, the consolidation of the various agencies of a
steadily expanding Administrative Order in the various
zones of your country--all these augur well for the
complete fulfilment of &Abdu'l-Baha's glorious prophecies
regarding its future.
The doubling of the number of delegates to the next
&Baha'i national convention will eloquently testify to this
remarkable growth and rapid consolidation of the
community you are privileged to serve and direct. The
interests of the Austrian &Baha'i community should, while
+P138
the work is steadily progressing in Germany, be vigilantly
and determinedly promoted. Through guidance, assistance,
encouragement, frequent visits when ever possible, the
community of the believers in Austria should be nursed and
prepared to discharge befittingly its sacred responsibilities,
until such time, as has been the case with Canada, as it can
elect its own national assembly and assume independent
existence within the world-wide &Baha'i community.
At this propitious moment in the evolution of the Faith in
your country, at a time when the American, the British, the
Indian, the Persian, the Australian, the Canadian and &Iraqi
national &Baha'i communities are busily engaged in
prosecuting specially conceived Plans for the systematic
propagation of the Faith within their respective countries
and beyond their confines, it is only fitting for a community
as old and honoured as yours, which has survived such cruel
blows, which occupies so enviable a position in the heart of
Europe, the recipient of so great a measure of bounty and
loving-kindness from &Abdu'l-Baha, to formulate its own
Plan, preferably a five year Plan, destined to culminate in
1953, the hundredth anniversary of the birth of
&Baha'u'llah's Mission in the &Siyah-Chal of &Tihran.
As to the objectives of the Plan, in both Germany and
Austria, I feel that your assembly should carefully consider
them, and after mature deliberation announce them to the
believers and ensure, by every means in its power, the
attainment of every goal you set yourselves to achieve.
The launching of such a Plan, after the consolidation of
the institutions of the Faith, during the three years that have
elapsed since the termination of the war, will constitute a
landmark in the history of the Faith in that country, and
will, no doubt act as a tremendous magnet, drawing the
blessings of &Baha'u'llah, and contributing, to an
+P139
unprecedented degree, to the establishment of His Cause in
the heart of Europe.
I long to hear the joyful tidings announcing the
formulation and inauguration of such a Plan, which will
greatly stimulate the followers of &Baha'u'llah in East and
West, and enrich the annals of His Faith during the opening
decade of the second &Baha'i century.
May the Spirit of our beloved Master, watching from on
high over the destinies of this highly promising, this richly
endowed community, enable it to usher in this new phase of
internal development of His Father's Faith in that country,
in a manner that will redound to the fame and glory of His
German-speaking followers.
Shoghi
28 May 1948
DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE DELIGHTED PROGRESS
URGE PERSEVERANCE FERVENTLY PRAYING GREATER
VICTORIES.
Shoghi
18 October 1948
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of Aug. 29th, with translation of some
enclosures, was received by our beloved Guardian, and he
has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Regarding the matter of the Fund for Germany now held
in &Tihran: Unfortunately the exchange rate of the Persian
+P140
&Tuman into Swiss (or American or British) money is
extremely unfavourable, and he considers that your loss
would be far too great to transfer, at the present time, the
entire sum from &Tihran to Switzerland. It is also extremely
difficult to get money out of Persia, which now has financial
restrictions similar to so many other countries. However, he
is investigating at the present moment the possibility of
having a sum to meet your immediate requirements
transfered from Persia to Switzerland, and the moment he
can arrange this he will notify your assembly.
The devoted services of the &Baha'i youth rendered in
clearing the &Hazira property of debris, was much
appreciated by him, and he wishes you to please let them
know he admires their spirit which is demonstrated in such
a useful manner!
He was very sorry to hear of the sad and untimely death
of dear Mrs. Brauns-Forel. Her services, always rendered
with such unflagging devotion, will be sorely missed by her
co-workers in Germany. He hopes her daughter will arise to
take her mother's place in the active work of the Cause.
He trusts that now your assembly is able to render more
active assistance to the Austrian believers and to stimulate
them in their work. Recent reports seem to indicate the
Vienna &Baha'is are more active and determined than ever
before in their history.
He hopes the construction of the &Hazira in Frankfurt will
now be able to go ahead at a rapid pace. You may be sure he
will do all he can to assist you in this essential enterprise.
You are all remembered in his prayers with much love,
and he is very pleased over the way the Faith is progressing
in Germany....
+P141
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
I am delighted to hear of the energetic steps that have
been taken in recent months in connexion with the establishment
of the &Haziratu'l-Quds in Frankfurt. This institution,
the center round which all national &Baha'i activities
must revolve, should be made the object of the special care
and solicitude of the entire community of the German believers
in the years immediately ahead. Upon it will depend the
coordination, consolidation and expansion of the collective
efforts of the members of this community, which occupies
so vital and pivotal a position in the heart of the European
continent. Parallel with this conscious, this determined and
persistent effort, assiduous endeavours must be constantly
and increasingly exerted by your assembly to multiply the
administrative centres, increase the number of the active
supporters of the Faith, proclaim its verities wisely, unreservedly,
far and wide, disseminate its literature, vigorously
and systematically, and deepen, by every possible means,
the understanding and the devotion of its adherents. That
these immediate objectives may be speedily attained, and
enable the members of this valiant and sore-tried community
to embark on a carefully conceived Plan in the years that
lie ahead, is my fervent and constant prayer.
Your true and grateful brother
Shoghi
20 October 1948 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated September
9th, was received, and he has instructed me to answer you
on his behalf.
+P142
He was delighted to see so many of the dear German
friends had attended the school, for in this loving &Baha'i
association and study a closer unity is created amongst the
believers, and new plans born for the teaching work that lies
ahead.
He urges you all to exert every effort to spread the Faith
in these dark days of crisis the world is still passing through,
for in the teachings of &Baha'u'llah alone can the people find
hope, peace and comfort.
He assures you all of his most loving prayers on your
behalf, and for the success of your devoted services....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
Your joint message truly cheered my heart and served to
remind me of the great company of my dearly-beloved
brethren who have toiled so devotedly in the past, and are
so energetically pursuing their historic tasks at present, in
the service of our glorious Faith, I will continue to
supplicate the Beloved to bless continually your high
endeavours, to enable you to extend the range of your
splendid activities, and to lend a tremendous impetus to the
onward march of the Faith in your promising country,
Your true and grateful brother
Shoghi
20 October 1948
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Sept. 15th,
was received, and he wishes me to thank you on his behalf
for your loving thought in sending him birthday greetings.
+P143
He was very pleased to see the Esslingen School program,
and to note that four sessions were being held in the
summer. This school is a rallying point for the German
believers, and greatly stimulates their unity and their
enthusiasm.
The world outlook is so dark and over-clouded that the
believers must labour day and night to give the people the
message of &Baha'u'llah, and instill in them some hope for the
future. We can see more and more of the predictions of the
beloved Master being fulfilled, as humanity persists in its
waywardness and spiritual blindness. There is no other
remedy except this Cause.
He assures you all of his most loving prayers, and he
deeply appreciates your devoted services....
P.S. I am sending through you the Guardian's answer to
the Esslingen Summer School attendants, as their envelope
had no address on it. Please share it with the friends.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved of our hearts guide and sustain you,
reward you abundantly for your valiant deeds, aid you to
extend the range of your beneficent services, and enable you
to contribute, continually and effectively, to the
multiplication and consolidation of the institutions of our
glorious Faith,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
14 September 1948
COMMUNICATE GERMAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY THE
FOLLOWING INFORM ENTIRE GERMAN BAHAI
+P144
COMMUNITY DISOBEDIENCE MISCONDUCT FAITHLESS
BROTHER HUSSAYN NECESSITATED HIS EXPULSION.
OWING HIS POSSIBLE VISIT GERMANY AND HIS
PERSISTENT ASSOCIATION WITH COVENANT BREAKERS
WARN BELIEVERS ANY COMMUNICATION WITH HIM
CONSTITUTES DISLOYALTY TO COVENANT ABDUL-BAHA.
SHOGHI RABBANI
21 December 1948
CONVEY FOR JAEGER STUTTGART DEEPEST
APPRECIATION FOR TRANSLATION OF GOD PASSES BY.
SHOGHI RABBANI
5 January 1949 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your loving message, sent to our beloved Guardian from
the 8th Summer School of Esslingen, was received, and he
has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very glad to see dear Mr. Remey had been present
at that occasion, as he is a faithful and devoted old believer,
and has been serving the Cause since its earliest inception in
the West.
He urges you all to concentrate your efforts on the all-important
work of teaching the Cause and spreading it to
new centers.
You may be sure he will pray for you all in the Holy
Shrines, and for the success of your labours....
+P145
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your meritorious efforts, guide
and sustain you in your valued activities, enable you to
deepen continually your knowledge of the fundamentals of
His Faith, and lend a tremendous impetus to the
advancement of its new-born institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
24 February 1949 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian was for some time
held up in reaching him. But he was most happy to see so
many of the dear friends had gathered at Esslingen school
for the 3rd session.
It is most encouraging to see the way this important
institution has grown since the end of the war and became a
focus for &Baha'i students. He hopes it is the foreshadowing of
a true &Baha'i University which some day must form part of
the activities of our glorious Faith.
The Guardian urges you, one and all, to work together,
in the utmost unity and love, to spread the Message
throughout Germany, and particularly to teach the Youth
and enlist them in the ranks of the Faith.
He will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of &Baha'u'llah guide and sustain you in
your labours, enable you to extend continually the range of
your valued activities, deepen your knowledge and
understanding of the essential verities of His Faith, and aid
+P146
you to lend a great impetus to the multiplication and
consolidation of its divinely-appointed institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
28 March 1949
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY OWING LOSS INVOLVED
PRESENT EXCHANGE ADVISED TEHERAN FORWARD
FIVE HUNDRED POUND.
30 March 1949
TRANSMIT FOLLOWING GERMAN ASSEMBLY DEEPLY
GRIEVED SPIRITUAL POSITION GERMAN BAHAI
COMMUNITY STEADILY DETERIORATING. NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY MUST ARISE LOYALLY VIGILANTLY
ENERGETICALLY SAFEGUARD FAITH AND CONFIRM
BELIEVERS IN COVENANTS BAHAULLAH ABDULBAHA.
GRANDDAUGHTER SUBHIAZAL MUST BE SHUNNED
ENTIRELY. HISTORY SOCIETY ACTIVITIES COMPLETELY
DISASSOCIATED FROM FAITH. ANY MISCHIEFMAKING
ORIENTALS MUST BE GUARDED AGAINST.
SYMPATHIZERS OF MRS WHITE OR SOHRAB OR
DISLOYAL MEMBERS ABDULBAHAS FAMILY INCLUDING
MY BROTHER HUSSEIN WHO MAY VISIT GERMANY THIS
SUMMER MUST BE WATCHED AND WARNED AND IF
NECESSARY EXPELLED. COMPROMISE INDECISION
PROCRASTINATION WILL CAUSE CRISIS AS SERIOUS AS
HERRIGELS. IF APPEAL UNHEEDED GREAT SUFFERING
+P147
AND LOSS COMMUNITY WILL ENSUE THOUGH FAITH
WILL EVENTUALLY TRIUMPH.
SHOGHI RABBANI
20 April 1949
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY HOLDING CONVENTION
ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL ALSO ELECTION NATIONAL
ASSEMBLY. PRAYING UNITY WELFARE DEAR GERMAN
BELIEVERS.
Shoghi
27 May 1949
TRANSMIT GERMAN ASSEMBLY FOLLOWING
ELECTION NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MUST NOT BE
DELAYED PRAYING HARMONY UNITY COMMUNITY.
Shoghi
30 June 1949
TRANSMIT GERMAN ASSEMBLY GREATLY APPRECIATE
RESPONSE ARDENTLY PRAYING RESTORATION
FULL HARMONY COOPERATION ASSEMBLIES AND
INDIVIDUAL WITH ELECTED NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
ENERGETICALLY.
+P148
30 June 1949
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters to our beloved Guardian, dated Oct. 17, 22,
Dec. 19--two of this date--Nov. 21, 23, 1948 and Jan.
9, 23, Feb. 28 and May 4, 15, of 1949, as well as their
numerous enclosures, have all been received and I am
instructed on his behalf to answer them. He regrets the long
delay in replying to you, but he is very busy, and he was also
anxious to receive as complete a picture of the situation as
possible in order to better advise you on the difficult
situation which has arisen.
Before going into this matter he wishes to assure you that
he was delighted with the 5 Year Plan your assembly has
formulated, to which he attaches great importance.
Likewise, he was very pleased that the annual convention,
though not a very happy one, unfortunately, was held in
Frankfurt.
He was, likewise, very happy to learn that the N.S.A. is
now in full accord with ... about the work on the National
&Hazira in Frankfurt, and to hear that the transfer of funds
from &Tihran via Switzerland to your assembly had been
worked out in the way most advantageous for you.
The good news that the much needed Esslemont books
are now in Germany, and the "Hidden Words" being
printed there, was also very welcome. He cabled you in
answer to your letter about the "Hidden Words". But
wishes to make it quite clear that the "Anmerkungen" is not
correct. The genuflections and washing of hands and face
(as clearly put down in "Prayers and Meditations of
&Baha'u'llah", which he himself translated,) associated with
the two longer daily prayers (obligatory prayers) are laws of
+P149
&Baha'u'llah, applicable to any &Baha'i whether of Muslim
background, Christian background, or otherwise. It is
blasphemy to suggest otherwise. However, the &Baha'is have
been left free by &Baha'u'llah to choose one of the 3
obligatory prayers, and those who prefer not to perform
these acts can say the very short one. He would like to add,
however, that he deeply appreciates the work done on this
translation by ... and other of the friends, and is delighted it
has been published.
He very deeply appreciates your assembly's assurance of
its abiding loyalty to him and to the Master's Will and
Testament. As you can well imagine this disaffection of the
Master's Family has been a very sad and heavy blow to
him; but, although for many years he shielded them with his
silence, in the end he was forced to speak out in order to
protect the Faith. For a hundred years our beloved Cause
has suffered from these internal afflictions, and the way the
believers, generation after generation, have met this test
with steadfast faith, loyalty and devotion, is one of the signs
that this is the Cause of God, divinely protected through the
Covenants of &Baha'u'llah and the Master.
Regarding the crisis which has arisen among the believers
because of the charges made by ... and others, the circular
letter issued by your body, etc, etc.
The Guardian feels that although there is no doubt this
has produced a very grave situation, threatening the
stability and the unity of the entire community, it can be
successfully overcome and lead to a new stage of unity and
progress in the Faith in Germany. We &Baha'is can always,
with the aid of &Baha'u'llah, Who is ever ready to strengthen
and assist us, turn our stumbling blocks into stepping
stones, and utilize the often violent forces released by
sincere but perhaps misguided friends, as a positive stream
+P150
of power by turning them into productive channels instead
of destructive ones.
Fundamentally he feels that the cause of this present crisis
arises from the fact that the German community so long
suppressed, disorganized, deprived of literature, and the
visits of friends from countries where the believers have
always been free to be &Baha'is and have, consequently,
evolved their administration of the Faith's affairs to a higher
point of efficiency,--has had no opportunity to develop the
administration of its &Baha'i affairs, and also, no opportunity
of maturing as &Baha'is living within a smoothly-working
Administrative Order. Consequently the troubles experienced
at present may be said to be largely caused by
immaturity in their understanding of the administration.
Linked with this is the fact, which he mentioned in his
cable, that the &Baha'is need to be deepened in their
knowledge and understanding of the Will and Testament of
&Abdu'l-Baha. They should study this, and the Dispensation
of &Baha'u'llah, for it is obvious that they do not--for the
most part--fully visualize the greatness, the glory, the
power and the protection which have been conferred on this
Faith through the Institutions provided for in the Master's
Will.
In going over the correspondence and documents
forwarded by your Assembly (which he appreciated
receiving as it gave him a clearer picture of the entire
situation) he was struck by the actions and statements, of
both individuals and assemblies, showing a complete lack of
knowledge of how to function administratively. In view of
this it may, if the friends make an effort and sincerely seek
to unite and progress, prove providential that this whole
thing has occurred. He was impressed, in this connection,
with the wisdom and tolerance of the remarks of Mr. Oskar
+P151
Schmitt in his letter to your Assembly, and he hopes that all
of the believers will take this kindly and tolerant view, for
the friends, in their desire to do the right thing, and
undoubtedly out of their genuine devotion to the Cause,
seem to have gone to every extreme in their reactions. In
doing this they have paradoxically demonstrated both their
devotion to the Cause and their complete lack of a profound
understanding of the administration.
Quite frankly, the Guardian feels that the circular letter of
your Assembly was unfortunate. You were entirely within
your right, as the National Body, to issue such a letter and
the violent reactions of the secretaries of various assemblies,
and some of the assemblies themselves, and many individual
believers as well, showed a complete lack of understanding
of administrative procedure. The friends should realize that
the National Body has authority over the local assemblies
and the believers in administrative matters. One of the
fundamentals involved in our administrative order, which
we must remember will become the pattern for our World
Order, is that even if an assembly makes an ill-advised
decision it must be upheld in order to preserve the unity of
the community. Appeal can be made from the Local
Assembly's decision to the National Assembly, and from the
National Assembly's decision to the Guardian. But the
principle of authority invested in our elected bodies must be
upheld. This is not something which can be learned without
trial and test. The &Baha'is in other countries often have their
difficulties in learning to live as believers in an orderly
community, governed by the administrative principles laid
down by the Master. But, having been free, they have, for
the most part, reached a more mature understanding than
their German brothers and sisters have up until the present
time. He hopes this whole episode will stimulate the
+P152
German assemblies and believers to really study the &Baha'i
administration.
He wrote the ... Assembly urging upon them the necessity
of cooperating with the National Assembly. He also pointed
out to them that the attitude of "all for one and one for all"
was very incorrect. An assembly constitutes within its area
of jurisdiction the Trustees of the Faith. Its members must at
all times put the interests of the Faith above personality and
impartially go into any matter brought to its attention.
Theoretically it is always possible for a member of an
assembly to be unworthy or insincere. To take the attitude
that any blame cast upon or any charge made against an
assembly member is a charge against the body itself is very
wrong. An assembly must protect the Faith and neither
blindly accuse nor blindly defend one of its members. The
... Assembly has taken the attitude that the remarks
referring to ... are an insult to the entire Assembly; at the
same time it accuses the National Body of being dominated
by one individual, an accusation which because of its own
attitude could equally well be aimed at itself! The Guardian
feels that all this is only evidence of the immaturity of the
friends in relation to their Administrative Order.
The &Baha'is must learn to forget personalities and to
overcome the desire--so natural in people--to take sides
and fight about it. They must also learn to really make use
of the great principle of consultation. There is a time set
aside at the 19 Day Feasts for the Community to express its
views and make suggestions to its Assembly; the Assembly
and the believers should look forward to this happy period
of discussion, and neither fear it nor suppress it. Likewise
the Assembly members should fully consult, and in their
decisions put the interests of the Cause first and not
personalities, the will of the majority prevailing.
+P153
Over and over, in going through the correspondence he
received from your Assembly, he was struck by the fact that
the friends acted so unadministratively. Instead of taking up
their accusations and problems and unhappy feelings with
their local Assembly, or the National Assembly, they
referred to individuals or individual members of the
Assembly, or they refused to meet with the Assembly. The
first thing a believer should do is to turn to an Assembly--
That is why we have assemblies! He feels this trouble would
never have arisen if the &Baha'is utilized their assemblies as
they should. One of the healing remedies &Baha'u'llah has
given to a sick world is the Assembly (which in future will
become a House of Justice); its members have very sacred
and heavy responsibilities, its power to steer the
Community, to protect and assist its members is likewise
very great.
..., a most loyal and devoted believer has assured the
Guardian she will fully support and cooperate with the
N.S.A. He hopes you will give her every assistance in this
resolve and, indeed, encourage her to stimulate the believers
in their support of their administrative bodies and teach
them to turn to them and make better use of them.
In this connection he would like to point out that any
&Baha'i can write to him directly. This is the privilege of
everyone.
He feels that ..., a most loyal and devoted servant of the
Cause, communicated with ... in her ardent, and very wise
desire, to promote closer unity among the German friends.
He feels your Assembly should over-look this, as the motive
was undoubtedly a very noble one.
He was very glad to receive the letter of ... and he feels
sure he will do all in his power do dispel the impression of
+P154
his attitude towards the Covenant, which has been spread
about among some of the friends....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The course of recent developments in the life of the
German &Baha'i community has given rise to considerable
anxiety and caused me grave concern, in view of the
eminent position which the collective achievements of its
members have enabled it to obtain on the morrow of the
severest crisis which it has experienced in its history.
The spiritual vitality which the individual lives of its
members have so abundantly demonstrated, the resilience of
which it has, as an organized body, shown itself to be
capable, the soundness of the foundation on which its
collective life has been built in the years preceding the great
ordeal which it has survived; the remarkable rapidity with
which it has rehabilitated its fortunes since the cessation
of hostilities, have evoked in every &Baha'i heart feelings
of profound affection and admiration for both the representatives
of that community and the mass of believers
constituting the body of the faithful in that land.
The hopes that have been raised must never be allowed by
those who actively participate in the life of so virile a
community to be disappointed. The structure now being
reared so laboriously on so solid a foundation must, under
no circumstances, be jeopardized through neglect, dissension
or deviation from established principles whether spiritual
or administrative in character. The process that has
been set in motion, after so long a period of forced
inactivity, which is lending so great an impetus to the
multiplication of the institutions of the Faith and their
consolidation, must, in no wise be arrested or even retarded
through any misunderstanding, insubordination or
+P155
contention between the voting members of the community
and its elected representatives whether local or national.
A strict and undeviating adherence to the spiritual laws
and administrative principles constituting the bedrock of the
Faith; a constant and complete awareness of the nature,
the sacredness and vital importance of the Covenants
established successively by &Baha'u'llah and &Abdu'l-Baha; an
immediate cessation of every controversy agitating the life
of that community in the present and critical stage in its
development; close cooperation, complete harmony and
continued understanding between the various agencies,
whether assemblies or communities participating in its
evolution; concentration on the immediate measures
required to ensure the total success of the newly launched
Five Year Plan, on the part of all its members and their
elected representatives; constant vigilance on the part of
each and every one of the adherents of the Faith to avoid
any act, word or association that would violate its integrity,
break its laws, subvert its administrative order, or retard its
progress and consolidation--these stand out as the urgent,
the sacred and inescapable obligations and responsibilities
facing its promoters at this fateful hour in their history.
The immediate past, with all its confused issues and
unpleasant memories must be entirely forgotten, if the task
that lies ahead is to be efficiently prosecuted. Personal
animosities, suspicions, accusations, wounded pride,
controversial issues must all be laid aside. Members of
assemblies, national and local, must be the first to set a
worthy example to their fellow-believers. All thought and
discussion must henceforth centre around the measures
required to stimulate the growth of the Faith, to deepen and
enrich the spiritual life of its members, to familiarize them
more intimately with the character and workings of the
+P156
Administrative Order, and enable them to participate more
actively in the prosecution of the Plan to which they are
committed.
I appeal to them, with all my heart, to close their ranks,
purge their hearts, broaden their vision, renew their
determination, rededicate themselves to their glorious task,
march resolutely forward along the road traced for them by
&Abdu'l-Baha, beat down every barrier obstructing their
path, and press on, confidently, unitedly and uncompromisingly,
until their goal is attained, and the first stage
in the evolution of their collective task is brought to a
victorious conclusion.
May the Beloved Who loved them so dearly, Who
participated personally in the initial stage of their evolution,
Who cherished such bright hopes for their future and
uttered such noble prophecies concerning the greatness of
that future, guide their steps, bless their endeavours and
fulfil their dearest hopes.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
3 July 1949 (First Pioneer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your message, sent from your school session to our
beloved Guardian, reached him, and he has instructed me to
answer it on his behalf, and to assure you he was delighted
to see that such a school for pioneering had been held.
He was also very glad to see that the believers are
studying the Covenant of the Master. For in the Master's
Will and Testament are enshrined the principles underlying
the World Order, and unless the believers fully grasp the
+P157
greatness, functions, and purpose of the institutions
outlined in that Testament (and elaborated by the Guardian
in his book "The Dispensation of &Baha'u'llah") they will not
be able to properly function as &Baha'is individually or
collectively. The German friends need to acquire a profound
understanding of the &Baha'i Administrative Order to enable
them to function as a Community, according to &Baha'i laws,
and to protect them from tests and the attacks of the
enemies of the Faith....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
I was so pleased and encouraged to receive your message
and to learn of the activity you have initiated. I will pray for
its success and extension from the depths of my heart.
Persevere in your labours, and rest assured that you will be
guided, sustained and fully rewarded for your meritorious
and timely accomplishments,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
4 September 1949 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter reached our beloved Guardian, and he was
delighted to see so many believers and friends were present
at the July session of the School, and also to note the
excellent courses you were given by the teachers and visitors
present at the School.
He was also very pleased to see the program for the Youth
Week being held in the Schwarzwald, and the emphasis
which is being placed on teaching the Covenant in both
Esslingen and this Youth week he considers very important.
+P158
The German &Baha'is, like all the believers everywhere,
will be strong, united and protected to the degree to which
they are firm in the Covenants of both &Baha'u'llah and the
Master.
He hopes the teaching work in Germany will make great
progress, and he urges you all to devote yourselves to this
mighty task, and to promoting love and unity amongst the
&Baha'is and a better understanding of the administrative
order of our Faith....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers:
Your joint message brought joy and gladness to my heart
and was a powerful reminder of the staunchness of the faith
of the dearly-beloved German believers, their constancy and
determination, their thoroughness and diligency in the study
of the Faith and of its teachings, and their devotion to the
interests of its institutions. I will supplicate the Beloved on
your behalf to enable you to acquire a still deeper
understanding of the essentials of His Revelation, and to
promote, with increasing effectiveness, the best interests of
His Cause,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
23 December 1949
CONVEY GERMAN YOUTH COMMITTEE ASSURANCE
PRAYERS LOVING APPRECIATION.
SHOGHI RABBANI
+P159
6 March 1950
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY MORTGAGE HAZIRA
INADVISABLE RELIEF FUND EXHAUSTED. APPROVE
RENTING ROOMS.
Shoghi
13 April 1950
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY PREPARE PROMPTLY
MAP GERMANY AUSTRIA SHOWING ASSEMBLIES
GROUPS AND ISOLATED CENTRES AIRMAIL HAIFA.
Shoghi
28 June 1950
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters addressed to our beloved Guardian and dated
May 26, June 29, August 30 from Mr. Gollmer, November
19, December 7, of 1949, and January 15, February 15,
and April 18, of 1950, have been received, as well as their
enclosures and other material and photographs sent, and he
has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
The past winter and spring have been very difficult for
our beloved Guardian, and this is why he has not been able
to reply to you, (or to any other National Assembly), for
so long. As you know, he has been carrying on the
construction of the first stage, the arcade, of the &Bab's
Shrine in anticipation of having it finished for the July 9
Centenary Celebrations of His Martyrdom. This necessitated
+P160
a great deal of excavation of the solid rock behind the
Shrine in order to enable the arcade to be built. The
Guardian himself supervised this work in order to see it
was done the most economical way and as quickly as
possible; this took up a great deal of his time and energy.
At the beginning of April, just when he was planning to
devote himself to the correspondence of the various
N.S.A.'s, Mr. Maxwell, the architect of the Shrine, became
very dangerously ill, and until the present time is in Hospital
with special nurses day and night. His condition is now very
much better, but the constant worry, and the problems
arising daily, have hitherto prevented our Guardian and his
secretary from answering any mail. He wishes you to know
that these are the reasons you have not heard from him for
so long.
In regard to certain matters you raised in your letters: he
does not consider it necessary to publish at present "This
Earth One Country"; there are other books more urgently
needed by the German friends such as "Some Answered
Questions" and the "Paris Talks" of the Master.
He sees no objection to your Assembly's renting to
suitable tenants some of the rooms in the &Hazira of
Frankfurt in order to assist you in financing its construction.
Also he feels you are free to rent the &Baha'i Hall in that
building to groups, who have similar aims to ours, or to the
University.
As to purchasing the property next door: although this
would be desirable, he feels at present it is out of the
question, as you have not got sufficient funds to do so, and
are already having difficulty meeting the heavy expenses
involved in building the &Hazira itself.
The Guardian has already had a sum transferred to Mr.
Hofman to meet the expenses of publishing "God Passes
+P161
By". He trusts this important work will soon be in your
hands, as it will be of great educational value to the German
believers. They are, he feels, just the people to appreciate
such a weighty history and review of the Faith.
The whole-hearted response made by the German &Baha'is
to his appeal last year to become united and to deepen their
understanding of the Covenant pleases him greatly. He feels
this has demonstrated anew the loyalty and faith of this
Community, and justifies his hopes for the brilliant future
he is convinced lies ahead of them.
The entire Community of friends in Austria and Germany
should now concentrate on fulfilling their Plan. The success
of the American friends, the remarkable victory of the
British &Baha'is and the Persian believers, the progress being
made by the distant communities in Australia and New
Zealand, as well as India, Pakistan and Burma, should
encourage them to gird up their loins and crown their own
efforts with victory.
The Guardian feels sure that, now that a greater degree of
unity has been achieved by the German believers, they will
find that God gives them far greater strength to carry out
their work for His Faith. He assures you he will pray for all
the friends to become increasingly as one soul labouring in
many bodies.
He will also pray for all the members of your Assembly
to be strengthened to perform your historic work
successfully....
P.S. He thanks you for the map showing &Baha'i
distribution in Germany and Austria, and will publish it in
the next edition of "&Baha'i World".
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The progress achieved by the German &Baha'i community
+P162
in recent months, under the able direction, and through the
constant vigilance and loving care of its elected national
representatives, is highly gratifying and fills me with hope,
gratitude and admiration for the sterling qualities that
distinguish its members in their steadfast service to the Faith
of &Baha'u'llah. The restoration of harmony and cooperation
among the dearly loved, high-minded, great-hearted
German believers, the vigorous prosecution of their newly-adopted
Plan, the gradual restoration of their newly
purchased &Haziratu'l-Quds, the steady extension in the
range of their publications, and the notable multiplication
and consolidation of their rehabilitated institutions, are the
latest evidences of the unconquerable spirit and indomitable
faith which have consistently animated them in the past,
and which have enabled them to weather, in the course of
the last world conflict, the severest storm that has afflicted
them since the inception of the Faith in their land.
The process of harmonious cooperation and the spirit of
mutual understanding, remarkably evident in the life of a
newly resuscitated, highly promising, spiritually enriched
community must, particularly in its relation with the local
communities in Hamburg and Vienna, be steadily fostered,
however great the obstacles that may be encountered. The
education of the members of the community in the
principles and essential verities underlying the Covenants of
&Baha'u'llah and &Abdu'l-Baha as well as the Administrative
Order of the Faith--the twin pillars sustaining the spiritual
life and the institutions of every organized &Baha'i
community--must, at all costs, be vigorously pursued
and systematically intensified. The multiplication and
consolidation of &Baha'i administrative institutions, in both
zones under the jurisdiction of the elected representatives of
the community, and in the neighbouring territory of Austria,
+P163
must be given a fresh impetus through repeated exertions
and carefully devised measures. The initial steps, aiming at
the incorporation of the National Assembly and of every
soundly grounded properly functioning local assembly,
should be promptly taken, as a prelude to the establishment
of the national and local &Baha'i endowments for the benefit
of the entire community. The utmost effort should be
exerted to hasten, on the one hand, the completion of the
restoration of the national administrative Headquarters,
and centralize, on the other, the national activities and
manifold agencies of the Faith in that newly-appointed
centre established in the heart of that country. Particular
attention should, moreover, be given to the vital city of
Berlin, its needs, its interests and future prospects. The
teaching work, the cornerstone of the &Baha'i Edifice and the
primary purpose of every &Baha'i institution, so emphatically
stressed by &Abdu'l-Baha in His Will, should, above all,
be reinvigorated and relentlessly expanded. A closer
association through correspondence, attendance at Summer
Schools, participation at Teaching Conferences and
collaboration in publications should be carefully fostered
with the sister communities now rapidly emerging on the
European continent, in the British Isles, in the North and
South American continents, in Asia, Africa and Australasia.
To these immediate tasks, so vital, so sacred, a
community, purged in the fires of suffering, revitalized and
functioning with unity, zeal, fidelity and enthusiasm, must
address itself without delay, with complete dedication and
renewed and undefected resolve, as a prelude to the future
unfoldment of its mission, beyond the confines of its
homeland. For a national community so vibrant with life, so
painstaking in its labours, so efficient in its methods, so
impervious to the slings and arrows of affliction, occupying
+P164
so central a position in a continent, so politically confused,
so spiritually starved, so socially agitated, and the recipient
of such favours and promises, from the lips and pen of
&Abdu'l-Baha, cannot, if faithful to its destiny, remain
confined in its future activities, to the narrow compass of its
homeland, and fall behind its sister communities in East and
West, which are forging ahead and are in addition to their
tasks at home, carrying forward the banner of the Faith in
both distant lands and neighbouring territories, such as
Latin America, the Goal countries of Europe, the
Dependencies in the Far North, the Territories of the
Arabian Peninsula, Central, East and West Africa, the
Islands of the Pacific and South East Asia.
Already this community has, in the years preceding the
great ordeal to which it has been subjected, initiated in
however tentative a manner, its teaching enterprises beyond
the confines of its homeland in one of the neighbouring
Balkan Territories, and laid to rest, as an everlasting
memorial to its pioneering spirit, the remains of its first
martyr in the soil of that Territory.
No more adequate and better field can be imagined, as an
outlet for the long-hemmed in energies of a spiritually virile,
highly developed outstandingly loyal branch of the family of
&Baha'i national communities, than the neighbouring
territories situated in the Balkan Peninsula, the Baltic States,
and further afield the vast stretches now enveloped in
darkness, and whose teeming millions hunger for the Light
of God's saving grace and redemptive power.
For so glorious and mighty a mission, this community,
however limited its present resources, however circumscribed
in its numbers, however formidable the various
obstacles that now stand in its path, must, by applying itself
assiduously to the tasks of the present hour, prepare itself
+P165
and acquire the necessary spiritual capacity to launch, in the
years that lie ahead and possibly on the morrow of the
celebrations of the centenary of the birth of &Baha'u'llah's
prophetic Mission, the first stage in its historic Mission
destined to embrace so vital a section of the European, and
so colossal an area in the Asiatic, continents. May this
community prove itself worthy of its high destiny.
Shoghi
30 December 1950
NONATTENDANCE FEAST DOES NOT JUSTIFY SUSPENSION
VOTING RIGHTS.
Shoghi
2 March 1951
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters dated June 12th, October 23rd and
December 14th, 1950, and February 12th and 13th, 1951,
as well as your latest dated 2.3.51, together with their
enclosures, have been received, and our beloved Guardian
has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The material
sent under separate cover has also been received.
In regard to the various questions you have raised in your
letters, the Guardian does not feel that we are justified in
removing a &Baha'i from the voting list just because they
resign from the Spiritual Assembly. Although it is
considered a moral responsibility on the part of the believers
to serve on Spiritual Assemblies if they are elected, if for
+P166
some reason, they feel they must resign from that body--in
other words for some really weighty reason--it certainly
does not mean that they have lost their &Baha'i voting rights.
The friends should be encouraged to shoulder the burdens
of the administrative work--on the other hand, they
cannot be forced to do so if they have any valid reason to
support their refusal.
The Guardian was pleased to note that the &Baha'is figured
on the census for the first time. He hopes that, in the future,
your Assembly will be able to establish itself legally in such a
manner as to be the absolute owner and the administrator of
&Baha'i endowments. If you already have this status, he
would like to be informed of it.
A &Baha'i can certainly be an Esperantist. The Guardian
does not think that in the case you mention, it is right to ask
this old man to resign from his Masonic Lodge. Generally
speaking, the friends should not enter secret societies. It is
certainly much better for the believers to dissociate
themselves from such organizations; but as I said, it would
seem unnecessary, in this particular case, to ask a very old
man to break this connection at the end of his life.
...It is most unfortunate that just as the believers in the
eastern zone were beginning to be more active and able to
keep in contact with your Assembly and with the &Baha'i in
other parts of the world, they should now be suddenly
entirely cut off and their activities banned. He feels,
however, that your Assembly has taken the wise decision in
regard to connection with them. If, through any personal
letters, it is possible to assure them of his prayers, he would
like you to please do so.
He is very glad to hear that the National Headquarters is
now practically finished; and assures your Assembly that he
approves of your raising a first mortgage on it, provided this
+P167
is absolutely necessary, and you are sure that you can
handle the repayment of it in the future. He would prefer,
naturally, that this building which is of such importance to
your national activities, and of which the believers are all so
proud, should be free of any incumbency.
The desire of the German believers to participate in the
construction of the Holy Tomb of the &Bab touches him very
much; and he would suggest that, as it is not feasible at
present for any funds to be sent out of that country, you
accept contributions for this Fund and spend them at
present in Germany, until such future time as it will be
possible to remit the sum to Haifa.
&Naw-Ruz and &Ridvan are celebrated all over the &Baha'i
world according to the solar calendar--there is no
difference in the dates in the east or the west.
In regard to your publishing work: It is most unfortunate
that, through the delay in printing "God Passes By", you
now require such an exorbitant sum to be expended on it, if
it is gotten out in England. The Guardian has explained to
Mr. Hofman that he feels that unless some arrangement can
be made with your Assembly to get out this book with the
sum already forwarded by him for this purpose, that it is not
possible to go on with the publication at this time, as the
funds of the Cause, limited as they are, must now be
concentrated on building the upper parts of the Shrine of the
&Bab. If there is any way that your Assembly can arrange
with Mr. Hofman to receive a certain number of copies--
perhaps unbound--at this time, and have them bound in
Germany, he would approve of this, and suggests you look
into the matter. Of course, if there was any way Mr.
Hofman could transmit to you the money he has received,
and you could publish the book in Germany, the Guardian
would approve of this.
+P168
He thinks that "Some Answered Questions" is more
important in the teaching work than "Paris Talks", and
recommends to get "Some Answered Questions" out first.
The Guardian has already written to ..., asking him to
reconcile himself with your Assembly and to entirely forget
this episode, which he considers to have been due to a
misunderstanding, and certainly not worth the amount of
feeling that was expended upon it on all sides. He hopes that
your Assembly will accept any overtures he and his dear
Father may make, and assist them to put the whole thing
behind them, and go on with their active service in the
Cause to which we know they are both so attached at heart.
In this connection, the Guardian would like to point out
to your Assembly that, although it is sometimes necessary to
take away the voting rights of a believer for purposes of
discipline, that this prerogative of the National Assembly
should be used only in extreme cases. It is very bad for the
believers to have the feeling that their Assembly will deal too
harshly with them, and the net result can only be that a
feeling of fear or alienation or resentment may grow up in
their hearts towards the body that they should look to as
being, not only their elected representatives, but their
helper,--one might almost say their father--and the one
to whom they can confidently take their problem, and
whose wishes and decrees they will respect and obey
unhesitatingly.
The Guardian has never heard of any ruling by which a
believer who does not attend three consecutive 19 Day
Feasts can be deprived of his voting rights. He does not
consider that such action is justifiable at all. The whole
question is whether a person considers himself a &Baha'i or
not, and is willing to adhere to the principles of the Faith
and accept the authority of the Guardian and the
+P169
Administration,--whether that individual is able, or
always in a condition psychologically to attend Feasts and
&Baha'i meetings is an entirely different subject. If a person
makes it quite clear that they do not wish to be considered
an active member of the &Baha'i Community and be affiliated
with it and exert their voting right, then their name should
be removed from the voting list; but if a person considers
himself or herself a &Baha'i, and for various reasons is not
able to be active in the affairs of the Community, then they
should certainly not be removed from our voting list, least
of all at present, when the number of the &Baha'i Community
is so small.
Our beloved Guardian regrets extremely the delay in
answering many of these questions. This has been, and still
is, an extremely difficult period for him. He has so much
work to do--there are so many things to be attended to
here in Haifa--with the construction of the Shrine and the
administration of the many &Baha'i properties here, and also
through the formation of this first International &Baha'i
Council, that he is finding it extremely difficult to attend to
his correspondence--even such important letters as those
he receives from the national bodies.
We are all hoping that this is merely a transitional and
difficult phase, and that soon he will be able to find some
respite from his heavy duties, and devote more time to
taking care of his precious health. If he were not so
overburdened with details which, alas, are often very
insignificant, he would be able to give out so much more to
the believers all over the world. The friends should pray that
God will lift some of these burdens from their Guardian,
and enable them to receive the full bounties of his mind and
spirit, which he could pour forth into the body of the Faith
if he were only not so exhausted and preoccupied.
+P170
The increased activity of your Assembly, the increased
unity amongst the believers and their evident sense of
growing responsibilities, the work already achieved in
constructing the national &Hazirat--all these things augur
well for the expansion of our glorious Faith in Germany and
Austria, and undoubtedly are hastening the day when this
Community will play a more important role in the
international affairs of the Faith, and be able to carry out its
own final duties in neighbouring countries, and thus enrich
the record of its services to the Cause of God.
He assures you, one and all, of his loving prayers for the
success of your work; and deeply appreciates the spirit of
dedication which animates your Body....
Post Script (March 8)
In regard to the matter you raised in your latest letter, the
Guardian does not see how, under present circumstances,
he can arrange to transfer any more funds to Germany. He
regrets this very much; but, as you know, nothing can be
sent out of this country, and the International Fund cannot
support any additional work on this national headquarters
at the present time. He will pray that this obstacle may be
swiftly removed from your path.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The progress achieved in recent months, in both the
teaching field and the consolidation of national and local
administrative institutions, by the German &Baha'i
community is highly exhilarating and has served to deepen
my feelings of admiration for its members who have so
faithfully arisen to compensate for the years of enforced
inactivity resulting from the repressive policy followed
+P171
during the last world conflict. The one dark cloud on an
otherwise bright horizon has been the disabilities suffered
by their brethren and compatriots in the Eastern zone of
their divided land and their virtual separation from them at
a time when their close association and collaboration would
have greatly reinforced the foundations of their common
Faith and redounded to its fame and glory.
The field now stretching before the believers constituting
the major part of a sundered community is, however, still so
vast, its needs so great and its spiritual receptivity so
pronounced that they cannot afford to either relax for a
moment in their efforts or hesitate in the prosecution of
their sacred task. To publicize the Faith and disseminate its
literature; to lend an ever-increasing impetus to the
multiplication and consolidation of its nascent institutions;
to accelerate the incorporations of firmly established
assemblies; to overcome by any means in their power the
obstacles obstructing the completion of their national
administrative headquarters; to persevere in their efforts to
guide, encourage and strengthen the community of their
brethren in Austria; to prosecute with diligence and
determination the Plan they have initiated; to remove,
once and for all, every trace of inharmony and of
misunderstanding which may linger among some of the
members of the community; to forge fresh links with the
newly fledged assemblies in the goal countries of the
European continent and their subsidiary institutions; to
reinforce the ties binding them in particular, to their sole
sister national assembly in Europe and other &Baha'i national
assemblies in general--these may be regarded as the
outstanding and immediate obligations devolving upon the
national elected representatives of a community which in
the concluding period of the Heroic Age of the Faith has
+P172
been made the recipient of such marked blessings and
favours from the Center of &Baha'u'llah's Covenant, which
on the morrow of His ascension played so notable a part in
preserving the integrity of the Cause of God and in
establishing the agencies of its rising Administrative Order,
which demonstrated in the course of the prolonged ordeal it
subsequently experienced, its tenacity, fidelity and
exemplary devotion, and which is now preparing itself for
the gigantic tasks that await to be accomplished by its
valiant members in so large a section of the European and
Asiatic continents.
The record of service stretching behind them is indeed
highly inspiring. The vision of future victories at home and
in distant fields now unfolding before them is even more
glorious and highly challenging. The more they consecrate
themselves to their present tasks, the more faithfully and
promptly they fulfil the requirements of the Plan to which
they stand committed, the sooner will they acquire the
spiritual potentialities that will empower them to qualify for
the successful conduct and the ultimate consummation of so
colossal an enterprise destined to shed so great and
imperishable a lustre on both their community and nation.
That they may be vouchsafed by Providence all the
strength and guidance they require for the attainment of
their immediate goal, that they may prove themselves
worthy of receiving a still greater measure of celestial
strength and Divine sustenance for the achievement of their
ultimate objective is the dearest wish of my heart and
constant prayer.
Shoghi
+P173
30 April 1951 (Convention)
ASSURE ASSEMBLED DELEGATES LOVING FERVENT
PRAYERS OFFERED SHRINES CONSOLIDATION EXPANSION
MANIFOLD MERITORIOUS ACTIVITIES DEARLY
LOVED VALIANT PERSEVERING GERMAN BAHAI COMMUNITY.
SUPPLICATING BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS.
URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS TO FULFIL OBJECTIVES PLAN
AND PAVE WAY STILL GREATER MORE GLORIOUS
ENTERPRISES.
Shoghi
26 July 1951
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY TRANSMITTING FURTHER
CONTRIBUTION NATIONAL FUND.
Shoghi
9 August 1951
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Our Guardian was very pleased to see the Post card of the
new German National &Baha'i Headquarters, and also to
note the official cancellation mentioning the &Baha'i annual
Convention.
He feels sure the Faith in Germany, through means such
as these, will attract an ever wider interest in the public at
large.
He wishes all of you every success in your devoted
services to the Cause of God....
+P174
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty abundantly reward you for your
labours, guide every step you take in the path of service, and
aid you to extend continually the range of your accomplishments,
and contribute effectively to the consolidation of the
nascent institutions of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
27 August 1951 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of July 22 reached our beloved Guardian, and
he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was very happy to see the friends are now regularly
enjoying the use of the National Headquarters which they
constructed through so much effort and sacrifice. This
marks a great step forward in the progress of the Faith in
Germany, and will ever-increasingly lead to bounties and
blessings.
He assures you one and all of his most loving prayers for
the success of your devoted services to the Cause of God....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your
steadfast and meritorious labours, aid you to acquire a
fuller understanding of the essentials of His Faith, and
contribute effectively to the consolidation of its nascent
institutions,
Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi
+P175
28 September 1951 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your loving message was received by our beloved
Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his
behalf.
He was particularly pleased to hear the sessions of the
School were carried forward in an atmosphere of love and
harmony, as this is the very essence of &Baha'i living.
He urges you all to redouble your teaching efforts in your
local Communities, and he will pray for you all....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Spirit of &Baha'u'llah sustain and guide you in
your meritorious activities, bless your high endeavours, and
enable you to lend a great impetus to the consolidation of
the institutions of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
30 October 1951 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your greeting reached our beloved Guardian, and he was
very happy to see your school had been so successful and
well attended.
Hamburg is a very important Center, one of the oldest
&Baha'i Centers in Germany, and situated in a position where
it can favour the spread of the Faith. It is, therefore,
essential for the believers there to be firm and united in
serving the Cause, for them to keep in close contact with the
National institutions of the Faith in Germany, and to be
+P176
active in teaching, and also in associating with travelling
&Baha'is who pass through their city.
He will pray for the success of your &Baha'i work....
P.S. He was very interested to see the "Rundbrief" you
enclosed.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide and
sustain you in your meritorious activities, and enable you to
promote the best interests of the institutions of His Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
30 October 1951
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letters dated May 31, August 14, and two of
September 16, have been received, as well as other material
sent the Guardian by you under separate cover, and he has
instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Please note that on behalf of the beloved Guardian I have
written direct to ... assuring her of his prayers and his
sympathy for her sufferings. Cancer is a most terrible
affliction, and has taken its toll of some very fine &Baha'is,
alas!
The Guardian was particularly pleased to hear so many of
the German friends could be present at the E.T. Conference
in Holland. This association of the friends is a great
stimulus to the work, and he hopes will increase in scale as
the situation in Europe improves.
He was also very glad to know your Assembly met with
... and ... as Berlin and Vienna are important centers, and
the work needs to be stimulated and fostered in both places,
especially Vienna.
+P177
The Guardian feels that the financing of the &Hazira--so
that debts may not pile up too much--and the teaching
work are very important.
To concentrate on achieving the goals of your Plan you
should, if necessary, make economies in other directions. In
America, for years, the publication of "World Order
Magazine" was given up, as it was not essential, and the
money in the Fund was more urgently needed elsewhere. He
feels that, if necessary, "Sonne der Wahrheit" and the Youth
Bulletin can be given up. The Youth can have a place in
your regular "&Baha'i News" for themselves. However, these
are matters for your assembly to weigh and decide upon.
The most important thing of all, now that greater unity
has been established in the German Community, is to make
the friends pioneerconscious; they must learn to venture
forth, putting their trust in God, and go to new cities and
towns to establish the Cause. This will mark an entirely new
phase in the history of the Cause in Germany, and will give
the &Baha'is a sense of victory and importance they have
never had before. When they see how, after years of
persecution, of war, occupation, financial chaos and
instability, they have built their &Hazira, and moved their
National Headquarters to it, they must feel both astonished
at their victory and immensely proud. Did they ever believe
such a thing could happen? Let them, then, with the same
faith and determination, arise and build up new assemblies
and groups. They will find that they succeed as they
succeeded with their &Hazira.
The Guardian remembers you all in his prayers, and is
very pleased with the progress so far made by the German
friends. But he hopes they will now accomplish still greater
feats!...
+P178
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The Plan now being prosecuted with such diligence,
fidelity, unity and enthusiasm by the long oppressed,
greathearted, indefatigable, much admired German &Baha'i
community, despite the exhaustion following a prolonged
ordeal, is entering upon its concluding phase. This first
collective enterprise, embarked upon by a community
which, by virtue of its size, its experience, its past
achievements, occupies a preeminent position in the
European continent, and is destined, in view of its capacity,
its fortitude, its resilience and tenacity of purpose, to play
an outstanding role in both contemporary and future &Baha'i
history, must, through a concerted and supreme effort on
the part of its members, be brought to a triumphant
conclusion.
Its successful termination will be but a signal for a series
of enterprises, each more glorious than the one preceding it,
which will carry the fame of this community, already tested
in the crucible of afflictive trials, and richly endowed by the
tender favours of its Founder, Who blessed with His
Presence its leading center, to regions far beyond the
confines of its homeland and as far as the Eastern fringes of
the Asiatic continent.
In such a glorious venture, and in the course of so vast, so
momentous and sacred an enterprise, it will, if it discharges
manfully its present task, be seconded in its noble exertions
by the concerted efforts of all the budding communities in
the European continent, and will play a notable role, in
collaboration with the trustees of &Abdu'l-Baha's Divine
Plan labouring throughout the American continents, and
with its sister communities toiling in Africa, South East
Asia, and Australasia, in achieving the spiritual conquest of
the entire planet.
+P179
Much depends, however, on the manner in which it
discharges the responsibilities of the present hour. The
administrative base from which it must spread out into
Eastern and Southern Europe, and beyond these spheres
into the heart of Northern Asia, as far as the China Sea,
must first be thoroughly consolidated. The valiant
battalions that are to carry the banner of the Faith of
&Baha'u'llah to distant climes, amidst alien races, and
throughout the length and breadth of immense territories
and in inhospitable surroundings, must, to begin with,
increase in number, acquire added experience, and deepen
in their faith and understanding. The literature with which
the bearers of God's redeeming Message must be equipped
when launching out beyond the frontiers of their native land
must, preparatory to their arduous crusade, be multiplied
and adapted to the mentality of those diversified peoples
and races inhabiting so vast a section of the globe.
The &Baha'i Administrative headquarters now being
completed in the heart and center of this community's
homeland must be speedily consolidated and further
extended. The assemblies and groups which, as a result of
the operation of the present Plan, must be brought into
being, must be safeguarded and strengthened. The spiritual
life of its participating members must, while this process of
administrative consolidation is being accelerated, be
continually enriched, their vision broadened, their
understanding deepened, their unity reinforced, their
enthusiasm enkindled through the institutions of summer-schools,
conventions, regional conferences, youth rallies
and study classes. The unity and solidarity of the members
of this community must be vigilantly safeguarded and
constantly reinforced. The ties binding it to its neighbouring
sister-community in Austria must be greatly strengthened,
+P180
and the administrative agencies operating in both
communities must be closely correlated and the cooperation
between them continually fostered.
Then and only then, will this community be empowered
to launch befittingly its first campaign across the borders of
its native land, and manifest, as it projects itself beyond its
national frontiers and diffuses over regions, both far and
near, the illuminating radiance of &Baha'u'llah's redemptive
Revelation, the potencies with which its Divine Founder,
the Center of the Covenant, endowed it in the course of the
last decade of His Ministry.
As the centenary of the birth of &Baha'u'llah's Mission
approaches, as the Plan formulated by this Community
draws to a close, a supreme effort, unprecedented in its
scope and intensity, must be exerted collectively by its
members, young and old, an effort that will arouse the
admiration of the entire world, that will proclaim its
worthiness and capacity to shoulder so immense a task in
the future, and which will carry to a triumphant conclusion
this initial undertaking, embarked upon by the German and
Austrian followers of the Faith of &Baha'u'llah in the heart of
the European continent.
Shoghi
18 April 1952
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY HANDS ELIGIBLE.
SHOGHI
+P181
29 April 1952
DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE ASSURE DELEGATES
PRAYING FERVENTLY UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS
ATTAINMENT OBJECTIVES HISTORIC PLAN LOVING
REMEMBRANCE SHRINES.
Shoghi
30 May 1952
Dear &Baha'i Brother:
The beloved Guardian has received your letters of
January 29, February 13, April 7 and April 14 (2), and May
1, 1952, and he has instructed me to answer you on his
behalf.
He was very pleased to hear of the progress the German
&Baha'is are making, not only in their teaching work, as
witnessed by the formation of new assemblies and the
establishment of new groups, but also in the administrative
field.
The reports he received about the success of your
Convention this year, the free consultation and the unity
which prevailed amongst the friends, encouraged him
greatly. He feels that this indicates a new maturity on the
part of the German believers. They must come to realize
that the Administration is a system both living and dynamic,
and that, through obedience to its principles and
regulations, they will gain greater strength in teaching the
Faith, and be able to direct their energies as a united force
into the different channels of service that lie open to them.
+P182
One of the main reasons why the Faith does not advance
more rapidly is because the friends have not learned to live
with, and work within the framework of the Administrative
Order. Either they crystallize it into too set a form, or they
rebel against what they feel to be a System, and do not give
it sufficient support. Both of these extremes impede the
progress of the Faith, and the efficiency of the believers.
In this connection I should like to mention that the
Guardian states that the Hands of the Cause are eligible to
administrative offices except those permanently residing in
Haifa and helping the Guardian in the administrative work.
Whenever the time comes when the Hands should give up
their administrative offices in order to be more free to serve
under his direction, he will inform the friends.
The convention--all &Baha'i Conventions--must be held
within the &Ridvan period; and he was very pleased to see
that you had been able to advance the date of your
Convention without affecting its success.
As regards the question you asked, the &Baha'i marriage
certificate has been accepted by the Israel Authorities. All
the &Baha'i properties and imports are exempt from taxation
and customs, and the status of the Faith as a religion,
recognized. At present, we are planning to clarify our legal
position with the Government, and get it on a more concrete
footing. We are not incorporated here, but there are the
Palestine Branches of the National Spiritual Assemblies of
both the United States and India incorporated here, and
holding title to property.
He was very pleased to see that the Secretary is now
residing at the &Hazira, as he considers this both the proper
procedure, and important for the national work.
He was very sorry to learn that you are still having so
many financial difficulties in connection with the
+P183
Headquarters, and hopes that, through the self-sacrifice of
the believers, the debts can be gradually wiped out, and
funds be made available for other important forms of &Baha'i
activity.
He thanks you all for the expression of your loving
sympathy on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr.
Maxwell. His services will long be remembered, and he has
had a very great bounty in being permitted to design the
Holy Tomb of the &Bab.
He assures you all that, in his visits to the Holy Shrines,
he remembers you lovingly in his prayers, and supplicates
for your guidance and the advancement of your work....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
From the reports and communications received, in the
course of recent months, from your assembly I have derived
considerable satisfaction, as I have noted the spirit of wholehearted
dedication which has animated its members in the
discharge of the manifold duties and sacred responsibilities
which have faced them in the execution of their Plan. It is
indeed highly gratifying, and a source of great pride, to
contemplate the progress that has been made, the
consolidation that has been achieved, the great sacrifices
that have been willingly undertaken, the enthusiasm, the
fidelity, and the perseverance that have been so abundantly
demonstrated, the publicity that has been accorded the
Faith, the plans that have been devised, the marked stimulus
that has been given to the activities of the Youth, the
harmony that has characterized the collaboration of the
oriental and occidental believers, the progress made in
connexion with the National &Haziratu'l-Quds, the steady
expansion of Publishing activities, and above all, the
notable improvement in the spiritual life of the community,
+P184
as witnessed by the greater unity, cooperation and
understanding prevailing among its members.
As the last year of the Plan, formulated by the German
&Baha'i community inexorably draws to its close, a
concerted, a redoubled effort should be made to ensure that
all its provisions, without any exception, will be fully
carried out, that the members of this community may thus
acquire the spiritual potentiality regarded as indispensable
for the launching of a still greater enterprise, on the morrow
of the celebrations of the approaching &Baha'i Holy year--
an enterprise that will bring the much-admired, greatly
loved, highly promising community of the followers of the
Faith of &Baha'u'llah, in both Germany and Austria, into
direct association with its sister communities throughout the
&Baha'i world for the conduct of the world Crusade destined
to immortalize the decade separating the two greatest
Jubilees of the second &Baha'i century.
Whilst every ounce of energy will be exerted for the
consummation of their present task, special attention
should be directed towards the consolidation of the ties,
both spiritual and administrative, that must continue to bind
the believers in the Western Zone of Germany to their
brethren in the Eastern Zone, as well as to those living in the
Republic of Austria. A special effort must, moreover, be
exerted to improve and consolidate the relationship existing
between the German &Baha'i community and the civil
authorities, both local and central, in order to give greater
publicity to the Faith, and facilitate the expansion of its
administrative institutions in the crucial years ahead. No
less energetic efforts must be made to stimulate the process
of the incorporation of the local assemblies, and to obtain a
better legal status for the German &Baha'i National
Assembly, raising thereby the status of the Faith and
+P185
consolidating the foundations of its highest administrative
agency in the heart of the European continent.
The total success of the Plan, now demanding the
concentrated attention of the entire German &Baha'i
community, is indeed indispensable for the adequate
discharge of the still greater tasks that lie ahead of its
members, and which, in themselves, will constitute the
prelude to the unfoldment of the glorious Mission awaiting
them, as soon as the present obstacles are removed, in both
Eastern Europe and the heart of the Asiatic continent. The
extent of their future undertakings in both continents; their
contribution to the Global Crusade to be launched
throughout the whole planet; their particular and, in many
ways, unique, reinforcement of the work, connected with
future &Baha'i research and scholarship, in view of the
characteristic qualities of painstaking thoroughness,
scientific exactitude and dispassionate criticism distinguishing
the race to which they belong,--these are too vast and
complex to be assessed at the present time.
They, no doubt, stand, emerging as they have done, from
two successive world ordeals that have served to purify,
vitalize, and weld them together, on the threshold of an era
of glorious achievements, both at home and abroad. Their
present Plan is but the initial chapter in the history of their
collective achievements in the service of the Faith of
&Baha'u'llah--a service, anticipated in such glowing terms,
by the One, through Whose creative power, this community
was brought into being, Who nursed it in its infancy, and
Who, through His personal visit communicated to it, in a
direct and effective manner, the impulse destined to sustain
its growth, guide its steps and lead it to ultimate victory.
The participation of the &Baha'i community, in both
Germany and Austria, individually as well as officially, in the
+P186
forthcoming Stockholm inter-continental Conference, to
which I trust its members will contribute a notable share, in
view of the part they are destined to play in the future
awakening of the European Continent--will no doubt,
launch them upon the initial stage of their glorious Mission
beyond the confines of their respective countries. Theirs will
be the two-fold and highly challenging task of
consolidating, steadily and rapidly, the administrative
foundations of the Structure which is being painstakingly
established by them in the heart of the European continent,
and of implanting the banner of the rising order of their
Faith in the neighbouring sovereign states and dependencies
of that continent and even beyond its borders, as far as the
heart of Asia.
Time is running out. The work they have to accomplish is
immense, exacting, thrilling and inescapable. The hosts of
the Concourse on high will surely lead them onward and
assure them a resounding victory, if they but keep their
vision undimmed, if they refuse to faint or falter, if they
persevere and remain faithful to both the spiritual and the
administrative principles inculcated by their Faith.
That they may discharge nobly their trust, that they may
emerge triumphant from the first stage of their collective
and historic undertaking, that they may set an undying
example to their brethren in East and West, of &Baha'i
solidarity, of tenacity of purpose, of single-minded
devotion, of unrelaxing vigilance, of assiduous labour, of
harmonious cooperation, of audacity, and of absolute
dedication to the aims and purposes of their Faith, is the
object of my special, my loving and constant prayers at the
threshold of the Shrine of &Baha'u'llah.
Your true brother,
Shoghi
+P187
15 June 1952
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on
his behalf, to request that the information relating to
Germany and Austria and their activities, contained in the
booklet "The &Baha'i Faith", `Information Statistical and
Comparative', be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952,
and sent to him here by the first possible air mail post.
One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance
of this important book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast
approaching, the Guardian wishes information as quickly as
possible.
Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide,
brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:
Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies in Germany
and Austria, showing each country with its Local
Assemblies separate.
&Baha'i Centers in Germany and Austria, showing if
possible the division between Local Spiritual
Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.
Any information not immediately available, should be
handled by telegraph, but such information as is available
should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You
can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in
the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian
at a very early date.
The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National
Assembly and its devoted members....
+P188
9 July 1952
ADVISE HOLD CONVENTION APRIL.
Shoghi
27 August 1952
CULMINATION PLAN APRIL 1953.
Shoghi
4 October 1952
Dear &Baha'i Friend:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious to secure the date
on which your National Assembly was incorporated.
He also wishes information as to the present value of the
National &Hazira in Frankfurt.
Will you please send this information to him by return Air
Mail, as he wishes it promptly, so that a new statistical
book concerning the Faith may be issued promptly.
I am pleased to advise you that the health of the Guardian
is good. 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....
+P189
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
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
+P190
list giving the same information for Austria? In other words,
a separate list should be sent for each country....
8 March 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY COMBINATION BONN
OTHER CITIES NOT ADVISABLE. URGE INDEPENDENT
ASSEMBLY BONN.
Shoghi
30 March 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY BONN KOELN
SEPARATE.
Shoghi
19 April 1953
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY NEW STANDARD CIVIL
LIMITS SHOULD BE ENFORCED BY APRIL 1954.
Shoghi
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
+P191
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....
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
+P192
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
26 April 1953 (Convention)
DEEP APPRECIATION MESSAGE LOVING REMEMBRANCE
SHRINES PRAYING SUCCESS GREAT TASKS
AHEAD DETAILED CONVENTION MESSAGE MAILED
WEEK AGO.
SHOGHI
+P193
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....
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.
+P194
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.
+P195
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
+P196
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....
+P197
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
+P198
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.
+P199
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
+P200
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 &Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in Europe to be followed
by the adoption of a suitable design and the necessary steps
for its execution.
+P201
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
+P202
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.
+P203
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
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....
+P204
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.
The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each
and every one of you....
12 September 1953 (Youth Summer Session)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received the letter which you
have sent him, and has instructed me to answer you on his
behalf.
Now that the World Crusade has been launched, and is
very actively operating, as you have no doubt been informed
by those believers who were privileged to attend the third
Intercontinental Teaching Conference recently held in
+P205
Stockholm, the Guardian is confident that you are fully
conscious of the tremendous responsibilities placed on the
shoulders of the German and Austrian Communities during
the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade; and that you
are, one and all, arising to fulfill those tasks in a befitting
manner.
He will pray for you....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you in your
devoted endeavours, and enable you to win great victories
in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
26 September 1953 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received the loving letter you
sent him, which was signed by all those who attended the
Summer School this year; and has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.
He was very happy to learn of the inspiration and the
spiritual impulse given to that gathering by those revered
Hands of the Cause of God from different countries who
were there on that occasion.
Now that you are all familiar with the goals the Guardian
has set before the believers in the German and Austrian
Communities, and particularly those requiring consideration
first, he is confident that you will arise with one
accord to accomplish these tasks in a befitting manner.
His loving prayers will surround you, as you proceed with
your historic labours....
+P206
P.S.--The Guardian appreciates the copy of the Program
and the publicity which you enclosed.
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty sustain and guide you in your highly
valued activities, enable you to extend the range of your
services, and win great and memorable victories in the days
to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
15 October 1953
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
It is impossible for me to convey to you the great
happiness of the Guardian over the results achieved since
the auspicious opening of the Ten-Year Crusade.
The Guardian's final cable to the Conference in New
Delhi shared with the friends the information that fifty of
the virgin areas have been settled as of October 14th, and
fifty-four more have been assigned to pioneers.
The Guardian is urging every National Spiritual
Assembly to get out its pledged pioneers to the still unsettled
virgin areas as fast as possible.
I attach hereto copy of a letter which has been sent to all
pioneers, asking for their complete names, and if possible a
permanent address. Will you please arrange for this
information to be sent to me as additional pioneers go into
the field? What the Guardian wants is the complete name of
each pioneer with accurate spelling.
The Guardian sends you all his loving greetings, and
assures you of his prayers for the success of your arduous
labours....
+P207
26 November 1953
Dear &Baha'i Friend:
Your loving letter of November 9th reached me on my
return from a short visit in Switzerland and France.
I did have the pleasure of meeting the Lehnes in Zurich,
and was more than delighted to have this contact with two
of the sincere and self-sacrificing German &Baha'is, who are
now winning so many victories for the Faith.
I spoke to our beloved Guardian with regard to the
Frisian Islands. He said that regardless of the fact that a
number of the islands are Dutch and others German, that
the administrative work in all the Frisian Islands should be
under the German N.S.A., as assigned in the outline of the
Ten-Year Crusade. The Guardian stated that he had
likewise informed the American N.S.A. to this effect.
The beloved Guardian is very happy over the reports that
are being received of the progress of the Ten-Year Crusade.
All but one of the countries, outside of the iron curtain,
have now been settled or assigned to pioneers. The total
number of areas which have been settled under the Ten-Year
Crusade, during this period of a little over 6 months
since its launching, now totals 71. It is surely remarkable,
and one of the great victories of the Faith.
The Guardian sends his loving greetings to you. He prays
for your guidance and confirmation....
14 February 1954
Dear &Baha'i Brother:
Your comprehensive letter of February 5th, replacing
your letter of February 3rd; also your letter of February 7th,
+P208
dealing with the question of site for the &Baha'i Temple in
Frankfurt, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and
he has asked me to acknowledge them on his behalf.
The Guardian was very much impressed with the clear
and concise outline of the investigations which you have
made, giving him the best possible opportunity to
understand the situation fully.
The beloved Guardian feels that site "C", Steinbacher-Hohe,
appears to be the most suitable for the &Baha'i Temple
and future developments. He feels therefore that your
Assembly should immediately arrange for the prompt
purchase of some of the land.
While it would be desirable of course to buy an extensive
piece of property, the finances of the German National
Assembly, and the financial obligations all over the &Baha'i
world, make it impossible to buy a large piece at this time;
and therefore he feels you should purchase approximately
10,000 square meters, which it is his understanding would
cost approximately $10,000. Should there be available
more than the $8,000. in the bank to your Assembly, the
Guardian would see no serious objection to purchasing a
little additional land, so that the entire expense would not
be over $12,000.
It is noted in your communication you state you have
$8,000. in the bank in Zurich; but that pledges made at
Stockholm bring the total amount up to about $12,000. At
the Guardian's direction, I am endeavoring to correlate all
contributions and funds, so we may know the total amount
available.
In order to help clarify this matter, will you please send
me a statement of the funds which are available in Zurich,
and in Germany, if any, giving a list of the contributions
which have been received. If there have been a number of
+P209
small contributions, the Guardian does not require that
information, but simply information as to how much money
was contributed at Stockholm, for instance, how much has
been received from large donors, how much from the
friends in Germany itself, etc.
At the same time, I am writing out to other areas, to see if
any money is being held for the account of your Assembly
for the purchase of land, in any other areas.
The important thing now is to procure the land. The
Guardian states it is not necessary for you to refer back to
him any specific details regarding the land; inasmuch as it
has now been decided to purchase land in Steinbacher-Hohe.
He leaves it to your Assembly to pick out the best
piece of land in the area for the Temple itself. Later on,
when financial conditions in Germany, and in the Faith
generally, are better, consideration can be given to
additional land for Temple accessories, etc.
The Guardian states it is satisfactory to secure designs etc.
from architects, both &Baha'i and &non-Baha'i, from Germany
and also from other countries. In other words, you are free
to handle this matter actively, submitting designs to the
Guardian as they are received by you. The Guardian of
course wishes the &Baha'i architects to have an opportunity
to submit their views concerning this sacred edifice.
In connection with your question of how you should
proceed, if it is suitable to ask for designs by architects
outside of Germany; this of course is left for you to handle
in your own way. Of course it is suitable for you to
correspond with the Spiritual Assemblies in the countries
involved, asking them to be of assistance in this important
matter.
The Guardian is very hopeful that you may be able to
conclude the purchase of the land, by the middle of April. It
+P210
will be a great victory for the Faith, if it can be accomplished
within the first year of the Ten-Year Crusade.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf,
that every obstacle may be removed from your path, and
your actions be both guided and confirmed....
P.S. In your letter of February 3rd; the maps attached; and
your letter of February 7th, you refer to Steinbacher Hohe
as No. C. while in your letter of February 5th, you refer to it
as No. B. So that all documents may have the same
reference, I have changed your letter of February 5th, to
show Steinbacher Hohe, as No. C.; and Forsthausstrasse as
No. B.
3 April 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious to have full
information concerning the pioneers in the virgin areas of
the Ten-Year Crusade. In order to complete the records
which I have been compiling for him, can you give me the
following information:
Frisian Islands: Please let me have the address of Miss
Gertrude Ankersmidt, in the Frisian Isles....
17 April 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
At the instruction of our beloved Guardian, I am
forwarding you herewith his Convention Message. He
wishes you to have it read aloud to the assembled delegates,
and then published and circulated among the believers....
+P211
21 April 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
I am forwarding you herewith a copy of the Guardian's
Convention Message which was mailed you a short time
ago. As there is a pilgrim leaving, he is taking the precaution
of having this mailed in Europe.
I hope it reaches you in time for the Convention....
30 April 1954
INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY 11400 SQUARE METERS
SUFFICIENT TEMPLE SITE.
Shoghi
2 May 1954
WELCOME REDEDICATION DELEGATES URGE INTENSIFICATION
EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS LOVING
REMEMBRANCES SHRINES.
Shoghi
28 May 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you
concerning an action recently taken by your National
Assembly, as published in your January-February &Baha'i
News, that &non-Baha'is may attend 19-Day Feasts if "the
earnestness of their interest in the Faith" is vouched for by a
declared believer.
+P212
The Guardian wishes me to direct your attention to the
fact that none of the institutions of the Faith nor its cardinal
principles may be changed under any circumstances.
The 19-Day Feast is an institution of the Cause, first
established by the &Bab, later confirmed by &Baha'u'llah, and
now made a prominent part of the administrative order of
the Faith. These 19-Day Feasts are for the &Baha'is, and the
&Baha'is exclusively, and no variation from this principle is
permitted.
Thus the Guardian feels you should rescind the action
taken by your Assembly in opening the Feasts to "near
&Baha'is", as it is not consistent with the spirit of the
administrative order for &non-Baha'is or near &Baha'is to
attend the 19-Day Feasts, particularly the administrative
portion of the Feast.
The Guardian realizes the spirit which animated you in
making the suggested proposal, in order that the teaching
work might go forward more aggressively; but he feels in
the long run it would be detrimental to the Faith, and
therefore should be rescinded as indicated above.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
8 June 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian has been greatly pleased with the
achievements of the friends throughout the world during the
first year of the Ten-Year Crusade. Victories were won in
all parts of the world, and on many fronts. The Faith was
established in 101 countries of the world, bringing the light
of guidance to 229 countries and islands.
We now enter the second phase of the Ten-Year Crusade.
+P213
The Guardian's message to the Convention has outlined the
goals to be achieved during this second phase.
One of the important items was the purchase of
&Haziratu'l-Quds for future National Spiritual Assemblies.
The Guardian feels that immediate steps should be taken to
fulfil a part of this project. In all, there are 49 &Haziratu'l-Quds
to be purchased--4 already are owned. He feels that
during the second year of the Crusade, 17 additional
&Haziratu'l-Quds should be purchased. These should not be
elaborate structures, but modest houses, which can serve at
the present time, as local &Haziratu'l-Quds, but which will be
converted into National &Haziratu'l-Quds as soon as the
National Assemblies are formed.
The Guardian feels that steps should be taken
immediately to purchase the &Haziratu'l-Quds in Vienna. A
fund should be started so that the friends may contribute to
this important project when they wish.
The Guardian has been informed that a small property
has been procured in Vienna, to serve as a Headquarters.
He is anxious to know if this property has been purchased,
or is being rented. If it has been purchased, and is an
independent property, it of course can serve temporarily as
a &Hazira for the local Assembly, and then later be made the
National &Hazira. If, on the other hand, the building is being
rented, and it is satisfactory, efforts should be made to
purchase it. If it cannot be purchased, then some other small
property should be bought. The Guardian wishes it clearly
understood that a &Hazira must be a piece of land owned by
the &Baha'is, and not a rented piece of property.
The Guardian will appreciate advice from you as quickly
as possible of the steps being taken to fulfill this important
task of the second phase of the Ten-Year Plan. He feels this
property should be purchased during the current year....
+P214
P.S.--The Guardian requests that you inform all the
friends that their most important duty at the present time is
the fulfillment of the tasks of the Ten-Year Crusade. This
calls for the sacrifice of local activities in order that the
national and international development of the Faith may go
forward uninterruptedly. No local institutions should be
started. The National Assembly should see that money is
not spent on local centers at this time, and the friends
should be encouraged to concentrate on the national and
international activities of the Faith.
25 June 1954
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The letters of your Assembly dated June 18, August 11,
September 2 (4), 13, October 14, November 9 and 24,
1953, and January 16 (2), February 3, 5 (2), 7, 11, March
7, April 19, May 12 and June 19, 1954, with their
enclosures, as well as the material forwarded under separate
cover, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and
he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is sorry that pressure of work prevented him from
writing more frequently to the National Spiritual
Assemblies, including your own. Indeed, he is beginning to
wonder how much longer he can go on attending to the
multiplying affairs of the Cause of today, and keeping up
correspondence as well.
He is very pleased to see that the work in Germany is
really going forward at a visibly more rapid rate. The
German friends, one of the oldest Communities in Europe,
so devoted and loyal, and who have suffered so much
+P215
during two wars, are beginning at last to see the institutions
of their Faith emerging in their native land in a more
concrete form than the realm of hope and dreams.
The national &Haziratu'l-Quds, which was purchased so
shortly after the end of the last world conflagration, has
now been followed by the plan for the first &Baha'i Temple
on European soil, a truly noble and inspiring undertaking.
In this connection he wishes to say that he is very sorry he
could not agree to the proposals you sent him so far. As
your Assembly is aware, the &Baha'is all over the world are
building up national institutions and purchasing, in various
areas, Temple sites, etc. It is only natural that each
Assembly should feel justified in making an initial suitable
investment for its Temple site or its national &Haziratu'l-Quds.
However, the Guardian, to whom all the news comes
from all over the world, is forced to face the fact that if your
Assembly, the Canadian Assembly, the British Community,
the Italian-Swiss Assembly etc. etc. each pays as heavy sums
for its &Baha'i Temple site or national headquarters as they
propose to in these reports, which they send him, the &Baha'i
world would never be able to get out of debt. Desirable as
each place is, when considered from a local standpoint, it
becomes on an international scale, a program that is
financially impossible. That is why he urged your Assembly
to drastically curtail the area and the price. He has done the
same thing in many other parts of the world. He hopes that
you will shortly be able to purchase the land required.
There now remains the important consideration of a
design for the &Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. It does not matter
whether it is executed by a &Baha'i or a &non-Baha'i architect,
but the essential thing is that it must be beautiful and
dignified. There must be none of this hideous, exaggerated,
bizarre style, which one sees in many modern buildings. It is
+P216
not befitting for our House of Worship. He thinks that you
should impress this on any architects wishing to submit
drawings. The essentials of the design, as stipulated by
&Abdu'l-Baha are that the building should be nine-sided, and
circular in shape. Aside from this, the architect is not
restricted in any way in choosing his style of design.
Whenever you have a sufficient collection of drawings, he
would be pleased to receive them, and give you his advice.
A very large building at this time is not necessary, as the
expense would overtax our resources too heavily; and the
Persian &Baha'is, who are so much more numerous, will have
to, during the coming nine years, build a much larger and
more pretentious structure in &Tihran, and consequently a
more expensive one.
Regarding the matter of ...: individual &Baha'is are
always encouraged to travel and teach, and no doubt he has
been of much assistance in Germany. The Guardian,
however, feels your Assembly was quite right in considering
that your limited financial resources should be spent
supporting pioneers, rather than a travelling teacher in
Germany.
The eagerness of the friends to serve, often carries them
away, and they forget that a sound sense of business
management is also much needed, if we are to harbour our
resources and accomplish all our goals.
He was delighted to see that so many of the &Baha'is from
Germany were present at the Stockholm Conference, and
that they were able to meet with their colleagues from
Austria. He hopes that your teaching work in Austria will
make marked progress during the present year. The Cause
there has been too long neglected, and undoubtedly there is
a very fertile field, waiting only to be cultivated, in order to
yield a rich harvest.
+P217
It has indeed been a great blessing to the German
Community to receive the visits of so many Hands of the
Cause of God from abroad during the past year.
He hopes that the auxiliary Board for Europe recently
established, will be of great help in the work to be carried
out by the administrative bodies throughout Europe.
The most important thing is to keep the pioneer
territories which have been settled open. There must be no
lapse. The friends must be urged to remain at their posts at
all costs. They must remember the glorious example of
Marion Jack, who recently passed away in Bulgaria, after
almost 30 years of devoting her life to teaching the Faith in
that country of her choice. As many of you who knew her
personally will recall, her health was very bad, as far back
as 1935, when she attended the Esslingen Summer School.
It certainly never improved. She was bombed, evacuated,
she slept in some drafty, cold room in a school in the
country, was often, we have reason to believe, almost
hungry, and insufficiently clad after the war, due to
difficulties in getting money through to her in an Soviet-dominated
territory. She never mastered the language, and
was without friends of her own country; and yet, she
persevered, and, in spite of even the Guardian's pleas that
she leave the country during the worst years of the war,
remained at her post, and won for herself imperishable
fame, her resting-place becoming a shrine in Bulgaria,
which the people of that country will increasingly honour
and cherish.
It is to this glorious soul that the present generation of
pioneers must look for inspiration and example.
He is very happy that the German &Baha'is have been able
to settle in Crete and the Frisian Islands, a great step
forward, when one realizes how much their activities have
+P218
been circumscribed, during the past thirty years, by
circumstances over which they had no control.
He thanks you for sending him ten copies of each of your
new publications, and would like you to continue doing so,
as any new literature comes out.
So far he has not received any copies of "God Passes By"
in German, but is hoping to do so.
He appreciates very much the sentiments you expressed to
him in connection with the loss of our dear Hands of the
Cause, Mr. Schopflocher and Mrs. Baker. The friends
everywhere must try and make up for the work these
devoted and consecrated souls would have done, had they
not passed to the &Abha Kingdom. In this way they can best
express their admiration and gratitude.
He is very happy to see that your National Convention
has been so successful, and that the influence of the future
Temple is already being felt, and attracting the hearts of the
believers, including many previously inactive. It shows what
these &Baha'i institutions are going to do as they develop.
You may be sure that he remembers all the members of
your Assembly in his loving prayers in the holy Shrines, and
supplicates that the German and Austrian &Baha'i
Communities may exceed all their past records of
achievement during this present &Baha'i year....
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The achievements of the German and Austrian &Baha'i
communities, since the launching of the Ten-Year Global
Crusade, embarked upon by the followers of the Faith of
&Baha'u'llah, mark a notable advancement in the progress
and consolidation of the Faith in the heart of the European
continent. The weighty and historic task so valiantly
shouldered by both of these communities has been
+P219
splendidly initiated, and must, as the Plan unfolds, be
prosecuted with increasing vigilance, unswerving resolve,
whole-hearted consecration, complete unity, and exemplary
steadfastness.
The greatest, most pressing and sacred enterprise,
challenging the spirit and resources of all the members of
both of these communities--the purchase of the land, for
the first &Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of Europe and the prompt
initiation of measures for its construction--demands,
during this present phase of the Crusade, the utmost
concentration of effort, and the most sublime sacrifice on
the part of the German and Austrian believers--an effort
and sacrifice in which their brethren, in both the East, and
the West, will gladly participate, as a token of their
appreciation of the historic significance of this mighty
institution destined to be firmly established and radiate its
beneficent influence in the very heart of that continent.
The purchase of the site must be expedited, the selection
of a befitting design for so glorious an edifice must be made
with as little delay as possible, and the preliminary steps for
the excavation of the foundations must be undertaken with
care, promptitude and determination.
The rise of this symbol and harbinger of the World Order
of &Baha'u'llah, as yet in the embryonic stage of its
development, amidst the confusion, the anxieties, the
rivalries and the recurrent crises that mark the decline of a
moribund civilization, will, no doubt, lend a tremendous
impetus to the onward march of the Faith in all the
continents of the Globe, and will, more than any other
single act, direct the attention of the spiritually
impoverished, the economically afflicted, the socially
disturbed, and the morally disoriented masses of a sorely
tried continent to its nascent institutions.
+P220
Parallel with these measures, destined to contribute so
effectively to the rise and establishment of the
Administrative Order of the Faith in both Germany and
Austria, a systematic effort must be exerted by the national
elected representatives of the &Baha'i communities in these
two countries to multiply, as speedily as possible, the
assemblies, groups and isolated centres, through a wider
dispersal on the part of the believers, and the launching of
an intensive campaign of teaching designed to increase,
swiftly and steadily the number of the active supporters of
the Faith.
The pioneers who have so valiantly settled in the virgin
areas assigned to the National Spiritual Assembly of the
&Baha'is of Germany and Austria, must, however great the
sacrifice, safeguard the prizes so laboriously won, and
strive, by every means in their power, to consolidate,
through extensive teaching work, their splendid and
unforgettable achievements.
While this double process of multiplication of &Baha'i
centres, and development of the newly opened areas, is
being assiduously carried out, a no less notable progress
must be made in the consolidation of these two
communities, through the initiation of local incorporations
which will pave the way for the establishment of local &Baha'i
endowments, and will serve to reinforce the foundations of
all local &Baha'i communities.
The establishment of a national &Haziratu'l-Quds in the
capital city of Austria, as well as of national endowments in
that country--measures that will herald the formation of
an independent National Spiritual Assembly, and the
erection of yet another pillar of the Universal House of
Justice, in the heart of the European continent--should be
+P221
regarded as the paramount objectives of this second phase
of the Ten-Year Crusade which we are now entering.
No less vital and urgent is the task of establishing, in the
course of this second stage in the unfoldment of this world
spiritual Crusade, of a &Baha'i Publishing Trust, similar, in
its essentials, to the one already functioning in the British
Isles, and of lending a fresh impetus to the translation, the
publication and dissemination of &Baha'i literature in the
German language--a task which will greatly accelerate the
all-important teaching work, and enhance the prestige of
the Faith, and promote the vital interests of its institutions.
The Community of the German and Austrian believers,
the recipient of such signal honours from the Center of
&Baha'u'llah's Covenant in the past; born and nurtured in its
infancy under His fostering care in the course of the
concluding decades of the Apostolic Age of the Faith;
eminently successful in laying the foundations of its
Administrative Order in the years immediately following
His Ascension; emerging, purified and strengthened, from
the fire of a severe and prolonged ordeal after the conclusion
of the second world war; demonstrating its capacity and
resilience through the initiation and prosecution of a
carefully designed Plan, despite the exhaustion of a terrible
and harrowing conflict that endangered its life and shook it
to its foundations,--such a community has now risen to
assume its rightful place in the world-encompassing
Crusade launched by the followers of &Baha'u'llah; has
splendidly initiated its Ten-Year Plan through the
inauguration of its glorious Mission in foreign fields, and is
now forging ahead, with magnificent courage, resolution,
thoroughness, and fidelity, in its endeavour to win fresh
laurels in the course of this second and newly opened stage
in the unfoldment of the Plan to which it stands committed.
+P222
May the vision of its members remain undimmed, their
resolution never flag, their steps never falter. May they, as
the years go by, demonstrate afresh the solidity of their
faith, the nobility of their motives, the sublimity of their
devotion, the tenacity of their resolution, in the service of a
Faith they have served so devotedly in the past and which
they will, undoubtedly, promote with unabated zeal, in the
future,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
28 June 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your loving letter of June 9th has come to hand, telling of
the activities of the friends in connection with the
development of the teaching work in Germany and Austria,
as well as in the pioneering fields.
So far as the questions you ask are concerned, the
following will answer question Number 1, as this is a matter
which the Guardian has elucidated.
The direction of the pioneers is entirely in the hands of the
National Assemblies under whom they are serving. The
Guardian simply enunciates the principle, and then it is up
to the National Assemblies to apply that principle. The
principle is that pioneers entering the pioneer field should
realize that they are going there to represent the Cause, in
fact, to be the Cause.
Their minds and their hearts should be centered in their
new tasks and in their new environment. They should not
be thinking of when they can return home, or when they can
go somewhere else. Only when the Faith is firmly
+P223
established should they give any thought to moving, and
then, only in consultation with the National Assembly.
So far as pioneers taking a holiday is concerned, that is
entirely in the hands of the National Assembly. You can
appreciate that all of this depends upon location, and to a
certain extent, funds. If a person feels they need a little
change for a week or two, that of course is something which
should be handled in each case.
The Guardian does not wish to make any hard and fast
rules on any of these matters.
I will write you again in response to the other questions
when the Guardian has given his advice....
23 July 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Will you please refer to your letter of June 9th and my
acknowledgment of June 28th, in which you raise certain
questions. The beloved Guardian has directed me to give
you the answers as follows:
Number 2: He feels your plan of giving individuals, who
became &Baha'is in France, but who have not yet given up
their church affiliation, one year in which to do so, is
satisfactory.
Number 3: Up to the age of 15 years, children are under
the direction of their parents. At the age of 15, they may
declare their Faith as a conviction, and be registered as
&Baha'i youth, whether the parents are &Baha'is or not.
Children under the age of 15, of &Baha'i parents, who wish to
attend meetings and associate with the friends as &Baha'is
may do so. If &non-Baha'i parents permit a child of less than
+P224
15 to attend &Baha'i meetings, and in fact, to be a &Baha'i, this
is likewise permissible.
Number 4: The beloved Guardian instructs that
whenever an Assembly loses some members between the
&Ridvan periods, bringing the membership to less than 9, the
Assembly reverts immediately to Group status. However,
when they get a sufficient number of new members to reach
9, then they immediately become an Assembly again.
The beloved Guardian greatly values your devoted
services to the Faith, and the manner in which you are
undertaking the heavy responsibilities of propagating the
Faith, as well as consolidating its institutions.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends
you his loving greetings....
27 September 1954 (Summer School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The note of loving greeting, which was signed by all those
present at the Summer School, has been received by the
beloved Guardian, and this is just a brief note of
acknowledgment on his behalf.
He was very happy to see that it was possible for so many
of the friends to be present, and that you had the bounty of
having the favored Hand of the Cause, Dr. &Muhlschlegel,
with you. He feels sure such a gathering must have released
new strength and zeal; and that each one will now
determine to double or even treble his past efforts during the
second year of this historic Ten-Year Crusade.
He sends you all his loving greetings....
+P225
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your efforts, aid you to promote,
at all times, the vital interests of His Faith, and contribute
continually to the multiplication and consolidation of its
nascent and divinely appointed institutions,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
18 November 1954
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
This will acknowledge receipt of your kind letter of
November 9th, advising that you have received the gift of
Three Thousand Dollars, which the beloved Guardian has
sent for your Temple fund.
I will inform the Guardian of your deep appreciation of
his gift.
So far as the establishment of the Israel Branch of the
National Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria is
concerned, there is nothing for you to do in connection
therewith at this time. This matter will be handled here in
the Holy Land. When it is consummated, it may be
necessary and advisable for your National Assembly to pass
certain resolutions in connection with it, but I will inform
you about this in due course.
At the moment it does not seem propitious for the
establishment of further Israel Branches at this time; and the
Guardian has therefore instructed that this matter be
delayed a little longer. You may be sure however it will be
taken care of in due course.
With loving greetings to you and all the members of the
National Assembly....
+P226
12 December 1954
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your letter of November 26th was received by the
beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you
on his behalf.
He is very happy to see the spirit of love and unity
animating you, because without this no work can go
forward in the Cause of God. Personal differences of
opinion, of character etc. must melt away in the love of the
friends for &Baha'u'llah, and their desire to serve His Cause.
He hopes that in the near future the Vienna Community
will have its &Haziratu'l-Quds, to which he attaches the
greatest importance, as it will be the visible sign of the firm
foundation on which that Community stands.
He will pray for you all, and for the rapid spread of the
Faith through your efforts....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your meritorious efforts, reward
you abundantly for your valued and constant services, and
enable you to achieve great and memorable victories in the
days to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
10 February 1955
Dear Mrs. Grossmann:
Your loving letter of December 27th is here on my return
from Europe.
I am under the impression you asked me when in
Germany whether the message of our Beloved Guardian of
+P227
November 27th, should be shared with the Friends. In any
event, the Guardian surely does wish this important
message shared with all the Friends. While the wording of
the last paragraph might seem a little obscure, yet the
Guardian's intention was that all National Assemblies
should be sent a copy, and they in turn release it to the
Friends.
We have corrected the records to show that the number of
declared Adherents to the Faith in Iraklion, Crete is one,
and not two....
10 February 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed that I write you in
connection with the Temple project for Germany.
He is anxious to receive the latest word with regard to the
purchase of the site for the Temple, hoping all the problems
have now cleared up, or will soon be cleared up and
ownership be vested with your body.
He also feels that you should proceed with the
preparation of designs for the Temple, which he
understands you will arrange by means of a competition of
architects. He feels you should proceed with this phase of
the Temple regardless of the question of land ownership.
Time is moving along rapidly, and he hopes it will not be
too long before the design is chosen.
In passing, there is one point to be mentioned; and that is
that the Temple in Wilmette does not constitute a pattern
for other Temples, nor does it represent a new type of
&Baha'i architecture. Therefore it is not necessary for your
architects to endeavour to follow that pattern. What should
+P228
be done is to follow the Master's instructions as to the
Temple, and then create something that will be desirable
and appropriate for your area....
23 February 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very closely watching the
development of the Ten Year Crusade on all fronts. One of
the goals of the second phase of the Ten Year Crusade is the
incorporation of local and national assemblies.
The Guardian is hoping that your National Assembly
may take this important matter in hand, so that during the
coming &Baha'i year, as many as possible of your local
assemblies will become incorporated. He feels this is a very
important activity, and one which you should follow up just
as closely as possible.
Will you please send me a report for the Guardian of any
activities along this line which are underway; and if not,
what can be done to set such a program in motion.
It is needless for me to comment of course on the fact that
another one of the major objectives of the second phase of
the Ten Year Crusade is the multiplication of &Baha'i centers,
and particularly the development of &Baha'i groups into
assemblies. The way in which this can be best accomplished
is by the &Baha'is in the larger centers dispersing to weak
areas or to entirely new centers.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
+P229
23 February 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Please refer to copy of my letter of April 20th to Dr.
Giachery, with a copy to you, with regard to specifications
for &Baha'i Temples.
The Beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you,
explaining that while the question of a Dome for a &Baha'i
Temple, is not specified in the Teachings, yet he feels that
for the Temple in Germany, you should plan a building with
a central Dome. He thinks it would enhance the beauty of
the structure now being planned for Frankfurt....
8 March 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious to secure, as
quickly as possible, data concerning the &Haziratu'l-Quds
which have been acquired in connection with the goals of
the Ten Year Crusade. To this end, he would very greatly
appreciate your sending me by return air mail the
information concerning the &Haziratu'l-Quds in Vienna.
He would like to know the area of land involved, the size
of the building, so far as number of rooms is concerned, the
original purchase price of the &Haziratu'l-Quds, the expenses
of the transaction, and then the total cost.
The Guardian asks that this be sent to me by return air
mail....
+P230
11 March 1955
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of February 25th has just come to
hand.
It was a great pleasure for me to have been able to visit the
friends in Frankfurt and Stuttgart; and we will long
remember the loving hospitality which was extended to us
by all the friends.
I do not know what more can be done in behalf of...
Certain members if the American N.S.A. are in close touch
with the authorities in Washington; and if they have written
you that nothing more can be done, I think that is the last
word; at least I have nothing more which I can suggest.
Please give my deep love to all the members of the
National Assembly....
29 March 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
On April 21st we will enter the last year of the second
phase of the Ten Year Crusade. As you know, one of the
objectives of this second phase is the rapid multiplication of
Assemblies, Groups and Centres throughout the world.
During the past year, a great deal has been accomplished
by the friends in their efforts to disperse from the large
centres of population in order to build up the goal cities and
establish new centres. However we have not accomplished a
great deal in the way of increasing the number of &Baha'is,
nor the number of Spiritual Assemblies.
+P231
The beloved Guardian sincerely hopes you will make it a
point of major study and consideration on the part of your
Assembly, so that the entire Community may lend itself to
the accomplishment of this great goal during the coming
year. Foundations must be laid for many more Assemblies.
The friends must disperse from the large centres of
population. Our teaching work must become so sanctified
and penetrating that many, many souls will be confirmed.
The friends should go forward on this great task in a very
determined manner in order to establish as many new
Assemblies during the coming year as are possible.
In letters which have come to the beloved Guardian, he
has noted the friends feel there is no need to establish new
Assemblies until 1963.
The Ten Year Crusade ends in 1963; but as many of the
goals should be won as quickly as is possible. It should
certainly be clear to all of the friends that we cannot hold off
on winning the various goals of our tasks until the last year
of the Crusade. They should be won just as quickly as
possible. Furthermore, there are many tasks of the Crusade
which the Guardian is not launching until preliminary goals
have been won. For instance, it would be impossible to
establish National Assemblies in all of the areas proposed
until there are more &Baha'is, more Groups and more
Assemblies in those countries.
On the home front, further tasks are dependent upon the
winning of victories now. The Guardian hopes the keynote
of the teaching work on the home front during the current
year will be the dispersion of the friends on an
unprecedented scale, and the winning of as many
Assemblies as is possible....
+P232
20 April 1955
Dear Ugo:
I have your favor of April 10th, telling of your visit with
the German Architect, Prof. Dr. Bartning, and his
explanation to you of the elements to be incorporated in the
new Temple for Germany.
The Beloved Guardian explains that there is no
requirement for one window to be oriented toward the East.
In fact, he feels this should not be done; otherwise it will
take on a practice of the Moslems with regard to their
prayer niche, etc. I am sending a copy of this note to the
German NSA, so they will understand.
The Guardian has also indicated that there is nothing in
the teaching requiring one dome for the building, in fact,
any dome. It is of course more beautiful, generally to have a
dome, or even domes, but that is not a necessary
requirement of the Temple.
Likewise the Guardian indicates, it is not essential that
there be nine doors.
The real requisite is that the building should be circular in
shape, having nine sides; that there should be nine gardens,
walks, etc....
1 May 1955 (Convention)
DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE. URGE DELEGATES
ROUSE ALL COMMUNITIES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT
COURSE LAST YEAR SECOND PHASE CRUSADE
MULTIPLICATION CENTERS ASSEMBLIES CONSOLIDATION
ALLOTED NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES INTENSIFICATION
TEACHING ACTIVITIES INCORPORATION
+P233
ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHMENT ENDOWMENTS PUBLISHING
TRUST. URGE CONCENTRATION EXTENSION WORK
AUSTRIA EXPEDITE PRELIMINARIES CONSTRUCTION
TEMPLE SUPPLICATING ABUNDANT BLESSINGS
Shoghi
1 July 1955
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
The beloved Guardian was very happy indeed to learn of
the confirmation of an additional &Baha'i in the Island of
Crete.
The Guardian is very anxious to know the racial
background of the new &Baha'is in these new areas. I am
wondering therefore if you could let me know what the
nationality is of the first new &Baha'i in Crete, as well as this
second &Baha'i.
The Guardian is anxious to know if either one of these
two are pure Greek stock....
2 August 1955
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Your letters of June 11, July 16 and 22, August 30,
October 12 and 17, November 2 and 17 and December 10,
1954; and January 31 and February 19, April 28 and May
21, 1955, with their various enclosures, have all been
+P234
recived by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me
to answer you on his behalf.
As the work of the Ten-Year Crusade steadily grows, he
finds it more and more difficult to correspond with the
National Assemblies frequently; and indeed is wondering
what will be the situation in a few years' time, when we have
so many additional National Bodies. This explains why you
have not heard from him before.
He was very happy to hear that the Vienna &Haziratu'l-Quds
has been purchased, as this eliminates one of the
important goals assigned to your Assembly under the Ten-Year
Plan. He will be pleased to see photographs of the
building.
He feels that your action in advising the Crete pioneers to
be very discreet in all respects, and your decision to
correspond with them for the time being through their
parents, were very wise.
The friends who have gone forth to new lands cannot be
too careful. Unless they can stay long enough to convert at
least a small group of people, who will be firmly grounded
in the Faith, and continue to work if they are forced to
leave, a great deal of time and money will have been wasted,
and the progress of the Plan suffer a serious setback.
He will certainly pray for the pioneers there, for their
protection and their guidance. They should by all means
persevere and act discreetly.
He was very satisfied to hear of the progress made at the
Teaching Conference held in Frankfurt under the aegis of
the European Hands. He feels sure that this helped to
stimulate and coordinate the work. Association and
consultation, as &Abdu'l-Baha so repeatedly emphasized,
have a great effect on the friends, and enable them to see the
work of the Cause as a whole, rather than as a small local
+P235
enterprise in which their personalities and other people's
personalities often conflict; and challenge them to arise and
go forth into new fields, in order to spread the Faith far and
wide.
The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to the
Temple enterprise. He feels that if, for any reason, you do
not win the case and get permission to build the Temple on
the land you have already chosen, a new piece of land must
be speedily bought. He is hoping that the case will be
satisfactorily settled, and that there will be no necessity for
you to look further.
The preparation of designs for the Temple he feels,
however, should not wait upon the conclusion of the court
case. It is going to take some time to receive designs, to
forward them to him for his advice, and to incorporate any
possible changes that may be deemed necessary, if one of the
designs is found satisfactory. He therefore advises you to
open the competition as soon as you can, and not lose any
more time.
He wishes at this juncture to stress to your Assembly the
need for economy. The Temple must naturally be a
dignified and worthy edifice. He does not consider that any
of these modernistic experiments in architecture are at all
suitable for a building of this nature, lacking as they so often
do, beauty and dignity.
He also considers that the building should be a relatively
small one, both because of the size of the Community in
Germany, and the financial resources of the Faith at
present. The most important thing of all is to build this first
Temple on European soil.
In the days when &Abdu'l-Baha was urging the American
&Baha'is to build the first &Mashriqu'l-Adhkar of the western
world, He repeatedly emphasized that it could be a modest
+P236
building, and that the important thing was the spiritual
element that this House of Worship in the name of
&Baha'u'llah should be raised in the heart of America. The
same thing applies now to your Temple in Germany. Size
and pretentiousness are not important. The important thing
is that the building should be speedily erected, and be a
financial possibility, not placing, as the American Temple, a
terrible strain on the friends for years to come.
He is happy to see that the German friends have been
able, during the last 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.
+P237
[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
+P238
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
+P239
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,
+P240
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
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
+P241
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....
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
+P242
30 September 1955
GUARDIAN RECEIVED ONE PACKAGE TEMPLE
DRAWINGS ARE THESE ALL SUBMISSIONS OR ARE
OTHERS ENROUTE LOVING GREETINGS....
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....
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
+P243
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.
+P244
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....
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,
+P245
and aid you to render His Faith notable services in the days
to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
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
+P246
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. &Muhlschlegel. He wishes to assure you and
likewise to assure Dr. &Muhlschlegel of his loving prayers for
Dr. &Muhlschlegel's complete recovery. He values Dr.
&Muhlschlegel'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.
+P247
November 1955+F1
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
+F1 Letter without date, was received 23rd November 1955.
+P248
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....
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.
+P249
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
+P250
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....
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?...
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
+P251
during my visit in Europe, or can meet. I could arrange to be
in Germany early in January....
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....
+P252
3 February 1956
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write to your
Assembly explaining 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....
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
+P253
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....
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
+P254
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....
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....
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.
+P255
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,
+P256
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.
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.
+P257
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....
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.
+P258
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....
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....
+P259
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....
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.
+P260
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
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
+P261
does not feel we can wait now, for an entire new
development by Mr. Grund, unless he has it under way....
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....
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
+P262
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.
+P263
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
+P264
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
+P265
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....
+P266
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.
+P267
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.
+P268
Another matter of vital importance, and destined to exert
a lasting 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
+P269
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
+P270
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
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....
+P271
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....
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....
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.
+P272
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....
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....
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
+P273
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....
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.
... NSA, and if so, his contribution cannot be accepted.
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.
+P274
Your report for the year 112 in English has been sent on
to the Guardian, for his study and perusal....
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
+P275
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....
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....
+P276
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....
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....
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
+P277
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
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....
+P278
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
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
+P279
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.
+P280
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.
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....
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
+P281
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....
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
+P282
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....
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....
+P283
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
+P284
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....
10 January 1957
GUARDIAN APPROVES PURCHASE LAND POLISCHER
BERG WITH ASSURANCE NO COMPLICATIONS
ERECTION TEMPLE.
11 January 1957
MR SABET CHARGED BY GUARDIAN MEET WITH YOUR
NSA IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE CABLE DATE
PLACE NEXT MEETING.
11 January 1957
IS KRIFTEL REFERRED YOURS FIRST SAME AS POLISCHER
BERG REFERRED MY CABLE EIGHTH.
+P285
13 January 1957
GUARDIAN URGES IMMEDIATE PURCHASE TEMPLE
LAND. TRANSLATION INTO UNOPENED TERRITORY
LANGUAGE ALSO HAVE PIONEERS READY TO MOVE
FIRST OPPORTUNITY.
19 January 1957
WHAT IS STATUS TEMPLE LAND POLISCHER BERG
PLEASE CABLE.
19 January 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
I cabled you today, as follows:
"What is status purchase Temple Land Polischer Berg.
Please cable."
I cabled you on January 8th that the Guardian approved
purchase of the land of Polischer Berg, with the assurance
that there would be no complications in connection with the
erection of the Temple.
Your letter later spoke of the Temple Land near Kriftel,
and I cabled to ascertain if this is the same land as referred
to at Polischer Berg. I take it, it is.
The Guardian now hopes all matters are clarified, and
that your Assembly is in a position to purchase this land,
and thus start the construction of the Temple. Your early
advice and confirmation will be appreciated by him....
+P286
19 January 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Miss Bertha Matthiessen, one of the dear &Baha'is of
Southern California, who has spent some time in Germany,
and is no doubt, well known to you; is returning to
Germany from the United States in March 1957.
She has written the Guardian that after a rest at Bad
Nauheim, she will get in touch with your Assembly, or the
Teaching Committee, to assist in the teaching work. The
Guardian has written her, expressing his appreciation of
this offer on her part to assist in the important work in
Germany and Austria, and suggested that if she could settle
in one of the goal cities in Austria, after consultation with
your Assembly or Teaching Committee, it would be highly
meritorious.
This note is sent to you, so you may understand, when
she gets in touch with you this spring....
24 Janaury 1957 (Winter School)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your message dated January 5th has reached the beloved
Guardian, and he was very happy to see that the friends had
been able to meet and deepen their understanding of the
Faith.
He hopes that the German &Baha'is, especially the Youth,
will do all they can to consolidate the foundations of the
work already so painstakingly laid in Germany during a
period of almost half a century; and that each &Baha'i will
consider it his privilege and duty to support the teaching
work, either through pioneering to new Centers, or
+P287
strengthening weak Assemblies, or assisting the Groups to
become Assemblies.
He assures you all of his loving prayers for your
success....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide and sustain
you, and enable you to extend the scope of your valued
activities, acquire a fuller understanding of the
distinguishing features of His Faith, and lend an impetus to
the progress and consolidation of its divinely appointed
institutions,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
26 January 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Yesterday, a Jewish Seaman called, to present Greetings
from Mrs. Santa Felbermann, connected with the British
Legation in Budapest.
This gentlemen, who gave the name of Alexander
Goldhammer, advised he had been in Budapest a short time
ago, and Mrs. Felbermann, asked him to give her Greetings
to the Friends here.
It occurs to me you may wish to enter into
correspondence with her, if correspondence to Hungary is
possible now from West Germany. You may have
information from the &Baha'is who left Hungary recently,
and who, no doubt, were in touch with you.
I am also sending a copy of this letter to Mrs. Anne
Lynch, so she may write to Mrs. Felbermann, if
correspondence from Switzerland is now possible....
+P288
30 January 1957
APPROVE OFFENBACH URGE IMMEDIATE PURCHASE
Shoghi
17 February 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has suggested that your Assembly
arrange for a telegraphic address in Frankfurt, which will
simplify telegraphing to your honorable body.
Some of the National Assemblies have used the
designation "&Baha'i". Thus for instance, when we cable to
the American NSA, we simply address the cable "&Baha'i,
Wilmette". Australia uses "Natbahai". As soon as you have
arranged with the cable Company for your telegraphic
address, please let me know for the Guardian....
17 February 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write to your
Assembly, concerning the settlement of Persian &Baha'is in
Germany and Austria.
He has discussed the matter in some detail with ... when
they were here, and asked them to review the matter with
your Assembly.
It is artificial to build up communities or Assemblies with
Persians, or for that matter, any &Baha'is from other
countries. The Communities and Assemblies should be
made up of local people. Thus in any of the Centers where a
+P289
large number of Persian &Baha'is have settled, your Assembly
should discuss the subject with them, and urge them to
move to goal cities, where there are no &Baha'is, or groups, in
order to assist in the teaching work. Thus, the artificial
Assemblies will necessarily have to be constituted of local
&Baha'is, and many new centers will be opened. Thus the
Persian &Baha'is will become pioneers and greatly aid the
teaching work. At the same time, it will mean that the
German &Baha'is will have to redouble their efforts and win
many converts to the Faith, in the cities from which the
Persians move, and which are now artificial.
The Guardian hopes this action will stimulate the
teaching work throughout Germany.
He sends you his loving greetings....
10 March 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian is anxious to have an up to date
record of the number of &Baha'is in the Goal countries of the
Ten Year Crusade, as of April 1, 1957.
To this end I have prepared letters to each country or
island. Some of the current addresses etc. I do not have, and
I am taking the liberty of enclosing letters for the Frisian
Islands, and Crete.
May I ask if you will send them directly to the proper
persons, by air mail.
Please acknowledge and advise if you will arrange to do
this for me....
+P290
12 March 1957 (Regional Convention)
Dear &Baha'i Friends:
Your note of greeting has been received, and our beloved
Guardian was very happy to see that so many of the
believers had gathered together, old ones and new ones, and
he hopes that as a result of your studies and consultation a
new impetus will be given to the teaching work in Germany.
You may be sure he will pray for your success in the holy
Shrines; and he urges you one and all to concentrate on the
requirements of the Ten Year Plan as it affects the work in
Germany....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your highly meritorious efforts, aid
you to extend continually the scope of your valued
activities, surmount every obstacle, and lend a tremendous
impetus to the onward march of our beloved Faith and the
development and consolidation of its administrative
institutions,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
13 March 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian is very anxious to have an up to
date record of the total number of &Baha'i Centers in
Germany and Austria, separately;--excluding, of course,
the goal areas of the Ten Year Crusade, such as the Frisian
Islands, etc.
May I ask if you will send me a cable on receipt of this
giving just the totals for each country, as for instance
+P291
"Germany 100, Austria 25". There is no need for any
breakdown of Assemblies, Groups or Isolated Centers....
14 March 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has been greatly impressed by the
large number of Teaching Conferences held during the past
year.
I have an incomplete record of a conference held in
Austria. Can you cable me if this conference was held, the
dates, and place....
P.S. Please send the cable immediately on receipt of this
letter.
17 March 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
...So far as ... Mr. and Mrs. ... and children are
concerned, the Guardian wishes to know if they are
residents of Germany, or Persians traveling in Germany, or
there only for a short time. When did they arrive, and what
are their plans.
The purpose of this information is that if they actually are
Persian residents, traveling in Europe, then they will have to
go on the Persian list, and come when their turn comes
there. If they are permanently residing in Germany, then
the situation is different....
P.S. Also please advise what their background is!
+P292
29 March 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
As requested in your letter of March 23rd, I informed the
Beloved Guardian of the passing of Mr. Lehne, in Berlin, on
March 20th.
The Beloved Guardian asked me to advise you, and the
wife of Mr. Lehne, that he will pray for the progress of Mr.
Lehne's soul in the realms beyond.
He rendered outstanding services to the Faith, holding the
ideals of the Faith during the difficult days of the war....
Will you please inform Mrs. Lehne.
3 April 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of March 22nd, was duly received, and
its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.
He will be happy to welcome ... on their pilgrimage,
when their turn comes. It is not feasible just now for them to
come when ... return from Haifa. The Guardian will let ...
know when the time comes for their pilgrimage.
There are so many wishing to make the pilgrimage, that
the Guardian must receive them in the order of their
application. Thus, when the time comes for ..., the
Guardian will let them know....
9 April 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Your loving letter of April 2nd, has been received by the
+P293
Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge
it on his behalf.
He is happy to receive word of the progress which you are
making in connection with the purchase of the Temple
Land, and the securing of necessary building permits. He
hopes you will encounter no serious difficulties in
connection with the building permit, so that work on this
most important project, may start at an early date.
He will pray for your Assembly, that you may be able to
overcome all hindrances, and that the path may be
smoothed for an early conclusion of this troublesome
matter.
So far as the land in Offenbach is concerned, and the plan
of the city that we finance road work is concerned--this is
entirely impossible. The cost is too high, and furthermore
we should not become involved in local civic projects.
He sends you his loving greetings....
12 April 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
Enclosed is the beloved Guardian's Convention Message,
which you will be so kind as to deliver to the Chairman of
the National Convention to be read to and shared with the
friends.
This letter, in order to save time is being mailed by a
returning pilgrim, from Rome....
P.S.--Will you please acknowledge receipt of this letter
by cable to the Guardian.
+P294
18 April 1957
UNNECESSARY INADVISABLE ROCHOLL VISIT HAIFA
SUGGEST HE SUBMIT SUGGESTIONS GROSSMANNS FOR
DISCUSSION WHILE HERE...
19 April 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
The Beloved Guardian has been very deeply impressed
with the latest book of our dear departed co-worker, Hand
of the Cause, George Townshend, "Christ and &Baha'u'llah".
If you have not received copies, you should send to England
for them, so that the Friends may be familiar with its
contents.
This book outlines clearly the relationship of Christ and
&Baha'u'llah, and presents the manner in which the &Baha'i
Faith is setting up the Kingdom of God, which the
Christians are praying for.
The Guardian feels that your Assembly should make very
wide use of this book. You should secure publicity
regarding it in the Newspapers, book reviews, where
possible. Copies should be sent to the Religious leaders,
particularly to the Lutheran high Dignitaries.
This book is a challenge to religious leaders, and of
course, should be sent, also to those who opposed the
Temple Land sale. It may bring some opposition and
criticism, but in the long run, it will produce excellent
results for the Faith.
The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings....
+P295
19 April 1957
Dear &Baha'i Sister:
When His Excellency Mr. Ollenhauer was in Israel, in
accordance with the suggestion of your Assembly, effort
was made to contact him, and invite him to visit the Shrine
and Gardens on Mt. Carmel.
Unfortunately actual contact was not made. Mr. Ioas
spent a day in Jerusalem trying to meet him, but he was so
tied up with Government Officials it was impossible. Mr.
Ioas, however, left a note for him, in his hotel, welcoming
him to Israel, and inviting him to visit Haifa, and our
Shrines and Gardens. We gave him also, the Greetings of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the &Baha'is of Germany,
whose headquarters are in Frankfurt.
Attached is letter received from one of his party
presumably his Secretary, thanking us for the Greeting, and
saying he had seen the Shrine and Gardens in company with
the Mayor of Haifa, when he was in the City.
The Beloved Guardian thought you would wish to have
his letter, and know of the action taken here to effect a
meeting....
You may retain his letter in your files.
28 April 1957
DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE WELCOME NOBLE DETERMINATION
DELEGATES SUPPLICATING FERVENTLY
SIGNAL VICTORIES URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT
GOALS EXPEDITE COMMENCEMENT CONSTRUCTION
TEMPLE DEEPEST LOVE
SHOGHI
+P296
14 August 1957
Dear &Baha'i Brother:
Your Assembly's communications with their enclosures
and material sent under separate cover have all arrived
safely, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to
answer you on his behalf, and to acknowledge receipt of the
letters dated as follows: June 14, August 8 and 28,
September 2, October 27, November 19 and 22 and
December 4 and 26, 1956; and January 1 and 15, February
4, March 1, 2 and 9, April 2, 16 and 25, June 14, 19 (two)
and July 3, 8 and 19.
As a number of questions raised in your letters have been
answered by cable, or through the Secretary, I will not go
into them again here.
He thanks your Assembly for the trouble you took in
sending him the samples of tiles in connection with the
Archives floor. A rubber tile has now been ordered from
England, which he considers will be satisfactory.
As a member of your National Assembly has so recently
visited Haifa, namely, dear Mrs. Anna Grossmann, and
many of the points concerning the Temple land were
discussed with her, she has no doubt by now conveyed to
you the Guardian's views.
He feels that the German National Assembly must be
extremely practical in handling this matter and expedite the
purchase of a site for the Temple as soon as possible, and
without strings attached, such as the necessity to build a
road at our expense, or to raise loans from other National
Bodies, which is extremely impracticable and very unwise.
The German friends have money for their land and the
beginning of their Temple on hand, and should conserve
this money for the purpose stipulated, and neither ask other
+P297
National Bodies for loans, nor become involved with
municipal or state authorities, who want to get as much out
of the &Baha'is as possible, while, at the same time, it would
seem, giving them as little help as possible.
He also discussed with Mrs. Grossmann certain matters
she brought up as regards the Temple design and size. She
has no doubt reported his views to your Assembly.
He was shocked and indignant to hear of the conduct of
certain of the Persian &Baha'i students in Germany which had
been so criminal as to lead to their imprisonment. He feels
that your Assembly must keep before its eyes the balance
specified by &Baha'u'llah, Himself, in other words, justice,
reward and retribution. Although the Cause is still young
and tender, and many of the believers inexperienced, and
therefore loving forbearance is often called for in the place
of harsh measures, this does not mean that a National
Spiritual Assembly can under any circumstances tolerate
disgraceful conduct, flagrantly contrary to our Teachings,
on the part of any of its members, whoever they may be and
from wherever they may come. You should vigilantly watch
over and protect the interests of the &Baha'i Community, and
the moment you see that any of the Persian residents in
Germany, or, for that matter, German &Baha'is themselves,
are acting in a way to bring disgrace upon the name of the
Faith, warn them, and, if necessary, deprive them
immediately of their voting rights if they refuse to change
their ways. Only in this way can the purity of the Faith be
preserved. Compromise and weak measures will obscure
the vision of its followers, sap its strength, lower it in the
eyes of the public and prevent it from making any progress.
The National Assembly is the guardian of the welfare of
the Faith, a most sacred and heavy responsibility and one
which is inescapable. They must be ever vigilant, ever on the
+P298
lookout, ever ready to take action, and, on all matters of
fundamental principle, refuse to compromise for an instant.
Only in this way can the body of the Faith be free of disease.
He feels that you should investigate the situation in ...,
find out who is and who is not a &Baha'i, and insist that its
affairs be conducted in a &Baha'i manner by registered
&Baha'is, and that those who have not yet gotten credentials
from Persia should be placed in a different category,
entirely, from those who are registered by your Assembly as
voting members, and accepted as believers. The Persian
&Baha'is in many cases, who have either gone to Germany to
study or to assist in the work of the Faith with a pure
motive, have rendered the German Community inestimable
services, and everyone should be duly grateful to them for
both their spirit and their example. However, we should not
confuse the true believers with those who are not quickened
with the spirit of faith, have some ulterior motive, or are
indifferent to the reputation they have personally, and the
damage they may do the Cause in the eyes of the public.
There is all the difference in the world between these two
categories, and your Assembly must be ever watchful and
ready to take action when necessary.
It is not a normal condition for one-quarter of a
community to be composed of a foreign, and therefore
floating, element. In spite of the fact that in such countries
as England and Germany, in particular, the Persian friends
have been of great help in maintaining, and indeed in
establishing, new Assemblies and Centres, the National
Body must bear in mind that this is not a normal state of
affairs. It is the German people in Germany, and the English
people in England, who must be the back-bone and the vast
majority of the Community. Otherwise, if for some reason
the foreign element returns to its home or is forced to leave
+P299
the country, the Communities dependent on it disintegrate
for lack of numbers.
Every effort should be made to encourage the German
&Baha'is, who are so numerous in some of the cities in
Germany, particularly in Stuttgart, to go out and take part
in the establishment of new Spiritual Assemblies in their
own country. This is both their duty and their privilege. The
Guardian has pointed out, over and over again, that it is
sufficient for fifteen active believers to remain in any one
city, even such cities as New York, Chicago and San
Francisco. This also applies to Germany, and the &Baha'is
should be encouraged to pioneer on their Home Front, and
establish new Spiritual Assemblies, new Groups and new
isolated centres. In this way the affairs of the Faith will
attract the blessings of &Baha'u'llah and the believers will be
rewarded by Him for doing their duty and accepting the
challenge of the present hour. If and when another upheaval
takes place in Europe, it will be the big cities that are the
danger points. Why then do the &Baha'is cling to them so
tenaciously, when they would be much safer, and serving
the interests of the Faith, if they moved away to smaller
places?
He does not want the friends to be fearful, or to dwell
upon the unpleasant possibilities of the future. They must
have the attitude that, if they do their part, which is to
accomplish the goals of the Ten Year Plan, they can be sure
that God will do His part and watch over them....
He has been very happy over the formation of the first
historic Spiritual Assembly in Athens, an achievement made
possible this year through the direct efforts of German
pioneers. He greatly appreciates their spirit, and he hopes
that, in spite of the departure of some of the American
pioneers, the Community will grow in numbers, and the
+P300
Assembly be preserved next April. Your Assembly should
devote particular attention to this matter.
He hopes also that reinforcements can be sent to Crete, as
well as to Frisian Islands, where the first results of the
devoted labours of the pioneer are beginning to be shown
through the enrollment of some natives of those islands....
He has also been greatly encouraged to see the progress
made in Austria during the past year. The formation of four
Assemblies marks a tremendous step forward in the work in
that country, which has too long lagged behind the progress
made in Germany. At last, Austria is beginning to bear fruit,
and he hopes, through the activities of the Austrian believers
and the pioneers who have rallied to their support, as well
as through the wise guidance of your Assembly, that the
centres will be increased very rapidly and the Spiritual
Assemblies multiplied to such a point that he can fix a date
for Austria to have her independent National Body. The
achievement of this goal rests entirely upon the teaching
work and is dependent on the creation of more Assemblies.
He was glad to see that there is great need in Germany for
more publications, for more of the literature to be made
available in German. Naturally these things are dependent
on financial means. However, he was happy to know that a
News Letter had been consistently published in Frankfurt,
and had been of help to the friends, especially in connection
with their Nineteen Day Feasts. Such activities should be
stimulated and encouraged by your Assembly. The &Baha'is
are widely spread over the whole country, many of them far
from well-to-do, and, however humble the instrument that
reaches them, it nevertheless fulfils a great purpose in
stimulating and encouraging them. Travelling teachers
should be sent out more regularly to visit the different
centres, as the two Hands of the Cause in Germany are so
+P301
overburdened as to make it impossible for them to travel as
much as they would like to or should do in the interests of
the Faith. Therefore your Assembly should encourage
itinerant teachers or teaching trips by any of the friends who
are able to offer a certain amount of time to such activities.
He has also been very pleased during the past year to see
from the press clipping book he received, how much
publicity the Faith has received free of charge, not only in
the press but generally in some of Germany's best-known
newspapers. Were it not for the violent opposition met with
in connection with the purchase of the Temple land, this
would not have been possible, and the friends can clearly see
that our activities, when we carry them on persistently and
energetically, arouse opposition, which has an extremely
salutary effect. In fact, some of the reports in the German
newspapers about the opposition the &Baha'is were meeting
with in connection with their Temple site were published in
leading French newspapers. The friends should be very
encouraged by these evidences of the rising fame of the
Faith. They should welcome opposition, and stand firm on
all questions of principle. By doing so, they will attract new
people to the Faith and encourage the skeptical to embrace
our Teachings.
He appreciated receiving the photo of the new N.S.A.
and hopes it will accomplish great things during the coming
months.
It is not necessary for anyone who wishes to make the
pilgrimage to Haifa to ask through your Assembly; they
may ask the Guardian direct. The reason this was done in
Persia is because the number of the friends is so great that
the work involved is too much of a demand on the
Guardian's time, and so is handled by the Persian N.S.A.
who refer long lists of names to him.
+P302
He feels sure the passing of dear Mrs. Reyhani is not
without significance 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,
+P303
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
+P304
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
+P305
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
&Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. 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
+P306
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
+P307
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
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
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
+P308
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....
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....
+P309
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....
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....
+P310
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
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
+P311
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
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....
30 October 1957 (Teaching Conference)
ASSURE PARTICIPANTS GREATEST APPRECIATION
MESSAGE SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS
STILL GREATER VICTORIES. SHOGHI