Chapter 16

LETTER OF 29 MARCH 1955

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.

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....

LETTER OF 20 APRIL 1955

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....

LETTER OF 1 MAY 1955 (CONVENTION)

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 ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHMENT ENDOWMENTS PUBLISHING TRUST. URGE CONCENTRATION EXTENSION WORK AUSTRIA EXPEDITE PRELIMINARIES CONSTRUCTION TEMPLE SUPPLICATING ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 1 JULY 1955

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....

LETTER OF 2 AUGUST 1955

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 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 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 Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar of the western world, He repeatedly emphasized that it could be a modest 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.

[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 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 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, 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

LETTER OF 23 SEPTEMBER 1955

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 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....

LETTER OF 23 SEPTEMBER 1955 (SUMMER SCHOOL)

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

LETTER OF 30 SEPTEMBER 1955

30 September 1955

GUARDIAN RECEIVED ONE PACKAGE TEMPLE DRAWINGS ARE THESE ALL SUBMISSIONS OR ARE OTHERS ENROUTE LOVING GREETINGS....

LETTER OF 20 OCTOBER 1955

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....

LETTER OF 19 OCTOBER 1955

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 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.

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....

LETTER OF 28 OCTOBER 1955

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, and aid you to render His Faith notable services in the days to come,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 10 NOVEMBER 1955

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 architectural beauty which the spirit of the Faith should engender.