Chapter 17

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. Muehlschlegel. He wishes to assure you and likewise to assure Dr. Muehlschlegel of his loving prayers for Dr. Muehlschlegel's complete recovery. He values Dr. Muehlschlegel'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.

LETTER OF NOVEMBER 1955

November 1955(1)

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 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....

LETTER OF 23 NOVEMBER 1955

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.

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 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....

LETTER OF 15 DECEMBER 1955

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?...

LETTER OF 15 DECEMBER 1955

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 during my visit in Europe, or can meet. I could arrange to be in Germany early in January....

LETTER OF 20 DECEMBER 1955

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....

LETTER OF 3 FEBRUARY 1956

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....

LETTER OF 20 MARCH 1956

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 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....

LETTER OF 23 MARCH 1956

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

LETTER OF 25 MARCH 1956

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....

LETTER OF 6 APRIL 1956

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....

LETTER OF 7 APRIL 1956

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.

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, 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.

LETTER OF 27 APRIL 1956

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.

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....

LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956

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. 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....

LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956

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....

LETTER OF 19 MAY 1956

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....

LETTER OF 5 JUNE 1956

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.

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

LETTER OF 8 JUNE 1956

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 does not feel we can wait now, for an entire new development by Mr. Grund, unless he has it under way....

LETTER OF 8 JUNE 1956

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....

LETTER OF 21 JUNE 1956

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 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.