Chapter 18

As he already informed you before, he felt that the generous contribution of dear Mrs. Collins towards the purchase of a national endowment for Austria should be used for that purpose only, and not diverted to anything to do with the furnishing or embellishing of the Haziratu'l-Quds.

He hopes that the presence of a devoted American Baha'i, Mrs. Edna Johnson Norvell in Austria will be of help to the friends. She is most eager to serve and assist them in every way she can.

It has been recently a great pleasure for the Guardian to receive here as his guests four of the pioneers to Athens. This contact has been most welcome, and he feels that your Assembly can be proud of these fine young people, who are making every effort to achieve the goals set for the German Baha'is in Greece.

He has also had the great pleasure of receiving here the first German Baha'i since before the war; namely, Miss Weber, one of the pioneers to Crete.

He hopes that the German Baha'i Community will make every effort to send forth a greater number of pioneers to the countries which have been made their particular responsibility under the World Crusade, and also to reinforce the work in Austria. They must never forget that one of the first "pioneers", before the days when that term was even in use, was dear Mr. Benke, who sacrificed his life in the service of the Faith with such an exemplary spirit of devotion that the Guardian felt impelled to call him the first European martyr for the Faith. This was a great distinction and blessing conferred on the German Baha'is, and should stimulate many others to follow in his footsteps.

The Guardian is very sorry that there has been so much delay as regards the Temple in Frankfurt, both because of the difficulty of obtaining permission to build on the site chosen, and the difficulty in coming to a decision about the design.

He feels that, as this is the Mother Temple of Europe, and an institution which will be supported by contributions from Baha'is all over the world, that it has a very great importance; and must under all circumstances be dignified, and not represent an extremist point of view in architecture. No one knows how the styles of the present day may be judged two or three generations from now; but the Baha'is cannot afford to build a second Temple if the one that they built at the present time should seem too extreme and unsuitable at a future date.

In view of this, he has pondered very carefully over the designs which were submitted to him, and also consulted Mr. Remey. He hopes to come to a decision, and will inform your Assembly accordingly.

He appreciated very much the cooperative spirit shown by many of the German architects and their offer to come here and consult with him. This would have been impractical, and a waste of the money of the Faith; but, if your Assembly has occasion, he would like it to please thank these gentlemen for their friendly and cooperative spirit as regards our Temple.

He feels that the National Haziratu'l-Quds in Frankfurt should act as the Secretariat of the National Assembly as well. This is the main reason why the Baha'is have National Headquarters--so that the office of the National Spiritual Assembly can operate from the National Assembly's permanent address. It may not be convenient at times, but it is essential that this should be done. He has informed other national bodies of the same thing, that is, those who had not already placed their Secretariat in their Haziratu'l-Quds.

He feels that your Assembly should particularly concentrate at this time on accelerating the work on the home front. Perhaps the most difficult objective for any of the National Assemblies to accomplish is the one of increasing the number of Assemblies and Centers under their jurisdiction before the end of the Ten Year Plan. The friends must realize that this, by its very nature, is a task which it is dangerous to postpone to the latter years of the Plan. The construction of Assemblies is always a laborious process, and one which demands a great deal of preparation and forethought and time to achieve. Therefore, the sooner the believers go out into the field, and assist, through settlement or through extension teaching, or travelling teaching trips, or in whatever way they can, in laying the foundation for these new Assemblies, the better.

He hopes that the Baha'i youth in Germany will be encouraged to take a more active part in administrative affairs and in the teaching work. They must always realize that they are the future of the Cause, and they should gain from experience as teachers and administrators from the older friends, in preparation for the time when the burden of the work will fall on their shoulders.

The news of the publication work you have in hand was also encouraging; and he hopes that, when you receive your Reparations from the proper civil authorities there, you will be able to put the new Baha'i Publishing Trust on a firm foundation, and get out more literature, which is the very backbone of the teaching work.

You may be sure that he often remembers you in his prayers in the holy Shrines; and he deeply appreciates the consecrated spirit with which you are serving the interests of the Faith in Germany and Austria, and in the virgin territories allotted to your care. He hopes that the national work can be arranged in such a way that too great a burden does not fall on the Hands of the Cause, who already have another important function to discharge, and yet who are needed because of their capacities for the National Assembly work as well.

He was very sorry to hear of the illness of some of the members who are so needed in the teaching work in Germany, and he hopes and prays that they are now fully recovered.

The good news that your National Convention was held so successfully pleased him very much; and he was also happy to see that a young and comparatively new Baha'i has been added to your Body. This will no doubt be of assistance to the work of the Assembly.

He was also happy to see that you have been able to add another incorporation, in such an important city as Frankfurt, the national seat....

P.S. Mr. Ioas recently wrote your Assembly that the Guardian does not feel it would serve any useful purpose to reconsider Temple designs with Prof. Grund; please thank him for his helpfulness and fine spirit.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The progress achieved in recent years, and particularly since the inception of the Ten-Year Plan, by both the German and Austrian Baha'i communities, in the field of teaching and administrative spheres of Baha'i activity, has been such as to evoke feelings of deep and abiding gratitude in my heart, and to excite the admiration of their sister communities in both the East and the West.

Emerging more than a decade ago, from a prolonged period of adversity, which served to purge, discipline and spiritually quicken the nations to which these communities belong; abundantly demonstrating, throughout the afflictive trial they underwent, the sterling qualities of their faith and the depth of their unalterable devotion to the Cause they have espoused; firmly reestablishing, on the morrow of that ordeal, the institutions of an Administrative Order which had been temporarily disrupted and suffered an eclipse during the years of repression, suffering and confusion; embarking, at a later period, and in concert with Baha'i communities the world over, on the Ten-Year Plan, designed to carry them a stage further on the road leading them to their high destiny--the members of these communities are now, both individually and collectively, fully engaged in the discharge of their sacred and heavy responsibilities--responsibilities which they cannot shirk and which I feel confident, they will nobly and fully discharge.

The third phase of the Plan which they now have entered must witness such an acceleration in the tempo of Baha'i activity, in the various fields assigned to them, and such a depth of consecration to the tasks they have shouldered, as shall throw into shade every evidence of the valour displayed during the infancy of the Faith in both of these countries.

The virgin territories alloted to your assembly, under the Ten-Year Plan, must be carefully watched over, and the prizes won in those fields must be constantly enriched, at whatever cost, through the dispatch of a larger number of pioneers and a more adequate provision for the needs, both material and spiritual, of those valiant souls who, by the very nature of their services, constitute the vanguard of the future army of Baha'u'llah which must, in the days to come be raised up in those territories. The homefront, the reservoir which must be constantly replenished if the aid given to these pioneers is to prove ultimately adequate and effective, must be made the object of the solicitude and of the anxious deliberations of the members of your Assembly. The remarkable success recently achieved, through the multiplication of Baha'i assemblies, groups and isolated centres, must be followed up by a corresponding increase in the number of the avowed and active supporters of the Faith--the bedrock on which the strength and stability of the entire community must rest. The preliminary stages designed to launch the greatest enterprise confronting the German Baha'i Community--the construction of the Mother Temple of Europe--must be swiftly and energetically undertaken, particularly in connexion with the ultimate settlement of the issue of the Temple site, and the provision of the necessary authorization for the laying of its foundations and the erection of its structure.

Another matter of vital importance, and destined to exert a lasting influence on the immediate destinies of the German Baha'i Community, is the adoption of the necessary measures for the introduction of the Faith into neighbouring territories, such as the translation of Baha'i literature into Russian and into the languages in use in the Baltic states, and the exploration of every avenue designed to enable German Baha'i pioneers to launch this vast, this historic and meritorious campaign beyond the eastern confines of their native land.

The process of incorporating firmly established Baha'i local assemblies, which has so far been regrettably slow, must be further stimulated, in order to consolidate the legal foundations of the administrative structure of the Faith in that land as well as in Austria.

The institution of the National Fund, whose fundamental importance cannot be exaggerated, must receive a wider and fuller measure of support from the rank and file of the believers, in order that it may be enabled to provide more adequately than heretofore for the pressing material needs of the infant institutions of the Faith, now faced with such tremendous and inescapable responsibilities.

Particular attention must, moreover, be devoted to the vital and urgent needs of the Faith in Austria, where a nascent community is heroically struggling to establish its independent national Baha'i existence on a secure foundation.

Constant encouragement, by whatever means possible, must, furthermore, be given the suppressed and isolated local communities in Eastern Germany, now so sadly detached from the general body of the followers of the Faith in that land, and any assistance, lying in your power, must be extended to them for the purpose of enabling some of their members to penetrate into the remaining territories assigned to your assembly under the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan.

The stalwart German Baha'i Community, ranking among the oldest and certainly one of the most eminent, communities in Europe; firmly implanted in the heart of that continent; constituting one of the leading strongholds of the Faith within its confines; reassured, time and again, through the glowing promises given it, in unmistakable language, by the Centre of the Covenant, in the early years of that community's existence; blessed so abundantly through His memorable visit to its homeland; hardened and chastened in the school of adversity; emerging triumphant over those adversaries that sought so ineffectively to arrest its march, dim its hopes, and disrupt its foundations; fully equipped through more than three decades of Baha'i administrative experience--such a community finds itself, at this historic hour, fully and hopefully launched upon an enterprise which, if successfully carried out, will enable it to bring to a conclusion a chapter of the utmost significance in the evolution of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in that land.

Aware of its manifold responsibilities, determined to fulfill the dearest hopes cherished for it by 'Abdu'l-Baha, conscious of its inherent strength, and encouraged by its multiple and heartwarming accomplishments, this community, in conjunction with its younger sister, must redouble its efforts to scale loftier heights, to plumb greater depths of dedication, to evince a still nobler heroism, and to heighten, by its accomplishments, and, above all, by a still more convincing demonstration of the spirit animating its members, the feelings of admiration which I myself, as well as the believers in other lands, hold them, in consequence of their mighty endeavours and unforgettable exploits in the service, and for the Cause, of Baha'u'llah.

May His Spirit ever shine upon, and warm, their hearts. May His precepts ever guide their footsteps, and may His unfailing grace, vouchsafed from the realms on high, be poured forth upon them in such abundance as to enable them to achieve, in the years immediately ahead, total and complete victory.

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956

7 July 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Under separate cover, I am sending you the latest design of Mr. Teuto Rocholl, which has been carefully reviewed by the Beloved Guardian.

Also enclosed in the same package is a design for the German Temple, prepared by Mr. Charles Remey, which likewise has been very carefully reviewed by the Guardian.

The Guardian feels that the German National Assembly may now make their selection from either of these two, of the design for the German Temple. He says you are free to chose either Mr. Rocholl's or Mr. Remey's design.

In making your selection, you must of course, bear in mind the cost factor; that the building should not cost more than $300,000.

As soon as you have made your decision, will you please cable me so I can inform the Guardian.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers--and sends his loving Greetings....

LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956

7 July 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The Guardian has directed me to advise you that he appreciates your having established the Assistant Secretary of the NSA in the Hazira in Frankfurt. The Guardian wishes you to bear this important matter in mind, for in time, the full Secretariat must be established in the Hazira....

LETTER OF 7 JULY 1956

7 July 1956

Mrs. Anna Grossmann:

The June 1956 issue of "Pflanze und Garten" issued in Darmstadt, Nicolaiweg 9, has an article on the Faith, and a number of photographs of the Gardens and Shrine of the Bab, as well as the Mansion at Bahji.

If you have not already seen it, you will wish to secure copies. At the same time, will you please send me for use here, 6 copies. It is not necessary to send the entire magazine for all six, simply the pages dealing with the Article. Two magazines will suffice, the other four to be the pages only....

LETTER OF 8 JULY 1956

8 July 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Referring to my letter of yesterday, with regard to the design for the German Temple.

My letter should have specified, that the latest revised plan of Mr. Rocholl, No. 102-F is the one which should be considered for selection, and no former plans of Mr. Rocholl. In other words, the choice is left to the NSA of Germany, as to whether they select Mr. Rocholl's design No. 102-F, or Mr. Remey's design....

LETTER OF 27 JULY 1956

27 July 1956

Dearly Beloved Co-workers:

I telegraphed you today, at the direction of the beloved Guardian, the wish that your Assembly, now concentrate closely, on the securing of the new site for the Temple.

Now that you have determined on the design for the Temple, it is most important that you secure the land on which it is to be built.

The Guardian feels this is a task of the utmost importance, as time is rapidly passing on, and he fears that if the work on the Temple is not started soon, it will not be completed during the Ten Year Crusade, which would be a sad state of affairs.

The Guardian will be happy to learn at an early date, of what progress you have made with regard to the location of the Temple....

LETTER OF 31 JULY 1956

31 July 1956

Dearly Beloved Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with the Temple design for Germany, and the activities in connection therewith.

1. The Guardian feels your Assembly should not announce the selection at this time, to the Friends. You should, quietly, review the matter carefully, and ascertain what the cost of construction will be. It may be if the expense is out of line with the amounts available, then some other considerations will have to be given.

2. You should concentrate all your energies on the securing of the Temple location. This is important, as the Temple cannot of course be started, until the land is purchased.

3. When you have the arrangements made for the land purchase, and have the costs of the Temple construction, let the Guardian know, and he will advise the next step.

4. The Guardian will announce the selection of the Temple design to the Baha'i World, after all these matters are settled.

The Guardian hopes you will be able to expedite all these matters, as he feels, as I have written previously, there is no time to be lost, if the Temple is to be completed before the close of the Ten Year Crusade.

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....

LETTER OF 26 AUGUST 1956

26 August 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of July 17th was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.

For the Endowment in Austria, no more than $1,000. should be spent. I cabled you with regard to the gift of Mr. ..., asking his full name, or initials, if you do not have the full name. This information is necessary as he may be an individual whose voting rights were withdrawn by the ... NSA, and if so, his contribution cannot be accepted. As soon as I have his first name and initials, I will be able to tell, and will then let you know definitely.

Your report for the year 112 in English has been sent on to the Guardian, for his study and perusal....

LETTER OF 24 SEPTEMBER 1956 (SUMMER SCHOOL)

24 September 1956 (Summer School)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of August 17th, signed by those present at the Summer School, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was happy to see that the Hands of the Cause were represented there, also that Baha'is from different countries were present.

The friends can gain much spiritual reinforcement by drawing on the inner strength of their fellow-Baha'is; and the Guardian hopes those who went to Esslingen this summer received this renewed power from mingling with other Baha'is; and returned to their homes more determined than ever to carry forward in the speediest and most efficient manner possible--the work of the World Spiritual Crusade.

He appreciates the prayers of the friends, and sends you all his loving greetings....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Spirit of Baha'u'llah sustain you in your splendid activities, aid you to acquire a fuller grasp of the fundamental and distinguishing features and teachings of our beloved Faith, and lend a great impetus to its onward march,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956

27 September 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you to ascertain the present status of the purchase of the new site for the Temple in Frankfurt.

As you know he attaches the utmost importance to this matter, and regrets that it has not been consummated up to the present time. He is becoming fearful that the Temple will not be built in Germany, during the Ten Year Crusade, unless there is some strong immediate action taken in connection with the purchase of the land, and then the prosecution of the construction work.

Will your Assembly please let me know by return airmail, what the status is of the land purchase....

LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956

27 September 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Please refer to your letter of July 17th and my reply of August 26th, with regard to a gift of $1,000 from ... to the Austrian Fund.

It is satisfactory to receive this gift, as ... is a Baha'i of record of the ... Assembly.

As I wrote you however, it cannot be used for the Endowment; as a gift of $1,000 has already been made by ... for this purpose. Thus ... should be informed, so he may direct in what manner he wishes the money used, or if he gives it for the General Fund, which is, of course, best....

LETTER OF 27 SEPTEMBER 1956

27 September 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly, to ask the status of the purchase of the Endowment in Austria, which he hopes will be purchased shortly. This should be a relatively simple matter, and he hopes it can be followed through promptly.

He likewise is anxious regarding the incorporation of local Assemblies. He hopes your Assembly will review the matter further at this time, to see if more Assemblies cannot be incorporated at this time....

LETTER OF 28 SEPTEMBER 1956

28 September 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The beloved Guardian has received your recent letter, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was grieved to hear of the passing of Mr. Rahmatollah Saffar. He deeply appreciates the services rendered the Faith by him, and wishes to extend his loving sympathy to his family, and to assure them of his prayers for the progress of his spirit.

The Guardian will shortly be sending Five Hundred Pounds for the German National Spiritual Assembly to help in the teaching work....

LETTER OF 6 OCTOBER 1956 (FIRST AUSTRIAN SUMMER SCHOOL)

6 October 1956 (First Austrian Summer School)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your note of greeting dated August 29th, signed by all present on this important occasion, together with its enclosures, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He was happy to see the names of so many participants, as such gatherings bring a fresh spirit and a renewed determination to carry forward the work to all the friends.

The Guardian assures you he will remember you in his loving prayers; and he urges you to steadily, courageously and whole-heartedly, pursue your goals under the historic World Spiritual Crusade, confident that this will attract to you the blessings of Baha'u'llah....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty guide your steps in the path of service, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to extend the range of your meritorious services, and win great victories in the days to come,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 20 OCTOBER 1956

20 October 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of October 3rd was presented to the Beloved Guardian.

The Guardian has directed me to assure your Assembly, that he is praying for the removal of every obstacle in the way of the purchase of the site for the Temple at Frankfurt.

He hopes you and your committee will continue to press the matter vigorously, as he hopes this important matter, can be successfully achieved in the near future.

When you have concluded the purchase, he would appreciate a cable from you.

He sends his loving greetings to each of you....

LETTER OF 22 OCTOBER 1956 (TEACHING CONFERENCE)

22 October 1956 (Teaching Conference)