Chapter 19

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received the letter which you all signed, dated September 30th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

When we stop to think that we are already in the fourth year of the World Spiritual Crusade, we realize that we cannot afford to look at our past accomplishments, but must face the future and the tremendous tasks which lie ahead.

He knows the attainment of the objectives of the Crusade is the concern deepest in the heart of each believer; and he is confident this Conference has sent forth those who attended with a renewed determination to do all in their power individually and collectively, as the days and weeks pass, to ensure its ultimate success....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty guide you in your constant endeavours for the spread of the Faith, and aid you to extend continually the scope of your valued activities, and lend, in the days to come, a great impetus to its progress and the consolidation of its institutions.

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 9 NOVEMBER 1956

9 November 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to respond to your recent letter to him, with regard to the Temple design, etc.

The Guardian likes the adjustments Mr. Rocholl has made in his design, and now approves of the drawings you have sent him. Therefore you should now proceed, within the following limitations.

No changes should be made further in the design. If it is necessary to reduce the size in order to keep within the limit of financial resources, that is permissible, but no change in the size or proportions should be made.

As previously advised, the Guardian feels this Temple must be constructed at a cost of not to exceed $300,000. He is willing to consider raising this limit by $20,000, to cover furnishings, etc. or at the very outside $30,000.

Now it is necessary for your Assembly to study the matter, and decide how to proceed to construct the Temple within this money limit. The Temple must be financed by the Baha'is of the world, and with the heavy expenditures everywhere, economy must be exercised in all our undertakings, and limits of budgets set.

The important thing now is to build a House of Worship, which will bring untold spiritual blessings, wide publicity, and let us hope, a rapid increase in the number of Baha'is and Centers.

As I have indicated, if it is necessary to decrease the size of the structure, that is satisfactory, but no change in design or proportions should be made to the main structure of the building.

This $320,000 figure, refers to the completed Temple, including fittings and equipment.

Of course, the Temple cannot be built until the land has been secured. He requests and urges that your Assembly expedite this important matter in every way possible. He is fearful, if work on the Temple is not started at an early date, it may be impossible to build the Temple in Germany during the Ten Year Crusade.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving Greetings....

P.S. The questions of materials to be used, he leaves to your Assembly. You should endeavor to use such materials as are not too expensive, and yet satisfactory for the Temple.

LETTER OF 15 NOVEMBER 1956

15 November 1956

Dearly Beloved Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the purchase of the Endowment for Austria. He hopes very much it will be possible for you to purchase this Endowment before Ridvan 1957.

He asks that you write me, giving the status of this matter, and when you feel the purchase can be consummated....

LETTER OF 30 NOVEMBER 1956

30 November 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letters of November 19th and 22nd were duly received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge them on his behalf.

He greatly appreciates, and was deeply touched, by your kind sentiments on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of his appointment as Guardian. The spirit of devotion and consecration of the German Believers, and its National Assembly, augurs well for the future of the Faith in your country. He is sure the Master will both guide and confirm you in your work, as you carry forth the mandates of His Convenant, and the Teaching Tablets.

With regard to the Temple Land--The Guardian feels this must be purchased in Frankfurt, or its environs. He does not approve of buying in Offenbach. Thus he feels you can secure the land anywhere in Frankfurt or its environs, where it seems best suitable for our purposes.

The new location near Eschborn would seem satisfactory, but you must be sure there will be no trouble with permits to build.

He feels you should again review the entire matter most carefully, and he hopes you will soon find the location which will be the site of the House of Worship in Germany.

With regard to the funds--he feels it is best that you allow them to remain in the Bank as at present.

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.

He is praying for you, and for the success of your work in the Faith....

LETTER OF 30 NOVEMBER 1956

30 November 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of October 17th was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian. He has directed me to reply as follows:

He feels it is more advisable for ... to remain in Budapest, where the Faith needs every help it can get, rather than go to either Austria or Germany.

Of course, the terrible events in Hungary may have changed the whole aspect of this important matter, and the question not now be in need of an answer. The Guardian hopes that ... has not suffered nor met with misfortune in that unhappy city.

At the same time, the Faith is needed more than ever, and it may be the depressing conditions existing, may make it possible for more teaching work to be done....

LETTER OF 5 DECEMBER 1956

5 December 1956

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning some copies of the prints which Mr. Rocholl has made of the Temple Design for Frankfurt.

He would like to secure 15 copies of the photo sent by Mr. Rocholl, which shows the Temple in White lines, and the background black.

The Temple itself, should be no larger than the Shrine in the Colored pictures of the Shrine of the Bab. Thus the measurement of the pictures to be sent are 21 cm by 13 cm. There need be little space below or over the Temple, but let the black run out to the edges, on both sides.

Do I make clear what the Guardian wants? If you will show Mr. Rocholl a picture of the Shrine of the Bab colored, as printed in America for sale, and which appears in the frontispiece of Vol. 9 of the Baha'i World, he can have the pictures made accordingly.

The pictures should be black and white, glossy, and on as light paper as possible. By light I mean, in weight.

Please cable me on receipt if this is clear, and if Mr. Rocholl can provide the 15 copies at an early date....

LETTER OF 1 JANUARY 1957

1 January 1957

Mrs. Anna Grossmann:

Your loving letter of December 16th was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.

Needless to say, he is very disturbed with the recent developments with regard to the Temple land and building. This matter has gone along for a long period of time, and he feels it is now reaching the point where it reflects on the Faith. He feels very definitely that if there should be a failure in connection with the Temple to be built in Frankfurt, it would be a great set back to the Faith, not only in Germany, but in all Europe.

The Guardian suggests your Assembly read carefully, the many statements and letters to the American National Assembly, as to the importance of the Temple, and its construction. He even says it will be the most important teacher of the Faith, and with its completion, a new spiritual movement will take place in America. Whatever the Master has said with regard to the Temple in America, applies with equal force to Germany. Surely we cannot allow the negative influences at work in Frankfurt and Germany, in connection with our Temple project, to stop our forward progress.

The Guardian would like your Assembly to consider the project of the Temple land, and the construction of the building, as its most important task, and give it precedence over all other problems.

So far as the question of Environs of Frankfurt is concerned, he will allow you to determine what constitutes the Environs of Frankfurt. If you feel Offenbach, which is a separate city, is the environs of Frankfurt, he will approve the construction there. If the hills of Taunus constitute the environs, he will approve that location.

If the objection of the city of Frankfurt to the Temple model, is due to its size, why not reduce the size. The important thing now is not the size of the building, but the fact of the building.

Therefore the Guardian will approve reduction in the size, so as to permit construction now, and in Frankfurt, or its environs.

The Guardian will pray for the guidance of your Assembly in working out this important project; that it may be settled promptly, and that soon we may rejoice, with the work of the Temple proceeding....

LETTER OF 10 JANUARY 1957

10 January 1957

GUARDIAN APPROVES PURCHASE LAND POLISCHER BERG WITH ASSURANCE NO COMPLICATIONS ERECTION TEMPLE.

LETTER OF 11 JANUARY 1957

11 January 1957

MR SABET CHARGED BY GUARDIAN MEET WITH YOUR NSA IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS PLEASE CABLE DATE PLACE NEXT MEETING.

LETTER OF 11 JANUARY 1957

11 January 1957

IS KRIFTEL REFERRED YOURS FIRST SAME AS POLISCHER BERG REFERRED MY CABLE EIGHTH.

LETTER OF 13 JANUARY 1957

13 January 1957

GUARDIAN URGES IMMEDIATE PURCHASE TEMPLE LAND. TRANSLATION INTO UNOPENED TERRITORY LANGUAGE ALSO HAVE PIONEERS READY TO MOVE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.

LETTER OF 19 JANUARY 1957

19 January 1957

WHAT IS STATUS TEMPLE LAND POLISCHER BERG PLEASE CABLE.

LETTER OF 19 JANUARY 1957

19 January 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

I cabled you today, as follows: "What is status purchase Temple Land Polischer Berg. Please cable."

I cabled you on January 8th that the Guardian approved purchase of the land of Polischer Berg, with the assurance that there would be no complications in connection with the erection of the Temple.

Your letter later spoke of the Temple Land near Kriftel, and I cabled to ascertain if this is the same land as referred to at Polischer Berg. I take it, it is.

The Guardian now hopes all matters are clarified, and that your Assembly is in a position to purchase this land, and thus start the construction of the Temple. Your early advice and confirmation will be appreciated by him....

LETTER OF 19 JANUARY 1957

19 January 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Miss Bertha Matthiessen, one of the dear Baha'is of Southern California, who has spent some time in Germany, and is no doubt, well known to you; is returning to Germany from the United States in March 1957.

She has written the Guardian that after a rest at Bad Nauheim, she will get in touch with your Assembly, or the Teaching Committee, to assist in the teaching work. The Guardian has written her, expressing his appreciation of this offer on her part to assist in the important work in Germany and Austria, and suggested that if she could settle in one of the goal cities in Austria, after consultation with your Assembly or Teaching Committee, it would be highly meritorious.

This note is sent to you, so you may understand, when she gets in touch with you this spring....

LETTER OF 24 JANAURY 1957 (WINTER SCHOOL)

24 Janaury 1957 (Winter School)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your message dated January 5th has reached the beloved Guardian, and he was very happy to see that the friends had been able to meet and deepen their understanding of the Faith.

He hopes that the German Baha'is, especially the Youth, will do all they can to consolidate the foundations of the work already so painstakingly laid in Germany during a period of almost half a century; and that each Baha'i will consider it his privilege and duty to support the teaching work, either through pioneering to new Centers, or strengthening weak Assemblies, or assisting the Groups to become Assemblies.

He assures you all of his loving prayers for your success....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide and sustain you, and enable you to extend the scope of your valued activities, acquire a fuller understanding of the distinguishing features of His Faith, and lend an impetus to the progress and consolidation of its divinely appointed institutions,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 26 JANUARY 1957

26 January 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Yesterday, a Jewish Seaman called, to present Greetings from Mrs. Santa Felbermann, connected with the British Legation in Budapest.

This gentlemen, who gave the name of Alexander Goldhammer, advised he had been in Budapest a short time ago, and Mrs. Felbermann, asked him to give her Greetings to the Friends here.

It occurs to me you may wish to enter into correspondence with her, if correspondence to Hungary is possible now from West Germany. You may have information from the Baha'is who left Hungary recently, and who, no doubt, were in touch with you.

I am also sending a copy of this letter to Mrs. Anne Lynch, so she may write to Mrs. Felbermann, if correspondence from Switzerland is now possible....

LETTER OF 30 JANUARY 1957

30 January 1957

APPROVE OFFENBACH URGE IMMEDIATE PURCHASE

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 17 FEBRUARY 1957

17 February 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has suggested that your Assembly arrange for a telegraphic address in Frankfurt, which will simplify telegraphing to your honorable body.

Some of the National Assemblies have used the designation "Baha'i". Thus for instance, when we cable to the American NSA, we simply address the cable "Baha'i, Wilmette". Australia uses "Natbahai". As soon as you have arranged with the cable Company for your telegraphic address, please let me know for the Guardian....

LETTER OF 17 FEBRUARY 1957

17 February 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write to your Assembly, concerning the settlement of Persian Baha'is in Germany and Austria.

He has discussed the matter in some detail with ... when they were here, and asked them to review the matter with your Assembly.

It is artificial to build up communities or Assemblies with Persians, or for that matter, any Baha'is from other countries. The Communities and Assemblies should be made up of local people. Thus in any of the Centers where a large number of Persian Baha'is have settled, your Assembly should discuss the subject with them, and urge them to move to goal cities, where there are no Baha'is, or groups, in order to assist in the teaching work. Thus, the artificial Assemblies will necessarily have to be constituted of local Baha'is, and many new centers will be opened. Thus the Persian Baha'is will become pioneers and greatly aid the teaching work. At the same time, it will mean that the German Baha'is will have to redouble their efforts and win many converts to the Faith, in the cities from which the Persians move, and which are now artificial.

The Guardian hopes this action will stimulate the teaching work throughout Germany.

He sends you his loving greetings....

LETTER OF 10 MARCH 1957

10 March 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian is anxious to have an up to date record of the number of Baha'is in the Goal countries of the Ten Year Crusade, as of April 1, 1957.

To this end I have prepared letters to each country or island. Some of the current addresses etc. I do not have, and I am taking the liberty of enclosing letters for the Frisian Islands, and Crete.

May I ask if you will send them directly to the proper persons, by air mail.

Please acknowledge and advise if you will arrange to do this for me....

LETTER OF 12 MARCH 1957 (REGIONAL CONVENTION)

12 March 1957 (Regional Convention)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your note of greeting has been received, and our beloved Guardian was very happy to see that so many of the believers had gathered together, old ones and new ones, and he hopes that as a result of your studies and consultation a new impetus will be given to the teaching work in Germany.

You may be sure he will pray for your success in the holy Shrines; and he urges you one and all to concentrate on the requirements of the Ten Year Plan as it affects the work in Germany....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless your highly meritorious efforts, aid you to extend continually the scope of your valued activities, surmount every obstacle, and lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of our beloved Faith and the development and consolidation of its administrative institutions,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 13 MARCH 1957

13 March 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian is very anxious to have an up to date record of the total number of Baha'i Centers in Germany and Austria, separately;--excluding, of course, the goal areas of the Ten Year Crusade, such as the Frisian Islands, etc.

May I ask if you will send me a cable on receipt of this giving just the totals for each country, as for instance "Germany 100, Austria 25". There is no need for any breakdown of Assemblies, Groups or Isolated Centers....

LETTER OF 14 MARCH 1957

14 March 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has been greatly impressed by the large number of Teaching Conferences held during the past year.

I have an incomplete record of a conference held in Austria. Can you cable me if this conference was held, the dates, and place....

P.S. Please send the cable immediately on receipt of this letter.

LETTER OF 17 MARCH 1957

17 March 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

...So far as ... Mr. and Mrs. ... and children are concerned, the Guardian wishes to know if they are residents of Germany, or Persians traveling in Germany, or there only for a short time. When did they arrive, and what are their plans.

The purpose of this information is that if they actually are Persian residents, traveling in Europe, then they will have to go on the Persian list, and come when their turn comes there. If they are permanently residing in Germany, then the situation is different....

P.S. Also please advise what their background is!

LETTER OF 29 MARCH 1957

29 March 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

As requested in your letter of March 23rd, I informed the Beloved Guardian of the passing of Mr. Lehne, in Berlin, on March 20th.

The Beloved Guardian asked me to advise you, and the wife of Mr. Lehne, that he will pray for the progress of Mr. Lehne's soul in the realms beyond.

He rendered outstanding services to the Faith, holding the ideals of the Faith during the difficult days of the war....

Will you please inform Mrs. Lehne.

LETTER OF 3 APRIL 1957

3 April 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of March 22nd, was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.

He will be happy to welcome ... on their pilgrimage, when their turn comes. It is not feasible just now for them to come when ... return from Haifa. The Guardian will let ... know when the time comes for their pilgrimage.

There are so many wishing to make the pilgrimage, that the Guardian must receive them in the order of their application. Thus, when the time comes for ..., the Guardian will let them know....

LETTER OF 9 APRIL 1957

9 April 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of April 2nd, has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

He is happy to receive word of the progress which you are making in connection with the purchase of the Temple Land, and the securing of necessary building permits. He hopes you will encounter no serious difficulties in connection with the building permit, so that work on this most important project, may start at an early date.

He will pray for your Assembly, that you may be able to overcome all hindrances, and that the path may be smoothed for an early conclusion of this troublesome matter.

So far as the land in Offenbach is concerned, and the plan of the city that we finance road work is concerned--this is entirely impossible. The cost is too high, and furthermore we should not become involved in local civic projects.

He sends you his loving greetings....

LETTER OF 12 APRIL 1957

12 April 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Enclosed is the beloved Guardian's Convention Message, which you will be so kind as to deliver to the Chairman of the National Convention to be read to and shared with the friends.

This letter, in order to save time is being mailed by a returning pilgrim, from Rome....

P.S.--Will you please acknowledge receipt of this letter by cable to the Guardian.

LETTER OF 18 APRIL 1957

18 April 1957

UNNECESSARY INADVISABLE ROCHOLL VISIT HAIFA SUGGEST HE SUBMIT SUGGESTIONS GROSSMANNS FOR DISCUSSION WHILE HERE...

LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1957

19 April 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has been very deeply impressed with the latest book of our dear departed co-worker, Hand of the Cause, George Townshend, "Christ and Baha'u'llah". If you have not received copies, you should send to England for them, so that the Friends may be familiar with its contents.

This book outlines clearly the relationship of Christ and Baha'u'llah, and presents the manner in which the Baha'i Faith is setting up the Kingdom of God, which the Christians are praying for.

The Guardian feels that your Assembly should make very wide use of this book. You should secure publicity regarding it in the Newspapers, book reviews, where possible. Copies should be sent to the Religious leaders, particularly to the Lutheran high Dignitaries.

This book is a challenge to religious leaders, and of course, should be sent, also to those who opposed the Temple Land sale. It may bring some opposition and criticism, but in the long run, it will produce excellent results for the Faith.

The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings....

LETTER OF 19 APRIL 1957

19 April 1957

Dear Baha'i Sister:

When His Excellency Mr. Ollenhauer was in Israel, in accordance with the suggestion of your Assembly, effort was made to contact him, and invite him to visit the Shrine and Gardens on Mt. Carmel.

Unfortunately actual contact was not made. Mr. Ioas spent a day in Jerusalem trying to meet him, but he was so tied up with Government Officials it was impossible. Mr. Ioas, however, left a note for him, in his hotel, welcoming him to Israel, and inviting him to visit Haifa, and our Shrines and Gardens. We gave him also, the Greetings of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany, whose headquarters are in Frankfurt.

Attached is letter received from one of his party presumably his Secretary, thanking us for the Greeting, and saying he had seen the Shrine and Gardens in company with the Mayor of Haifa, when he was in the City.

The Beloved Guardian thought you would wish to have his letter, and know of the action taken here to effect a meeting....

You may retain his letter in your files.

LETTER OF 28 APRIL 1957

28 April 1957

DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE WELCOME NOBLE DETERMINATION DELEGATES SUPPLICATING FERVENTLY SIGNAL VICTORIES URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS EXPEDITE COMMENCEMENT CONSTRUCTION TEMPLE DEEPEST LOVE

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 14 AUGUST 1957

14 August 1957

Dear Baha'i Brother:

Your Assembly's communications with their enclosures and material sent under separate cover have all arrived safely, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to acknowledge receipt of the letters dated as follows: June 14, August 8 and 28, September 2, October 27, November 19 and 22 and December 4 and 26, 1956; and January 1 and 15, February 4, March 1, 2 and 9, April 2, 16 and 25, June 14, 19 (two) and July 3, 8 and 19.