Chapter 13

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 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 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

LETTER OF 15 JUNE 1952

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....

LETTER OF 9 JULY 1952

9 July 1952

ADVISE HOLD CONVENTION APRIL.

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 27 AUGUST 1952

27 August 1952

CULMINATION PLAN APRIL 1953.

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 4 OCTOBER 1952

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....

LETTER OF 11 OCTOBER 1952 (SUMMER SCHOOL)

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

LETTER OF 29 NOVEMBER 1952

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 list giving the same information for Austria? In other words, a separate list should be sent for each country....

LETTER OF 8 MARCH 1953

8 March 1953

INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY COMBINATION BONN OTHER CITIES NOT ADVISABLE. URGE INDEPENDENT ASSEMBLY BONN.

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 30 MARCH 1953

30 March 1953

INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY BONN KOELN SEPARATE.

Shoghi

LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953

19 April 1953

INFORM GERMAN ASSEMBLY NEW STANDARD CIVIL LIMITS SHOULD BE ENFORCED BY APRIL 1954.

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953

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 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....

LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1953 (CONVENTION)

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 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

LETTER OF 26 APRIL 1953 (CONVENTION)

26 April 1953 (Convention)

DEEP APPRECIATION MESSAGE LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES PRAYING SUCCESS GREAT TASKS AHEAD DETAILED CONVENTION MESSAGE MAILED WEEK AGO.

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 5 MAY 1953

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....

LETTER OF 10 JUNE 1953

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.

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.

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 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....

LETTER OF 21 JUNE 1953

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 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.

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 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.