Chapter 15

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 Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar. 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 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.

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 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 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 Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar 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.

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 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.

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

LETTER OF 28 JUNE 1954

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 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....

LETTER OF 23 JULY 1954

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 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....

LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1954 (SUMMER SCHOOL)

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. Muehlschlegel, 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....

[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

LETTER OF 18 NOVEMBER 1954

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....

LETTER OF 12 DECEMBER 1954

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

LETTER OF 10 FEBRUARY 1955

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 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....

LETTER OF 10 FEBRUARY 1955

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 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....

LETTER OF 23 FEBRUARY 1955

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....

LETTER OF 23 FEBRUARY 1955

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....

LETTER OF 8 MARCH 1955

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....

LETTER OF 11 MARCH 1955

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....