Bahá’í News/Inserts/Issue 177/Annual Baha’i Reports 1944-45 Section Two/Text

Annual Bahá’í Reports 1944-45

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ANNUAL BAHÁ’Í REPORTS

Presented to the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada for the Year

1944-1945

CONTENTS
Section Two
COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE GUARDIAN
Bahá’í House of Worship	Frontispiece
Messages to the Convention	3
Messages to the National Spiritual Assembly	4
Messages Through His Secretary	7
Letters to Individuals (Published With the Guardian’s Consent)	9

Printed in the United States of America

ISSUED BY

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada

536 SHERIDAN ROAD · WILMETTE, ILLINOIS [Page 2]

Bahá’í House of Worship

“Conceived forty-one years ago; originating with the petition spontaneously addressed, in March, 1903 to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá by the ‘House of Spirituality’ of the Bahá’ís of Chicago—the first Bahá’í center established in the western world—the members of which, inspired by the example set by the builders of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of ‘Ishqabad, had appealed for permission to construct a similar Temple in America; blessed by His approval and high commendation in a Tablet revealed by Him in June of that same year . . . this enterprise—the crowning achievement of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the first Bahá’í century. . . .”

—SHOGHI EFFENDI in God Passes By, pp. 348-349 [Page 3]

To the 1944 Convention

I advise you to share the following facts with the believers at Convention celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Bahá’ís have established residence in seventy-eight countries, fifty-six of which are sovereign states. Bahá’í literature has been translated and published in forty-one languages. Translations have been undertaken in twelve additional languages. Thirty-one races are represented in the Bahá’í world community. Five National Assemblies and sixty-one local Assemblies belonging to ten countries are incorporated and legally empowered to hold property.

The Bahá’í international endowments held in the Holy Land are estimated at a half million pounds sterling. National Bahá’í endowments in the United States are estimated at one million, seven hundred thousand dollars.

The area of land in the Jordan Valley dedicated to the Bahá’í Shrines is over five hundred acres. The site purchased for future Bahá’í Temple of Persia comprises three and a half million square meters. The cost of the structure of the first Bahá’í Temple in the West has been one million, three hundred thousand dollars.

In every state and province of North America Bahá’í Assemblies are functioning. In thirteen hundred localities of the United States and Canada Bahá’ís reside. Bahá’í Centers have been established in every republic of Latin America, fifteen of which possess Spiritual Assemblies. The Faith in the Western Hemisphere now stretches from Anchorage, Alaska, to Magallanes, the world’s southernmost city. Sixty-two Centers have been established in India, twenty-seven with Spiritual Assemblies.

Among the historic sites purchased in Persia are the Tihrán home of Bahá’u’lláh, the Báb’s shop in Bushire, the burial place of Quddús, part of the village of Chiriq, three gardens in Badasht, and the place where Táhirih was confined. Bahá’í administrative headquarters have been founded in Tihrán, Delhi, Cairo, Baghdád, Wilmette and Sydney. Bahá’í endowments in the Holy Land and the United States have been exempted from taxes by the civil authorities. Civil recognition has been extended to Bahá’í Assemblies in five states of the United States to solemnize Bahá’í marriages.

I suggest you utilize the above information for publicity purposes wherever advisable.

May 9, 1944

Hail with glad, grateful heart the historic Assembly of the elected representatives of the followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the Western Hemisphere participating in the first All-America Convention gathered in the vicinity of the first Bahá’í Center of the Western World beneath the dome of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West to commemorate alike the Anniversary of the founding of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh and the Birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Anniversary of its establishment in the Occident and to celebrate the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the most hallowed House of Worship in the entire Bahá’í world.

I recall with profound emotion on this solemn, auspicious occasion the milestones in the progress of the community whose rise constitutes one of the noblest episodes in the history of the First Bahá’í Century. Called into being through the operation of the will of the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant, energized at the hour of its birth by dynamic spirit communicated to it by the band of first returning pilgrims, purged in its infancy by fiery tests involving the defection of its acknowledged founder, nursed through the dispatch of unnumbered Tablets by the vigilant Master, as well as by the successive messengers designed to support its infant strength, launched upon its rapid career through series of institutional acts and missionary journeys signalizing the first stirrings of its community life, infinitely enriched by priceless benefits conferred upon its members in the course of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s sojourn in their midst, invested with a unique mission through the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, firmly knit through processes proclaiming the emergence of the Divinely appointed Administrative Order, immortalized through the signal acts of its illustrious member who succeeded in winning the allegiance of royalty to its cause, consummating its record of achievements through total victory of the Seven Year Plan thereby sealing the triumph of the first stage in the Mission bestowed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, this repeatedly blessed, much envied community deserves to be acclaimed the Torchbearer of the civilization, the foundations of which the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh is destined unassailably to establish in the course of the Second Bahá’í Century. I am moved to pay a well deserved tribute at this great turning point in the career of so privileged a community to the gallant band of its apostolic founders whose deeds heralded the dawn of the Day of the Covenant in the West, to its intrepid pioneers who labored to enlarge the bounds of the Faith in the five continents, to its indefatigable administrators whose hands reared the fabric of the Administrative Order, to its heroic martyrs who followed in the footsteps of the Dawn-Breakers of the heroic age, to its itinerant teachers who with written and spoken word pleaded its cause and repulsed the attacks of its adversaries, to its munificent supporters whose liberality accelerated the expansion of its manifold activities, and last but not least to the mass of its stout-hearted, self-denying members whose strenuous, ceaseless, concerted efforts so decisively contributed to the consolidation and broadening of its foundations. I desire to direct a particular appeal to the Latin American representatives participating in the Centennial Convention to deliberate on measures to reinforce the ties binding them to their Sister Community, unitedly devise means for the inauguration of teaching campaigns in [Page 4] their respective Republics, the dissemination of Bahá’í literature, the multiplication of Bahá’í administrative centers as preliminary steps in the formation of Bahá’í National Assemblies, and lend impetus to the prosecution of any enterprise launched to carry still further the Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American Bahá’í Community.

May 15, 1944

I am overjoyed by the auspicious opening of the Centennial Convention. The dearly-beloved American Bahá’í community was remembered during the historic night of the glorious Declaration at the Báb’s Holy Shrine. Announce to the friends the joyful tidings that the hundredth anniversary of the Declaration of the Mission of the martyred Herald of the Faith was signalized by historic decision to complete the structure of His sepulcher erected by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on the site chosen by Bahá’u’lláh. The recently designed model of the dome has been unveiled in the presence of assembled believers. Praying for early removal of obstacles to the consummation of the stupendous Plan conceived by the Founder of the Faith and the hopes cherished by the Center of His Covenant.

May 25, 1944

To the National Spiritual Assembly

Praying fervently for newly-elected Assembly signal victories, abundant blessings in the opening year of the second Bahá’í century. Deepest love.

May 26, 1944

The magnificent victories achieved in the teaching field and the sphere of administrative activity by the American Bahá’í community crowned with glory the historic services rendered by the followers of Bahá’u’lláh throughout the West during the last fifty years of the first Bahá’í century. I rejoice in the brilliant celebrations befittingly consummating the record of splendid achievements. Immediate attention should be focused in the course of the opening year of the Second Century on consolidation of the nobly-won victories through reinforcement of newly formed Assemblies, multiplication of groups and increase in number of Assemblies as well as corresponding effort through Latin America. Praying for continuous flow of Divine outpourings.

May 27, 1944

The one remaining and indeed the most challenging task confronting the American Bahá’í Community has at long last been brilliantly accomplished. The structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has, through this superb victory, and on the very eve of the world-wide celebrations of the Centenary of His Faith, been firmly laid by the champion-builders of His World Order in every state of the Great Republic of the West and in every Province of the Dominion of Canada.

In each of the Republics of Central and South America, moreover, the banner of His undefeatable Faith has been implanted by the members of that same community, while in no less than thirteen Republics of Latin America as well as in two Dependencies in the West Indies, Spiritual Assemblies have been established and are already functioning—a feat that has outstripped the goal originally fixed for the valiant members of that Community in their inter-continental sphere of Bahá’í activity.

The exterior ornamentation of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West—the culmination of a forty year old enterprise repeatedly blessed and continually nurtured by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—has, furthermore, through a remarkable manifestation of the spirit of Bahá’í solidarity and self-sacrifice so powerfully animating the members of that stalwart community, been successfully completed, more than a year in advance of the time set for its termination.

The triple task undertaken with such courage, confidence, zeal and determination—a task which ever since the inception of the Seven Year Plan has challenged and galvanized into action the entire body of the American believers and for the efficient prosecution of which processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order had, during no less than sixteen years, been steadily evolving—is now finally accomplished and crowned with total victory.

The greatest collective enterprise ever launched by the Western followers of Bahá’u’lláh and indeed ever undertaken by any Bahá’í community in the course of an entire century, has been gloriously consummated. A victory of undying fame has marked the culmination of the fifty year long labors of the American Bahá’í community in the service of Bahá’u’lláh and has shed imperishable lustre on the immortal records of His Faith during the first hundred years of its existence.

The exploits that have marked the progress of this prodigious, this three-fold enterprise, covering a field stretching from Alaska in the North to the extremity of Chile in the South, affecting the destinies of so great a variety of peoples and nations, involving such a tremendous expenditure of treasure and effort, calling forth so remarkable a spirit of heroism and self-sacrifice, and undertaken notwithstanding the vicious assaults and incessant machinations of the breakers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Covenant, and despite the perils, the trials and restrictions of a desolating war of unexampled severity, augur well for the successful prosecution, and indeed assure the ultimate victory, of the remaining stages of the Plan conceived, a quarter of a century ago, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American continent.

To the band of pioneers, whether settlers or itinerant teachers, who have forsaken their homes, who have scattered far and wide, who have willingly sacrificed their comfort, their health and even their lives for the prosecution of this Plan; to the several committees and their auxiliary agencies that have been entrusted with special and direct responsibility for its efficient and orderly development and who have discharged their high responsibilities with exemplary vigor, courage and fidelity; to the national representatives of the community itself, who have vigilantly and tirelessly supervised, directed and coordinated the unfolding processes of this vast undertaking ever since its inception; to all those who, though not in the forefront of battle, have through their financial assistance and through the instrumentality of their deputies, contributed to the expansion and consolidation of the Plan, I myself, as well as the entire Bahá’í world, owe a debt of gratitude that no one can measure or describe. To the sacrifices they have made, to the courage they have so consistently shown, to the fidelity they have so remarkably displayed, to the resourcefulness, the discipline, the constancy and devotion they have so abundantly demonstrated, future generations viewing the magnitude of their labors in their proper perspective, will no doubt pay adequate tribute—a tribute no less ardent and well-deserved than [Page 5] the recognition extended by the present-day builders of the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh to the Dawn-Breakers, whose shining deeds have signalized the birth of the Heroic Age of His Faith.

To the elected representatives of all the Bahá’í communities of the New World, assembled beneath the Dome of the Mother Temple of the West, on the occasion of the historic, first All-American Bahá’í Convention—a Convention at which every state and province in the North American continent is represented, in which the representatives of every Republic of Latin America have been invited to participate, whose delegates have been elected, for the first time in American Bahá’í history, by all local communities already possessing Assemblies, by all groups and isolated believers throughout the United States and Canada, and whose proceedings will be for ever associated with the celebration of the Centenary of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, of the Hundredth anniversary of the birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Bahá’í Faith in the Western Hemisphere, and of the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the First Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the West—to all the privileged attendants of such an epoch-making Convention, I, on my own behalf, as well as in the name of all Bahá’í Communities sharing with them, at this great turning point in the history of our Faith, the joys and triumphs of this solemn hour, feel moved to convey the expression of our loving admiration, our joy and our gratitude for the brilliant conclusion of what posterity will no doubt acclaim as one of the most stirring episodes in the history of the Formative Age of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, as well as one of the most momentous enterprises undertaken during the entire course of the first Century of the Bahá’í Era.

Haifa, April 15, 1944

April 15, 1944

I rejoice in the success of the vitally needed, timely conference with Latin American representatives; greatly welcome the decisions reached and the plans formulated. The first year of the second Bahá’í century should witness the establishment of a Spiritual Assembly in every remaining Republic and be signalized by a steady increase in the number of pioneers for both Latin and North America; by a further multiplication of groups, a wider dissemination of Bahá’í literature in both Spanish and Portuguese, closer relationships consolidating the communities and more effective contact by these communities with the masses of the population and all races and classes. I am ardently praying for mighty victories in every field as essential preliminary to the emergence of independent National Spiritual Assemblies and as indispensable prelude to launching in other continents, soon after the termination of the world conflict, the second stage of the momentous World Plan so intimately associated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with the future destinies of the illustrious American Bahá’í Community.

July 17, 1944

The splendid and unique success that has attended the Centenary celebrations so admirably conducted by the American Bahá’í community, has befittingly crowned not only the fifty year record of services rendered by its valiant members, but the labors associated with the entire body of their fellow-workers in East and West in the course of an entire century. The consummation of the Seven Year Plan, immortalizing the fame of this richly blessed community, set the seal of complete spiritual triumph on these historic celebrations. A memorable chapter in the history of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the West has been closed. A new chapter is now opening, a chapter which, ere its termination, must eclipse the most shining victories won so heroically by those who have so fearlessly launched the first stage of the Great Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American believers. The prizes won so painstakingly in both the North and South American continents must be preserved at all costs. A mighty impetus should, at however great a sacrifice, be lent to the multiplication of Bahá’í centers in Latin America, to the expansion of Bahá’í literature, to the translation of the Bahá’í sacred writings, to the proclamation of the verities of the Faith to the masses, to the strengthening of the bonds binding the newly-fledged communities to each other, and to the deepening of the spiritual life of their members.

The task so marvelously initiated in the Latin Republics must be further consolidated ere the prosecutors of the World Plan bequeathed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá can embark on further stages, of still greater significance, in their world teaching mission. The cessation of hostilities will open before them fields of service of tremendous fertility and undreamed-of magnitude. The advantages and opportunities these fields will offer them cannot be exploited unless and until the work to which they have already set their hand in the Western Hemisphere is sufficiently advanced and consolidated. Time is pressing. The new tasks are already beginning to loom on the horizon. The work that still remains to be accomplished ere the next stage is ushered in is still considerable and exacting. I feel confident that the American Bahá’í community will, as it has in the past, rise to the occasion and discharge its high duties as befits the unique position it occupies.

August 18, 1944

Profoundly gratified, I greatly welcome the noble determination of Committees and Assemblies unitedly to arise to preserve the prizes dearly won and prepare themselves befittingly to discharge the mightier, more glorious task ahead in the opening years of the second century.

September 24, 1944

Moneeb-Shahíd, grandson of both ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the King of Martyrs, married according to the Moslem rites the daughter of a political exile who is nephew of the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem. This treacherous act of alliance with enemies of the Faith merits condemnation of entire Bahá’í world.

November 7, 1944

Share grief at passing of devoted, faithful pioneer (John Stearns). His services have been unforgettable and highly meritorious. Advise the construction of a Memorial. Assure friends in Lima (Peru) my deepest, loving sympathy.

November 19, 1944

Comforted, strengthened by assurance of sympathy and loyalty of American believers in the deplorable, delicate situation created by dishonorable alliances made by members of my family, first with Covenant-breakers and now with external enemies of the Faith.

The marvelous, rapid, sound evolution of the institutions of the Faith in five continents, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, constitutes best monition, most effective counteraction to the detrimental influence of those whose acts proclaim their severance from the Holy Tree and their forfeiture of their sacred birthright.

The occasion demands that you direct special attention to passages in "God Passes By" indicating the gravity of the past crises precipi- [Page 6] tated since the inception of the Faith by kinsmen both of the Manifestation and the Center of His Covenant, demonstrating the pitiful futility of their nefarious activities and the sad fate overtaking defectors and betrayers.

The present hour calls for unrelaxing vigilance, continued heroism, redoubled efforts, renewed dedication by rank and file of the community enjoying preponderating share alike in the erection, the defense, and the consolidation of the worldwide Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh since the passing of the Center of His Covenant.

I urge the entire Bahá’í community of the Western Hemisphere to focus its attention during the remaining months of the opening year of the second century on the formation of local Assemblies in the remaining Republics of Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, Bolivia and San Domingo, guard against dissolution of Assemblies already painstakingly established throughout the Americas, exert effort on further multiplication of groups, wider dissemination of literature, greater use of radio, closer contact with masses, more audacious proclamation of the Faith, more effective coordination of local and national activities aiming at fuller demonstration of the rights and claims of the Faith to be regarded as sole refuge of humanity in its hour of bitterest agony.

The American believers’ meritorious activities, individual, local, inter-state, intercontinental, will be the object of my special prayers during the approaching Anniversary of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ascension.

November 21, 1944

1944, a year memorable for the sharp contrast between the rising tide of spiritual victories culminating in the Centenary celebrations of a world-embracing Faith and the swiftly ebbing fortunes of a war-ravaged, disillusioned and bankrupt society, is drawing to a close. In every continent of the globe; in the Holy Land, the Heart and Center of our Faith and Pivot of its institutions; in the land of its birth; in the adjoining territory of ‘Iráq; throughout the Western Hemisphere; in the British Isles, so severely subjected to the violence of a world tempest; throughout the length and breadth of India; in far-off Australasia and in the Nile Valley—all with the sole exception of the distant Republics of the West subjected in varying degrees to the imminent danger of becoming the theatre of war—the communities laboring for the promotion of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have, throughout five tumultuous years, been providentially spared to hold aloft its banner, to preserve its integrity, to maintain the continuity of its institutions, to enrich its annals, to consolidate its structure, to further disseminate its literature and to befittingly celebrate its centenary.

Preponderant indeed has been the share of that privileged community, which has been invested by the Pen of the Center of the Covenant with a world-wide mission, in the prosecution of a task which, ever since the onset of this world upheaval and despite its mounting horrors, the builders of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh have so unflaggingly pursued. Neither the participation of the Great Republic of the West in this fierce contest, nor the sorrows, burdens and restrictions which such direct association with the agonies of a travailing age has entailed have thus far been capable of dimming the splendor of the exploits that have immortalized the record of the services of this community since the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Indeed, coincident with the period of America’s direct participation in this world struggle and in direct proportion to the turmoil and the tribulations which such a participation has engendered, the members of this community have evinced a heroism and proved themselves capable of a concerted effort that have eclipsed the notable achievements that have heralded the establishment of the Administrative Order of the Faith as well as the first stage in the development of the Seven Year Plan.

What the year 1945, on whose threshhold we now stand, has in store for the members of this determined, this valiant, this watchful, this exemplary community only the future can reveal. That the trials and afflictions suffered by their country and its people must wax as this world upheaval moves towards a climax no one can any longer doubt. The challenge that will face this stalwart community will no doubt be severe. To allow the prizes so nobly won, over so vast a field, at so great a cost, at so critical an hour, to fall into jeopardy would be unworthy of a career so auspiciously initiated, so completely dedicated to the Cause of God, so rich in promise and so brilliant in almost every phase of its evolution. Every local Assembly, the ordained pivot of a divinely-ordained System, which has been established in the States and Provinces of the North American continent, as well as in the Republics of Latin America, must, through a supreme effort on the part of pioneers, visiting teachers and Regional Committees, be steadfastly maintained. Simultaneously a no less determined effort should be exerted to enable the admittedly large number of groups scattered throughout the Americas to attain Assembly status. No less urgent is the obligation to proclaim the verities enshrined in the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh by every means which individuals, Assemblies and committees can devise, through the press and radio, through an unprecedented dissemination of literature, through its systematic translation into Spanish and Portuguese and above all through active association with leaders of public thought as well as direct contact with the masses of the people. Through such means as these, and through such means only can the members of the American Bahá’í Community, who have so audaciously and successfully launched the first stage of the Divine Plan, be enabled to pave the way and usher in, soon after the cessation of hostilities, the succeeding stage in the evolution of their world mission. My prayers and loving thoughts surround them continually in their devoted labors.

December 24, 1944

I desire to reiterate the warning that no Persian, student or otherwise, must be admitted into the community under any circumstances unless provided with full credentials. Exception and compromise would be detrimental to the vital interests of the Faith at the present juncture. The utmost caution and vigilance is imperative.

January 20, 1945

Deeply appreciate Assembly’s loving message, rejoice in the formulation of new plans, delighted with recent accomplishments, anticipate fresh triumphs in the publicity campaigns. Grateful for the provision of funds for The Bahá’í World (Vol. IX) publication. Praying for removal of obstacles to the travel of nine Latin American pioneers. Urge utmost vigilance for preservation at whatever cost of the newly constituted Assemblies throughout the Americas. Appeal exert strenuous efforts to convert the large groups into Assemblies. Praying for increasing flow of blessings on sustained, concerted [Page 7] exertions of the indefatigable, incorruptible, consistently victorious, dearly beloved American Bahá’í community.

January 29, 1945

THE GUARDIAN

Bahá’í youth under twenty-one may serve on Committees.

February 27, 1945

Regret failure efforts hold Convention. Praying success Peace Plan.

March 9, 1945

Deeply grieve passing of indefatigable, staunch pioneer (i.e., Miss Mary Lesch) of the Faith in the Day of the Covenant. The record of her services imperishable, her reward great in the Abhá Kingdom.

March 27, 1945

The Divine Plan conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the American Bahá’í community, in the midst of one of the darkest periods in human history and with which the destinies of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American continent must for generations to come remain inextricably interwoven, has, during the concluding years of the first Bahá’í Century, triumphantly emerged from the first stage of its evolution. Its initiation, officially and on a vast scale, had, for well nigh twenty years, been held in abeyance, while the processes of a slowly emerging administrative Order, were, under the unerring guidance of Providence, creating and perfecting the agencies for its efficient and systematic prosecution. The next stage in the evolution of the Plan cannot, however, be embarked upon, until the external causes, hampering its further unfoldment in other continents of the globe, are removed through the cessation of hostilities and the signal victories already won through its initial development are sufficiently consolidated throughout the Western Hemisphere. The tasks confronting those who have so valiantly and brilliantly inaugurated the first stage in the execution of the Great Design unfolded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the promulgation of the Faith of His Father, during this transitional period, are manifold, exacting, urgent, and sacred. The local administrative units, so laboriously constituted throughout the Americas, must needs, as already pointed out and repeatedly stressed, be maintained, reinforced, closely integrated and their number steadily multiplied.

The spirit that has inflamed the pioneers who have set the seal of triumph on the Seven Year Plan, must under the vigilant care of the national representatives of the American Bahá’í community be constantly watched, kept alive and nourished.

The literature of the Faith, particularly in Spanish and Portuguese, must be widely disseminated in both Central and South America, as a necessary adjunct to the systematic consolidation of the work that has been undertaken.

Above all, the healing Message of Bahá’u’lláh must during the opening years of the second Bahá’í Century, and through the instrumentality of an already properly functioning Administrative Order, whose ramifications have been extended to the four corners of the Western Hemisphere, be vividly, systematically brought to the attention of the masses, in their hour of grief, misery and confusion. A more audacious assertion of the challenging verities of the Faith; a more convincing presentation of its distinguishing truths; a fuller exposition of the character, the aims and the achievements of its rising Administrative system as the nucleus and pattern of its future world-embracing order; a more direct and intimate contact and association with the leaders of public thought, whose activities and aims are akin to the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, for the purpose of demonstrating the universality, the comprehensiveness, the liberality and the dynamic power of His Divine Message; a closer scrutiny of the ways and means whereby its claims can be vindicated, its defamers and detractors silenced, and its institutions safeguarded; a more determined effort to exploit, to the fullest extent possible, the talents and abilities of the rank and file of the believers for the purpose of achieving these ends—these stand out as the paramount tasks summoning to a challenge, during these years of transition and turmoil, the entire body of the American believers. The facilities which the radio and press furnish must be utilized to a degree unprecedented in American Bahá’í history. The combined resources of the much-envied exemplary American Bahá’í community must be harnessed for the effectual promotion of these meritorious purposes. Blessings undreamt of in their scope and plenteousness, are bound to be vouchsafed to those who will, in these dark yet pregnant times, arise to further these noble ends and to hasten through their acts the hour at which a still more momentous stage in the evolution of a Divine and worldwide Plan can be launched.

There is no time to lose. The hour is ripe for the proclamation, without fear, without reserve, and without hesitation, and on a scale never as yet undertaken, of the One Message that can alone extricate humanity from the morass into which it is steadily sinking, and from which they who claim to be the followers of the Most Great Name can and will eventually rescue it. The sooner they who labor for the recognition and triumph of His Faith in the new world arise to carry out these inescapable duties, the sooner will the hopes, the aims and objectives of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá as enshrined in His own Plan, be translated from the realm of vision to the plane of actuality and manifest the full force of the potentialities with which they have been endued.

March 29, 1945

My faithless brother Husayn, after long period of dishonorable conduct, has abandoned the Master’s home to consort with his sister and other Covenant-breakers.

Letters From the Guardian Through His Secretary

Regarding your question as to the changing of pronouns in Bahá’í prayers: The Guardian does not approve of such changes, either in the specific prayers or in any others. They should be read as printed without changing a single word.

In connection with your Assembly’s two actions regarding the formation and dissolution of Spiritual Assemblies: The Guardian approves of your first action, which he understands is only for this last year of the first Bahá’í Century, as, of course, in the future Assemblies will be formed only during the month of April. As to the second action, however, any Assembly which is dissolved must immediately report to the national secretary, who must always keep an up to date list of Assemblies. Any dissolved Assembly cannot be reconstituted until the time of election in April. This is the general principle which must be followed in the future. In this last year of the Century, however, naturally any Assembly that is dissolved may [Page 8] be reconstituted as soon as the number of believers reverts to nine again.

April 13, 1944

As you know, from his various cabled messages, he has been greatly rejoiced over the complete triumph of the arduous Seven Year Plan undertaken by the American believers during a difficult period in world events and carried forward to a glorious conclusion in the very teeth of the tempest of war which has been raging for almost five of the seven years of their heroic endeavor. To complete such a Plan during times of peace and security would in itself have been a great achievement; but to have succeeded during the darkest days of humanity's abasement and trial, is truly little short of miraculous and must forever attest the calibre of the faith and loyalty which fills the hearts of the members of the blessed American Bahá’í community.

His hope and belief is that they will not rest on their oars, but will, their appetites whetted by their successes, carry on their great and noble tasks allotted to them by the Center of the Covenant Himself. The work that lies ahead of them in the immediate future is clearly defined: The great advantages won for the Faith in the eyes of the public by the remarkable success of the Centenary in Wilmette; the large attendance of believers, the presence of gifted and devoted Central and South American representatives of newly established outposts of the Faith, should be followed up by teaching campaigns, wide publicity and as many radio broadcasts as can be secured. A contact with the masses has, for the first time, to all intents and purposes, since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit, been made, and should be vigorously maintained. Inside the Bahá’í Fold every effort must be exerted to safeguard the newly established Assemblies and prevent them from falling back into group status again. In Latin America the Assemblies must not only be maintained but new ones established in the Republics which have not yet a Bahá’í administrative nucleus. Literature in Spanish and Portuguese should be made available as speedily as possible and disseminated far and wide. Latin American and native Bahá’ís should, whenever qualified, be urged and assisted to pioneer, to travel and to teach in Central and South America, thereby encouraging them to gradually shoulder their own responsibilities.

With such a triumph behind you the Guardian feels confident you will face these many tasks that lie ahead with joy and his prayers will constantly be offered on your behalf and for your inspiration and guidance.

In your letter of Sept. 20th you enclosed a copy of your amendments of the By-Laws of the N.S.A.: he fully approved of these changes rendered necessary by the States and Provinces themselves now being regarded as electoral units in the election of delegates to the annual Convention.

In that same letter you ask for his suggestions concerning possible plans for teaching in Europe, or helping the Bahá’ís there with literature, etc. Obviously, there will be a tremendous need for Bahá’í literature in these war-torn countries and for spiritual enlightenment and help. But as the whole situation is still in the throes of violent changes, and we cannot as yet foresee how soon or where assistance may be given, he feels that there should at present be no diversion into new channels of the energies of the American believers now concentrated on the tasks they already have in hand. Literature in German, French, and any other European languages that can be conveniently undertaken, should be translated and held in readiness for use whenever the time for action comes.

He has been very sorry to notice in various reports received from you that some of the new Assemblies, established at such cost of sacrifice on the part of those who arose as pioneers and overcame every obstacle in their path and those who generously contributed of their means to insure a supply of funds for this purpose, are falling below Assembly status. He realizes that your body and the National Teaching Committee and Regional Teaching Committees are well aware of this situation. But he wishes to personally add a word of appeal to the friends not to permit their hard-won prizes to now slip from their grasp through any relaxation of their vigilance and efforts. The believers, now more sure of their own powers and of the Divine help that has so unfailingly reached them than at any previous period in their fifty-year history, must continue to put forth a mature, dedicated and sustained effort so that these new Assemblies—whether in North or South America—may be preserved and reinforced and, where necessary, re-instated. Groups, though of secondary importance, should likewise be enlarged and built up to Assembly status so that the truly remarkable victory achieved by the ‘American and Canadian Bahá’ís may not shrink in dimension as the months go by, but rather flower into still greater victories in the days to come.

He also wishes to call your Assembly's attention to the great importance of Magallanes as a center, and of the necessity of extending it every assistance, so that this Bahá’í year an Assembly may be firmly established there. It, together with that of Alaska, may be likened to the extremity of the Bahá’í arms stretched out and waiting to embrace the whole world in the order of peace and love which Bahá’u’lláh has established for the children of men in this day.

In closing the beloved Guardian wishes me to assure you and your fellow-members of his most loving prayers on your behalf and for the success of the many tasks of importance which you are, in collaboration with the mass of the believers, seeking to carry to a successful conclusion.

December 24, 1944

Shoghi Effendi very much appreciates the desire of the American believers to participate in the erection of the completed shrine of the Báb. The preliminary plans are now being made, and he leaves it to the friends to contribute towards this sacred enterprise in whatever manner and to whatever degree they wish to.

Also, regarding your letter of Aug. 7th: you ask his advice concerning a school session at West Englewood. He feels that the four Bahá’í schools at present in existence, namely Louhelen, Green Acre, Geyserville School and Temerity Ranch, are sufficient for the time being. There is, naturally, no objection to holding meetings and conferences in West Englewood.

With loving greetings and the ardent hope that this new year will bring the believers over there many new victories.

January 1, 1945

In view of the fact that a few Persians have, in defiance of the instructions and expressed wishes of their National Spiritual Assembly, gone to America, and in view of other considerations as well, the Guardian feels impelled to call the matter to your attention. You must recall to the believers' minds the oft-repeated warnings of ‘Abdu’l- [Page 9] Bahá concerning Orientals, especially Persians. The Americans, kind and open-hearted as they are, may easily fall a victim to the hypocritical and the insincere, and it is to protect them from being misled and imposed upon that he is sending you this message.

January 14, 1945

The question of young Bahá’ís being permitted to serve on committees other than the Youth Committee has been raised in a number of letters recently, and in considering the matter he felt that Bahá’í young people under twenty-one should not be denied the privilege of committee work. Though they cannot be voting members of Bahá’í communities (or exercise the electoral vote at all until they reach that age), and though they cannot, likewise, be elected to Assemblies, there is no reason why they should not serve the Cause on various committees as all committees, national or local, are subordinate to Assemblies and their members not elected but appointed, and appointed by Assemblies. We have many devoted and talented young believers who can be of great assistance to the Cause even though not yet legally of age.

February 29, 1945

Letters to Individuals (Published With His Consent)

He feels that, although your desire to partake actively of the dangers and miseries afflicting so many millions of people today, is natural, and a noble impulse, there can be no comparison between the value of Bahá’í work and any other form of service to humanity.

If the Bahá’ís could evaluate their work properly they would see that, whereas other forms of relief work are superficial in character, alleviating the sufferings and ills of men for a short time at best, the work they are doing is to lay the foundation of a new spiritual Order in the world founded on the Word of God, operating according to the laws He has laid down for this age. No one else can do this work except those who have fully realized the meaning of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, whereas almost any courageous, sincere person can engage in relief work, etc.

The believers are building a refuge for mankind. This is their supreme, sacred task and they should devote every moment they can to this task. -To Dagmar Dole, March 25, 1943.

Regarding the four and twenty elders: The Master, in a Tablet, stated that they were the Báb, the eighteen Letters of the Living, and five others who would be known in the future. So far we do not know who these five others are. To Mrs. George R. True, July 22, 1943.

If the believers could properly evaluate the work they are doing they would be astonished at its importance, but they are in the position of not being able to see the forest for the trees; they are too close to it to realize its true import. - To Mrs. Alice Dudley, May 3, 1943.

"The Hosts of His Testament" refers to those who are firm in the Will and Testament of Bahá’u’lláh and who defend and uphold it. - To Mrs. Alice Dudley, April 18, 1941, in answer to question about the meaning of this term used in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The word "cord" so often mentioned in the Teachings means both the Faith itself and also the power of the Faith which sustains those who cling to it. To Mrs. Alice Dudley, April 18, 1941.

Ultimately all the battle of life is within the individual. No amount of organization can solve the inner problems or produce or prevent, as the case may be, victory or failure. at a crucial moment. In such times as these particularly, individuals are torn by great forces at large in the world, and we see some weak ones only try, through loving advice, as strong, and strong ones fail-we can your Committee has done, to bring about the act on the part of the believer which will be for the highest good of the Cause. Because obviously something bad for the Cause cannot be the highest good of the individual Bahá’í. To Leroy Ioas, December 17, 1943.

Now is not the time for the friends to seek to establish a Bahá’í village; they have definite tasks confronting them of the utmost importance and urgency, and on these they should concentrate their attention. Nor does the Guardian feel that it is necessary for the friends to buy land at this time. In the future, when they have accomplished the goals set out for them by the beloved Master Himself, they will be able to develop more community projects, but now such enterprises would merely dissipate their strength which should all be directed into the teaching work. -To Mrs. Ethel Murray, March 26, 1942.

Regarding your question about vaccination: these are technical matters which have not been specifically mentioned in the teachings, and consequently the Guardian can not make any statement about them. No doubt medical science will progress tremendously as time goes by, and the treatment of disease becomes more perfect.

It is advisable to use both the Bahá’í dates, according to the Bahá’í Calendar, and the usual Gregorian dates as well. The friends at present are free to do as they please.

The Guardian hopes that along with whatever other studies you take up, you will continually study the teachings and endeavor to acquire a profound knowledge of them. The importance of young Bahá’ís becoming thoroughly steeped in every branch of the teachings can not be over-emphasized, as they have great teaching tasks ahead of them to accomplish. (From letter to John C. Eichenauer, Jr., December 24, 1943)

Regarding your questions concerning the advisability of changing the basis of the National Assembly's election and confining it to the body of delegates or of limiting the term of office: He feels that as any such changes are of a radical nature and should therefore apply to the N. S. A.'s of other countries, they are inadvisable and premature, both for this reason and because of their very nature.

What is needed is to get the administration in its present form to run more efficiently and at the same time to build up a higher sense of responsibility among the body of the believers. They should be encouraged to think more, not only about the qualifications of their elected bodies, but also about such things as you mention, the law of averages, the age and indisposition of some of the members, etc.

When we look back and see what the Administration has accomplished in twenty odd years, indeed what it has done in the last seven years, we see what strides forward have been made. Far greater tasks lie ahead, but the Guardian does not feel that the way to meet them is to change the present system but rather to perfect it by educating the believers and training them, holding more confer- [Page 10] ences, publishing more news for Bahá’ís, getting more people active.

From letter to Emeric Sala, July 6, 1944

Regarding your question about the need for greater unity among the friends there is no doubt that this is so, and the Guardian feels that one of the chief instruments for promoting it is to teach the Bahá’ís themselves, in classes and through precepts, that love of God, and consequently of men, is the essential foundation of every religion, our own included. A greater degree of love will produce a greater unity, because it enables people to bear with each other, to be patient and forgiving.

From letter to Mrs. Annie Romer, July 7, 1944

Regarding your suggestion to the N. S. A. about a People's Peace Conference. The idea and the aims are excellent, but the Guardian does not feel that the believers are as yet in a position to undertake such a major step; if the friends seek to carry out a thing of such importance and find that they cannot-through lack of members, prestige, funds, or any other reason,-see the thing through to a successful conclusion, they will have done the Cause a serious injury by making it seem just one more ripple on the surface of a disturbed and turbulent society. They must first build the fabric of their community life so solidly that it can bear the strain which such an undertaking would place upon it, and which, by its very nature, would focus the eyes of the press upon the Bahá’ís everywhere in the world.