Bahá’í News/Inserts/Issue 38/The Guardian’s Contribution to the Temple Fund/Text

The Guardian's Contribution to Temple Fund

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THE GUARDIAN’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE TEMPLE FUND

With this illustrated insert in the News Letter of February, 1930, the National Assembly brings to the attention of all believers in the United States and Canada the infinitely precious and significant contribution made by Shoghi Effendi toward the construction of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar. We pray that the doors may be opened for the acquirement of the rug by believers, so that it may be preserved as an adornment for the Temple interior.

Description of Rug

A Persian Silk Rug, or Palace Carpet, of Tabriz weave, measuring nine feet eleven inches by fourteen feet, exclusive of fringe and margin.

A narrow strip of woven gold thread forms a margin around the rug. Beautifully sustained floral motives in crimsons and browns occupy the center on a field of rich ivory. The fine and characteristic border is of dark and very rich coloring, a fine dark crimson being predominant, enriched with a beautiful pale blue.

The rug appears to be between sixty and eighty years old and is in flawless condition.

Shoghi Effendi’s Words

“Am sacrificing the most valuable ornament of Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine in order to consecrate and reinforce the collective endeavors of the American believers speedily to consummate Plan for Unified Action. Appeal for unprecedented self-sacrifice.”—Cablegram, April 25, 1929.

“Soon shipping silken carpet from Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine as crowning gift on altar of Bahá’í sacrifice.”—Cablegram, April 28, 1929.

“Moved by an impulse that I could not resist, I have felt impelled to forego what may be regarded as the most valuable and sacred possession in the Holy Land for the furthering of that noble enterprise which you have set your hearts to achieve. With the hearty concurrence of our dear Bahá’í brother, Ziaoullah Asgarzadeh, who years ago donated it to the Most Holy Shrine, this precious ornament of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh has been already shipped to your shores, with our fondest hope that the proceeds from its sale may at once ennoble and reinforce the unnumbered offerings of the American believers already accumulated on the altar of Bahá’í sacrifice.”—Letter, October 25, 1929.

“Shoghi Effendi informs you that the rug can be offered for sale among Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike.” Soheil Afnán, December 12, 1929.

A Priceless Treasure for Temple Interior

In accordance with the Guardian’s purpose and instructions, the National Assembly has requested Mr. George Spendlove, a believer exceptionally qualified by expert knowledge and experience, to undertake the responsible task of arranging for the sale of this rug. Its value has been established at the sum of $20,000, at which figure offers will be considered whether from Bahá’ís or non-Bahá’ís, but no offer from a non-Bahá’í will be accepted until those interested among the believers have been given full opportunity to acquire the rug for the Cause.

Correspondence on this subject should be addressed to Mr. Spendlove, who will be able to coordinate such pledges or subscriptions as can be given by believers for this special object without interrupting the flow of regular contributions to the National Fund. The address is:

MR. GEORGE SPENDLOVE, 1528 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. Washington, D. C. [Page 2] “The most valuable ornament of Bahá’u’lláh’s Shrine”—Shoghi Effendi

(For details of silk rug see reverse side)