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I am replying to your letter of September 21 apart from other N.S.A. correspondence, as the beloved Guardian wishes to assure the Assembly that the contribution for the Shrine of the Báb has been received. (A receipt is herewith enclosed.)
He was very touched by the exemplary sense of duty and devotion to the interests of the Faith which this sum represents. Please, on his behalf, thank all the donors to the Yerrinbool Dormitory Fund for their prompt response to his appeal regarding the Holy Shrine.
Already the contract for the stone-work of the Octagon has been placed in Italy, and he hopes soon the preliminary arrangements locally can be made for continuing the work.
With loving Bahá'í greetings to all the Assembly members from the Guardian,
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deepfelt and abiding appreciation of the contribution of the Australian and New Zealand believers for so great and historic an enterprise, and of my loving and ardent prayers for their spiritual advancement and the steady expansion and consolidation of the great and historic work in which they are so devotedly engaged.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Adelaide, South Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of October 5 has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He fully appreciates the feeling of distress Bahá'ís experience when they have to give up even an inch of hard-won ground! But he thinks it best to comply with the instructions of the N.S.A. and dissolve your incorporation, which you can always at a future date reconstruct.
Bahá'u'lláh always assists the solution of Bahá'í problems, and the Guardian feels confident that the entire question of incorporating the N.S.A. and Assemblies will work out satisfactorily in the end.
We must always remember that the vast majority of Assemblies are as yet un-incorporated, and yet manage to carry on satisfactorily their Bahá'í work. Incorporation, however, must remain the objective of all.
You must put a bold face on it, and inform any critics that this is a step demonstrating the unity of the believers and their solidarity in supporting the work on a national scale, and meantime re-double your teaching efforts.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI wish to assure you of my profound appreciation of your exemplary devotion to the interests of our beloved Faith & of the spirit that so powerfully animates you in safeguarding its institutions, in consolidating its foundations & in extending the range of its influence. You are often in my thoughts & prayers & I will continue to supplicate the Almighty to bless your high endeavours & aid you to win great & memorable victories in the days to come. Be happy & persevere,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.Your letter of September 19 has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has just written the Adelaide S.A. informing them that he approves of their dissolving their incorporation in accordance with the instructions of the N.S.A.
He is watching the situation there carefully, and feels no real harm can be done by taking this step. They can always re-incorporate at a future date.
He was touched to hear of the consideration you and the Fitzners are showing dear Mother Dunn. He will certainly pray she may be spared to serve our beloved Cause for many years to come.
The friends must concentrate on the teaching work, as this is the most vital of all; other details will work themselves out, especially as the number of Bahá'ís increases, and the Cause gains in prestige thereby.
You are often remembered and your services very deeply valued.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my deep & abiding appreciation of the devotion, zeal & fidelity with which you are promoting the vital interests of our beloved Faith, & of my continued & ardent prayers for your happiness, success, & the realization of every hope you cherish for its promotion,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.The beloved Guardian was deeply touched to receive your contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, sent in your letter dated September 28, and for which I am enclosing a receipt.
He was also very glad to note you are two Bahá'í families there, and hopes through your labours your numbers will increase and you will be able to form a Spiritual Assembly.
With loving Bahá'í greetings to you all, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, reward you abundantly for your labours, & enable you to promote the vital interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiDEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE ASSURE SCHOOL ATTENDANTS FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS HIGH ENDEAVOURS SHOGHI
21 January 1951The beloved Guardian has instructed me to acknowledge on his behalf the Nov. issue of your Bahá'í News. He is well pleased with it and commends you.
He would like to call your attention to the statement on page 3, paragraph 3, under "Anniversaries and Festivals", and clarify it.
The Day of the Covenant Nov. 26th, and the Day of the Ascension, Nov. 28th, anniversaries of the birth and the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá must be observed by the friends coming together, but work is not prohibited. In other words the friends must regard observance of these two anniversaries as obligatory - but suspension of work not to be regarded as obligatory.
He assures you of his deep interest in all your efforts and offers prayers on your behalf at the Holy Shrines.
With warmest love, Sincerely yours, Amelia Collins.
24 January 1951 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter dated 7 Sovereignty 107 has been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He feels that it would be quite impossible for a Bahá'í, even if they were an independent candidate for Parliament, to sit in that body without becoming involved in burning political issues one way or another. As we look out on the world horizon today, we see that the political scene is becoming more involved and chaotic and the chief actors are impotent to solve the world's problems. This is not the arena for the Bahá'ís. We must cast off from this sinking ship and devote ourselves exclusively to building up the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh which we know is the salvation for the entire planet.
There is nothing in the Teachings about chiropractic as a method of healing. People are free to turn to it if they please and find help through it.
He hopes that your devoted services to the Cause will be blessed with success, and assures you of his loving prayers.
With warm greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for you success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters addressed to our beloved Guardian, and dated June 22, August 4 and 22, November 10 and December 5 and 11, of 1950 and January 30 and Feb. 20, 22, 26, of 1951, together with their enclosures, have been received; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
In regard to the various matters raised in your letters:
It is indeed a great tragedy that Mr. Perdu should have such an utterly despicable character, and the ability to be a teacher. He has undoubtedly dealt with the greatest injustice with the friends in Fiji who wrote to Mr. Blum; and the Guardian was extremely sorry to hear that this man, attracted to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, and evidently a sincere and decent person, should have been duped by the very man who gave him this glorious Message. It was very wise to send Mr. Blum out there; and he hopes that your Assembly will keep in close contact with the friends who were attracted, it would seem almost miraculously under the circumstances, to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh in those distant islands.
It might interest your Assembly to know that since leaving Fiji, Mr Perdu went to the United States, and himself admitted in a letter to the Guardian that he had seen Ahmad Sohrab.
The Guardian assures your Assembly, and, through you, all the believers throughout Australasia, that he has been deeply touched by the spirit of loyalty which you have all shown at this difficult time for him, and also the devotion to every work which is undertaken here at the International Centre of the Faith.
The support you have given to the construction of the Shrine of the Báb has been deeply appreciated; and he hopes that in the not distant future it will be possible for the doors of pilgrimage to be opened once more; and then the believers can see with their own eyes what their sacrificial contributions have helped to erect, on Mount Carmel. It will interest the friends to hear that we are at present busy with the preliminary work required prior to the erection of the second story of the Holy Tomb, in other words, the octagonal portion, which will be built on atop of the roof of the original Shrine building erected by 'Abdu'l-Bahá Himself. The stones have been ordered from Italy for this next stage in our undertaking, and soon will be coming to Haifa another 300 tons of granite, some of it with beautiful carved ornamentation.
The Guardian would like you to please convey to the Adelaide Spiritual Assembly his deep appreciation of the contribution they made through your Body to the Shrine Fund here in Haifa, a contribution which represents the sum of their Property Fund. They showed in this matter an exemplary spirit, and placed the major issue in its true perspective, forgetting their local hopes and aspirations in order that the work on the glorious Shrine of the Báb might be carried forward more speedily.
In regard to your question concerning the Centenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's mission: The Guardian, at a later date, will give instructions concerning this commemoration to the entire Bahá'í World.
He has been particularly pleased to note, during the past year, the increase in pioneer activity going on under your jurisdiction. As you know, he attaches the greatest importance to this type of Bahá'í service; and he hopes that more of the believers will arise and go forth into the field, establishing new centers and groups, and broadcasting the Message of Bahá'u'lláh over the face of that vast continent.
This is at once their greatest duty and privilege, and one which will attract the blessings of Bahá'u'lláh, and enrich, not only each individual who arises to serve, but the entire Community of which he forms a part.
Whenever the friends feel that they are small in number, and the effort required, truly colossal, they should remember what the British Bahá'ís accomplished during the Six Year Plan; and how, after the long and exhaustive years of the war and all its restrictions, they succeeded, at the point of utter exhaustion, one might say, in achieving every single goal gloriously. The Australian and New Zealand friends, who have not been subjected to such rigours during the last decade, who are a young and fresh nation, so to speak, can surely accomplish as much, and one would imagine more, than their British brethren, who laboured under such great handicaps.
He assures you all that he will remember you in his prayers at the Holy Threshold, and supplicate that your Assembly, and the Community of believers whom you represent, may achieve great things during the coming Bahá'í year and arise to new heights of self-sacrifice and service.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.P.S. I would like to add that the Guardian does not consider that it is advisable for New Zealand to be separated in the near future from Australia, and come under the jurisdiction of an independent National Assembly. He considers that the present arrangement is the best one until such time as there are more Assemblies flourishing in New Zealand, and he would consider the basis for a National Assembly strong enough there to support such an institution.
Regarding the question of Mr Perdu, the Guardian was considerably surprised at his temerity in getting in touch with the Bahá'ís. He belongs to an old family of Covenant-breakers from the days of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, was later pardoned by the Guardian, and a number of years ago, flagrantly disobeyed the Guardian, and was put out of our local Community here. We all know that he has been in constant association with the Covenant-breakers ever since, and he even admits it in his own letter! Needless to say, the Bahá'ís should consider him a Covenant-breaker, and shun him entirely. The harm that he could do a Community if treated otherwise, would be very great indeed.
Dear and valued co-workers:The manifold and ever multiplying activities in which the Australian, New Zealand and Tasmanian Bahá'í communities are so devotedly and unitedly engaged are the object of my constant solicitude, and evoke, as they steadily expand, feelings of gratitude and admiration in my heart. Though unavoidably prevented from communicating more frequently with their elected national representatives, who are directing with exemplary loyalty, unrelaxing vigilance, inflexible resolve, unsparing devotion and commendable foresight, the course of these highly meritorious and promising activities, I follow, through the perusal of the various reports and news letters I receive from them, every development in the unfoldment of their work, and surround them as they labour so assiduously for their Cause, with my fervent prayers, offered on their behalf in the Holy Shrines.
The assistance they have so spontaneously and enthusiastically extended to the newly established centre in the Fiji Islands, constituting the opening phase of the crusade destined to be systematically launched by them in the Pacific Islands - a territory with which their spiritual destiny is irrevocably linked - has been particularly gratifying and merits unstinted praise. To have undertaken this additional task, with such determination and fervour, while immersed in the labours associated with the prosecution of their Plan, is surely an evidence of their youthful vitality, their unbounded devotion to the interests of the Faith, and their eager desire to emulate the example of the sister-communities which have initiated, over and above their prescribed tasks, enterprises beyond the confines of their respective homelands.
While this historic undertaking is being carried forward by their elected national representatives, these communities must concentrate their attention on the pressing and inescapable requirements of the Plan to which they stand committed. The process of extending the range of their administrative activities through the formation of groups and the multiplication of Assemblies must continue unabated until this particular objective of the Plan is fully achieved. The proper incorporation of the national and Local Assemblies, so vital and urgent at the present stage of their evolution, must be hastened by every means in their power. The measures required to ensure the recognition of the Faith, of its laws regarding matters of personal status, as well as its Holy Days, by the civil authorities, in both Australia and New Zealand, must be carefully considered, and promptly adopted. The institutions of summer and winter schools, so vital and beneficial at the present stage in the development of the Faith must be continually expanded enriched and consolidated. The national and local Funds, on which the prosperity and unfoldment of a rising Administrative system must ultimately depend, should be assured of an ever-increasing measure of support, whilst the contributions of the believers for the raising of the superstructure of the Báb's Holy Sepulchre, constituting a sacred and added responsibility at this present critical hour, should be constantly borne in mind and steadily maintained. The deepening and enrichment of the spiritual life of the individual believer, his increasing comprehension of the essential verities underlying this Faith, his training in its administrative processes, his understanding of the fundamentals of the Covenants established by its Author and the authorised Interpreter of its teachings should be made the supreme objectives of the national representatives responsible for the edification, the progress and consolidation of these communities.
This two fold task, both at home and abroad, confronting the members of these communities, labouring so valiantly, and holding aloft so courageously the banner of the Most Great Name in the Antipodes, at so crucial a stage in the evolution of the human race on this planet, can neither be shirked nor be treated lightly for one moment. The hour is too critical, time is too short, the requirements of an infant Faith are too pressing, the resources at the disposal of the few into whose hands its care has been entrusted are too circumscribed to suffer any time to be lost in procrastination or through complacency or neglect. The prizes destined for the heroic warriors, battling for the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh throughout the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly Australasia, are glorious beyond compare. The assistance to be vouchsafed to them from on high in their struggle for its establishment to recognition and triumph is ready to be poured forth in astonishing abundance. Action immediate and wholehearted, coupled with unswerving fidelity and dogged perseverance, will no doubt enable those who participate in this double crusade, to attract the full measure of these blessings and to attain these glorious goals.
Your true brother, Shoghi.In answer to your letter of Feb. 22nd, the beloved Guardian has instructed me to assure you that the statement made in my letter to you Jan. 21st was quite correct.
You quote from page 537 "Bahá'í World" words written by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, - further down on the same page you will find the following "As a corollary of this Tablet (above) it follows the anniversaries of the birth and the ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá are not to be regarded as days on which work is prohibited. The celebration of these two days is however obligatory". - These are the words of the Guardian. We really have eleven Holy Days but as stated, work is only prohibited on the first nine mentioned in the Tablet.
He follows your work with deep interest and assures you of his loving prayers.
With warmest love, Faithfully Yours, Amelia Collins.
5 April 1951Your letter of March 20th has been received; and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very sorry to hear that you are contemplating separation from your husband. As you no doubt know, Bahá'u'lláh considers the marriage bond very sacred; and only under very exceptional and unbearable circumstances is divorce advisable for Bahá'ís.
The Guardian does not tell you that you must not divorce your husband; but he does urge you to consider prayerfully, not only because you are a believer and anxious to obey the laws of God, but also for the sake of the happiness of your children, whether it is not possible for you to rise above the limitations you have felt in your marriage hitherto, and make a go of it together.
We often feel that our happiness lies in a certain direction; and yet, if we have to pay too heavy a price for it in the end we may discover that we have not really purchased either freedom or happiness, but just some new situation of frustration and disillusion.
In any case, the Guardian assures you that he will pray for your protection and guidance in the Holy Shrines, and for that of your dear children and Mr..., as well.
He urges you to persevere in the service of the Faith which has already blessed you so richly, and which, under your circumstances is your stronghold.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi29 April 1951 [National Convention Australia and New Zealand]
APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS WELCOME DETERMINATION ASSEMBLED DELEGATES FRIENDS STOP PRAYING FERVENTLY ENTIRE COMMUNITY REDEDICATE ITSELF SACRED HISTORIC TASKS BEFITTINGLY DISCHARGE INESCAPABLE RESPONSIBILITIES ATTAIN OBJECTIVES MOMENTOUS PLAN PROSECUTE VIGOROUSLY TEACHING WORK INITIATED BEYOND BORDERS HOMELAND CONTRIBUTE SHARE EXPANSION CONSOLIDATION UNDERTAKINGS LAUNCHED WORLD CENTRE FAITH STOP MAY ASSEMBLED REPRESENTATIVES COMMUNITIES FOLLOWERS MOST GREAT NAME ANTIPODES LEND MEMORABLE ASSISTANCE BELIEVERS RESPECTIVE CENTRES ARISE UNITEDLY DETERMINEDLY CARRY TRIUMPHANT CONCLUSION FARREACHING ENTERPRISES LAUNCHED OPENING DECADE SECOND Bahá'í CENTURY
SHOGHIYour letter of June 18 has reached our beloved Guardian and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to forward to you the enclosed receipt, for your loving contribution towards building the Shrine of the Báb.
He was happy you met so many friends in the course of your trip. It stimulates them to contact one of their co-workers from so far away, and he feels sure you are now carrying back to the Australian believers a greater vision, thanks to your experiences. Travelling amongst the Bahá'ís is not only a pleasure, but a great help to the work, and he hopes you will make other trips.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your loving contribution & of my fervent prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of March 26 has just reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He appreciated your message very much, and is happy to see that your Community, one of the oldest in Australia, responds with such joy to everything that affects the vital interests of the Cause of God.
He hopes your teaching activities are going ahead well, and a number of new Assemblies developing in that area thanks to the energy of the Adelaide Bahá'ís.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide every step you take in the path of service, bless every effort you exert, & fulfil every desire you cherish, for the promotion of His Faith & its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiThis is just a short note to acknowledge receiving your letter of June 29 and to thank you for the photos.
The beloved Guardian is pleased to see you are happier, and feels sure that in the degree to which we surrender our will to God's Will are we blessed and guided in this World.
He urges you to go on teaching the Faith, and will pray for your success.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my prayers for the success of every effort you exert for the promotion of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of June 14 has been received, as well as your loving contribution for the work on the Holy Shrine, and the Guardian thanks you very much for it and encloses his receipt herewith.
He was delighted to hear of the progress in the teaching work in Brisbane, and congratulates you all on this excellent work. He would like you to please give Jim Heggie his loving greetings and tell him he was so glad to learn of his activities.
You may be sure Shoghi Effendi will pray for you, your dear family, and the progress of the work there.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian was very pleased to receive your letter of July 23, and also the loving contribution you sent to the work being done on the Holy Tomb. I am enclosing his receipt for the same herewith.
Yes indeed, you would not recognize the place now; the Gardens are truly beautiful, and also many lovely and befitting ornaments have been added to the interior of the three Shrines which, while preserving their peace and simplicity, have greatly added to their beauty.
Often Shoghi Effendi remarks that if you were in Haifa you would take some wonderful photos. He considers no one has ever captured the beauty of the place as you did, and your photographs adorn his own rooms, and the archives and the Mansion, just as they did when you were with us!
He hopes you are well and happy, and he is delighted to see you are so active in serving the Cause there.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your loving contribution & of your unforgettable services at the World Centre of our beloved Faith, & of my prayers for the success of every effort you exert for its promotion.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of July 27 has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as your loving contribution to the Holy Shrine, and he is forwarding you herein his receipt.
He deeply appreciates the spirit of your services to the Cause of God, and wishes you every success in teaching the Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe following letter was received from Mrs Featherstone after publication
Aug. 27, 1951The beloved Guardian has received your letter of July 13 and he thanks you for your loving contribution to the Holy Tomb. I am enclosing his receipt for the same.
He is so happy to see your health permits you to be ever active in the work so dear to our hearts, and he was particularly pleased to see you have visited Tasmania. The Faith in Australia, established by you and your dear husband, has certainly flourished under your very eyes!
He will pray for Dear Mrs Turner and her children, and for the success of the work you will be doing in conjunction with her.
With warmest love,Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your loving contribution, & of my deep & abiding appreciation of the long & splendid record of your achievements in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother,I gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the sum of five pounds from my dear Bah? '? sister, Mrs Hyde Dunn, to be expended for the construction of the Shrine of the Báb on Mr. Carmel.
Shoghi5 September 1951 [Lily Jean Hutchinson-Smith, Australia]
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of July 23 has been received, and the beloved Guardian thanks you very much for the loving contribution you sent for the Shrine. I am enclosing his receipt.
He was most happy to see you are able to assist the German friends there, and hopes you will travel about, to the various centres, as much as possible. They need the loving help and stimulation of friends from other lands after all their bitter years of separation from the rest of the Bahá'í World.
He wishes you every success, and appreciates your devotion very much.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved abundantly reward you for your manifold & notable services, sustain you in your meritorious activities, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter of July 19 has been received, as well as the contribution of the believers to the Shrine, and the beloved Guardian sends you herewith his receipt.
He wishes to thank all the friends, communities, and Assemblies who have contributed so lovingly to this Holy undertaking. Surely such gifts, representing both sincere love and often real sacrifice, will add to the preciousness of a Shrine already so dear to all Bahá'í hearts.
He wishes you every success in your own devoted services to the Cause.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of August 12 has been received, and I am enclosing a receipt from the beloved Guardian for the sum you forwarded.
He was deeply touched by this further evidence of the interest shown by the believers in Australia and New Zealand in the Holy task now going ahead at the World Centre. Please thank all the contributors on his behalf.
He sends you and all the members of the N.S.A. his loving greetings,
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty bless and reward all those who have so devotedly and spontaneously contributed for the promotion of so holy an enterprise, and aid them to win great and memorable victories in the service of His glorious Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of Aug. 30 has been received, as well as your kind contribution to the Shrine, and I am enclosing a receipt for it.
The beloved Guardian appreciated very much receiving this evidence of your interest in the important work going ahead at the World Centre of the Faith.
He will pray that, through your devoted efforts, an Assembly may soon be established there. With loving greetings, R. Rabbani
Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers for the success of your high endeavours,
Your true brother, Shoghi30 October 1951 [Miss Alicia Hutchinson-Smith - Germany]101
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of Sept.22 has reached the Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He does not feel it would be advisable for you to try for a post in the Holy Land. For two reasons; first, as he has not yet opened the door of pilgrimage it would be unfair to many who have been refused permission to come; and, second, because you could do so much more good elsewhere! Is there any chance of your getting a job in Africa? This would be ideal, for the work of the Cause there is progressing well and needs additional believers very much.
He hopes this answer does not disappoint you; no doubt you and your dear mother will have an opportunity in the future of visiting Haifa, and you will be most welcome, when the right time comes.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved guide, bless & sustain you, aid you to promote the best interests of His Faith, & win great victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of Oct. 4 has reached the beloved Guardian, and he thanks the St. Peters Bahá'ís for their loving contribution to the Shrine work, a receipt for which I am enclosing herewith.
He hopes, and will pray, that your group may soon achieve Assembly status, and thus add another pearl to the rapidly growing chain of Assemblies throughout Australia.
He is very proud of the activities of the believers out there, and of the way they are increasing in administrative ability and in the number of pioneer members who disperse to teach the Faith in new centres.
He urges you and your co-workers to redouble your efforts and never to feel discouraged.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you & your fellow-members of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, Shoghi15 November 1951 [Miss Marie Dunning - Australia]102
Dear Bahá'í Sister,Your letter of Oct 14 has been received, and the beloved Guardian thanks you very much for your loving contribution to the Shrine of the Báb, a receipt for which I am enclosing.
He trusts the Faith in your neighbourhood will steadily spread; he will pray for the success of your devoted labours.
With Bahá'í love, R.RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, and of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters to the beloved Guardian, dated April 3rd (two) 4th & 26th; May 4th & 25th; July 13th; and Oct. 16, with various enclosures, have been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Regarding various matters raised in your letters:The Guardian feels that as Mr. Audenwood clearly signified his belief in Bahá'u'lláh before his passing, his name should by all means be registered in your records as a believer. Please assure his wife of the Guardian's prayers for the progress and happiness of his soul, and for her own services to the Faith to be richly blessed.103
Shoghi Effendi feels it is better not to put the Greatest Name on Bahá'í graves. It is not forbidden to do so, but inappropriate.
Regarding Mr ... and Mr... we all regret exceedingly the loss he afflicted this believer with. Your Assembly, if you have not already done so, should write both the Persian and Indian Assemblies exposing him, and asking if there is no way he can be reached and made to pay his debt. The last news the Guardian had of him he was in Cyprus and planned to go on to Iran or India. It is most extraordinary to see the way this man, who breaks all the laws of his Faith and disobeys both the Guardian and the Assemblies, has been able to plant a firm faith in the hearts of sincere souls in Fiji, who are now devoted believers! Your Assembly should give this small community every aid and encouragement you can, for its members were born with a terrific test, enough to shake the belief of old and tried Bahá'ís.
The Guardian was very pleased to see the Racing Conference courteously changed the name of that horse which had been called Bahá'u'lláh.
He is also very glad you are in touch with dear, faithful Mr. Auskauli.104 You should keep up this contact and when you write please assure him of the Guardian's appreciation of his steadfastness and of his loving prayers. He advises you to keep for your library the books sent you.
The Guardian has noted a new spirit of love and unity amongst the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís, which pleases him very much, as the atmosphere of harmony amongst the friends will attract the Divine Blessings and enable them to achieve a great deal more for the Faith.
He strongly feels that the time has come for the believers of Australia and New Zealand to arise as a conquering army and ensure the attainment of their goals under their Six Year Plan. They now constitute one of the strongest bodies of believers in the world, ranking with such active and well established communities as those of Canada, Great Britain and India. Their period of adolescence in the Faith has passed; they are now adults, and they must face the problems involved in fulfilling their Plan squarely and with maturity. The pleasant period of youthful irresponsibility, when they could look on the work of the American and Persian Communities as the feats of the strong, which they were not called upon to emulate, being too young, is now passed forever. They must sacrifice, concentrate on their tasks, plan their actions and carry on their pioneer work with determination, realizing they will have no one to blame for any failures, except themselves! The Guardian feels they are entirely capable of fulfilling their Plan. He is proud of the progress they have made and confident they can succeed if they really try.
He assures you all of his loving prayers for your guidance and for the success of your work, the progress of which he follows with the keenest interest.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.P.S. I am enclosing a receipt herein. I do not think this sum has been previously acknowledged, but if there is any duplication, please destroy it.
Dear and valued co-workers:The Six-Year Plan, formulated by the elected representatives of the valiant Bahá'í communities in Australasia, is now entering its final and most critical stage. If successfully terminated it will mark the conclusion of a memorable chapter in the evolution of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in the Antipodes, and will at the same time herald the opening of the initial phase in the establishment of the institutions of that Faith, beyond the borders of that far-off continent, in the numerous diversified and widely scattered Islands of the South Pacific Ocean. It will in fact signalize the third stage in the evolution of the Faith in that newly opened, highly promising, far-flung continent - an evolution which commenced, during the concluding decade of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í ministry and of the Heroic Age of the Faith, with the birth and rise of the Bahá'í Administrative Order, and which was subsequently accelerated through the formulation during the opening years of the Formative Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation, of two successive Plans, designed to broaden and reinforce the foundations of that nascent Order in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. The inauguration of the third and most glorious phase in this historic and momentous development must now depend on the consummation of the tasks willingly shouldered by this youthful, this virile and greatly beloved community, which, despite its physical remoteness from the heart and world centre of the Faith, the smallness of its size, its limited resources and the vastness of the field under the jurisdiction of its elected representatives, has made such great strides since its inception, has shown such exemplary devotion and loyalty, and has preserved and reinforced so nobly the solidity of its foundations.
This Community, which owes its birth to the revelation of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, must now brace itself, during the fleeting months that lie ahead, for a supreme, a concerted and sustained effort to ensure the attainment of the objectives of the present Plan, and thereby acquire the spiritual potentialities essential to the launching of a mighty Crusade, in collaboration with the Trustees of the Plan, conceived by the Center of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, and with its neighbouring sister communities in Latin America and in the Indian Sub-continent, destined to culminate in the fullness of time in the Spiritual conquest of the multitudinous islands of the South Pacific Ocean.
So exalted a mission, so strenuous a task, so weighty a responsibility call for, while the Present Preparatory Plan speeds to its end, an unprecedented demonstration on the part of young and old, of both men and women, whether administrators or teachers, veterans or neophytes, of solidarity, determination, zeal and constancy, a still greater display of self-sacrifice, a wider dispersion of forces, a more energetic discharge of duty, a clearer vision, a firmer grasp, of the requirements of the present hour, and a more complete dedication to the purposes of the present-day enterprise.
The steady multiplication of Bahá'í Administrative institutions; the rapid consolidation of these basic agencies on which the speedy expansion of the community beyond its borders must ultimately depend; the early incorporation of all steadily functioning Assemblies as a means of further reinforcing a newly erected administrative structure; the systematic and vigorous dissemination of Bahá'í literature, and the gradual proclamation of the Faith through the Press and Radio; the initiation of measures designed to forge friendly links between these newly-fledged Assemblies and local civil authorities, and a parallel effort aimed at the strengthening of the ties binding the Bahá'í Supreme Administrative Body with both the Federal and State authorities - above all the constant deepening of the spiritual life of the individual believers, the enrichment of community life, the promotion of greater unity, harmony and cooperation among the rank and file of the followers of the Faith - these are the essential prerequisites to which special attention should be directed in preparation for the great campaign destined to be launched in that remote corner of the globe, by one of the most youthful and promising Bahá'í national communities, on the morrow of the world-wide celebrations of the centenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's Prophetic Mission.
Afire with the vision that now opens before their eyes; conscious of the substantial share of responsibility they must assume, in conjunction with the Indian, the Pakistani, the North American, and the Latin American followers of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, in uplifting the banner of the Most Great Name amidst the dwellers of these scattered, distant and in some cases isolated, Islands of the South, and in drawing them into the orbit of His constantly evolving Administrative Order; fortified by the magnificent progress they themselves have achieved in their own homelands; and confident of the irresistible and mysterious power instilled by the Hand of Providence in every agency associated with His Most Holy Name, let the members of these rapidly maturing, fast evolving, soundly established, Bahá'í communities throughout Australasia arise, as they have never heretofore done, and during the concluding phase of their present fate-laden Plan, to seal their high endeavours with total and complete victory, and thereby open a chapter of undreamt-of glory that will add an imperishable lustre to the annals of an immortal Faith.
Just as their first collective enterprise, through its resounding success, contributed its particular share of tribute to the memory of the Herald of their Faith, on the occasion of the centenary of the birth of His Revelation, may their present collective enterprise, through its consummation, qualify and empower them to play a distinctive role in the celebration of the Great Jubilee that will mark the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's Prophetic Mission.
A great opportunity lies before them. Much of the present mighty task still remains to be achieved. Immense virgin fields stretch before them, flanked, on the one side, by a sister community in the South American continent, and on the other by another sister community in the vast Indian sub-continent, both ready and eager to extend their help in prosecuting a memorable, a gigantic and supremely arduous task. May they, when the hour strikes, be found ready and well equipped to assume the onerous responsibilities that will fall to their share. Shoghi.
22 November 1951 [Irene Cover - Australia]Your letter dated Oct. 8 reached the beloved Guardian, and he deeply appreciated receiving your loving contribution for the Shrine. I am enclosing his receipt.
He wishes you both every success in your efforts to spread the Cause of God, and assures you of his loving prayers.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter dated Oct. 6th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
The Guardian was very sorry to hear of your sufferings, and he assures you he will pray for God to bless you because of your steadfastness in His Faith and your love for Him.
Although you are not happy at home, he feels it is better for you to remain in Fiji. If you go, all alone, to another country you may find it hard to earn your living, and undergo other hardships as well. Whereas in Suva you have friends, fellow-Bahá'ís who love you, and also work.
He urges you to be patient with your family. Perhaps gradually your parents will come to admire your spirit, and be more tolerant of your being a Bahá'í.
He urges you also not to be discouraged, but to go on quietly serving the Faith all you can.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, comfort & protect you, reward you for your labours, guide & sustain you, remove every obstacle from your path, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of October 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as the contribution you forwarded, a receipt for which I am enclosing.
Will you kindly assure the individuals, groups and Assemblies who contributed, of the Guardian's very deep appreciation of this assistance they are giving to the work of the Shrine here.
The building is going ahead rapidly; and he hopes that, within a couple of months, the octagon will be finished, and the drum section which will support the dome, can be commenced without any interruption.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Beloved abundantly reward and bless all who have contributed for the construction of the Shrine, sustain them in their efforts, and aid them to win great victories in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of the 14th 'Ilm has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear that you are rendering the Faith pioneer services; and assures you that he will supplicate in the Holy Shrines that your labours may be blessed, and yield a rich harvest of new believers.
He urges you to persevere, confident that ultimately success will be yours.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless richly your pioneer services, guide every step you take, remove every obstacle from your path, and enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of November 20th, together with your loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, has been received; and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you, and to send you the enclosed receipt.
It is truly gladdening the heart of our Guardian to see the steady progress being made on this holy edifice; which is serving to draw the devoted believers all over the world closer to the World Center of their Faith.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs K.A.G. Muller, 349 Willarong Rd., CaringBahá N.S.W. Aust.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of November 21st, together with your kind contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, has been received; and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf.
It greatly pleased our Guardian to know that you and your sister are such active and devoted believers; and he wishes me to assure you of his loving prayers at the Holy Shrines.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiASSURE ATTENDANTS FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS HIGH ENDEAVOURS SHOGHI
1952Your letter of December 18th, together with your contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, has been received; and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you, and to send you the attached receipt. He is deeply grateful for your loving gift toward this sacred enterprise, which gift was made possible through such a sacrifice; and which proves your awareness of the great bounty given to the devoted Bahá'ís of our day in being permitted to help in its prosecution.
The Guardian appreciates all your past efforts for our beloved Faith; and will offer for you his loving prayers at the Holy Shrines that you will be assisted to serve ever more and more the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter dated the 12th of December, 1951, has been received; and on behalf of the beloved Guardian I am writing to assure you that we are arranging to have Mr. Wachsverger visit the Shrine and Gardens with one of the friends.
Hoping you and your family are keeping well, and assuring you of the Guardian's loving prayers.
With warmest greetings R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of January 15th to our beloved Guardian, together with your loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, has been received; and he has instructed me to thank you on his behalf, and to send you the enclosed receipt.
As he is very busy these days with the affairs of the Faith in all parts of the world, this letter will be brief.
He urges you not to feel discouraged when you are faced with a lack of response, but, with a deep consciousness of the greatness of these days, to put your trust in Bahá'u'lláh, and go steadily forward, doing all in your power to serve and teach His Faith.
On his visits to the Holy Shrines, he will remember you in his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of 23rd of January has been received, as well as your loving contribution to the Shrine fund, a receipt for which I am enclosing herewith.
The beloved Guardian was very happy to see the way you are persevering in your teaching efforts; and feels sure that you will be rewarded by an increase in membership.
He will continue to pray for your success in the Holy Shrines, and sends you his loving greetings.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of January 28th to our beloved Guardian, as well as your loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb, has been received; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to send you the enclosed receipt.
He is extremely busy these days, so this letter will be brief; but he assures you he deeply appreciates your devotion to the Cause, and remembers you in his loving prayers at the Holy Shrines.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution, & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiOur beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letter of February 4th, enclosing your loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb; and to send you a receipt.
As the Guardian is extremely busy at the present time, this note will be brief - just to assure you of his appreciation, and of his loving prayers in the Holy Shrine.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my deep appreciation of your contribution & of my loving prayers on your behalf,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of January 29th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contribution made by the Australia and New Zealand believers for the Shrine of the Báb, as well as for the contribution made directly by your National Body.
Please thank all the friends concerned in this contribution on his behalf; and assure them the Shrine is growing more beautiful daily as work on it progresses.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty abundantly reward, bless and sustain all those who have contributed towards this holy Enterprise, aid and protect them, and enable them to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi.MOVED CONVEY GLAD TIDINGS YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE STOP APPOINTMENT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED PUBLIC MESSAGE ADDRESSED ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES STOP MAY SACRED FUNCTION ENABLE YOU ENRICH RECORD SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHAULLAH
1 March 1952 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter of February 9th has been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you and your fiancÃ(c)e and Mr. Wyss for the sum you forwarded for the construction of the Shrine. I am enclosing receipts covering these contributions.
He will pray that your teaching efforts there may be richly rewarded; and hopes that you and your fiancÃ(c)e will be united in the service of God, and be enabled to accomplish many things together.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers on your behalf and of my deep appreciation of your contribution,
Your true brother, ShoghiI gratefully acknowledge receipt of the sum of Thirteen Pounds Sterling from my dear Bahá'í co-workers, Mr. Frank Wyss, Miss Margaret Mason and Mr. Noel Bluett, to be expended for the construction of the Shrine of the Báb on Mt. Carmel.
Shoghi Haifa, March 3, 1952Your loving letter of March 11th, addressed to the beloved Guardian has come to hand, and he has asked me to answer it in his behalf.
The kind contribution which you made to the Shrine of the Báb fund has been received, and receipt therefore is enclosed herewith.
After checking with our bank here, I find they feel it would be simpler if you made future remittances on the basis of a bank transfer instead of a draft.
Answering the specific questions which you propound, the information is as follows:
1. The full name and address of the bank is:The beloved Guardian values very deeply the admirable manner in which the friends in Australia and New Zealand are carrying on their teaching work. He will pray that they will meet with every possible success, and gain new victories for the faith as their plan progresses.
The Guardian likewise wishes you to express to each one who joined in the contribution you sent, his loving appreciation.
The work on the Shrine is progressing. The octagon and the pinnacles are now completed, so far as the marble work is concerned. The Guardian is hopeful the entire project may continue uninterruptedly so that it might be completed by Naw-Rúz period next year.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, I am, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
26 April 1952 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY TOUCHED CONVENTION MESSAGE ASSURE DELEGATES LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SURROUNDING THEM URGE REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT OBJECTIVES PLAN PAVE WAY LAUNCHING CRUSADE BEYOND CONFINES AUSTRALIAN CONTINENT HEARTFELT GRATITUDE NOBLE DETERMINATION SHOGHI
30 April 1952 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your gracious letter of April 3rd has come to hand, and the Guardian has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Enclosed is receipt for the contribution which has been made to the Shrine of the Báb.
The unity of the friends in Australia and New Zealand is greatly valued by the Guardian; and he appreciates the sacrifices which have been made in sending these contributions to this Holy Undertaking on Mt Carmel.
The Shrine is increasing in beauty from day to day. The marble work on the octagon has been completed; the exquisite pinnacles have been put in place; and work is under way on the extension of some of the Gardens. The Guardian is hopeful the work may continue uninterruptedly, so as to be completed next year.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
30 April 1952 [Viva Rodwell - Australia]Your letter of April 8th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was delighted to hear that Betty Anderson is not only such a devoted and active Bahá'í youth, but that she has aboriginal blood. He hopes that she will be instrumental, with your help, and that of the other believers, in carrying the Message to her relatives. It is only right that the people who were the original inhabitants of Australia should receive the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and we cannot doubt that when they embrace them, it will have a great effect, not only on their characters, but on their position in relation to the life of their country.
He was very happy to hear you are all so active in serving the Faith there, and assures you one and all of his loving prayers.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to further the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of April 11th with enclosures has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has directed one of the friends to write to Paris, and ask the friends to get in touch with your acquaintance who is proceeding there.
He was very happy to hear of the teaching opportunities that have been afforded you and your dear daughter in the school there; and he will pray that your work for the Faith, and that of your family may be richly blessed.
The Cause seems to be going forward by leaps and bounds all over the world; and this rejoices his heart, and of course, the hearts of all the believers.
with warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you always, & enable you to promote the vital interests of His Faith,
your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of April 21st has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
It was not without conviction that the beloved Guardian appointed you a Hand of the Cause. He feels that your long and steadfast pioneer service in Australia certainly entitles you to this distinction; and he feels sure that the believers of that continent rejoice that they are able to have in their midst one of the Hands.
He assures you of his most loving prayers on your behalf in the Holy Shrines; and urges you to take care of your health, and to constantly encourage the friends in their teaching endeavours, and to do all you can to promote unity and love amongst them, as this is the main-spring of Bahá'í success.
With warmest Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniWhether Effie should live with you or not in the Hazíra is a question for you and the NSA to decide.
May the Almighty guide & sustain you always, aid you to enrich the record of your splendid services to His Faith, & win still greater victories,
Your true brother, Shoghi.The beloved Guardian has received your letters of December 20 & 21, 1951, February 12 and 26, March 11 and May 2, 1952, with enclosures, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As regards various matters raised in your letters, Mr Perdu is now in Khartoum, Sudan at the following address: Mr Perdu, C/- The Technical Institute, Khartoum. The reason the Guardian knows this is that he has received a contribution from him for the Shrine, which he has asked the Bank to trace back to the sender, so that he can return it to him.
The Guardian suggests you contact Mr Perdu, and press him to discharge his debt to the believer in Fiji whom he has so grievously wronged, pointing out to him that surely, if he expects any forgiveness from God, the first pre-requisite is to conduct himself honestly.
The Guardian was very happy to hear that as a result of Mrs. Bolton's trip to New Caledonia, there is now a believer in that far-off island. He was also very happy to hear of the close contact you maintain with the friends in Suva, and considers that this is extremely important, as of course at the New Delhi conference, plans will have to be made for the unfoldment of the Faith throughout all the Pacific Islands, and the more strong centers we have to begin with, the better.
As regards World Religion Day, the Guardian does not attach any importance to what date the meeting is held on. World Religion Day has nothing to do with our Faith as such, but is merely a useful means of getting the public together and bringing the Cause to them.
He sees no reason why Mother Dunn should not have a companion in the Hazíra, and hopes that she will settle down there comfortably and happily.
The sympathy you have expressed on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr. Maxwell was much appreciated by the Guardian. Although Mr. Maxwell is naturally missed very much here, the services God in His bounty enabled him to accomplish for the Faith preclude any feelings of sadness, when we think of the blessings showered upon him.
He urges your Assembly to constantly stimulate the believers to achieve their goals. It would be a great pity if, after the success of their First Plan, their Second historic Plan did not likewise culminate in victory, more particularly in view of the fact that the New Delhi conference will involve the formation of work to be undertaken by eight National Bodies during a ten year period.
Consequently all Assemblies, not only yours, but all National Assemblies all over the world, should, so to speak, clear the decks for action, and wind up their present business, so that they will be free to carry out the much more important work that lies ahead of them.
The Guardian feels sure that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís can make and will make sufficient effort to consummate their Plan with success. He is certainly sustaining them with his ardent prayers.
He assures you all that your labours are most deeply appreciated.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.Though extremely preoccupied, during recent months, with the constantly expanding activities and manifold problems arising at the World Centre of the Faith, necessitating, to my extreme regret, a considerable delay in acknowledging your Assembly's communications, I have been watching, with close interest and ever deepening admiration, the progressive unfoldment of the task which the community of the believers in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are so valiantly shouldering. I have noted, with particular gratification, the simultaneous advance made in the extension of the teaching activities of the steadfast and self-sacrificing members of this forward-looking highly promising community, as well as in the consolidation of the institutions which they are so laboriously establishing throughout that far-away continent and its neighbouring Islands. I rejoice at the remarkable vitality, courage and determination which they are increasingly demonstrating in enlarging the limits of the Faith and in implanting its banner beyond the confines of that continent, over and above the task assigned to them in accordance with the provisions of their Plan, and in territories where they are destined to exert a notable influence through their collective efforts and achievements in the years immediately ahead.
As the Plan, to which they stand committed, enters upon the last stage in its unfoldment the members of this community, however remarkable their accomplishments have been in the past, must steel themselves and through a supreme effort, endeavour to rise to still greater heights of dedication, display in the pioneering field a still more compelling degree of consecration, evince a still nobler spirit of self-abnegation, and a greater awareness of the gravity of the issues at stake and of the inestimable value of the prizes within their reach. That they may be qualified to undertake a still greater mission, assume weightier responsibilities and embark upon mightier enterprises, the adequate discharge of their present duties and the fulfilment of their sacred obligations is no doubt essential.
The multiplication and consolidation of the Administrative Institutions of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh throughout Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, as its followers in those regions, must undoubtedly be well aware, constitutes the primary foundation for, and the necessary prelude to, the firm establishment of the institutions of His Administrative Order, beyond the confines and in the neighbourhood of these territories, and amidst the highly diversified tribes and races inhabiting the numerous and widely scattered islands and archipelagos of the South Pacific Ocean.
The approaching Holy Year, a period of such unique significance in the history of the Faith; the prospect of the active participation of some of the elected representatives and members of the community holding aloft the torch of the Faith in the Antipodes; in one of the most important Conferences to be held during that year; their formal association with no less than seven other National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the colossal tasks that are to be initiated in South East Asia, in the course of the coming decade; the manifold blessings which must assuredly flow from the assumption of such a sacred function and in the course of the development of so gigantic, so challenging and so meritorious an undertaking, can surely not fail to galvanize the privileged members of this community, constituting a vital outpost of the Faith, and occupying such a spiritually strategic position in the world crusade soon to be launched by itself and its sister communities in both the East and the West, into action, at once so swift and decisive, as to add fresh lustre to the annals of the Faith.
This community, now standing on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion, and gazing towards the glorious future that awaits it, must seize the priceless opportunities which these fast-fleeting months offer it, and must not allow for a moment its vision to be dimmed, its resolution to flag, its attention to be distracted or its faith in its ultimate destiny to waver.
With a heart full of hope, and with an affection and fervour which every forward step in the progress of its strenuous labours serves to intensify, I will supplicate at the threshold of the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh to enable His stalwart followers championing His Cause in those far-away lands to achieve a resounding success in the task they have pledged themselves to fulfil.
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of May 24th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He deeply appreciates the spirit which animates you, and your ardent desire to serve the Cause in any way you can.
The goals necessary for the formation of the Italo-Swiss National Assembly next year have been achieved, and there is no doubt that the Assembly will come into being. Therefore, he feels that, if it is possible for you to return to Australia and render pioneer service there, in order to enable your own country not to fail in its Plan, that this would be very important. It is so vital that the Plans inaugurated by the National Assemblies should reach fruition and be crowned with success by 1953.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty guide & sustain you always, & enable you to promote at all times the vital interests of His Faith,
your true brother, ShoghiMr. J.Y.C. Maxwell,110 Honorary Secretary, St. Peters Bahá'í Group.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your loving letter of May 24th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it in his behalf.
The contribution that you made to the Shrine of the Báb Fund is deeply appreciated. Enclosed is receipt.
The Guardian greatly appreciates the loving devotion of the friends in St. Peters. He sincerely hopes your unity and service to the Faith will result in establishing a strong Spiritual Assembly.
Now is the time for intensive teaching work, and all those who arise and enter the teaching field will find they are greatly confirmed.
You will be interested to know that work has been resumed on the Shrine, and the third crown, the drum, is now being constructed. The Guardian hopes this work can continue until it is entirely completed.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
11 June 1952 [Australia]Your two letters of May 25th have been received, and the beloved Guardian thanks you for them, and for the loving sympathy which you express.
He hopes that you will make every effort to attend the New Delhi Conference, as it will be a very historic occasion, and the more Bahá'ís from Australia and New Zealand that are present, the better.
You should get in touch with the Indian National Spiritual Assembly as regards accommodation etc.
This has been a very tiring winter for the beloved Guardian. He has had so many pilgrims, and so many problems locally, and an ever-increasing amount of work, so I will make this letter brief.
He assures you your services are deeply appreciated, and that he will remember you in his prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in his behalf, to request that the information relating to Australia and New Zealand and their activities, contained in the booklet "The Bahá'í Faith", 'Information Statistical and Comparative' be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952, and sent to him here by first possible air mail post.
One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance of this important book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast approaching, the Guardian wishes the information as quickly as possible.
Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide, brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:
Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, in Australia and New Zealand. Bahá'í Centers in Australia and New Zealand, showing if possible the division between Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.
Any information not immediately available, should be handled by telegraph, but such information as is available should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian at a very early date.
The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National Assembly and its devoted members.
Faithfully yours, Leroy C. Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
18 June 1952 [Germany]Your loving letter of June 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it in his behalf.
The contribution which you and your mother have made to the Shrine of the Báb is deeply appreciated by him. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The Guardian greatly values the work of all of the Bahá'ís in Australia and New Zealand, and the very intensive manner in which they are serving the Faith. He is particularly appreciative of the very active part which your good mother is taking in this most important Bahá'í service. The Guardian will pray for the success of her work, as well as her and your spiritual service.
The work on the glorious Shrine of the Báb is proceeding. The stone work on the drum is being put in place. The Guardian is very hopeful that this work may continue uninterruptedly until the entire building is completed.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
30 August 1952 [Australia]Your recent letter was received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to hear you are comfortably and happily installed in the Hazíra and able to help and encourage the friends. So often they need deepening more than anything else in the fundamental spiritual values of our Faith, and old and tried believers like yourself can be of great inspiration in this respect.
Australia, during the next ten years will have a big mission to carry out, and the friends must prepare themselves for it. Detailed plans will be shared at the time of the New Delhi Conference, which he hopes a number of friends from Australia and New Zealand will be able to attend.
He sends you his loving greetings, and will pray that you may serve the Faith you love to dearly for many years to come.
With Bahá'í love,May the Almighty bless guide & sustain you always, cheer your heart, & enable you to continually enrich the splendid & long record of notable services you have rendered the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of 1st Might has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Regarding the question you raised in your letter: as there is no reference in the Bahá'í Teachings to a change in the mathematical systems in use at present we cannot as Bahá'ís advocate such a change as you suggest. If any nation or people in future desire to adapt a system such as you propose, they would of course be free to do so quite independent of us.
The names of the Bahá'í months are written in Persian or Arabic in the usual way, and have no special symbols. Any one familiar with one of these languages could write them for you.
The Guardian hopes you will devote as much time as possible to the teaching work in Australia, and will pray for your success.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour postcard of greeting, sent to the beloved Guardian en route to Australia, has been received, and he has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
There is so much work ahead for the friends everywhere in these great days, when the Bahá'í world is about to enter upon a World Crusade, and the Guardian is hopeful that your services in Australia will prove to be of great assistance to the progress of the Faith in that land.
He sends you both his loving greetings.May the Beloved guide your steps, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of September 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The generous contribution which Mrs Chorvat made towards the Shrine of the Báb has already been acknowledged direct to her, because she mentioned it in a recent letter.
It was indeed most kind of this dedicated believer to support this work of the Shrine here to this extent, and was much appreciated.
The Guardian assures you your devoted labours for the Faith are much appreciated. He will remember you in his prayers in the Shrine.
With loving greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of November 13th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He would be very happy to see you here after the Indian Conference, but suggests that the middle of November would be a better date than the first. If this does not work in with your plans, he suggests that you arrange on your return to Australia, to pass through Haifa, rather than on your way to the United States. Either way would suit him, but please inform us of the date you plan to be here, well in advance.
He feels sure the conference in New Delhi will be of tremendous interest, and it certainly will deal with one of the most vital aspects of the coming Ten Year Plan. He was most happy to hear you will both be attending.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you always, reward you for your labours and enable you to win great victories in the service of His faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of November 12th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He would be very happy indeed if you and your dear husband could be present at the New Delhi Conference; and he will pray that the way may open for you to attend it.
The friends have every right to appeal to the Australian National Assembly and express their views that Else Norden be allowed to teach people of all races as she has been doing; but in the meantime she should comply with the wishes of the National Assembly, because all Bahá'ís must learn to live according to the administrative principles of our Faith. If they don't, they only undermine the very institutions they are trying to create, and which we know, carry the solution to the world's problems. It is often difficult to follow this course, but it is the one 'Abdu'l-Bahá always asked the friends to follow; and obedience, even when we believe the instruction is not wise, brings in itself blessings from on high.
Your devoted services to the Faith, and those of your dear husband, are greatly appreciated, you may be sure; and he will remember you both in his prayers in the Holy Shrines.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour loving letter of September 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
The Guardian will greatly appreciate your thanking each one of the contributors to this fund.
He is very appreciative of the outstanding services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels they are bringing renown to the Faith, and laying a firm foundation for the great Crusade ahead.
The Guardian will pray for the success of all the activities of the friends, and for the guidance and confirmation of the National Assembly.
The funds representing the proceeds of the sale of the shares, given by Mrs Chorvat have come to hand, amounting to £346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs Chorvat for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb.
The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, Leroy C. Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
11 December 1952Mr J.Y.C. Maxwell, Secretary, St. Peters Bahá'í Group.
Dear Bahá'í Brother,Your letter of November 25th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
Your contribution enclosed, from the St. Peters Group, toward the Shrine of the Báb, is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
P.S. - The Guardian urges the members of your group to very actively engage in the teaching work, and hopes that you will be able to develop into Assembly status during the current year.
1953Featherstone, 105 Clark Terrace, Albert Park, S.A.
ADVISE AFTER DELHI CONFERENCEFeatherstone, 105 Clark Terrace, Albert Park, S.A.
APPROVEFERVENTLY PRAYING ACHIEVEMENT VICTORY APPEAL INDIVIDUALS ASSEMBLIES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT ELEVENTH HOUR HOWEVER GREAT SACRIFICE DISCHARGE NOBLY SACRED URGENT VITAL TASK SHOGHI
23 March 1953 [Australia]The Beloved Guardian has received your loving letter of January 29th, enclosing contribution for the construction of the Shrine of the Báb. He has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Your contribution is deeply appreciated by him. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
You will be interested to know that the work on the Dome of the Shrine goes forward very satisfactorily. The Brim of the Dome has been finished, and the first row of stones of the rounded portion of the Dome have been put in place. The Shrine takes on added stateliness as each new height is reached. As it nestles in the heart of the Mountain of God, it daily becomes more impressive, as it beacons salvation to the multitudes.
The Guardian will pray for the success of the teaching work of the St. Peters Bahá'ís, so their group may become a strong Assembly, and have a thriving Community.
Teaching is the head cornerstone of the Faith of God, and the source of Divine Confirmations. May you ever be blessed with the gifts of The Holy Spirit. This is dependent on your devotion, consecration and service in the teaching field.
With warm Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Asst. Secretary
11 April 1953 [Australia]OVERJOYED HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS GLORIOUS VICTORY SHOGHI
26 April 1953 [New Zealand]OCCASION ANNUAL CONVENTION FOLLOWERS BAHAULLAH ANTIPODES EXTEND ASSEMBLED DELEGATES LOVING GREETINGS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS HISTORIC VICTORY CONSUMMATION PLAN STOP HOUR STRUCK OPENING NEW CHAPTER UNFOLDMENT CAUSE AUSTRALASIA STOP TEN YEAR PLAN DESIGNED EXTEND RANGE CONSOLIDATE ACTIVITIES SPLENDIDLY INITIATED AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA CARRY LIGHT FAITH NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS INVOLVES FIRST ESTABLISHMENT INCORPORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY NEW ZEALAND SECOND OPENING FOLLOWING VIRGIN TERRITORIES ADMIRALTY ISLANDS COCOS ISLAND LOYALTY ISLANDS MENTAWAI ISLANDS NEW HEBRIDES ISLANDS PORTUGUESE TIMOR SOCIETY ISLANDS THIRD CONSOLIDATION FAITH NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA BISMARK ARCHIPELAGO FIJI ISLANDS NEW CALEDONIA AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA FOURTH PURCHASE LAND SYDNEY ANTICIPATION FIRST MASHRIQULADHKAR AUSTRALASIA STOP FIFTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL HAZIRATULQUDS AUCKLAND STOP SIXTH DOUBLING NUMBER LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA SEVENTH INCORPORATION 19 LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA EIGHTH TRANSLATION Bahá'í LITERATURE 40 LANGUAGES COLLABORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA NINTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS NEW ZEALAND TENTH FORMATION ISRAEL BRANCH NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AUSTRALIA ELEVENTH FORMATION ASIAN TEACHING COMMITTEE EMPOWERED ASSIST PROSECUTION TEACHING PHASE PLAN STOP MAY ALMIGHTY ENABLE VALIANT PARTICIPATORS WORLD CRUSADE FULFIL SACRED OBLIGATIONS WORTHILY DISCHARGE RESPONSIBILITIES COURSE COMING DECADE CULMINATING CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATING BAHAULLAHS DECLARATION GARDEN Ridvan
1 May 1953 [National Convention]DEEPLY APPRECIATE NOBLE SENTIMENTS SUPPLICATING BEHALF AUSTRALASIAN COMMUNITY BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS SIGNAL VICTORIES LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES
3 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]The beloved Guardian has received your letter of April 14th, and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
The contribution which has been made by the friends in Australia and New Zealand for the construction work on the Shrine of the Báb, is very deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
Will you please extend to all the Assemblies, Groups and individual believers who have joined in this contribution, the Guardian's heartfelt appreciation.
Shoghi Effendi was delighted to learn that the Six Year Teaching Plan was successfully concluded. Word coming into Haifa from all over the world indicates the great success of the teaching plans in every country. He is therefore encouraged to feel that the heavy tasks of the Ten Year Plan will be easily accomplished.
You will be happy to know that the work on the dome of the Shrine is progressing very rapidly. As the Guardian has cabled, the shutterings and the scaffolding for the dome have been completed, and some of the golden tiles placed on lower sections of the dome. The building achieves greater majesty as each new height is reached.
With loving greetings, I am, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
7 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write to you and ask you to please send me the name and address of the Bahá'í in Samoa, also the name and address of the Bahá'í in New Caledonia. And, will you please advise if a Spiritual Assembly was formed in Suva on April 21st. The news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.
The news of the 2nd International Bahá'í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.
If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.
The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.
Devoted love and thanks, Affectionately, Jessie E. Revell
26 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]LOVING APPRECIATION WILL ADVISE ACTION WHENEVER NECESSARY114
The following letter was received from Mrs Featherstone after publication
Haifa, IsraelYour letter of May 16th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian feels, in view of what you have written in your letter, that this is a matter for the National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand to decide upon in the highest interests of the Faith. He feels sure they will know the best step to take. It would be very wonderful if you could be there, in view of your years of service to our beloved Faith in Australia; but the Guardian feels the National Spiritual Assembly knows better their own situation, and knows you will feel quite happy with their decision, whatever it may be.
The Guardian is deeply appreciative of your services and the many sacrifices you have made for the Faith. The friends always remember Father Dunn with such love.
Shoghi Effendi assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf.
With warm Bah? '? GreetingsAssuring you of my loving prayers for your welfare, for the success of your valiant efforts, & the realization of your heart's desire, in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother,Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá'í World of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.
They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan. He is convinced that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.
The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them, takes precedence over every other type of Bahá'í service - whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith.
In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Bahá for teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.
The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they have continuously "scattered" to various parts to spread the Divine Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin areas.
There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:
1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.
2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee working out the details for the NSA.
3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas, the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.
4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with Bahá'ís, and therefore, one Bahá'í will fulfil the initial task.
The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are:
a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.
b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.
c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá'í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.
d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portuguese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.
As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated "Roll of Honour", on which will be inscribed the names of the "Knights of Bahá'u'lláh" who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This "Roll of Honour" will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá'u'lláh.
From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá'í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.
Now is the time for the Bahá'ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.
He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
23 June 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letters of June 18, July 29, October 7, 21 and 24 (2), November 10 and 18, 1952, and February 19, May 18 and 21, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The various enclosures as well as material forwarded under separate cover were also received.
Owing to extreme pressure of work here, which is getting worse all the time, he has not been able to answer any N.S.A. letters from any country for almost a year. He regrets this but unfortunately it was unavoidable. As you can see, all your communications reached him, but he was too busy to reply.
He appreciated your Assembly's gift of books gotten out by the Child Education Committee, and assures you that the four copies of the bulletin "Herald of the South", "Bahá'í Youth Journal" and other material which you sent, are quite satisfactory.
The thing that is most difficult for the Guardian is to have to read through a sheaf of material in order to extract the salient information on such vital subjects as pioneer activities, important decisions of the National Assembly or the Teaching Committee etc. Two words in the text of your letter might convey important items in a succinct and summarized manner.
He was delighted to hear that as many as thirty of the Australian believers are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, and that a large number of N.S.A. members, if not all, will be present. In a way, the New Delhi Conference is one of the most important of all four conferences to be held during the Holy Year, because at it, eight National Assemblies must be represented and their joint teaching endeavour covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá'u'lláh.
He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.
He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.
The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfil your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come!
Dear and valued co-workers:The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá'í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.
This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities - a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Islands of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.
A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.
The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands - an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's Mission.
Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your Assembly - an undertaking to which Bahá'í National Assemblies, as well as myself, will contribute - of the site of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá'í centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your Assembly.
These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.
The valiant and youthful Bahá'í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation.
I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all Local Assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.
May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.
Shoghi.Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated June 21, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Inspite of your activities there in the teaching and administrative fields, he considers pioneer work far more urgent at present. No matter how much the friends wish to go out as pioneers it is not possible for more than a few of them to actually do so, and those who are willing to should arise with no loss of time and go forth - and be inscribed on the roll of honour. He therefore urges you to make your plans to proceed to a virgin post, preferably in the Pacific Islands, as soon as possible.
He will pray that you may be richly blessed in this glorious undertaking.
As regards the questions you asked: All these are within the competence of the National Assembly to answer. Indeed, he is encouraging the N.S.A.s to attend to such secondary questions themselves.
With warm Bahá'í love,May the Beloved enable you to promote, at all times & under all circumstances, the vital interests of His Faith, & of its nascent institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of May 26 was received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He realises how disappointed you were not to be able to attend the historic Conference in Chicago. Unfortunately, your service leaves you no choice at such moments. However, perhaps in that far off region you will be able to render our beloved Faith some service of a higher kind.
He urges you to get in touch with the Australian N.S.A. (address 2 Lang Road Centennial Park, Sydney, N.S.W.) and ask for the addresses of pioneers who may be in Islands in the Pacific and with whom you can correspond. This will both encourage you and them and may lead to contacts who will prove interested in the Cause.
If there is any possibility of your being transferred to a service in one of the Goals for the South Pacific he urges you to follow it up.
You may be sure he will pray that you may find receptive souls to teach.
With Bahá'í love, R.RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiINFORM DAWE BOLTON JR WELCOME PILGRIMAGE BEGINNING NOVEMBER SHOGHI
7 August 1953 [Gretta Lamprill - Australia]Your loving letter of July 16th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
The contribution which you have made to the Shrine of the Báb fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The work on the Shrine is moving forward very rapidly at the present time. We are bending every effort to complete the structure during the Holy Year, as the Guardian has requested.
The building is becoming more exquisite from day to day; and its stateliness and majesty have become a Glorious Crown for the Sepulchre of the Báb who suffered martyrdom. Certainly the seeds of his suffering are now bearing fruit in the Global Crusade, which will carry the light of divine guidance over the entire globe.
The Guardian is delighted with the initial response of the believers throughout the world to the opening of the Ten Year Crusade. He knows this adds great responsibility to each and every believer. He likewise is sure that everyone will seize their opportunity to achieve immortal honor in spreading the Faith rapidly wherever they may be.
The Guardian greatly values your devoted services to the Faith. He will pray that every obstacle may be removed from your path of service.
With warm Bahá'í love, Leroy Ioas. Assistant secretary.
11 August 1953 [Ethel Dawe - Australia]The beloved Guardian has received your letter of June 28th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian very greatly appreciates your kind offer to serve him here. At the present time, however, he feels there are a sufficient number of helpers in Haifa.
However, there is probably a great need for your services as a youth, in India and in adjoining virgin territories. During this great World Crusade recently launched, it will be the task of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma to open up to the Faith many virgin territories in widely-scattered areas of the globe. The plans for the accomplishment of this heavy task will be laid at the Intercontinental Teaching Conference, to be held in New Delhi in October. Therefore, the Guardian would urge you to attend that Conference, as there you will probably get some idea of what part you wish to play in this Ten-Year Crusade.
If you wish to know what would most please the heart of the Guardian, it is that these virgin territories be settled by at least one Bahá'í, quickly. This is the most important of all the goals for any Bahá'í Community, for the opening phase of the Crusade, and the more rapidly it can be accomplished, the better it will be.
He will pray that all your efforts to serve the Faith may be blessed.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith & of its institutions, Shoghi
27 September 1953 [Panama]Your letter of August 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian has already replied to your letter by cable. However, he wishes me to say that he favours your pioneering. However, if you consider that your going to one of the Pacific Islands as a pioneer, will destroy your relationship with your father, then he would suggest that perhaps your wife could go now, and then you can see how things work out for your joining her later.
Shoghi Effendi feels this is a matter on which you two must consult, and concerning which you must reach as decision for yourselves.
The Guardian deeply appreciates the devotion to the Faith of your dear wife and yourself, and sends you his loving greetings.
With warm Bahá'í love, R.RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiI am writing on behalf of our beloved Guardian to tell you that you will be most welcome to visit Haifa and Acca, in order to make the pilgrimage for which you asked his permission sometime ago, during the first week in May 1954.
If, for any reason, it is not possible for you to come at that time, will you please notify us, so we can make other arrangements for other pilgrims intending to come, or, if you have another date that would be more suitable to you, perhaps you will let us know what it will be.
I send you my warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.P.S. - I think however I should make it quite clear that any change of date might involve postponing your pilgrimage for some time, as our accommodations are limited, and the Guardian has carefully planned a schedule of visitors for months ahead.
12 October 1953 [Jean Sevin - France]122Your letter of September 29th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian considers the opening of Tuamotu to be of far more importance than any service you could render at the present time in France. Therefore, he urges you to make every effort to establish yourself in this virgin area as soon as you can arrange to do so.
The Guardian is ardently praying that you may be guided and assisted in accomplishing this meritorious task, and he assures you his love will encircle you as you go forth on your historic mission.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide, bless and sustain you, and enable you to achieve your heart's desire,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has had in mind your request to visit the Holy Land as pilgrims. However, in view of your imminent departure for a pioneer post, he does not feel it is the time for you to make the pilgrimage now.
After you have gotten settled in your new post, and are again living a normal life there, if you then feel you can come to Haifa, please again ask the Guardian for permission at that time; he will notify you when you may come.
The Guardian very deeply appreciates your pioneering services, and all of your wonderful labours for the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í love, R.RabbaniAfter consulting our beloved Guardian I decided to write instead of cabling you as it is too complicated to put in a cable.
He advises you to be quite sure that this project you and your husband have of buying a ship and going out to the islands is feasible and will pay when you get there; otherwise you will find yourselves in a very distressing position. He does not say give it up, he only wants you to be well advised by those in a position to know what they are talking about. He agrees with you it is better by all means to have some way of earning a living before you go out.
Owing to the plans he has made he cannot receive you here as pilgrims this coming spring and feels the best thing is for you to make every effort to get off to your pioneer post and leave your pilgrimage for a future date when it can be made after you are well established.
You may be sure he will pray for the removal of the obstacles in your path and he wishes you great success.
So do I, and all the friends here,Miss Leila V. Clark, Secretary, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Payneham.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of November 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear of the visit made to the Groups of St. Peters and Stirling and to your own Community by the honoured Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi. These believers have rendered a great service to the Faith in visiting the various Centers in that land. The Guardian feels assured that your meeting with them has been the cause of great inspiration to all the friends, and is confident that they will arise and assist in accomplishing all the tasks set before them for the period of this historic Ten-Year Crusade, both in their own homeland, and beyond its confines.
He assures you all of his loving prayers. With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote, at all times, the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiHEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS RECORD BREAKING ACHIEVEMENT LOVING PRAYERS SHOGHI123
29 December 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]DELIGHTED PROGRESS ADVISE THIRTYEIGHT DELEGATES SHOGHI
30 December 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]LOVING APPRECIATION SUPPLICATING ATTENDANTS SCHOOL ABUNDANT BLESSINGS GREAT VICTORIES
17 January 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]24 January 1954 [Yerrinbool Bahá'í School Committee]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy that the honoured Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement of the friends present.
The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi.C/o Mrs Greta Lake, Secretary, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Caringbah.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of February 14th, with enclosure, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian was very happy to learn of the opening of your new Center. He hopes this will prove to be a magnet to attract those who are ready for the Faith to your midst; so that your Community may grow in strength and in numbers; so that the Faith may have a solid foundation in CaringBahá and that, from that point, the friends may find ways of finding souls of capacity in nearby localities.
He assures you of his loving prayers in your behalf.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiHEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS GREAT VICTORY PROUD HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT SHOGHI128
23 March 1954 [Cynthia and Edgar Olson - United States of America]129
...If the Bahá'ís arise with the same spirit of dedication and consecration as those who have gone to foreign fields, victories will be won. Those living in large cities should move to the goal cities of the American continent, and all should teach with enthusiasm.
The conditions of the world have prepared numerous souls for the light of divine guidance, and it now remains for the Bahá'ís, through their strenuous efforts, to lead these seeking souls to the bourn of immortality.
...The Beloved Guardian sincerely hopes that you and your husband will be able to devote yourselves to the interests of the Ten Year Crusade. He feels that the most important service anyone can render is to pioneer in one of the virgin areas of the Crusade...If the National Assembly feels that you can accomplish more for the home-front Crusade by moving to the Wilmette area and assisting in the publicity work on a national scale... the Guardian feels that it will be satisfactory.
24 March 1954 [Marie Dunning - Australia]Your letter of March 7th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian has just cabled you to postpone your pilgrimage, and I am sending this word of explanation at his instruction.
He feels that you are quite right in desiring to put the interests of the Faith there before the personal experience of a pilgrimage at this time.
He heartily approves of your plan for the house and a room where the Bahá'ís may meet; and feels sure that, at a future date, when circumstances permit, you will be able to make the pilgrimage so dear to your heart.
At this critical juncture, no sacrifice can be too great to carry on the work of Bahá'u'lláh, and your spirit greatly touches and pleases him. He assures you of his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi.The beloved Guardian has received your loving Naw-Rúz greeting, and has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf, and to express his appreciation to you.
The Guardian hopes that the Youth of Australia will arise during this year with yet greater resolve to lend their assistance toward the attainment of the important goals which he has set before the believers in your land during the Ten-Year Crusade.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your meritorious endeavours, guide your steps, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiURGE UTMOST EFFORT ENSURE ENTRY PIONEER COCOS ADMIRALTY LOYALTY BEFORE Ridvan FOR GREAT VICTORY SHOGHI
28 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly of the United States]130
GUARDIAN CABLES URGENCY SETTLEMENT TIMOR BY Ridvan STOP PRAYING YOUR SUCCESS EXPEDITE PROJECT STOP PLEASE CABLE PROSPECTS HORACE HOLLEY SECY
28 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]PLEASE CABLE QUICKLY POSSIBLE RACES TRIBES REPRESENTED ALL AREAS YOUR JURISDICTION INCLUDING VIRGIN PLACES ALSO LANGUAGES PRINTED PAMPHLETS PROCESS PRINTING AND TRANSLATED REGARDS IOAS
April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]DESIRE RACES TRIBES WITHIN FAITH AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND REGARDS IOAS
6 April 1954 [Australia]To all the Hands of the Cause and all National Assemblies of the Bahá'í World. The following telegram sent by the Beloved Guardian from Haifa, Israel, on April 5th, 1954 reached me this morning, and as instructed in the telegram itself I am sending you a copy.
With Bahá'í Greetings,HAIL EMERGENCE UNFOLDMENT OPENING YEARS SECOND EPOCH FORMATIVE AGE Bahá'í DISPENSATION AUGUST INSTITUTION FORESHADOWED FOUNDER FAITH FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TESTAMENT CENTRE HIS COVENANT CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PROVISIONS SAME WILL INSTITUTION GUARDIANSHIP DESTINED ASSUME FULLNESS TIME UNDER AEGIS GUARDIAN DUAL SACRED RESPONSIBILITY PROTECTION PROPAGATION CAUSE BAHAULLAH STOP DESIRE PAY WARM TRIBUTE SERVICES RENDERED SEVERALLY COLLECTIVELY APPOINTED HANDS WORLD CENTRE FAITH TERRITORIES BEYOND ITS CONFINES STOP GREATLY VALUE SUPPORT ERECTION BábS SEPULCHRE CARMEL REINFORCING TIES NEWLY EMERGED STATE ISRAEL EXTENSION INTERNATIONAL ENDOWMENTS HOLY LAND INITIATION PRELIMINARY MEASURES ESTABLISHMENT Bahá'í WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE AS WELL AS PARTICIPATION FOUR SUCCESSIVE INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCES EXTENSIVE TRAVELS AFRICAN TERRITORIES NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH AMERICA EUROPEAN ASIATIC AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS STOP NEWLY CONSTITUTED BODY EMBARKED ITS MISSION SUCH AUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES NOW ENTERING SECOND PHASE ITS EVOLUTION SIGNALIZED FORGING TIES NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES Bahá'í WORLD PURPOSE LENDING THEM ASSISTANCE ATTAINING OBJECTIVES TEN YEAR PLAN STOP HOUR RIPE FIFTEEN HANDS RESIDING OUTSIDE HOLY LAND PROCEED DURING Ridvan APPOINTMENT EACH CONTINENT SEPARATELY FROM AMONG RESIDENT Bahá'ís THAT CONTINENT AUXILIARY BOARDS WHOSE MEMBERS ACTING DEPUTIES ASSISTANTS ADVISERS HANDS MUST INCREASINGLY LEND ASSISTANCE PROMOTION INTERESTS TEN YEAR CRUSADE STOP
ADVISE HANDS ASIATIC AMERICAN EUROPEAN CONTINENTS CONVENE TEHERAN WILMETTE FRANKFURT RESPECTIVELY PURPOSES CONSULTATION NOMINATION STOP HANDS CAUSE AFRICAN AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS MUST EXERCISE FUNCTIONS KAMPALA SYDNEY RESPECTIVELY STOP AUXILIARY BOARDS AMERICAN EUROPEAN AFRICAN CONTINENTS MUST CONSIST NINE MEMBERS EACH ASIATIC AND AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS SEVEN TWO RESPECTIVELY STOP ALLOCATION OF AREAS EACH CONTINENT TO MEMBERS AUXILIARY BOARDS AS WELL AS SUBSIDIARY MATTERS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES NEWLY APPOINTED BODIES MANNER COLLABORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RESPECTIVE CONTINENTS LEFT DISCRETION HANDS STOP ALL BOARDS MUST REPORT BE RESPONSIBLE HANDS CHARGED THEIR APPOINTMENT STOP HANDS EACH CONTINENT THEIR TURN MUST KEEP CLOSE TOUCH AND REPORT RESULT OF THE NOMINATIONS PROGRESS ACTIVITIES BOARDS NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES RESPECTIVE CONTINENTS AS WELL AS FOUR HANDS RESIDING THE HOLY LAND DESTINED ACT LIAISON BETWEEN THEMSELVES GUARDIAN FAITH STOP URGE INITIATION FIVE CONTINENTAL Bahá'í FUNDS WHICH AS THEY DEVELOP WILL INCREASINGLY FACILITATE DISCHARGE FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BOARDS STOP TRANSMITTING FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS MY INITIAL CONTRIBUTION BE EQUALLY DIVIDED FIVE CONTINENTS STOP APPEAL TWELVE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES INDIVIDUALS INSURE STEADY AUGMENTATION FUNDS THROUGH ANNUAL ASSIGNMENT NATIONAL BUDGETS INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS STOP ADVISE TRANSMIT CONTRIBUTIONS VARQA HOLLEY GIACHARY BANANI DUNN ACTING TRUSTEES ASIATIC AMERICAN EUROPEAN AFRICAN AUSTRALIAN FUNDS RESPECTIVELY STOP FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING HOLY THRESHOLD UNPRECEDENTED MEASURE BLESSINGS VITAL INDISPENSABLE ORGAN EMBRYONIC STEADILY UNFOLDING Bahá'í ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER PRESAGING EMERGENCE WORLD ORDER BAHAULLAH WHICH MUST PAVE WAY ESTABLISHMENT WORLD CIVILISATION DESTINED ATTAIN MATURITY COURSE SUCCESSIVE DISPENSATIONS FIVE THOUSAND CENTURY Bahá'í CYCLE STOP AIRMAIL COPIES ALL HANDS AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES SHOGHI
7 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]APPROVE USE SURPLUS TEMPLE FUND PACIFIC TEACHING SHOGHI
14 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]URGE DISPATCH LISBON PIONEER TIMOR DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
17 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:At the instruction of the Guardian, I am forwarding you herewith his Convention Message.
He wishes you to have it read aloud to the assembled delegates, and then published and circulated among the believers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani17 April 1954 [Harold and Florence Fitzner - Australia]
Fitzner 65 Lambert Road JoslinADVISE CHAGOS COCOS LOYALTY MARSHALLS MARIANAS ADMIRALTY LOVE
23 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]ARRANGING SUM SENT LISBON ASSEMBLY FOR MARQUES131 AS MY CONTRIBUTION SHOGHI
24 April 1954 [Mariana Islands]The Beloved Guardian is happy to learn that you are stationed in Guam, in the Mariana group of Islands. These are among the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, and it has been impossible up to the present time to establish a pioneer there.
A great opportunity comes to you, to teach the Faith, and establish an outpost in this important area. The Guardian suggests you concentrate your work of teaching, on people who live permanently in Guam, and any natives who may reside there. Thus, should you be transferred to another area, you will leave a definite outpost behind, and the persons permanently residing there, and the natives, can carry on the development and expansion of the Faith after you leave.
The Guardian hopes you will be able to continue your assignment in Guam, until you have been able to confirm some souls in the Divine Faith.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf in this noble task. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant SecretaryCABLE IMMEDIATELY NAMES NEW ASSEMBLIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
29 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY APPRECIATE CONVENTION MESSAGE STOP APPEAL ASSEMBLED DELEGATES DELIBERATE URGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARISE COURSE LAST YEAR 2ND PHASE 10 YEAR PLAN REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PARTICULARLY MULTIPLICATION CENTRES ASSEMBLIES EXPEDITE LOCAL INCORPORATION TRANSLATION LITERATURE INTENSIFICATION TEACHING CONSOLIDATION NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES STOP FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS MUCH LOVED GREATLY ADMIRED VALIANT COMMUNITIES ANTIPODES SHOGHI
2 May 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY APPRECIATE ASSURANCE DELEGATES SUPPLICATING STILL GREATER VICTORIES SHOGHI
3 May 1954Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Bolton Sr., 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W. Australia
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letters of October 5th and 18th, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has been made very happy by the pioneering of your dear son, and the fact that he succeeded in getting into Tonga, which looked as though it were a very difficult spot for which to obtain an entry visa.
The Guardian was also delighted to hear that dear Mrs. Bolton is going to strengthen the Faith in one of the weak areas of Australia.
The services of your consecrated and devoted family are very deeply appreciated, and he assures you all that you are most lovingly remembered in his prayers in the Holy Shrine.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings and love, R. Rabbani.
May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to enrich the record of your splendid and meritorious accomplishments,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of December 7th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. Of course in the meantime you have made your long return journey from Haifa with your dear wife and gone way out to the Solomons; so this is not strictly speaking a reply solely to such an old letter.
The Guardian is delighted that you have been able to proceed to the Solomon Islands, and trusts that your life there will be comfortable and that business opportunities will open up for you.
He feels that this is a wonderful step that you have taken, and you may be sure he is proud of you both, and that his loving prayers are offered for your success in the Holy Shrine.
He urges you to use tact and discretion in your teaching work, so as not to alienate the officials or the missionaries, but to seek out and find those souls who are receptive to the Message, rather than giving any publicity in the beginning, to your activities.
The most important thing for the pioneers to do is to consolidate their position, and arrange if possible to remain permanently in these goal territories. Gradually they can find ways and means of spreading the Message, and building Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.
You are remembered with a great deal of affection, and your services are very highly valued, you may be sure.
With warmest Bahá'í love,May the Almighty bless your highly meritorious endeavours, guide & sustain you always, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiBE NOT DISCOURAGED PERSEVERE ACHIEVEMENTS COMMUNITY ANTIPODES HIGHLY PRAISEWORTHY DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
7 May 1954 [Marie Dunning - England]132This is just a short letter to acknowledge yours postmarked November 25, 1953, and addressed to the beloved Guardian, and to assure you that it was received safely.
He is very sorry that it has not been possible for you to make the pilgrimage this time; but no doubt a future opportunity will present itself, and you will let him know when it might be possible for you to come, and he will inform you whether that suits the plans here, and is feasible at the time you suggest.
Your services are deeply appreciated, and he will remember you in his prayers.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement.
Your true brother, Shoghi.Through an oversight, your letter of March 6th I don't think was acknowledge in the recent letter I sent you on behalf of the Beloved Guardian. Please excuse.
All the news you conveyed to him in that letter was most welcome, and he is praying that you may get firmly established there in business. He feels sure that Bahá'u'lláh will protect and assist you.
With loving greetings to you and your dear wife from the Guardian,
Yours in His service, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty reward you abundantly for your splendid labours, remove every obstacle from your path, cheer your heart, guide every step you take, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter of May 25th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is deeply moved by the spirit of devotion which animates you both in your longing to arise and serve at this time.
We know that the state of the heart of the believer attracts the divine outpourings; and the granting of the visa to Mr. Fitzner to enter Portuguese Timor, after so much effort, is clearly an evidence of the working of this great spiritual law. He hopes that soon Mr. Fitzner will be able to get firmly established in Timor, and that Mrs. Fitzner will be able to go out and join him there.
The most important thing, next to the pioneers going to their posts, is for them to remain on the spot. The difficulties of obtaining visas, transportation, housing and employment are so great, that the friends who have succeeded in reaching these destined goals, should do everything in their power to remain; and, if they cannot get employment, the National Fund should help them, so that the painstaking process will not have to be repeated, and perhaps the second time not meet with as much success as the first.
He will ardently pray for your services to be blessed, and for your speedy reunion. With warmest Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide & sustain you always, reward you for your constant & meritorious activities, & enable you to extend the range of your accomplishments,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian requests that you inform all the friends that their most important duty at the present time is the fulfilment of the tasks of the Ten-Year Crusade. This calls for the sacrifice of local activities in order that the national and international development of the Faith may go forward uninterruptedly. No local institutions should be started. The National Assembly should see that money is not spent on local centres at this time, and the friends should be encouraged to concentrate on the national and international activities of the Faith.
The beloved Guardian feels that steps should be taken immediately to purchase the Hazíratu'l-Quds in Auckland. He is arranging for the transmission of his initial gift of Five hundred pounds to this important project...
The Guardian calls attention to the fact that the Hazíra cannot be a rented place. It must be the property owned by the Bahá'í community. Until such time as the National Assembly is formed and incorporated, it can be held in the name of the Local Assembly, if it is incorporated: and if not, in the name of an individual.
The Guardian will appreciate advice from you as quickly as possible of the steps being taken to fulfil this important task of the second phase of the Ten-Year Plan. He feels this property should be purchased during the current year.134
16 June 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]The letters from your Assembly dated July 6, September 14, November 9 and December 18, 1953, and January 7 (2), February 28, and March 22 and 31, 1954, with enclosures, also the material sent separately, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Regarding the various matters you have raised, he does not know how the galleys of the Tahitian pamphlet and letters of Louise Bosch135 happened to be sent to you. He had nothing to do with it, and is perfectly satisfied that they should remain in the hands of your Assembly.
He has been delighted over the marked progress made by your Assembly in carrying out its own portion of the Ten-Year Crusade. The number of members of the National Body who have gone forth as pioneers to virgin territories which you have succeeded in opening during the first year of the Plan, the purchase of the Temple site in Sydney - all attest the vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes. He is very proud of their spirit and their achievements, and believes that they will go very far in their service to the Faith on an international scale. The initiative shown through the holding of a South Pacific School pleased him immensely. In view of the work to be done, the number of languages into which the literature is to be translated, the tremendous area throughout which the Australian goals are scattered, schools and institutes of this nature are really essential.
He is also very happy to note the increase in Bahá'í membership, a sure sign of the virility of the faith of the believers.
He feels sure that the visit of the dear Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Faizi, did a tremendous amount of good. Mr. Furutan has since made the pilgrimage to Haifa, and spoke very highly to the Guardian of the believers in that part of the world, whom he grew to love and admire very much during his visit.
He was very happy to see that Mrs. Dunn was able to attend the New Zealand Bahá'í Summer School. For a woman of her age, this was surely a remarkable achievement, and must have been a great inspiration to the New Zealand friends, coming as she did so freshly from the last Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi.
Now that so many of the goals abroad have been settled, and active plans have been laid to settle the remaining ones, he feels that your Assembly should pay particular attention, during the coming year, to the work on the home front. The multiplication of Local Assemblies, the incorporation of Local Assemblies and the increase in centers throughout Australia and New Zealand are all-important and pressing, and will require a great deal of work. The sooner the friends "get on with it" the better!
In connection with the teaching work throughout the Pacific area, he fully believes that in many cases the white society is difficult to interest in anything but its own superficial activities. The Bahá'ís must identify themselves on the one hand, as much as they reasonably can, with the life of the white people, so as not to become ostracized and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.
Sound judgement, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.
He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá'ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups. As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgement in handling this entire matter.
The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.
As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.
He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.
He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the Holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.The manifold evidences of the remarkable progress, achieved in almost every field, by the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'í Communities since the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, have truly rejoiced my heart, and served to heighten my feelings of admiration for the sterling qualities which the members of these Communities have increasingly displayed in recent years.
There is no doubt whatever - and I truly feel proud to place it on record - that the community of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh labouring for His Cause in the Antipodes now occupies, by virtue of the quality of the faith of its members, the soundness of their judgement, the clearness of their vision, the scope of their accomplishments, and their exemplary loyalty, courage and self-sacrifice, a foremost position among its sister communities in all the continents of the globe.
Far from stagnating or declining in number or in influence it has in recent years displayed a vitality which can well excite the admiration and envy of them all, and has demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a fidelity to the principles of our Faith, whether a spiritual or administrative, and a capacity for service which all may well emulate.
Though all the goals, in the virgin areas of the globe, assigned to the elected national representatives of these two communities have not as yet been attained, owing solely to circumstances beyond their control, yet the spirit evinced by the pioneers belonging to these communities, who have so gloriously initiated this major task, constituting the foremost objective of the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade, has been such as to amply compensate for the inability of their national elected representatives to consummate, ere the close of the first year of the Ten-Year Plan, this initial enterprise marking the inauguration of their Mission in foreign fields. Particularly gratifying and indeed inspiring has been the response of the members of your Assembly to the Call for pioneers - a response that has surpassed that of any other National Body throughout the Bahá'í World.
The selection and subsequent purchase of the site of the first Mashriq'l-Adhkar in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city - the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area - is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu'l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í ascension, and which are destined to yield their fairest fruit in the Golden Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation.
The second phase of this spiritual Crusade upon which these two greatly blessed, fast unfolding, firmly established, intensely alive communities have now entered must witness the opening, at whatever cost, of the remaining virgin territories allocated to their national elected representatives. The preservation of the prizes already won in the newly opened territories is, moreover, a task they cannot afford to neglect under any circumstances. The multiplication of Bahá'í isolated centres, groups and Local Assemblies, in both Australia and New Zealand - a process that has been steadily and rapidly developing since the inauguration of the Ten Year Plan, is likewise of paramount importance in the years immediately ahead. The development of these institutions, particularly in New Zealand, will no doubt hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that territory, and will lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of the Faith in those regions.
The assistance which your Assembly must increasingly extend to its sister Assembly in the Indian sub-continent, in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá'í literature in the languages allocated under the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another task which, in the coming months, must be boldly tackled and consistently carried on. The incorporation of Local Assemblies moreover, is a matter of great urgency and should in no wise be postponed or neglected. The consolidation work to be undertaken, according to the provisions of this same Plan, is, likewise, urgent and of the utmost importance, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the prestige of your Assembly and enrich the record of your far-reaching accomplishments. The purchase of a building in Auckland destined to serve as the National Hazírat'ul-Quds of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused - in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.
Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your Assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá'í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly - an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.
May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.
That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes. Shoghi.
7 July 1954 [Mariana Islands]Your letter of May 29th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear of your arrival at Guam, and to know that now there are two devoted believers in the Mariana Islands.
He was delighted to learn that you have been successful in finding a house, and also that you have secured employment, and are becoming established there. He too hopes that soon it will be possible for your dear husband to join you.
The news that you had, on more than one occasion, met with Robert Powers Jr. was also good, as in this way you can reinforce the efforts of each other.
The Guardian urges you, now that you have received this bounty of becoming a pioneer in a foreign land, to, under all circumstances, remain at your post, and never to become discouraged, but to rely on the power of Bahá'u'lláh, which is ready to guide and sustain you constantly in your service to His Faith.
As you know, we have been promised in the Teachings that, if we arise in a befitting manner to teach the Cause of God, we will be assisted by the hosts of the Supreme Concourse. The Guardian will pray that you may be given the necessary strength to carry forward your noble undertaking. His prayers are constantly surrounding the precious pioneers who have left their homes and gone forth with such love, such longing and sacrifice, to raise the banner of the Faith in distant lands.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your noble endeavours, guide & sustain you always, and enable you to enrich the record of your splendid services to His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiURGE FITZNER REMAIN TIMOR UNAWARE WHEREABOUTS MARQUES
29 July 1954 [Australia]Your letter of June 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
From the facts which you have submitted to him in your letter, it does not appear to the Guardian to be either feasible or wise, or fair to your children, for you to leave your home and join Mrs. Dobbins in the New Hebrides.
He would therefore advise you that you remain in Joslin, and that your dear wife continue her pioneering services alone, until she succeeds in getting the Faith well established in that virgin area.
He will pray for your son and daughter, as well as yourself, that you may be assisted in your teaching efforts.
The Guardian was very happy to learn that, although at first many difficulties were experienced by Mrs. Dobbins in the New Hebrides, yet now there are many who are interested in the Faith. He was particularly rejoiced to know that many among the natives are attracted, as you know it is the native people of each virgin land who must be reached with the Message. Please assure her his loving prayers constantly surround her in her meritorious task.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to overcome all obstacles, and win, in the days to come, great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiGREATLY APPRECIATE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND FRIENDS SHOGHI
n.d. [National Spiritual Assembly]GRIEVE LOSS DEVOTED CAPABLE PROMOTER FAITH ETHEL DAWE NOTABLE SERVICES UNFORGETTABLE REWARD ASSURED KINGDOM SHOGHI
26 September 1954 [Australia]Your letter of August 31st has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
Your contribution to the International Interests of the Faith is deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The Guardian is very hopeful that the friends everywhere will arise with renewed effort in order to spread the Faith far and wide, and particularly to bring the Message to more and more people.
The first year of the Ten-Year Crusade was marked with the glorious victory of 100 new countries being opened to the Faith.
May the second year of the Crusade find itself crowned with the glory of the rapid spread of the Faith in all parts of the world, and the establishment of many new Spiritual Assemblies. This of course can be accomplished by the friends in the large centers of Bahá'í population dispersing to new areas, and each and every one trebling their teaching efforts.
The power of the Holy Spirit is descending in torrents, and it only remains for the individual Bahá'ís to arise and serve and teach, in order to receive the confirmations from on High.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant SecretaryMr. and Mrs. Dudley Blakely,137 and Mr. Stanley P. Bolton.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of September 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is happy to know that you have now become established in Tonga, and are engaged in teaching the Faith there.
Regarding contact with the Queen, as the revered Hand of the Cause, Mr. Varqa is in poor health, it would not be possible for him to visit the Tonga Islands. In addition to this, the Guardian believes it is premature at this time to present the Faith to the Queen. He advises you to be very discreet and very unofficial in your teaching work, otherwise you may find that all the work which has been accomplished in Tonga may be jeopardized.
The Guardian is hopeful that Stanley Bolton will make every effort to return to Tonga, and settle there.
It is much more important to reach the native people of Tonga with the Faith, than it is to teach the Europeans residing there.
Your devoted services are deeply appreciated, and the Guardian assures you of his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your noble and historic efforts, sustain you always, reward you for your exemplary labours, & aid you to win great & memorable victories,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour welcome letter dated October 2nd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The news you conveyed rejoiced his heart. He was particularly happy to see that one of the Island people has become a follower, and has translated a pamphlet into Roviana. He approves of this being printed as soon as possible; and he would like you to express his deep appreciation to this friend for the spirit in which he has rendered this service at the very outset of his becoming a believer.
From the report of Mrs Mildred Mottahedeh he learned of the many hardships you have both endured. He feels that the results in the end will be all the greater for your sacrifice; and that the example you have set will sink deep into the hearts of, not only other pioneers, but the local people.
You should by all means progress very cautiously, so as to not to be shoved off the foothold you have gained with such difficulty.
You may be sure that he remembers you both, and those you are attracting, as well as your problems, in his prayers in the Holy Shrines.
He hopes that you are both in good health, and your little daughter too; and assures you that he remembers your visit here with pleasure, and his loving thoughts and prayers surround you always.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty Whose Cause you are serving with exemplary dedication, determination, love & fidelity, reward you a thousandfold for your historic services, remove all obstacles from your path, & aid you to win great & memorable victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of October 6th, with the interesting photograph you enclosed, reached the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The wonderful services you have been rendering in that distant outpost of the Faith have greatly pleased the Guardian; and he was glad to hear that Mr. Dobbins was able to join you, that his health is improving, and now his mind is more at rest, and, as you say, he will be able to visualize you in the place where you are pioneering.
The Guardian feels that your attitude is correct, and that you cannot be too careful not to antagonize the authorities in any way. By example, and teaching where the occasion arises, and where it can give no offence, and through perseverance, you will no doubt be able to achieve your object of introducing the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh into these regions.
He feels that we should not lay stress, to new Bahá'ís, on the necessity of giving up smoking, especially as this is purely optional, and many of the Bahá'ís still do smoke. There are many things in the Teachings that require a stiff effort on the part of a new believer, and we should not add to the hurdles at the very beginning, so to speak.
He is greatly encouraged over the way the work is going forward in all continents of the globe and the islands throughout the seven seas. It seems unbelievable that in so short a time, so much should have been achieved; and it shows that the days are rapidly approaching when the Cause will go forward by leaps and bounds, and the masses will become attracted.
You may be sure he remembers you, your dear husband and those whom you are teaching, in his prayers in the Holy Shrines; and he urges you to persevere and be of good cheer.
With warm Bahá'í love,May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide & sustain you, reward you for your labours, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of November 22nd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is happy that your problem regarding your book is becoming adjusted.
Your services in the Faith are deeply appreciated. With the scattering of the friends to other countries, those who must remain are called upon to shoulder ever-increasing responsibilities, and to teach with increasing vigour, so that other new and strong souls may be found who will enlist their services in the Cause and become its ardent supporters.
In his prayers in the Holy Shrines, he will remember you, and supplicate that all your efforts in the path of God may be richly blessed.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W., Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of November 22nd has been received by the beloved
Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As regards the question you asked him about Mother Dunn's flat, he feels that this really is, as you yourself suggested, a matter which concerns the National Spiritual Assembly, and should be considered from a business standpoint, rather than a sentimental one.
He was happy to hear that Stanley and his wife are considering returning to Tonga, to which he attaches the greatest importance.
You may be sure that in his visits to the Holy Shrines he will pray for you all, and particularly for your dear husband. He deeply appreciates the tireless services your entire family render the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to extend the range of your valued activities, and win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of September 26th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and I have been instructed to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian is delighted that you now have a new native believer, who seems to be a man of great spiritual capacity.
The Guardian has written a letter of welcome to Mr. Kanare, which he would like you to please deliver to him.
He deeply appreciates your sacrificial services and your devotion, and assures you of his prayers for the abundant success of all your labours in the Faith.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty reward you abundantly for your splendid labours, guide every step you take, & fulfil every desire you cherish, for the promotion of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of September 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
It gives him the greatest joy to welcome you as a co-worker into the service of Bahá'u'lláh. He feels that, as this new World Faith spreads throughout the Islands of the Pacific, it will not only find many worthy souls, receptive and longing to hear of it, but through them it will be carried to the people of the Islands, who have a great tradition behind them, and who will help establish the Order Bahá'u'lláh has created for this Day, bringing their own peculiar abilities and characteristics as a contribution to its service.
He urges you to be very discreet in spreading this Message. We do not wish to become a source of discord, or arouse opposition, as no doubt Mr. and Mrs. Fernie have already told you.
You may be sure that the Guardian will pray for you in the Shrines, and he sends you his loving greetings.
Yours in the service of the Faith, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiJankko141 Lamprill Park Sevin care NatBahá'í Sydney
APPRECIATE MESSAGE FROM PAPEETE ASSURE LOVING PRAYERS
31 December 1954 [India]Your loving letter of December 7th has come to hand, outlining the problems confronting your with regard to your place of pioneering service.
The Guardian feels that you may make your choice as to whether to go to New Caledonia in the hope of entering the Loyalty Islands from there; or go to Ethiopia, in the hope of entering British Somaliland. Whichever seems most feasible to you will be satisfactory to the Guardian, and approved by him.
He feels sure you will be divinely guided, and that you will be able to win great victories for the Faith.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasASSURE ATTENDANTS FERVENT LOVING PRAYERS ATTAINMENT OF OBJECTIVES SHOGHI
5 January 1955 [Yerrinbool Summer School]Your letter of December 21st with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is happy to know that the New Zealand Hazíratu'l-Quds is being made attractive for the many activities that will take place in this Center, and he hopes it will become the means of the greatest unity and loving cooperation among the friends.
He assures all the friends in New Zealand of his deep appreciation of their devoted services.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith,
Your true brother,To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:I am enclosing herewith, Title Deed to two parcels of land on Mt. Carmel, which is registered in the name of
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand - Israel Branch.
It covers parcel 84, Block 10812, and parcel 424, Block 10810, on Mt. Carmel, Haifa. It is a part of the Gardens surrounding the Resting Places of the Greatest Holy Leaf, and the Mother and Brother of 'Abdu'l-Bahá; as well as the Gardens before the new International Archives Building. It covers approximately 1200 square meters of land.
The Guardian asks that you carefully file and preserve this important document of title to this important piece of land on Mt. Carmel. With loving Bahá'í Greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasP.S. The Guardian is now negotiating for a piece of land west of the Shrine of the Báb. When this transaction is concluded, he will have the land registered in the name of your Israel Branch, as this has been.
5 February 1955 [Eric & Marjorie Bowes - Australia]
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of Jan. 19th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is always sorry to have to postpone the friends coming to Haifa, especially when they come from far! But, as he takes them in priority of request - and the space, so to speak, is all filled up until well on in next winter - he had to put your family off too. He hopes a future date will be feasible for you.
As to your plans in Europe: he feels any teaching and visiting you could do to weak centers and surrounding Island goals in and near Britain would be a welcome asset to the work; you should consult the British N.S.A. and the European Teaching Committee.
He deeply values your family's devoted labours for the promotion of the Faith, and assures you of his loving prayers.
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, & guide your steps in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian was greatly delighted to receive your letter of January 26th, coming from the Marianas Islands, one of the goal areas of the Ten Year Crusade.
The contribution which you have sent is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith, made out in the names of your husband and yourself.
The Guardian feels it is of spiritual importance that a contribution has come from that difficult territory, because it links it spiritually with the World Centre of the Faith.
The Guardian wishes to assure you of his prayers in your behalf. He likewise assures you of his prayers for your dear husband. He hopes that every problem will be overcome, so that you two may serve together in the Marianas for the development and expansion of the Faith.
The Guardian will likewise pray for Mr. Mackey, who he hopes will become an active Bahá'í, and will be able to render outstanding services to the Cause of God.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The Beloved Guardian is very anxious to secure as quickly as possible, data concerning the Hazíratu'l-Quds which have been acquired in connection with the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. To this end, he would very greatly appreciate your sending me by return air mail the information concerning the Hazírat'l-Quds in Sydney and Auckland.
He would like to know the area of land involved, the size of the building, so far as number of rooms is concerned, the original purchase price of the Hazíratu'l-Quds, the expenses of the transaction, and then the total cost.
The Guardian asks that this be sent to me by return air mail. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
11 March 1955National Youth Committee of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The beloved Guardian appreciates your Naw-Rúz Greetings, which he reciprocates, and will pray for your success in the Holy Shrines.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniTo the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The Beloved Guardian sends you his loving greetings. He values your devoted services to the Faith very much, and prays that you will be eminently successful in all your activities, and win new goals and victories for the Faith at all times.
The Guardian has received word recently, that the Cocos Islands had become a part of the Australian Nation, or would soon do so; - also that the inhabitants of the Islands would be given Australian citizenship.
If that is the case, he hopes your Assembly will find it possible to send a pioneer into the Islands, so another of the virgin goals of the Crusade will be filled. He feels if the Islands are now a part of Australia, it should not be hard for an Australian citizen to enter the Islands, and teach the Faith there. Will you please let me know in due course if anything can be done. Do not forget that anyone entering the Islands will become a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
7 April 1955 [Australia]Your loving letter of March 19th, has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated, Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The Guardian greatly values your devoted and sacrificial services to the Cause of God, as well as those of your dear wife. He will pray for your guidance and confirmation; that every obstacle may be removed from your path, and you be enabled to render distinguished and outstanding service to our beloved Faith.
The Guardian enjoyed reading the copies of the Koala News which you attached to your letter.
He attached the utmost importance to the Incorporation of the Local Assemblies, and he hopes you will meet with every success in your presentation to the Parliament in South Australia of a bill which will automatically incorporate the existing five Assemblies in South Australia, as well as other Assemblies as they come in to being.
The Guardian hopes likewise you will be successful in your efforts to have the remaining virgin areas settled. In this connection, he understands that the Cocos Islands are to become a part of the Australian nation soon, and those living on the Islands will be Australian citizens. If that is the case, couldn't some one from Australia pioneer, without difficulty, in the Cocos. He would welcome this being done, if at all possible.
The Guardian was also happy to learn of the active steps being taken to translate the literature; and welcomes the report that the literature is now being disseminated in Roviana. In this connection, he asks that you send the Blums, his deep appreciation of their services. He values them most highly, and prays for their complete success.
The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
9 April 1955 [Australia]Your letter of March 15th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy to hear of your activities in the service of the Faith; and particularly that in Brisbane, the Bahá'ís - a united Group, which attracts the unfailing blessings of God, - are able to work with foreign students. The teaching of foreign students forms an excellent concomitant to the work in the pioneer field. Many times people from distant lands are converted abroad, and return to either carry the Message to their own country for the first time, or support the labours of some isolated and patient pioneer.
The Guardian thinks perhaps a different approach to the aborigines might attract them; one of being interested in their lives and their folklore, and of trying to become their friend, rather than trying to change them or improve them.
If you could form a friendship with an aborigine who had more spiritual and mental capacity than the average, you might find out that out of this friendship would spring an interest in the Faith; but no doubt great patience is required to enter into the thought of these people, so different from ourselves in background and training.
He feels you should concentrate on teaching people who will be able to grasp the Faith; and, although work with spastic children is no doubt highly meritorious as a philanthropic activity, in view of the fact that only we Bahá'ís can give the Message to the people in these dark days, he thinks it is a pity for a Bahá'í to waste too much time on that kind of work. Direct teaching is more important, especially teaching the aborigines.
He will certainly pray for you and your dear mother, that you may be successful in serving the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiCABLE IMMEDIATELY NAMES NEW ASSEMBLIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND SHOGHI
28 April 1955 [National Convention - Australia and New Zealand]
DEEPEST APPRECIATION MESSAGE CONVENTION FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS URGE RENEWED EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PLAN DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
29 April 1955 [National Convention - Australia and New Zealand]
DEEPLY APPRECIATE CONVENTION MESSAGE STOP APPEAL ASSEMBLED DELEGATES DELIBERATE URGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARISE COURSE LAST YEAR SECOND PHASE TEN YEAR PLAN REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PARTICULARLY MULTIPLICATION CENTERS ASSEMBLIES EXPEDITE LOCAL INCORPORATION TRANSLATION LITERATURE INTENSIFICATION TEACHING CONSOLIDATION NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS STOP FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS MUCH LOVED GREATLY ADMIRED VALIANT COMMUNITIES ANTIPODES SHOGHI
30 April 1955 [Fiji]Your letter of April 19th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian feels that medicine would offer your son a much wider field of service to the Bahá'í Faith; and that, since you are such a devoted and harmonious family, you should try and give the boy a medical training, if he likes medicine.
With warm Bahá'í greetings,P.S. I should like to add that he is very happy indeed over the progress being made in Fiji, the purchase of the Bahá'í Headquarters and the incorporation of the Assembly. He urges you and all the friends, to persevere in your teaching work and consolidate the foundations already laid in that important outpost of our glorious Faith.
May the Almighty bless your meritorious labours, guide every step you take, remove all obstacles from your path, & enable you to consolidate the splendid work that has been initiated in that far-off and highly important centre,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter to our beloved Guardian dated May 16, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
By dispersal the Guardian means the friends should get away entirely from the large centers of population and, leaving a nucleus of about 15 Bahá'ís to maintain the Local Assembly, go settle, live and teach in new towns, cities and even villages. Naturally, it is no service to the Cause to disperse if it breaks up an existing Assembly. The purpose of dispersal is to create more Assemblies over a wider area. Until a given Assembly can spare some of its local Community to go out and settle, they should by all means at least do extension teaching.
The status of Adelaide and adjacent Communities is a matter for the N.S.A. to decide.
In the instance you cited about the friend who, with independent means was willing to go out and sell her home and move to a new area, he feels she would have done better to go. You had more than 9 members in your community; you could have found another place to meet. This is just the type of pioneering the Guardian is urging. Those who can go should go. Others will arise locally to take their places.
He will pray for the success of your devoted labours to promote the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiOur beloved Guardian was extremely happy to receive your letter to him dated May 10th. He welcomes you into the service of our glorious Faith and feels sure you will be able to bring the knowledge of Bahá'u'lláh to many of your fellow countrymen out there.
The first step is to teach the Faith. As the number of Bahá'ís increases the pattern of a future, a truly spiritual society, will emerge, and as it unfolds will influence ever increasingly the way of life of the masses of the people. It is like the dawn, gradually becoming lighter until the full light of the day comes.
Please give his loving greetings to dear Mrs Dobbins who has left her home and gone so far to carry to you the Message of Bahá'u'lláh.
The Guardian will pray for your success in every way and for your dear family as well.
With warmest Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless every effort you exert, & fulfil every hope you cherish, for the promotion of our beloved Faith, & aid you to win great victories in its service,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour loving letter of June 27th, has come to hand and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.
He is very hopeful the plans for Mr. Wyss to return to Cocos will materialise so that he may carry on actively the teaching of the Faith in that important island. The Guardian will pray for Mr. Wyss; that every obstacle may be removed from his path, and he attain his goal of establishing the Faith in Cocos.
It is necessary for newly formed National Assemblies to have both their Hazíras and their Endowments. So far as the Endowment is concerned, this must be a piece of land, not funds; and need not be large. In fact, something costing about $1000. Mrs. Amelia Collins, the beloved Hand of the Cause, has contributed a fund to cover these endowments. Therefore when you purchase the endowment for New Zealand, you can apply to the American NSA, as they are handling the distribution of these funds for her. For the purpose of this goal of the Crusade, Summer Schools, or Summer School property is not considered an Endowment. It must be a small plot purchased exclusively for this purpose.
So far as Suva is concerned, it will have to have its Hazíra and Endowment. Again, the contribution of Mrs. Collins will make this a simple matter. As I understand it, the formation of the Regional Assembly for the South Pacific is a responsibility of the American NSA, and therefore, presumably, they will in due course take care of the Endowment goal directly.
The Guardian is well pleased with the activities of the Friends in Australia and New Zealand. They are undertaking the fulfilment of their responsibilities with determination, and he is sure they will not hesitate until all the goals are won.
The Guardian was happy to learn of the progress of the Incorporations, to which he attaches great importance. Likewise he was pleased with the translation of Mr. Christian's pamphlet into Pidgin English for use in Rabaul, etc.148
The sufferings of the Persian Bahá'ís have been intense and severe. The persecutions and atrocities are completely unwarranted. Yet the Friends are not flinching, and are an example of fortitude and devotion. The spirit which has been released through these sufferings must be seized by the Friends in other parts of the world, and the torch of the Faith carried to new heights and horizons, both physical and spiritual.
The Guardian prays the Friends everywhere will arise with such a determination as to offset the difficulties being experienced in Persia.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assist. Secy.
24 July 1955 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letters of July 27, August 5, and November 16, 1954, and January 21, and July 5, 1955, with enclosures, have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very happy over the progress which has been made in the area under your Assembly's jurisdiction during the past year. The news of the purchase of the Hazíratu'l-Quds in Auckland was most welcome. The acquisition of this building is really one of the pre-requisites for the formation of the National Assembly of New Zealand; he hopes that the impetus this has given to the work of the Faith there, combined with the devotion of the Bahá'ís will speed the formation of Local Assemblies, which alone constitute the necessary firm foundation for the National Body, a Body which will be one of the direct pillars supporting the International House of Justice. He urges, therefore, your Assembly to give all the teaching help it can to New Zealand; and to encourage the believers there to do their utmost to achieve their goals.
The wonderful spirit the pioneers from Australia and New Zealand have shown is a source of pride to the Guardian. Already they have garnered many rich prizes for the Faith in the form of such romantic, remote and inaccessible isles as Tonga, the Solomons and the Society Islands. Their determination, devotion and courage are exemplary in every way; and he hopes they will persevere, and not abandon their posts.
It must be made quite clear to the Bahá'ís that opening a new territory or a new town for that matter, meritorious as it is, is nevertheless only the first move. The consolidation of the Bahá'í work undertaken there is the most important thing of all. Victories are won usually through a great deal of patience, planning and perseverance, and rarely accomplished at a single stroke.
He was very glad to see that your Assembly had promptly gone to the aid of Mr. Blum. Without the support you gave him so generously and quickly, he might well have been forced to abandon this important post, which would have indeed been a great defeat to our work.
He was very happy to receive the Samoan and Tongan pamphlets. However restricted in size, such pamphlets as these are a great asset to the literature of the Faith, and enable the teaching work to progress more rapidly. He hopes that the pioneers will bear this in mind; and if they find any languages that would be of real use to their teaching work, and can get a small pamphlet translated into them, they will endeavour to do so.
As he already cabled you, of the extra 3,000 Dollars which you had left over in the Hazíratu'l-Quds Fund for New Zealand, he wishes you to keep half for the teaching activities carried out under your jurisdiction, and forward the other half to England for the work there, as they are in need of assistance in carrying forward the many important tasks allotted to the British National Spiritual Assembly.
The purchase of the Temple site - reasonable in sum, reasonable in area, and excellent in position - brought great joy to his heart.
He is indeed proud of the achievements of the believers of Australia and New Zealand, and the well-balanced, intelligent and persevering manner in which they go about their business.
He hopes that the private bill you are planning to have passed in the Upper Houses, and which will give the Bahá'ís legal recognition, will go through successfully. In view of the precedent of the Canadian Parliament when a special Act was passed, legalizing the status of the Bahá'ís in that country, he feels that you should not have much difficulty in Australia.
He is hoping that, after the Ridvan elections, good news will reach him of the formation of many more new Spiritual Assemblies in both Australia and New Zealand. The multiplication of Bahá'í Centers is, at the present stage of the development of the Cause, of the greatest importance. In the first place, it means that news of the coming of Bahá'u'lláh is being made available to a greater number of the population; and in the second place, it broadens the foundation of the national institutions which must elect the International House of Justice. Believers in centres that possess a relatively large voting list should bear in mind that at this time it is highly important and acceptable in the sight of God to disperse and carry the Message to new Centres, both outside the country and within it.
Your Assembly should bear in mind the necessity, in the future at any rate, of having firmly grounded Local Assemblies in all of the States of Australia and New Zealand; and also the importance of increasing the representation of the minority races, such as the Aborigines and the Maoris, within the Bahá'í Community. Special effort should be made to contact these people and to teach them; and the Bahá'ís in Australia and New Zealand should consider that every one of them that can be won to the Faith is a precious acquisition.
As he surveys the progress being made throughout the Bahá'í world, he is particularly pleased with that achieved in the Antipodes. The soundness, healthiness and vigour of the Bahá'í Community "down under" is a source of great joy to him, and he feels is an example to the Bahá'ís in other continents of the globe.
He remembers the members of your Assembly and all the dear Bahá'í pioneers and those labouring at home in his prayers in the Holy Shrines, and supplicates that you all may be richly blessed, and render the Faith devoted services.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.The achievements that have distinguished and ennobled the record of services rendered by the valiant, fast expanding, steadily consolidating, richly endowed, highly promising Bahá'í Communities in the Antipodes have brought intense joy to my heart, and have, no doubt, excited the admiration of the members of their sister communities throughout the Bahá'í world. The contribution which, severally and collectively, the organised followers of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in the Australian continent, in New Zealand and in Tasmania, are making towards the progress of the Ten-Year Crusade in so many of its aspects, ever since its inception, is truly exemplary and augurs well for their future development and triumph under the provisions of this momentous Ten Year Plan.
The steady increase in the number of believers, of isolated centres, groups and Assemblies evokes my deep and heartfelt admiration and gratitude. The purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in the Antipodes is a service that has greatly enhanced the prestige of the Faith, and constitutes a historic victory worthy to rank as a distinct milestone in the history of its progressive unfoldment throughout Australasia. The purchase of the Hazíratu'l-Quds in Auckland, as the future headquarters of the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly, is another accomplishment that merits the highest praise. The opening of the virgin territories assigned, under the Ten-Year Plan, to the elected representatives of these communities has, furthermore, demonstrated the readiness of the members of these communities to speedily and worthily achieve the goals of this dynamic Plan in this particular and vital sphere of collective Bahá'í endeavour. The assistance extended by these same representatives to their brethren in the Indian sub-continent in connection with the translation of Bahá'í literature into the languages allotted to them, under this same Plan, affords, moreover, further evidence of their alacrity, their devotion, their watchfulness in promoting, in every way possible, the manifold interests of their beloved Faith at this crucial stage in its development and consolidation.
Laden with such victories, conscious of the future brightness of their mission, fully relying in the efficacy of that celestial aid which has at no time failed them in the past, it behoves them to rededicate themselves, during the opening months of the last year of the second phase of this world encompassing Crusade, to the tasks they have so splendidly initiated. The scope of their activities, now ranging out far into the South Pacific Ocean, must rapidly widen. Their determination to fulfil their tasks must never for a moment falter. Their vision of the glorious destiny bound up with the triumphant accomplishment of their collective enterprise must remain undimmed. Their willingness to sacrifice unstintingly until every single objective of the Plan has been achieved must, under no circumstances, be allowed to weaken. Their unity and solidarity in the pursuit and attainment of their immediate as well as distant objectives must, at all times, continue unimpaired. The prizes they have won, at the expense of so much sacrifice, in the islands neighbouring the Australian continent, as well as in those lying further from its shores in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans, must not, however strenuous the effort required, be jeopardized. The opening of the one remaining island as yet unopened among those allotted to them under the Ten-Year Plan must be speedily undertaken. The translation of Bahá'í literature into the few remaining languages which still require the concentrated attention of their elected representatives must in no wise be neglected. The process of Bahá'í incorporation, constituting one of the most vital features of their collective enterprise, must be accelerated - however formidable the obstacles which stand in their path. The establishment of Bahá'í endowments in the Dominion of New Zealand is yet another responsibility devolving upon their elected national representatives, a responsibility devolving upon their elected national representatives, a responsibility which should be discharged prior to the emergence of an independent National Assembly in that distant and promising island.
Whilst these immediate goals are being steadily and resolutely pursued, attention should, likewise, be particularly directed to the vital need for the constant multiplication of isolated centres, groups and Local Assemblies, as well as to the necessity of increasing, to an unprecedented degree, the number of the avowed adherents of the Faith who can directly and effectively contribute to the broadening of its foundations and the expansion of its nascent institutions. Particularly in the Dominion of New Zealand, where a pillar of the future Universal House of Justice will soon be erected, must a fresh impetus be lent to this vital process which can alone reinforce the foundations on which this projected institution must ultimately rest.
The Community of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Antipodes is approaching a milestone of great significance in the course of its development through the emergence of this major institution, destined to play a notable part in the evolution of the administrative Order of the Faith in the Pacific Area.
Fully aware of their high and inescapable responsibilities at this crucial stage in the expansion and consolidation of their institutions, challenged and stimulated by the tragic and heart-rending tidings reaching them from Bahá'u'lláh's native land, where a wave of persecution of uncommon severity has swept over His followers in both the Capital and the provinces; conscious and appreciative of the blessing of freedom so cruelly denied their oppressed brethren in the cradle of their Faith; and determined to offset by their exertions the losses sustained by the Faith in that land, the members of this privileged, this valiant and forward marching community must display, in the months immediately ahead, such a spirit of devotion and of self-sacrifice as will outshine the brilliance and glory of their past and present achievements.
Theirs is an opportunity which they can not ignore or neglect. Theirs is a duty which if worthily performed will no doubt draw them closer to the throne of Bahá'u'lláh, and considerably enrich their share of inestimable blessings stored for them in the Abhá Kingdom. May they by their response to the call of the present hour prove themselves worthy of the high mission with which they have been entrusted. Shoghi.
26 August 1955 [Australia]The beloved Guardian has received your letter of July 22nd, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
In regard to your questions regarding dispersal, the Guardian has laid down the general principle. Now you should consult the National Spiritual Assembly as to the purely minor questions, such as those raised in your letter.
The important thing is to go forth, and either pioneer in a virgin area, or go to some locality where there is a group established, and help them, by teaching and by your services to the Faith there, to reach Assembly status. With warm Bahá'í greetings,
R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of August 20th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He greatly appreciates your contribution given to help the dear persecuted Bahá'ís in Persia. Receipt is enclosed.
The Guardian feels it is very appropriate that you have made a contribution to the "Save the Persecuted" fund. The Guardian will see that this money reaches its proper goal in Persia. The persecutions have been very severe indeed. However apparently the concerted efforts of the friends all over the world and their prayers, have ameliorated the condition, because there have been no outward manifestations of ill treatment recently.
The Guardian greatly values the services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels sure they will reach new heights in their services during the coming year. The persecutions in Persia have touched the hearts of many, and it should be a good opportunity for the friends to win many converts to the Faith.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
18 September 1955Mr. James Heggie, Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:Your loving letter of September 5th has just come to hand, dealing with the question of incorporations of Local Assemblies, and other matters.
The Guardian, as I have written you previously, is very anxious to have Local Assemblies become incorporated, and as rapidly as possible.
As I wrote you in my letter of August 20th, the Guardian has enunciated the principle of the Constitution and By-Laws a number of times, and which were reiterated in my letter of August 20th.
He now leaves it to your Assembly to handle these matters to a conclusion with the Local Assemblies.
Perhaps I have not made it clear, but the Guardian feels that there should be no changes in the By-Laws and Constitution which has been put into effect all over the world except such minor corrections as may be necessary to adjust to local laws. The reason I mention this is that in your letter to the Local Assembly in Unley, you mention that should they have any further doubts, or be unable to carry out all the incorporations in accordance with the Guardian's instructions, they should let you know, and you would again refer the matter to the Guardian.
In the advices contained in my letter of August 20th, the Guardian now leaves these matters to your Assembly to see that the general program is followed.
I note in your letter of September 5th, you deal with various matters concerning which you had correspondence with the beloved Guardian, such as the sale of the Temple site, settlers in northern Australia, etc. If I may suggest, I think it would be well, in writing to me, to write only about such matters concerning which I have been instructed by the Guardian to address you. Other matters should be addressed directly to him. In other words, the policy he has adopted is that all correspondence should be addressed to him concerning all administrative and spiritual matters with the exception of certain items which he instructs me or someone else to correspond about. There is no intermediate step at present between the Guardian and the National Assemblies.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am,YOURS AUGUST 29 GUARDIAN FEELS GREATEST NAME TOO SACRED TO BE USED FOR SEAL AND DIRECTS THIS NOT BE DONE IOAS
7 October 1955Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:The beloved Guardian has received your letter of recent date, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
You may anoint the friends in New Zealand with the attar of rose which you received from the Guardian when you were in Haifa.
He urges you to impress on the believers in New Zealand the tremendous importance of the teaching work. They should do their utmost in every possible way to add to the number of localities where believers are found; and then, by their devoted teaching efforts, confirm more souls in these centers, and bend their energies toward the establishment of more Local Assemblies. In this way they will build a broad and strong foundation for the future National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand.
The Guardian is happy to know that you are serving the Faith in Orange; and he hopes you will seize every opportunity to teach, so that before long others may be encouraged to join you and reinforce you in your noble work.
He deeply appreciates your devoted services, and prays that success may attend your efforts.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty abundantly reward you for your unforgettable and exemplary services, guide, sustain and bless you always, and aid you to enrich continually the record of your past accomplishments,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of September 8th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
It pleased him greatly to learn that you have moved to Naracoorte in order to bring the Faith to this new center. He considers this a very valuable move; and deeply appreciates your devoted spirit and your determination to see the Cause advance.
The Guardian hopes your affairs may soon become adjusted; so that your dear wife and children may join you.
He assures you of his prayers that your efforts may be richly rewarded; and that in a short time, others will, through you, decide to join the ranks of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to extend the range of your services to His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of September 21st has been receive by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to learn that your father has now become a Bahá'í; and extends to him through you a warm welcome into the Faith. He knows that this rejoices your own heart, and that of your dear mother. If his illness has been the cause of his determining to take this step, then it has been a great bounty to him. Please assure him of the Guardian's prayers for him.
He will also remember you and your mother in his supplications.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of October 4th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
If the condition of the health of your parents is such that your presence is really needed, then you should not leave them. If, however, there is some other relative who could care for them, then you could help with the work in the South Island, and aid the friends in establishing the Faith on a solid foundation there.
The Guardian was happy to learn that your nephew in the South Island has now become a Bahá'í, as a result of your having spent some time visiting him. He hopes your nephew will determine, from the very beginning of his Bahá'í life, to teach within the limited sphere of his neighbours and friends in that isolated locality.
Your devotion and service to the Faith are deeply appreciated you may be sure.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved, whose Faith you promote, with such a devotion, zeal and perseverance, bountifully reward you, and aid you to extend continually the scope of your splendid achievements.
Your true brother, ShoghiAt the instruction of the beloved Guardian, I am writing you this letter, the contents of which he wishes your Assembly to regard as strictly confidential for the time being, until such a time as he wishes to make it public.
He is seriously considering the possibility of having a Bahá'í Temple built in the Antipodes during the present 10 Year Plan, on the Temple site already purchased in Sydney. This would ensure a House of Worship in every Continent of the globe by 1963. Also, in view of the strong recrudescence of persecution and hatred of the Faith in Persia he feels that to erect Temples in Africa and Australasia - where it is possible to do so - would be a great comfort to the Persian believers and a befitting response to their enemies who may well make it unfeasible to build the Tehran Temple during this Plan.
In view of this he wishes you to approach qualified architects and request sketches - preliminary studies - for this Temple, which you can submit to him as soon as possible and from which he can indicate the one he feels would be most suitable. He makes this suggestion of studies first because the recent drawings submitted in competition in Germany (and forwarded to him) were all highly modernistic and undignified and a lot of money and time was spent for nothing. There was only one he considered at all possible, and this was not chosen by the judges; necessary qualifications: a building nine sides, surmounted by a dome. Note - circular building. Seating capacity 500 with possible additional seating in a balcony at a future date. Height 40 to 45 meters. Note: no assembly hall is to be included, only auditorium for worship, with no surrounding rooms, is necessary. Extra rooms for maintenance, toilets, caretaker, can be in basement.
There is no reason why is should look like the Chicago Temple; on the other hand, he feels these ultra-modern, often bizarre structures are not at all in keeping with the dignity of our Faith. The type of dome on such structures as Mason Remey's Temple for Haifa, the Shrine of the Báb and St. Peter's in Rome he considers beautiful in proportion and suitable. The style is naturally a question each architect would evolve for himself. What interests the Guardian is the symmetry of the ensemble and dignity.
He would urge your Assembly to get preliminary studies to him at the earliest possible date, and then he can indicate the one he feels most suitable and the architect can work up full details later.
With loving greetings, R. Rabbani.WELCOME PILGRIMAGE WITH BILL WASHINGTON SECOND WEEK FEBRUARY
26 November 1955Charles Mackay PO Box 775 Agana Guam Mariana Islands
WELCOME PILGRIMAGE THIRD WEEK FEBRUARYThis is just a note, written at the instruction of our beloved Guardian, to answer a question raised in your last letter.
As there is no definite and conclusive statement on Vivisection in the Bahá'í teachings, this is a matter which the International House of Justice will have to pass upon in the future.
With loving Bahá'í greetings to you all, and the assurance of the beloved Guardian's prayers for the success of your labours. R. Rabbani.
5 December 1955 [National Spiritual Assembly]The beloved Guardian has received a copy of the translation of Kenneth Christian's "Basic Facts" entitled: "Olsamting Long Bilip Bahá'í".
The Guardian would like to know what language this is. Faithfully yours,
14 DECEMBER 1955 [Mariana Islands]Your letter of November 30th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Your contribution to the international interests of the Faith is deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The Beloved Guardian was very happy indeed to learn of your activities, and the fact that you are settling in Inarajan. He is also happy that your affairs are taking a favourable turn, and that you have been successful in business, as well as securing a favourable place to live. He hopes that all of this may assist you in teaching the Cause and winning many of the people of Guam to the Faith, particularly the natives.
The Guardian will pray for the guidance and confirmation of Mr. Quesada, that he may be confirmed in the Faith and become an ardent supporter of its teachings and institutions.
The Guardian greatly values the sacrifices and devotion which animates you in your labours for the Cause of God. He is sure you will be richly blessed by the beloved Master. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasNational Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of India, Pakistan and Burma and National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with the translation of Bahá'í literature into new languages, as called for by the Ten Year Crusade.
A total of 40 languages was assigned to the Australian and Indian National Spiritual Assemblies. Of these, literature has been translated into 24, leaving 16 into which literature has not yet been translated.
The Guardian feels that a very fine record has been established in the translation of literature into the 24 languages, and that your Assemblies may well be proud of the work they have accomplished. However he does feel it is of the utmost importance to complete this goal of the Ten Year Crusade just as quickly as possible; and he therefore would ask that your Assemblies undertake the translation of at least a small pamphlet into the remaining languages at the earliest possible date. He will appreciate your writing me for him just what the status is, and how soon you feel work can be started on these remaining languages.
Your early advice will be appreciated.DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS ATTAINMENT GOALS SHOGHI
4 January 1956 [New Zealand Summer School]DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION MESSAGE FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING ATTAINMENT GOALS GREAT VICTORIES SHOGHI
16 January 1956 [National Spiritual Assembly]FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS ALREADY RECEIVED MY CONTRIBUTION AUSTRALIAN FUND SHOGHI
24 January 1956 [New Caledonia]Your letter was received by the beloved Guardian and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He considers your decision to not make the pilgrimage at the present time, but remain at your post, was certainly the right one, and be feels sure that at a future date you will be able to come. If you let him know some months in advance when it would be possible for you to come, he will inform you whether it is possible to make arrangements at this end to receive you at that time.
As you know, he attaches great importance to the Loyalty Islands, and he assures you he will pray that the way may open for you to assist in the establishment of the Faith there, either through settling or interesting a Loyalty Islander.
He is very happy over the pioneer services you are rendering, and wishes you every success.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your historic efforts, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to render memorable services to His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of Dec. 31st, with photos enclosed, has been received and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The wonderful news you conveyed to him of the spread of the Faith to other Islands, the devotion of these new believers, and the work that you are doing to attract more, gave him great joy. Bahá'u'lláh has indeed blessed your efforts, and the joint sacrifice you and Mr. Dobbins have made in order to accomplish this work of the Crusade.
He considers the spread of the Cause to other Islands of great importance, as well as the translation work.
Nothing will so deeply affect the hearts of people who have been hurt and offended by the attitude of white supremacy as to consort with them as full equals - as indeed they are. He is very glad you are doing this.
He will pray in the Holy Shrines for your success in every way, and please give his love to the believers there and tell them he hopes some day some of them will journey here to meet him, be his pilgrim-guests, and visit the Shrines.
much love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved, whose Cause you serve with such constancy, love & devotion, guide & sustain you always, & enable you to win great victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of February 7th with photograph enclosed has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Although he was very happy to hear the news of the number of believers that you and your dear wife have made in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands, he was very sorry to hear of your expulsion.
As he has already informed the British National Assembly, we must do all in our power to stay on good terms with the Authorities, even though they are incited against us by missionaries or other enemies of the Faith, and may treat us with injustice.
He will certainly pray that the way may open for you to return; and, in the meantime, he feels that your wife is doing the right thing by staying at her post, however great the personal sacrifice involved for you both.
Your devoted services have been deeply appreciated by him, and greatly admired by Bahá'ís in other pioneer posts, who have to sow, alas, in less fertile soil!
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, reward you abundantly for your historic & meritorious labours, & enable you to enrich the record of your services in the days to come,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of January 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy to hear of the teaching trips you have been making and will make to New Zealand; and he feels sure that these greatly stimulate and encourage the friends.
He was also happy to hear of the progress of the work in Orange; and that your dear family are well and you now have a grandson. He assures you he will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines and for the success of your tireless labours.
With warmest Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, and aid you to enrich continually the record of your splendid services,
Your true brother, ShoghiNational Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The beloved Guardian is very anxious that constructive steps be taken at this time looking to the teaching of the aborigines in both Australia and New Zealand.
The beloved Master has often referred to the importance of the original inhabitants of a country being brought into the Faith, as the Cause of God will be the means of stimulating and activating these peoples and the cause of their progress in society.
He feels it would be well for your Assembly to appoint two committees, one in charge of the teaching of the aborigines, and one, a committee of New Zealand people, who will be in charge of the teaching of the Maoris in New Zealand.
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasMr. James Heggie, Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friend:Your loving letter of February 22nd was presented to the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to respond to you on his behalf, to the questions which you raise as follows:
He was very happy to receive the report concerning the translation of languages. As you know, he feels this is one of the tasks of the Ten Year Crusade which can be brought to a conclusion at an early date; and he therefore hopes your Assembly will follow up the subject just as diligently as possible. Furthermore the teaching work in the areas involved will be hampered if the literature is not translated.
He is very anxious that you proceed with the printing of the pamphlet in Tahitian. Please send me 5 copies for him just as quickly as it is off the press.
In connection with the incorporation of Assemblies, the Guardian feels that the general principle which was established by Bahá'u'lláh and confirmed by the Master and is now in effect all over the world of confining the territory of one Spiritual Assembly to one civil area, must now be followed in Australia and New Zealand. This is the principle that is now being followed in practically all parts of the world, and should be followed now in your very promising country.
It is likely of course that this will result in a great many new communities in Australia and New Zealand, which will spur the friends on to establish Assemblies in each of these new areas, and thus ultimately increase the number of Assemblies in Australia and New Zealand.
In New York there are numerous boroughs which make up the civil limits of New York; likewise in London there are various divisions with local administrative bodies, all of which make up the City of London. Presumably there is a similar situation in the cities in Australia where you have local Councils, but all of them under the general supervision and direction of one central body, which would be the general government of the City.
If this is the case, there are no objections to the N.S.A. adopting the plan of recognising the area of the central government, and not breaking up a city into various council areas.
In other areas where Bahá'ís from surrounding communities help make up the Spiritual Assembly and community of the given city, this of course will have to be changed in accordance with the policy outlined herein.
I trust this fully explains the matter to you. If not, I shall be glad to make further clarification.
I regret my original letter of January 29th enclosing the title deeds to the property on Mt. Carmel in the name of your Assembly was not signed. I have now signed it, and enclose it herewith.
The Guardian asked me to assure you all of his prayers in your behalf. He is greatly pleased with the manner in which the Assembly is undertaking its heavy responsibilities, and feels sure you will gain many important victories for the Faith.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.Your letter of January 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was happy to learn that you and your dear family are now settled in Naracoorte. He urges you to put forth every effort, so that Bahá'u'lláh may assist you to find and confirm in the Faith a number of prepared souls, and aid you to establish His Cause on a firm foundation in your new environment.
He deeply appreciates your spirit, and assures you of his prayers. R. Rabbani
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiNational Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand,
Care of Mr. J. Heggie, Secretary.Enclosed is the beloved Guardian's message to all Bahá'í Conventions. He would like you to please share it with the delegates and friends attending your National Convention.
He hopes it will stimulate the teaching work, and particularly the pioneer work.
with warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniApril 1956 [National Convention - Australia and New Zealand]
DEEPLY APPRECIATE CONVENTION MESSAGE APPEAL ASSEMBLED DELEGATES DELIBERATE URGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARISE COURSE LAST YEAR SECOND PHASE 10 YEAR PLAN TRY DOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PARTICULARLY MULTIPLICATION CENTRES ASSEMBLIES EXPEDITE LOCAL INCORPORATION TRANSLATION LITERATURE INTENSIFICATION TEACHING CONSOLIDATION NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS MUCH LOVED GREATLY ADMIRED VALIANT COMMUNITIES ANTIPODES SHOGHI
23 April 1956 [Mariana Islands]Your letter of April 4th was received, and the beloved Guardian was very touched indeed to see some of the Bahá'í prayers in the language of the Mariana Islands. This good news reached him at the time of the Ridvan Festival, and made him very happy.
He assures you all of his loving prayers, and urges you to persevere and never lose heart.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & aid you to win great victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, Shoghi27 April 1956 [National Convention - Australia and New Zealand]
DEEPEST APPRECIATION MESSAGE CONVENTION FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS URGE RENEWED EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PLAN DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
27 April 1956Mr. H. Collis Featherstone, 24 Hargrave Street, Semaphore, South Australia
Dear Bahá'í Brother:Your loving letter of April 4th was duly received, and its contents presented to the beloved Guardian.
He was greatly delighted to receive the information that you sent with regard to the translations into new languages, and the victories in the teaching field. The spirit of confirmation seems to be descending over the entire South and South-East Pacific areas, and the victories being won everywhere indicate how badly the divine teachings are needed in those areas.
The beloved Guardian states he does not recognize the purported extract from a Tablet of Bahá'u'lláh concerning Enoch. He could not therefore rule on its authenticity without seeing the original Tablet. Even if it should come from a Writing of Bahá'u'lláh, the translation is extremely poor.
He feels under the circumstances that this should not be considered as authentic Bahá'í literature.
If I might inject a personal thought, it is that I believe this purported extract from a Tablet of Bahá'u'lláh can only refer to the initial paragraph which is quoted and which does read like Bahá'í literature. However the balance of the document appears to me to be quotations from the "Book of Enoch" or a book covering the teachings of Enoch. A number of years ago, there was some interest developed concerning manuscripts which were found, which were purported to be writings of an early Prophet who they thought was Enoch. I had both books referred to, and this reads like it is quoted directly from one of the books. I recall the interest amongst the Bahá'ís in this matter in the days of my youth, and it was prior to the time of the departure of Father Dunn for Australia and New Zealand. He no doubt took it with him.
There must be some misunderstanding on the part of Bahá'ís in Burnside with regard to the readings at a Nineteen Day Feast. The Writings of the Báb and Bahá'u'lláh can certainly be read any time at any place; likewise the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá are read freely during the spiritual part of the Feast. The Guardian has instructed that during the spiritual part of the feast, his own Writings should not be read. In other words, during the spiritual part of the Feast, readings should be confined to the Writings of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh and to a lesser extent,of the Master; but during that part of the Feast the Guardian's Writings should not be read. During the period of administrative discussion of the Feast, then the Guardian's Writings may be read. Of course during the administrative part of the Feast there can be no objection to the reading of the Writings of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh or 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
27 April 1956[Australia]Your loving letter of April 13th, has just come to hand, with the very thrilling letter from Mr. Hancock, telling of his joyous experiences on the trip from Rabaul to New Ireland.
Knowing the Guardian would be interested in reading Mr. Hancock's letter, I submitted it to him. He was very happy to learn of the reception of the universal teachings of the Faith in that promising land, and he hopes the Faith will grow in depth in the hearts of the people. His advice is that rather than spread rapidly, and form new patterns of life too quickly, that the teachers concentrate on a few strong capable souls, and see that they are fully confirmed and deepened in the Faith, before spreading to larger numbers. Otherwise, when opposition comes, the local people will not be sufficiently deepened in the Faith, to enable them to stand the pressure.
The Guardian assures the Friends, particularly Mr. Hancock of his prayers in their behalf; that they may be both guided and confirmed in their work, and many souls become standard bearers of the new Day, in that area.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, I am,Your letter of April 9th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The cabled news he received a few days ago that an Assembly had been formed on Guam was a source of great pleasure to him; and he feels proud indeed of the achievement of the Bahá'ís out there, including your dear self. Just the other day he had occasion to write your father, who is very proud of you and very happy that you have been able to go back as a pioneer to Guam.
The Guardian assures you that he will pray for your success and that of the new Assembly, in the Holy Shrines.
As you know, he attaches great importance to the natives of the country becoming believers; and he hopes that the Message will spread rapidly amongst them.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless every effort you exert in the service of His Faith, reward you for your meritorious labours, & enable you to win memorable victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour welcome letter of April 18th was received and brought great joy to the heart of our beloved Guardian.
Please assure the Bahá'ís of Eua that the beautiful gift they are sending him will be placed in the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh, amongst historical documents and contributions from friends in far parts of the world, as well as some of the sacred relics of Bahá'u'lláh which are on view in this Bahá'í Holy Place.
He was very happy indeed to hear that the Tongan friends are teaching the Cause themselves to their own people, and assisting you and your dear husband in spreading the Message in those islands. The Polynesians for many centuries, ever since the white man contacted them, have been admired for their fine characteristics and the nobility of their spirit. It would be a great contribution to the world-wide character of our Faith to have people of this race active in its service and representing what their race has to give, as time goes on, in joint Bahá'í national and international councils.
Your services there are very deeply appreciated, and the work you are accomplishing, very dear to his heart. He sends you and your husband his loving greetings, as well as all the friends in those islands; and assures you all of his prayers for your success, in the Holy Shrines.
With warmest Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless continually your highly meritorious efforts, guide every step you take, & fulfil every desire you cherish, for the promotion of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of February 21st has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He hopes that it will be possible for you to make the pilgrimage some time during next winter.
He thinks you did quite right to remain there in preference to coming with Frank Wyss and perhaps jeopardizing your work, to which he attaches the greatest importance.
He hopes that you have been able to get a residence visa, and thinks that your attitude as to how to go about it, is very sound.
You may be sure he will pray for you and Mr. and Mrs. Soheili, as well as for those you are teaching in those Islands. He wishes you every success, and urges you to persevere.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of April 18th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Your contribution to the International Interests of the Faith is deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The beloved Guardian was deeply impressed with your outline of teaching work which you have been able to accomplish during the past two years and the interest which has been developed.
Now that you have become acquainted and well-established and will not have to travel so much, the Guardian sincerely hopes you will be able to devote more time to the teaching of the native people, so that a goodly number may become firm in the Faith. He feels that this vast territory, which has been spiritually asleep for so long is now awakening, and he hopes through your diligent efforts, many may find the light of Divine Guidance.
The Guardian assures you that he will pray diligently in your behalf for the success of your work and that divine confirmations may be with you at all times. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasYour welcome letter of April 28th was received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very happy indeed to see that there is now a Group in Pt. Moresby; and that the believer whom you were able to confirm in Manus is still there. Please convey to him the loving greetings of the Guardian, and assure him of his prayers that he may give the Message to many of his people.
He will also pray that your efforts to create a friendly relationship with the Administrator will be successful. Generally speaking, it is not wise to involve the higher officials too much in our work; but it is good to let them know, when this seems indicated, what we are doing, and create good will on their part.
For the time being, he thinks that, as long as the Government moved you away from Manus, you should not try to get back there, but continue where you are, building up the local work and quietly teaching as many natives as you can. If we attract the attention of the officials and the missionaries to us too much, we will jeopardize our work in many of these backward places in the world where there is a definite racial problem, either nascent or well-developed.
It would naturally be better if you could get back to one of the places where you would be more in contact with the natives; but under no circumstances should you risk your position or antagonize the Authorities, as you have a much stronger hold on the situation through being their employee.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty shower His blessings on your meritorious and historic work in the service of His Faith, reward you for your labours, & aid you to win great & memorable victories in the days to come,
Your true brother,Your letters of November 17, and December 12 and 31, 1955, and January 6, February 22, April 24, and May 27, (two), with enclosures have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was happy to receive the pamphlets which you have had translated and forwarded to him, and which is certainly a welcome addition to the teaching work in the Pacific area.
He was also pleased to see that you have found a friendly architect, who will cooperate in submitting plans for the future Temple in Sydney.153 He is eagerly looking forward to receiving them. Since writing this, they have been received. He was also glad to hear that another site had been procured.
Repercussions of the Chicago Temple are felt everywhere, and the same is becoming increasingly true of the Shrine. One single edifice, raised to the glory of Bahá'u'lláh, shines like a beacon and attracts the hearts of the people; no doubt many seeds are sown just through the act of people visiting these edifices - seeds which in the future will germinate. It is because of this that he is very eager to have the Australian one commenced as soon as circumstances permit.
As regards the question the Auckland Assembly has asked about vivisection, there is nothing on this subject in the Bahá'í teachings. At a future date such matters will no doubt be taken up by the International House of Justice.
He is very anxious to have as many Local Assemblies incorporated as possible; and was hence very pleased to hear that your Assembly is energetically prosecuting this part of the Ten Year Plan in both Australia and New Zealand.
The visits of the Australian friends to different centers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Mr. Featherstone's trip to some of the Pacific Islands, have been much appreciated, and he feels sure that marked results will be forthcoming. Although you who labour in that distant continent may often feel that your work is progressing but slowly, the Guardian, from the prospective that he has here at the World Center, is well pleased with the perseverance, the devotion and the achievements of the Australian and New Zealand friends; and he is proud of their spirit, and feels sure that they will accomplish their goals.
He was very happy to hear that Mr. Marques has obtained permission to remain in Timor. His background makes him a very important pioneer for that area; and he is happy that your Assembly was able to make it possible for him to remain.
The matter of the areas under the jurisdiction of a Local Spiritual Assembly is one which the National Assembly must study, and apply the principles laid down by the Guardian; namely, that within a municipal area, where the people resident in the area pay taxes and vote, the Assembly can be elected, and holds jurisdiction. Anyone living outside of that area is not a member of that Community, and cannot enjoy the administrative privileges of that Community. Although this will effect your Assembly roll, it will place the work of the Faith on a much sounder basis, and increase the number of Centers where Bahá'ís reside throughout Australia, which is an important phase of the work in any case. It will challenge the friends to work harder to create new Assemblies and make up for those dissolved; and he feels sure that in the near future the Bahá'ís will be very proud of the results they have achieved through this change.
He is delighted to hear that the New Zealand friends are so eagerly carrying on their work in preparation for their National Assembly next year. Their coming of age, so to speak, will be a source of pride to all their fellow National Assemblies, and they will form a welcome addition to the pillars which must ultimately sustain the International House of Justice.
Regarding the question of capital punishment, provision is made for it in the Aqdas, but this is not the time to go into details. When the Aqdas is promulgated and the House of Justice comes into being will be the time to go into these matters in greater detail. For the present they should be given no publicity.
Assuring you all of his loving prayers for the success of the work you are doing.
With warmest greetings, R. Rabbani.My heart overflows with gratitude, and my admiration is heightened, as I contemplate the range and quality of the achievements of the devoted and valiant adherents of the Faith in the Antipodes, who have in recent years so greatly embellished the record of their services and contributed so remarkably to the progress of the institutions of a divinely appointed Administrative order in that far-away continent.
The entire Bahá'í World beholds with pride and admiration the great victories won by the Australian and New Zealand communities, both in their homelands and in so many islands of the Pacific Ocean, and shares my confidence that their historic accomplishments, particularly since the inception of the Ten-Year Plan, are but a prelude to still nobler exploits and still mightier victories.
Their exemplary loyalty to the Faith they have so eagerly embraced, their keen enthusiasm, their persistent endeavours, their willingness to sacrifice, their inflexible resolve to surmount every obstacle, their unity and solidarity, their optimism and courage, are assets which I greatly value, and for which I cannot but feel deeply grateful.
Much indeed has been achieved by these stalwart defenders and promoters of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh! To an extent which they themselves cannot estimate their individual and collective achievements, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, have compensated for the enforced inactivity and the disabilities suffered by their sorely tried brethren in Persia. The first and second phases of the Ten-Year Plan owe, to a very notable degree, their success to the impetus which the splendid initiative and remarkable resourcefulness displayed by the members of these communities has lent to the onward march of the Faith in that continent. In more than one way these communities, through their consecrated efforts and the tangible results they have achieved, have set an inspiring example to their sister communities in both the East and the West. The Author of the Divine Plan, Himself, who during the closing years of His ministry, witnessed the awakening of that vast continent, rejoices over and applauds the rapidity with which the light of His Father's Faith has spread over and enveloped that continent and its neighbouring islands.
Much, however still remains to be achieved before the laurels of total and complete victory are claimed.
The precarious situation in some of the newly opened territories allotted to your Assembly must be given first consideration and should be speedily remedied. Any, and every nucleus formed in those islands must be vigilantly safeguarded, and, if possible, constantly enlarged and consolidated.
Special attention, during the opening year of the third phase of the Plan, must be prayerfully accorded to the extension and consolidation of the homefront, with particular emphasis on the rapid increase in the number of the adherents of the Faith, and the multiplication of isolated centres, groups and Assemblies. The process of incorporation, so long held in abeyance, must be accelerated by every means possible.
A supreme effort must be made, in the course of the current year, in conjunction with the Indian National Spiritual Assembly, to bring to an early and successful conclusion the translation of Bahá'í literature into the languages listed in the Plan, thereby assuring the attainment of one of its vital objectives.
Particular attention should be devoted to the urgent needs of the New Zealand Bahá'í community, through the formulation of a plan which will enable it to swell the number of its administrative institutions, enlarging and reinforcing thereby the foundations on which its forthcoming National Assembly must ultimately rest.
The goals which both communities are called upon, at this crucial hour in the evolution of the Plan, to achieve have been clearly defined and repeatedly emphasised. The task, however, is vast and arduous. The effort that must needs be exerted by the rank and file of the believers is immense. The challenge that must needs be met is severe. The promise of eventual victory, if the army of Bahá'u'lláh's Crusaders persevere in their mission, is clear and unmistakable.
The need of the present hour, as these communities enter upon the third, and, what promises to be, the most brilliant phase of a World Spiritual Crusade, is a still greater consecration to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh in all its aspects, and a renewed dedication in all the divers fields of Bahá'í activity.
That the members of the Australian and New Zealand communities will unanimously rise to the present occasion, that they will not allow any consideration whatever to deflect them from their high purpose in the days to come, that they will expend every ounce of energy for the attainment of these shining goals, is the deepest longing of my heart and the object of my ardent prayers. Shoghi.
2 July 1956 [Gilbert & Ellice Islands]Your letters of May 23rd & June 4th have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has approved of having another pioneer replace you, but you should remain at your post until the pioneer arrives, and you can safely hand over the work, so important, so historic and so delicate, to your replacement.
He remembers you always in his prayers in the Holy Shrines. He wishes me to express his great appreciation to you and your dear husband for the wonderful services rendered, and the great sacrifices you have both so lovingly made, and which have resulted in such a rich harvest.
The Guardian would like you to particularly convey his encouragement and admiration to Peter for his fine spirit and devotion. He also sends his love to all the friends there.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh, Whose Cause you serve with such exemplary devotion, abundantly reward you for your unforgettable & truly historic services, & graciously assist you to overcome all obstacles, & win still more glorious victories,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Beloved Guardian has directed me to send you, a design for a Bahá'í Temple, prepared by Mr. Charles Mason Remey, which the Guardian wishes to propose to you, for the Temple to be built in Australia.
The Guardian wishes you to study the design carefully. If you have any modifications to propose, these can be submitted to him, or Mr. Remey. These modifications should be sent to me, so I may handle them in turn as required here for Mr. Remey or the Guardian.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours,
1 August 1956Mrs. Mariette Bolton, 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of June 27th. has been received by the beloved Guardian ,and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He urges you to continue, single-mindedly, and with the same whole-hearted devotion you have always shown, to work for the Faith so dear to your heart. The petty irritations fade away, but the concrete services to God remain forever. You must be very happy that you are assisted and strengthened by God to promote His Cause.
The Guardian assures you he deeply values your spirit, and he will remember you in his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh sustain you always in your greatly valued endeavours, remove every obstacle in your path, and graciously assist you to win still greater victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiNEW ZEALAND ADHERENCE CIVIL AREA RULING ESSENTIAL SHOGHI
5 September 1956Mr. Percy G. Leadley,155 Secretary, Regional Teaching Committee for New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:Your letter of August 3rd with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was happy to see this report of the activities of the Bahá'ís in New Zealand, and will be pleased to receive a copy of your News Letter regularly.
The Guardian wishes your committee and the believers there to know that he has high hopes for their future achievements in that far-off land, where they are now on the threshold of that historic event, the election of their own National Spiritual Assembly. He deeply values their devotion, and the eager and fervent character of their services.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Beloved Guardian has instructed me to inform you that he has recently arranged for the equivalent of 500 Sterling Pounds to be sent you, for your Continental Fund. This money when received, should therefore be put in your Continental Fund, to assist the Hand of the Cause in Australia and her Board, to carry forward the important teaching work now engaged in.
The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings.P.S. Please let me know when the money is received. Perhaps it has already come to hand. If so, let me know, please.
24 September 1956 [Australia]The beloved Guardian has received your letter of August 13th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
With regard to the record of your address, this is not something the Guardian could make use of, nor the copy of the talk nor the Children's Story. He just has no time, alas, for such details. He does thank you however for your loving offer to have these made and sent to him.
Your activity in teaching the Faith pleases him, and he urges you to persevere in your meritorious labours.
The Guardian feels you should ask the National Spiritual Assembly as to the wisdom of using the word "Politics" in a title for a talk, as they are the best advisors.
He reads the "Herald of the South" with interest, and appreciates your services in this field.
The Bahá'ís must not fear the future: but should continue to live normal lives, but at the same time determinedly labour for the rapid expansion and consolidation of the Faith so dear to their hearts, and so greatly needed by mankind.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your meritorious efforts, guide & sustain you always & enable you to extend the range of your valued activities,
Your true brother, ShoghiThis is just a brief note to acknowledge on behalf of the beloved Guardian your letter to him of August 16th, and to tell you the correction you mention has been noted.
He hopes, wherever you may be located, you will be guided and assisted in your efforts to bring other souls into the Faith, and assures you of his prayers.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiWill you please refer to my letter of August 1st, sending you a design for a Bahá'í Temple submitted to the Guardian by Mr. Remey, and which the Guardian felt might be suitable for your Temple in Australia.
Have you had full opportunity to study the matter, and can you now advise your views. You understand, the design might be modified, if you have certain aspects you wish further review of.
The Guardian has felt it has more possibilities than the one which you sent him some time ago.
Your early advice will be appreciated, as the Guardian has been anxious to know your views.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.Your loving letter of October 20th, has come to hand, with the proposal revision of the Temple design of Mr. Remey.
I have submitted to the Beloved Guardian, your letter, the letter of Mr. Brogan, and the sketch.
There is one point which is not clear, however, and that is, if your National Assembly approve the revised plan for the actual design of the Australian Temple. You have indicated you have approved the proposed revision of Mr. Brogan; but you do not indicate, if this revision, is now your approval of the final design for the Australian Temple.
What the Guardian must know, is what your final recommendations are for the Temple, before he can approve or disapprove.
With loving Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
P.S. Can you let me know by return airmail, the answer to the above question.
27 October 1956 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your Assembly will be receiving five hundred pounds sent by Mr. Varqa on behalf of the beloved Guardian. This is a contribution for your National Fund to help in the work you are doing.
With loving greetings, R. Rabbani.Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:The beloved Guardian has received your two letters of September 22nd. with enclosure, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He believes it would be better if you would make your plans regarding New Zealand in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly. He fully approves of your visiting N.Z.
He assures you he deeply appreciates your many devoted services, and remembers you in his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniP.S. Your letter of April 15th. was also received and he was very pleased to see you had been instrumental in attracting many new people to the Faith.
Regarding your question it is much better for the friends to give up saying "Amen" as it is a purely Christian custom and associated with the church. He assures you the work you accomplished in New Zealand is highly meritorious.
May the Beloved, whose Faith you have served and are serving with such splendid perseverance, exemplary devotion and love, abundantly reward you for your manifold and historic accomplishments, and enable you to win still greater victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the contribution which he made to the Australian Continental Fund, which Miss Perks, in her letter to me of October 22nd, advises has not reached you.
This matter is being looked into at once, and it is hoped it will reach you shortly.
The Guardian thinks of you often, and of your dear husband, and the wonderful work done by him and you, in that far off land. From on high he is watching the work as it proceeds, rejoicing in the increasing victories of the Friends in Australia and New Zealand.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
16 November 1956To the National Spiritual Assemblies of Australia and New Zealand; India, Pakistan and Burma.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you jointly with regard to the status of the translation and publication of the following languages, assigned jointly to your Assemblies under the Ten Year Crusade.
These languages are -The Guardian is hopeful this phase of the Ten Year Crusade can be promptly concluded, and is therefore urging that you take in hand the translation and publication of literature into these languages at an early date.
Can you send me a report giving the status of each, so I may make a preliminary report to the Guardian.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
30 November 1956 [National Spiritual Assembly]Referring further to your letter of October 20th, and your letter of November 11th, concerning the Bahá'í Temple for Australia.
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you as follows:
He approves the changes made in the Temple Design of Mr. Remey, by Mr. Brogan, with the exception of the Dome. The Dome should remain the same as in Mr. Remey's design. In other words, he accepts the design of Mr. Brogan, with the exception of the Dome, and in place of Mr. Brogan's Dome design, he should use Mr. Remey's design. He feels the question of the Dome very important, and wishes to be sure no change is made in Mr. Remey's design. Can you have Mr. Brogan draw up a new design, such as you sent, but showing Mr. Remey's dome.
The Guardian would like your Assembly to take in hand actively, the question of the cost of building the Temple, as now newly designed, including the interior changes, etc. proposed by Mr. Brogan. It must be borne in mind, however, that the question of cost is a vital factor, and when that is received, it then can be determined on just how far to go with Mr. Brogan's changes, particularly the question of enlargement, etc.
As the Guardian has intimated, he may consider building the Temple in Australia during the present Ten Year Crusade, although that is not decided, and is dependent on the estimated cost of construction, etc.
Under no circumstances should you let the Believers know, there is consideration being given to possible construction now, as if it does not work out, then the Friends will be disappointed.
One of the Friends has made a contribution for the construction, and the Guardian himself will make a contribution, so if the cost is not too much, a start could be made.
Thus, you will appreciate the Guardian's request that you proceed with the study of the cost of construction. In that study you will have to give consideration to the building materials, and this should be on the basis of a material which will give a good and lasting finish, but not be too costly.
The Guardian will await with interest, the result of your study of costs - and will appreciate a copy of the finalized design, with Mr. Remey's Dome.
He sends you his loving Greetings, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
30 November 1956 [Australia]Your loving letter of September 21st was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.
He has carefully reviewed the matter, and feels it would be a mistake to have any publicity concerning our activities in the South Seas, no matter how favourable.
Our numbers are few, and the Faith weak in most areas. To turn the public eye on our activities would bring friends, as well as enemies. However, the enemies, who would be strongly entrenched, could make it very difficult for our pioneers and the new Bahá'ís. Thus, the Guardian feels it would be highly inadvisable for an article to be printed in the Pacific Islands Monthly at this time. He hopes you can explain the matter in such a way as to retain the friendship of Mr. Maude.157
The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
3 December 1956 [Australia]The letters you forwarded with your note brought great happiness to our beloved Guardian's heart, and enclosed you will find two answers.
I trust I have understood correctly that, although the letter of Kokoria and Tokarake is in the singular, two people are involved? In any case I have addressed it in the plural, - perhaps you will explain the difficulty if I have been wrong.
The Guardian hopes that Mrs. Frances Heller will be able to carry on the work that you have initiated there. It is going to be very difficult for the local Bahá'ís to transfer their affections from you and your dear husband to a new pioneer, however worthy she may be. He urges you to try and get your husband back into the Islands, if at all possible, so that you can continue serving there together, rather than both leaving.
He will pray for your success in the Holy Shrines, and deeply appreciates the wonderful work you have accomplished.
With warm Bahá'í love,May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your exemplary & historic accomplishments in the service of His Faith, & assuring you of my loving & fervent prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of October 14th was received with the translation enclosed, and the beloved Guardian was very happy to hear from you.
He was particularly glad to know that you are going to answer the call of the Bahá'ís in Samoa, and arise to assist them in spreading this glorious Faith there. There is no doubt that, although the European and American Bahá'í teachers have exerted a great influence in the Pacific Islands and carried the Message of God to those distant parts, the work in the future must go forward through the efforts of the Pacific Islanders themselves.
He hopes that you will be richly blessed in your work to promote the Cause of God, and he assures you of his prayers for your success in the Holy Shrines.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiWill you please refer to my letter of November 30th, with regard to the finalized design of the Temple for Sydney, and the estimated costs of construction.
The Guardian, as I advised in my letter, is very anxious to have final details, so some decision can soon be made as to the advisability and possibility of constructing the Temple in Australia now. Thus, if you can hurry the data requested in my letter of November 30th, He will appreciate it.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
28 December 1956 [Australia]ASSURE ATTENDANTS SCHOOL LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS DEEPLY APPRECIATE RESOLVE URGE PERSEVERANCE
1957ASSURE ATTENDANTS LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS URGE CONCENTRATION OBJECTIVES PLAN DEEPEST APPRECIATION SHOGHI
11 January 1957The loving contribution which you made to the International Fund, through Mr. P. Meade Almond, is greatly appreciated, and the Guardian has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Receipt is enclosed.
The Guardian wishes you to know how much he values your devoted and self-sacrificing services to the Cause of God. He prays that your teaching efforts in that important land will be confirmed and many seeking souls find eternal life through your selfless efforts.
New Caledonia is a very important center, and he hopes there may be many strong Bahá'ís, and Bahá'í centers in that land.
He will pray for you, and for the success of your work.
He sends his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
17 January 1957Tahiti Tuamotu Groups care NatBahá'í Sydney [Society Islands]
ASSURE LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS ADMIRE SERVICESThe Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly with regard to the Temple design which has been received, and the proposed cost.
The Guardian is greatly pleased with the design as now prepared, and feels it is entirely satisfactory to proceed with it. The Dome is an improvement, and the ornamental treatment of the top of the pylons of the main floor a marked improvement.
The cost proposed in Mr. Brogan's letter of February 7th, is however, quite too high, for our present finances. The Guardian feels it must be built for a total of 120,000 Stirling Pounds. I take it this is somewhat more than 120,000 Australian Pounds.
The reduced cost may necessitate your reducing the size of the Building, but if that is done, it must be on exactly the same proportions as the design which you have sent, and which he now fully approves.
In Mr. Brogan's letter he mentions an external treatment of white aggregate cement, and the internal walls in colored cement. This may indicate he intends to apply a veneer on the outside of the reinforced concrete building, and a veneer also on the inside. This is what was done with the Temple in Wilmette, and is very expensive.
What is important now, is for the Temple to be built. Your Assembly should study what the Master said about the influence of the Temple in America. Just exactly the same influence will be manifest in Australia, when the Temple is built.
Thus you will see, it is not the size, nor the beauty of the Temple which is important; rather what is important is the Temple itself.
If you find Mr. Brogan did have in mind veneer treatment of the inside and outside; then you will also find a substantial saving, if you can construct the building, so the original reinforced concrete of the building, can be treated on the outside and given the color you wish, and on the inside by plastering on the cement. This is just a suggestion from my experience with the Temple in America, of which I was a Trustee for some 19 years.
The Guardian asks that you study the matter and then let him know, or let me know for him, what adjustments are necessary to bring the cost down to 120,000 Sterling Pounds.
Also perhaps for the beginning, you are planning on too much money, for the Gardening, paths, etc. Mr. Brogan speaks of a drive. Just what is this? The immediate approaches of the Temple should not have a drive up to the building.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving Greetings,
Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasP.S. If the size can be maintained, or nearly so, by a simpler treatment inside and out, that may be a good way to approach your cost studies.
3 March 1957Your letter of February 10th with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to thank you for the photographs.
He was very happy to hear that you are Czechoslovakian, and that you were able to hear of the Cause in your native land. It would indeed be rendering a great service if you could visit that country again, and with discretion and wisdom do some teaching work.
Unfortunately he has not time to go into such detailed questions as you have asked. He has so many pilgrims and so much correspondence, as well as managing the administrative affairs of the Faith at its World Centre, that it is impossible for him anymore to go into detailed explanations. He would suggest that you refer your questions to some of the Bahá'ís in Australia who are well-grounded in the Teachings, and discuss them with them. As you acquire a deeper knowledge of the Teachings, and read, yourself, and study more, you will find that most of these are no longer questions at all for you, but are clear. He would suggest also you read "Some Answered Questions".
One thing he can assure you however is that there is nothing in the Bahá'í Faith about flying saucers.
He is happy to see that you are associating with the believers, teaching the Faith, and corresponding with Vuk Echtner - a most devoted Bahá'í. In all of these ways you can truly help the Faith, and he wishes you every success, and assures you he will pray for your success in the Holy Shrines.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your letter of February 13th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As regards the questions you asked: Under no circumstances should Bahá'ís drink. It is so unambiguously forbidden in the Tablets of Bahá'u'lláh, that there is no excuse for them, even touching it in the form of a toast, or in a burning plum pudding; in fact, in any way.
There is no reason why a Bahá'í may not serve some alcoholic refreshments to their guests, if they feel sincerely that this will further their teaching work. If they can obtain their objectives without doing so, it would be better; but we don't want to give people the impression that we are peculiar in every way.
He is delighted that you are becoming known and respected in the community, and he will certainly pray that you may begin to see the reward of your patience in the form of new believers.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your highly meritorious efforts, guide & sustain you always, reward you for your historic accomplishments, & enable you to enrich the record of your unforgettable services,
Your true brother, Shoghi6 March 1957 [To all National Spiritual Assemblies]
Dear Bahá'í Co-worker:The Beloved Guardian has been very pleased with the teaching work which has been done in the Virgin Areas of the Ten Year Crusade. Indeed, all the pioneers have rendered historic and heart-stirring service to the Cause of God. Now, the banner of the Faith is firmly established over the entire face of the Globe. Blessed and happy is everyone who has been able to join in this, the Greatest Spiritual Crusade of all times.
The Guardian wishes to have a full record of the number of Bahá'ís in each of the settled areas of the Crusade, and therefore would greatly appreciate your cabling him, the evening of April 1st, 1957, the number of adult Bahá'ís in your country or Island, or group of Islands. He wishes this figure to represent the number of Bahá'ís, (both pioneers and native believers), as of April 1st, 1957, or as close to that date as is possible. No need to give the names or numbers of centers - just the total number of Bahá'ís.
A simple cable is all that is necessary; as per the following example:
"Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Israel Somalia five."Your loving cooperation will be deeply appreciated.
I send you loving Greetings from the Holy Land. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.
9 March 1957 [National Spiritual Assembly]The Beloved Guardian is very anxious to have a report as of April 1, 1957 of the number of Bahá'ís in the Islands or countries of the Ten Year Crusade.
Will you please send the enclosed letters to the appropriate person or Assembly or Group in the areas indicated, as I do not seem to have the latest addresses.
Your kindness in this respect will be greatly appreciated.
With loving Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
Admiralty Islands13 March 1957 Mr. James Heggie: [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Brother:The Beloved Guardian has directed me to inform you that he has arranged for the Hand of the Cause, Jenabe A.M. Varqa, to see that you are sent 2,000 Sterling Pounds, as a contribution from the Guardian, for the Temple project in Australia.
The Guardian hopes your Assembly will expedite the work on the Temple, so work on the building may be started soon. In fact, he would be very happy indeed if he could announce to the world in His Ridvan Message, that work has started on the actual construction work, such as a beginning on the foundation excavations, or the like.
Construction work has been started on the Temple to be erected in Kampala. This will be announced in His message to the Conventions. He hopes he can likewise include advice of the construction beginning on your Temple.
It would be better not to make any announcement of the Guardian's contribution, until after the Convention - that is, if you wish to do so. He will announce the project in His Convention Message, and the setting up of a Fund for the construction work. Thus it is better not to make any mention now. Further contributions will be made by him, and this amount should be understood to be a part of his total contributions.
With loving Greetings, I am, Leroy IoasThe beloved Guardian has instructed me to write and thank you for your loving Naw-Rúz greeting, which he appreciated receiving.
He is very proud of the work you are accomplishing there in conjunction with the other Bahá'ís in that area, and assures you he prays for you all in the Holy Shrines,
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniVirginia Breaks Trust Territory Government Truk Caroline Is
PERMITTED NEXT JANUARYAt the instruction of our beloved Guardian, I am sending you the enclosed Message for you to read on his behalf at the New Zealand Convention, and then turn over to the new New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly for their files.
Dr. Giachary will be mailing you direct from Rome, where they have been made up, two albums, showing the Holy Places, Bahá'í Temples and Hazíratu'l-Quds. These are a gift of the Guardian to the incoming National Spiritual Assembly and the New Zealand Community. Please share them with the friends at the Convention, and then give them to the National Spiritual Assembly.
You will also be receiving some attar of rose, with which the Guardian would like you to anoint the friends who attend the Convention.
You may be sure his loving prayers will be sustaining you on this historic occasion, and one, the joy of which no doubt dear Father Dunn is sharing with you in the other world.
With warm Bahá'í love, RúhíyyíhI share with the assembled delegates, gathered to elect, on this historic occasion, the second National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the Antipodes, the feelings of profound satisfaction and gratitude to Bahá'u'lláh evoked by this epoch-making event in the evolution of His Faith in that far-off region of the globe. I am deeply conscious of the decisive share which the Australian Bahá'í Community, labouring during more than three decades, for the spread of the light of this glorious Revelation among the highly progressive people of that distant continent, has had in the laying of the foundation of the Administrative Order and the erection of yet another pillar of the future Universal House of Justice in this remote Dominion.
The emergence of this independent Bahá'í Community, no matter how limited its numerical strength and modest its resources, must be regarded as a highly significant development in the rise and establishment of the Bahá'í Faith in the Pacific Area, and should synchronise with the formulation, on the part of the National Spiritual Assembly now being elected in that Island, of a subsidiary Six-Year Plan, designed to reinforce substantially the numerical strength of the Community; to multiply its Centres, as well as its Local Spiritual Assemblies; to incorporate the solidly grounded amongst them; to inaugurate a National Fund; to obtain recognition for both the Bahá'í marriage certificate and the Bahá'í Holy Days; to lend an unprecedented impetus to the conversion of the Maoris, and to ensure their active participation in the conduct of Bahá'í administrative institutions; to extend the scope of the work already initiated in the South Island; to incorporate the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly; and to select and acquire the site for the first Mashriq'u-Adhkár of that Dominion.
I call upon the members of the Australian National Spiritual Assembly, as well as the members of the Australian Bahá'í Community, to continue to lend their valued support to this newly fledged sister Community, and to enable it, through the extension of material assistance, as well as the dispatch of visiting teachers and pioneers, to contribute, in an ever-increasing measure, to the furtherance of the magnificent and colossal campaign now being so vigorously conducted in the North, in the South, and in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
May the outpourings of the Holy Spirit continue to energise this small yet resolute, forward marching, dedicated Community, and may the outcome of the collective efforts of its members contribute decisively to the triumphant consummation of the World Crusade on which the entire body of the followers of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh have so confidently embarked.
4 April 1957 [Australia]Miss Virginia Breaks, Trust Territory Gov't., Truk, E. Caroline Islands.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your loving letter of March 17th was duly received and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian. He has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Your contribution to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.
The Guardian greatly values your devoted services to the Cause of God. You have arisen with consecration and dedication to spread the Glad Tidings and establish the Faith in that far off land. He prays for you, and for the success of your work. He is sure the blessings of the Master will be with you, and you will be both guided and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
He hopes you will be able to remain, so as to reap the harvest of your efforts, and that the light of guidance will be given to many. The goal is a Spiritual Assembly, and if that could be achieved it would be a distinct and historic victory for the Faith.
He sends you his loving Greetings. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
22 April 1957 [Mariana Islands]DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE APPEAL ENTIRE BODY AUSTRALIAN BELIEVERS REDOUBLE EFFORTS DISCHARGE BEFITTINGLY SACRED HEAVY MANIFOLD RESPONSIBILITIES PRAYING FERVENTLY FULFILMENT CHERISHED HOPES DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
28 April 1957 New Zealand Assembly care NatBahá'í Sydney
DEEPLY TOUCHED MESSAGE WELCOME DEDICATION DELEGATES MEMBERS FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING RAPID DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTIONS FAITH DEEPEST LOVE
5 May 1957Your letter of April 23rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The question of your marriage is one which is clearly understood by the National Assembly, and the Guardian thought by most of the believers; and he is surprised that you should have been advised by fellow-Bahá'ís that you could have a Christian marriage, in view of the fact that you are both Bahá'ís.
It is only fair to tell you that, if as registered believers you are married in a Christian ceremony, you will lose your voting rights.
You did quite right to obtain the permission of your parents; and he hopes that now you will be able to extricate yourselves from this difficult position you find yourselves in, without angering Mr......159
As you are aware, the Guardian feels that the Bahá'ís must, in view of the condition of the world today, stand forth firmly and courageously as followers of Bahá'u'lláh, obeying His Laws, and seeking to build his World Order. Through compromise we will never be able to establish our Faith or win others' hearts to it. This involves often great personal sacrifice, but we know that, when we do the right thing, God gives us the strength to carry it out, and we attract His blessings. We learn at such times that our calamity is indeed a blessing.
He will pray for the satisfactory solution of your problem.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty guide, bless & sustain you, & aid you to promote the vital interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiUnder separate cover, at the instruction of our beloved Guardian, I am mailing to you a fragment of the plaster from the Room the Báb was confined in, in the Fortress of Máh-Kú, in Persia.
He is sending this precious memento to be placed by Mother Dunn on his behalf in the foundations of the First Mashriqu'l-Adhkár which you will shortly commence building in Sydney.
He feels sure that this precious dust, calling to mind the sacrifices of the beloved Báb, will be a blessing for the Temple and an inspiration to the friends.
Please acquaint Mother Dunn with his instructions, and see that she receives the plaster safely.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.Your letter of May 5th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Regarding the advice you asked him for, he feels that to devote all one's studies with the object of becoming a Bahá'í author, is rather risky. We need Bahá'í authors badly, but you have to be assured that you have the talent to earn your living in that field, and also serve the Faith in it.
He feels that the best thing for you to do is to devote your studies to acquiring a sound education, if you like along literary lines, and then see what develops.
In the meantime, the greatest possible service you could render is to help establish a new Spiritual Assembly. If there isn't one where you are, then you have your job cut out for you, so to speak.
He will pray that you may be successful, and urges you to bear in mind that the most important thing of all at present is teaching the Faith. We should go on deepening our own knowledge and understanding of it, but now is the time above all to bring in new people, and carry the Message to the masses.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & aid you to promote effectively the vital interests of His Faith & of its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour loving letter of April 28th was duly received and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian. He was very happy indeed to learn of the translating work going on in the Ponapean language. As soon as a pamphlet is translated he would appreciate your sending him a copy, in fact four or five copies would be better.
The Guardian advises it is satisfactory to set your date as the first week of January. You are therefore welcome to arrive any date during the first week of January, 1958.
We will be looking forward with anticipation to your visit.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy
20 May 1957The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf and inform you that the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Varqa, will shortly be forwarding to your Assembly the equivalent of five hundred English Pounds, as the Guardian's contribution to your newly established National Fund.
He hopes that, in the formulation of your plans, particular attention will be given to the all-important teaching work, the foundation of all the activities of the Faith and the most urgent task facing the friends in this critical period the world is passing through.
You may be sure he will pray for your success.This is just a note to acknowledge receipt of yours of May 22, and to assure you that the beloved Guardian was happy to hear you could change your plans, and that this marked a step forward - as obedience to the Laws of God always does - in the progress of the Faith in that area.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiJOYFUL ANNOUNCEMENT ANOTHER VICTORY WON IN CRADLE FAITH SWIFTLY FOLLOWING CRUSHING DEFEAT RECENTLY SUSTAINED BY COVENANT BREAKERS IN HOLY LAND STOP NATIONAL HAZIRATULQUDS TEHRAN RETURNED COMPLETING THEREBY RESTITUTION Bahá'í PROPERTIES SEIZED AT INSTIGATION OF TRADITIONAL ENEMIES IN BAHAULLAHS NATIVE LAND STOP YOUR NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ALSO ALL LOCAL ASSEMBLIES UNDER YOUR JURISDICTION ADVISED CABLE HIS MAJESTY MUHAMMAD RIZA PAHLAVI SHAHIN SHAH OF IRAN TEHERAN IRAN EXPRESSING DEEPEST GRATITUDE FOR IRANIAN GOVERNMENTS ACTION IN RESTITUTION NATIONAL Bahá'í HEADQUARTERS AND ASSURING HIS MAJESTY Bahá'ís ARE PRAYING FOR DIVINE BLESSINGS FOR HIS THRONE FOR PROSPERITY HIS GOVERNMENT AND ACHIEVEMENT HIGH DESTINY HIS BELOVED COUNTRY STOP IMPORTANT AVOID PRESS RADIO OR OTHER PUBLICITY REGARDING RESTORATION THIS PROPERTY STOP LETTER FOLLOWS STOP SENT GUARDIAN COPIES ALL CABLED MESSAGES ISSUED YOUR NATIONAL AND LOCAL ASSEMBLIES - HOLLEY
27 June 1957National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to write you on his behalf and to assure you he was most happy to receive your letter dated May 4.
He rejoices with the New Zealand Bahá'ís in the formation of their historic National Assembly. They are now firmly launched on the course of their own destiny, and undoubtedly the Faith will go forward very much faster. They have an advantage not shared by many of their fellow National Assemblies, of exclusively administering the affairs of the Faith in a small area, which means that they can function much more efficiently. When one remembers the many years that the New Zealand and Australian believers toiled to carry on the work in those two countries, with the sea in between, and inadequate funds to provide transportation, which necessitated so much of the National Assembly's work being carried on by correspondence, one can appreciate the advantages you now enjoy.
The formation of a new National Body in any case is an organic thing, and a new and lively flow of life will go out into all the members of the Community from this Assembly.
As regards the question you asked him about the site for the Temple, this need not be a large piece of land at this time, - three or four acres would be sufficient for the site if you find suitable land is expensive. If the worst comes to the worst, when the time comes to build the Temple, the site can be changed. In Uganda some years ago, they purchased a Temple site, and later, a large piece of land for their endowment. With the Guardian's permission, they exchanged the two as the Endowment's position was better for the Temple. So you see, it need not be too rigid. The point is to get a Temple site as soon as possible. He feels it should be in the outskirts of Auckland, within easy motoring distance, so that the friends can attend services there. Naturally the closer to the city, the better.
As you formulate your plans and carry them out for the work entrusted to you during the next six years, he wishes you to particularly bear in mind the need of teaching the Maoris. These original discoverers of New Zealand are of a very fine race, and they are a people long admired for their noble qualities; and special effort should be made, not only to contact the Maoris in the cities, and draw them into the Faith, but to go to their towns and live amongst them and establish Assemblies in which at least the majority of the believers will be Maoris, if not all. This would be indeed a worthy achievement.
The beloved Guardian assures you all of his prayers for the success of the historic work you are now undertaking, and he feels sure you will achieve your goals.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, RúhíyyíhThe emergence of the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly, as a result of the convocation of the first Bahá'í historic Convention held in that far-away & promising Dominion, will be hailed by posterity as an event of the greatest significance, marking the erection of another pillar designed to support in the South Pacific area, the future Universal House of Justice. My heart overflows with happiness & is filled with gratitude as I contemplate the splendid progress achieved, in recent years, in that far-off island, & note the loyalty & devotion with which the members of this valiant community, now standing on the threshold of unprecedented achievements, have discharged their manifold & sacred responsibilities.
The six brief years that now lie ahead must witness a swift expansion in the scope of Bahá'í activities throughout the length & breadth of that Dominion, as well as a steady consolidation of the foundations of the institutions that have been so painstakingly laid. The Six-Year Plan upon which the New Zealand believers have now so auspiciously embarked must be diligently prosecuted & brought to a triumphant conclusion. All must participate, whether young or old, veterans as well as newly enrolled believers, all must contribute their share to the ultimate success of this mighty collective enterprise, however limited their means, however modest their abilities, however restricted the range of their previous experiences.
The increase in the number of the avowed adherents of the Faith; the multiplication of isolated centres, groups, & Local Assemblies; the incorporation of the newly formed National Spiritual Assembly as well as all firmly grounded Local Assemblies; the recognition of the Bahá'í marriage certificate by the civil authorities, & of the Bahá'í Holy Days by the superintendent of schools in that island; the rapid conversion of the Maoris & their close association with the white believers in the administration of the affairs of the community; the consolidation of the work energetically initiated in the South Island; the selection & purchase of the site for the Mother Temple of New Zealand - these stand out as the foremost objectives of the Plan now demanding of its high minded determined prosecutors, the utmost consecration, unrelaxing vigilance & the noblest self-sacrifice.
The tasks challenging the spirit and resources of this community, whose numerical strength is as yet so limited, whose material resources are so circumscribed, whose past experiences have in many respects been confined to a narrow range, are truly formidable. The allotted time, during which so stupendous an undertaking is to be consummated, is short. The obstacles confronting its members are varied and manifold. Yet the sustaining grace promised to all those who will arise, with high-mindedness, courage, dedication & high resolve, to aid in the attainment of these noble objectives, is of such potency that no earthly power can resist the ultimate fulfilment of so glorious a task, or even delay its eventual fruition.
I appeal most earnestly to all those who, in both the teaching & administrative fields, are committed to carry out so magnificent an enterprise, as well as to those who, in an unofficial capacity, are called upon to further, by every means in their power, the interests of this epoch-making Plan, to dedicate themselves, at this hour, to the arduous, yet infinitely precious task they have shouldered, & to devote, in the days and years that lie ahead, every ounce of their energy, to the systematic prosecution of a Plan, on which the immediate destinies of the entire New Zealand Bahá'í community directly depend, & which can alone provide the stepping-stone to the still more brilliant achievements destined to ennoble the annals of the Faith in that remote island of the globe. Shoghi
12 July 1957 [National Spiritual Assembly]INSTRUCT PERSIAN PIONEERS SOLOMONS RETURN PERSIA STOP
18 July 1957 [Australian National Assembly]GUARDIAN CABLES THAT PERSIAN FRIENDS WERE PROVIDENTIALLY PROTECTED IN EARTHQUAKE AREA PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT THIS INFORMATION TO GUARDIAN - HOLLEY
19 July 1957 [Australian National Assembly]Your Assembly's communications with their enclosures and material sent under separate cover have all been safely received by the beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to acknowledge receipt of your letters dated: August 14, September 6, October 14 and 29, and December 3, 1956, and February 17 and March 24, May 9, June 12 and 19, 1957.
In connection with various matters raised in your letters:
The photograph of the Shrine on Mt. Carmel was sent to Dr. Brasch,161 and we hope that he received it safely.
As regards the "Herald of the South" magazine, in view of the important work lying ahead of your Assembly, and the fact that this magazine is a drain on the limited resources of the Community, he thinks it would be quite all right to suspend publication until a future date when the financial situation permits such expenditures to be made with relative ease. He leaves, however, the final decision to your Assembly.
The Committee responsible for the publication of this magazine has certainly laboured valiantly throughout the years, and the publication will be missed by its readers. However, it is some years since the American Bahá'í Magazine was abandoned for similar reasons, and the Guardian feels that you can do so in Australia, and the funds be used to better advantage, at this time. However, now that you have found a printer in Sydney and appointed a new committee, he thinks you should continue it and give the new Plan a try.
The progress your Assembly has been making on the plans for the Temple, in conjunction with the evidently very able and cooperative architect whom you have found in Sydney, greatly pleases and encourages the beloved Guardian. He is particularly happy to know that Mr. Brogan is pliable in his ideas, and enthusiastic about getting the Temple constructed, even though the original design is not his own. Unfortunately, owing to the age of Mr. Remey and his duties at the International Centre, it is impossible for him to carry out, himself, the execution in detail of his plans or to supervise the construction; and consequently both the Kampala Temple and the Sydney Temple have been entrusted to reliable firms.
The influence that this Mother Temple of the whole Pacific area will exert when constructed, is incalculable and mysterious. The beloved Master told the American friends that their Temple would be the greatest silent teacher, and there is no doubt that this one building has exerted a profound influence on the spread of the Faith, not only in the United States and the Western Hemisphere, but throughout the world. We can therefore expect that the construction of another "Mother Temple" in the heart of Australasia, and one in the center of Africa, as well as one in the heart of Europe, will exert a tremendous influence, both locally and internationally.
He is eagerly waiting to receive pictures of the inauguration of the work on the Temple site, and has recently mailed your Assembly under separate cover a piece of the plaster from the Room in the Fortress at Máh-Kú where the Báb was confined, as well as a letter requesting that dear Mother Dunn place this, as his representative, in the foundations of the Temple. He would like very much to have a good photograph of this ceremony for reproduction; and he also urges your Assembly to give as much publicity to this occasion, and to the Temple work in general, as possible.
The teaching work carried on by the Australian friends throughout the region of the Pacific under their jurisdiction, has been very satisfactory, and he is proud of the truly immense progress which has been made. The publication of literature in so many additional languages, the School opened by Mrs. Dobbins in the New Hebrides, the increase in the number of native believers throughout the islands, are all indications, not only of the great power of this Faith to touch the hearts of those who are spiritually receptive, but also of the consecration and devotion of the Australian believers.
As regards various questions you asked in your letter of February 17th:
It is of the utmost importance to keep the pioneers in their goals. If, for reasons over which you have no control, they are forced to leave a certain pioneer area, then he would strongly recommend that, instead of returning all the way to their home base, they be routed to another base in the Pacific where they can serve the Faith. This is both economical, and hastens the attainment of our goals. Matters of detail as to how these plans are best worked out, are naturally left to the discretion of the National Body responsible for the area in question.
In your letter of August 14th, you mention a small translation of a Timorese language has been secured from Dili. The Guardian would like to know what the specific name of this language is, and, if it has been printed, he would like to received a copy.
He was very sorry to hear that dear Mother Dunn's son had died.162 This, no doubt, in spite of her devotion and fortitude, must have been a severe blow to her at her age; and he hopes the friends will do all they can to comfort and take care of this precious soul - the mother of their Community. Please assure her that he prays for the progress of the soul of her son in the Holy Shrines.
The successful culmination of the long standing partnership of the Australian and New Zealand believers thru the emergence of the New Zealand N.S.A. is a source of great satisfaction to the Guardian, and no doubt to all the members of both communities. He feels sure this will mark a turning point in the work in the Antipodes and the neighbouring islands and give a new lease of life to the teaching work throughout that area. Both your Assembly and that of New Zealand have now emerged into your permanent form as pillars of the future International House of Justice. The bones of the skeleton of the World Order are growing strong, but only the teaching work can clothe them with flesh.
You may be sure that he will ardently pray for the success of your work, and that you may be strengthened and guided to discharge your important duties and to fulfil your goals under the Ten Year Plan.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.The progress achieved in recent years, rapid and extraordinary as it has been, by the Bahá'í Communities labouring so patiently, so methodically, and so faithfully, for the consolidation and expansion of the institutions of the embryonic World Order of Bahá'u'lláh in the Antipodes, has been highly gratifying and has served to deepen my confidence in their ability to achieve their high destiny, and to evoke sentiments of ever-increasing admiration for the manner in which they have acquitted themselves of their task in the face of varied and almost insurmountable obstacles.
Particularly commendable, and indeed exemplary, has been the share of the Australian believers in enabling the New Zealand Bahá'í Community to make such rapid strides, in recent years, strides that have prepared it for the assumption of its sacred and vital function as an independent community, and which culminated in the formation of a body qualified to take its place, and assume the weighty responsibilities incumbent on it, as a distinct and separate member of the world-wide family of Bahá'í National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies. The great and signal honour, conferred upon their homeland through the selection of one of the most highly advanced, the most populous, and one of the most progressive of its cities - enjoying already the distinction of being the first among them to be opened to the Message of Bahá'u'lláh and to be warmed by the rising Sun of His Revelation - as the site of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, and indeed of the whole Pacific area, moreover, proclaims their right to be considered the vanguard of His hosts, and the defenders of the stronghold of the Administrative Order of His Faith, in that vast area of the globe, an area endowed with unimaginable potentialities, and which, owing to its strategic position, is bound to feel the impact of world shaking forces, and to shape to a marked degree through the experience gained by its peoples in the school of adversity, the destinies of mankind.
The emergence of a new Regional Spiritual Assembly in the North Pacific Area, with its seat fixed in the capital city of a country which by reason of its innate capacity and the spiritual receptivity it has acquired, in consequence of the severe and prolonged ordeal its entire population has providentially experienced, is destined to have a preponderating share in awakening the peoples and races inhabiting the entire Pacific area, to the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, and to act as the Vanguard of His hosts in their future spiritual conquest of the main body of the yellow race on the Chinese mainland - the emergence of such an Assembly may be said to have, at long last, established a spiritual axis, extending from the Antipodes to the northern islands of the Pacific Ocean - an axis whose northern and southern poles will act as powerful magnets, endowed with exceptional spiritual potency, and towards which other younger and less experienced communities will tend for some time to gravitate.
A responsibility, at once weighty and inescapable, must rest on the communities which occupy so privileged a position in so vast and turbulent an area of the globe. However great the distance that separates them; however much they differ in race, language, custom, and religion; however active the political forces which tend to keep them apart and foster racial and political antagonisms, the close and continued association of these communities in their common, their peculiar and paramount task of raising up and of consolidating the embryonic World Order of Bahá'u'lláh in those regions of the globe, is a matter of vital and urgent importance, which should receive on the part of the elected representatives of their communities, a most earnest and prayerful consideration.
The Plan, which it is the privilege of the Australian Bahá'í community to energetically prosecute must, simultaneously, be assured of the unqualified, the systematic and whole-hearted support of its
members.Theirs indeed is a twofold task which must under no circumstances be either neglected or underrated. The one aims at the consolidation, the multiplication and expansion of the institutions so laboriously erected throughout the length and breadth of the Australian commonwealth and in the islands beyond its confines, in strict accordance with the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan, while the other is designed to forge fresh links with its sister communities, and particularly those situated in the North, in anticipation of the Mission which the newly fledged Bahá'í communities, now rapidly multiplying throughout the length and breadth of that area, are destined and are collectively called upon to discharge.
Whilst addressing itself to the meritorious twofold task with which it is now confronted, this wide-awake, swiftly expanding, steadily consolidating, highly promising community must lend whatever assistance is possible to its newly emerged sister community in the South, and enable her, as her institutions develop and become firmly grounded, to share in a befitting manner, in the collective enterprises that must, sooner or later, be launched and carried to a successful conclusion by the island communities situated in the Northern and Southern regions as well as in the heart of the Pacific Ocean.
May this community which, with its sister community in the North, has had the inestimable privilege of being called into being in the lifetime of, and through the operation of the dynamic forces released by the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, continue, with undimmed vision, with redoubled vigour, and unwavering fidelity and constancy, to discharge its manifold and ever increasing duties and responsibilities, and lend, as the days go by, an impetus such as it has not lent before, in the course of almost two score years of its existence, to the propagation of the Faith it has so whole-heartedly espoused and is now so valiantly serving, and play a memorable and distinctive part in hastening the establishment, and in ensuring the gradual efflorescence and ultimate fruition, of its divinely appointed embryonic World Order.
Shoghi.At the instruction of our beloved Guardian I am writing to inform you that Mr Varqa will soon be sending you five hundred pounds as the Guardian's contribution to the Continental Fund you administer.
He hopes you are keeping in good health, and sends you his loving greetings and assures you of his prayers for you.
With warm Bahá'í love, RúhíyyíhASSURE MOTHER DUNN LOVING PRAYERS SURROUNDING HER POSTPONE CORNERSTONE CEREMONY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE - SHOGHI
30 August 1957Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the City of Auckland,
Care of Mrs. Margaret Harnish,163 Secretary.This is just a brief note, on behalf of the beloved Guardian, to acknowledge your letter of July 5th (8th Rahmat, 114), and tell you he appreciates your action in sending the cable to Iran, and assures you of his loving prayers for the rapid progress of the Faith in Auckland.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty sustain you in your constant & meritorious endeavours, guide every step you take, & bless every effort you exert, for the promotion of the interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has received your letter of July 6th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He approves of and appreciates what you are doing and the way you are doing it, in view of Mother Dunn's condition. You should continue to carry forward this work as you have been doing.
He values the judgement you have exercised in this matter, as well as your constant and devoted labours for the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide your steps & sustain you in discharging these added & sacred responsibilities that you are now assuming, & enable you to enrich, in the days to come, the record of your splendid services to His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiNational Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The Guardian has been giving serious consideration to the question of widespread publicity in connection with the erection of the Bahá'í House of Worship in Sydney.
It would seem that we should not release publicity in any countries until actual work has commenced on the building.
May I ask therefore that you arrange when actual work is started on the building to send me a cable so that I may release instructions to other National Assemblies, such as, the National Assemblies of the United States, Canada, etc.
Thanking you, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy IoasFOLLOWING CABLEGRAM RECEIVED FROM GUARDIAN QUOTE ANNOUNCE HANDS ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES FOLLOWING LOSS APPEAL SUPREME COURT GOVERNMENT APPROPRIATION ORDER IMPLEMENTED RESULTING COMPLETE EVACUATION REMNANT COVENANT BREAKERS TRANSFER ALL BELONGINGS PRECINCTS MOST HOLY SHRINE PURIFICATION AFTER SIX LONG DECADES HARAMIAQDAS EVERY TRACE THEIR CONTAMINATION MEASURES UNDERWAY EFFECT TRANSFER TITLE DEEDS EVACUATED PROPERTIES TRIUMPHANT Bahá'í COMMUNITY UNQUOTE PLEASE ACKNOWLEDGE MESSAGE TO GUARDIAN - HORACE HOLLEY
19 September 1957 Jean Sevin [Society Islands]Your letter of August 9th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very proud of your devotion, your steadfastness services and your faith.
He approves of your plan of remaining in Tahiti with your father and assisting in the work there; and later going to France for a visit, and returning to Tuamotu, to which he attaches great importance.
He assures you of his loving prayers, not only for you, but also for your spiritual child, Daniel Haumont, who is trying with such devotion to establish the Faith in such a difficult place as the Marquesas. He will also remember your father and your adopted daughter in his supplications, and will pray that your own problems may be solved.
Your name has been placed on his list of those Bahá'ís who are awaiting permission to make the pilgrimage, and he will let you know when it is convenient for him to have you come.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty reward you abundantly for your truly exemplary and historic services, and enable you to enhance the splendid record of your highly meritorious accomplishments,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:In answer to your recent letter to our beloved Guardian in which you asked a question regarding the marriage of Miss ........, he has instructed me to say that it would be best for her to have a civil marriage followed the same day by the Bahá'í marriage. However, if her future husband insists on having for himself the Catholic ceremony, this is permissible, providing it is understood by all parties concerned that she is a Bahá'í and not a Catholic. Under these circumstances she can go to church, if he insists on it, but it would be better not to do so.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniANNOUNCE YOUR ELEVATION RANK HAND CAUSE CONFIDENT NEW HONOUR WILL ENABLE YOU RISE GREATER HEIGHTS SERVICE BELOVED FAITH STOP
11 October 1957CONFIDENT NEW HONOUR ENABLE YOU ATTAIN GREATER HEIGHTS SERVICE
20 October 1957 [Hawaii]Your letter of Sept. 27th has been received & the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As regards certain questions you asked him: your ultimate goal should be to return to the Gilberts. He thinks that no pressure should be brought at this time by the American N.S.A. or any American officials on the authorities in order to get Mr. Fernie back there. The wrong step could mean permanent opposition to his return. If you had occasion at a future date to speak personally to the High Commissioner this might be the best plan. In the meantime he would be very glad to see you both in Honiara or Guam. He does not feel you should waste the time & money involved on a trip to America.
He hopes the book Mrs Fernie is writing will meet a definite need, and he urges you both to persevere in your efforts to get a job in the Pacific area.
You may be sure he will pray for your success, and he deeply appreciates all you have accomplished.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty abundantly reward you for your past, unforgettable & historic services in so remote an area of the globe, & graciously assist you to return to that field & there enrich the record of your splendid & enduring achievements
Your true brother, ShoghiAPPROVE AGGREGATE DOME LEAVE WINDOW SYMBOLS DISCRETION YOUR ASSEMBLY ADVISE PLACING PLASTER OCCASION CONFERENCE MARCH
24 October 1957Mr. Noel Walker,164 Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:In reply to the question in your recent letter to the beloved Guardian, the Red Epistle is the Book of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh - called also "Kitáb-i-'Ahd".
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniYour loving letter of October 6th was duly received and its contents have been presented to the Beloved Guardian.
He has been very happy indeed to learn of the intensive manner in which you and the members of your family have been serving the Cause of God.
He sincerely hopes that all of your efforts will be both guided and confirmed, so that many seeking souls may find eternal life through your sacrificial and consecrated services.
The situation in Samoa is distressing and the Guardian hopes that there will be no complications develop so far as the Faith is concerned. If the Friends all remain firm and continue their active teaching service it will demonstrate the strength of the Cause of God and its ability to overcome the problems of life which arise from time to time.
The Guardian wishes me to assure you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving Greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas.WITH DEEP SADNESS ADVISE BELOVED GUARDIAN DESPERATELY ILL ASIATIC FLU PLEASE IMMEDIATELY INFORM ALL FRIENDS SUPPLICATE PRAYERS DIVINE PROTECTION FAITH LEROY IOAS
5 NOVEMBER 11.55AM (from Haifa)SHOGHI EFFENDI BELOVED OF ALL HEARTS SACRED TRUST GIVEN BELIEVERS BY MASTER PASSED AWAY SUDDEN HEART ATTACK IN SLEEP FOLLOWING ASIATIC FLU STOP URGE BELIEVERS REMAIN STEADFAST CLING INSTITUTION HANDS LOVINGLY REARED RECENTLY REINFORCED EMPHASISED BY BELOVED GUARDIAN STOP ONLY ONENESS HEART ONENESS PURPOSE CAN BEFITTINGLY TESTIFY LOYALTY ALL NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES BELIEVERS DEPARTED GUARDIAN WHO SACRIFICED SELF UTTERLY FOR SERVICE FAITH RUHIYYIH
URGENT INFORM FEATHERSTONE DUNN FOLLOWING HEARTBROKEN ANNOUNCE SUDDEN PASSING BELOVED GUARDIAN AFTER INFLUENZA STOP FUNERAL LONDON SATURDAY IF YOU OR ANY BOARD MEMBERS CAN ATTEND WELCOME STOP PLANNING IMPORTANT MEETING ALL HANDS SOON HAIFA THIS SHOULD HAVE PRIORITY RUHIYYIH
5 NOVEMBER 7.30PM (from London)BELOVED ALL HEARTS PRECIOUS GUARDIAN CAUSE GOD PASSED PEACEFULLY AWAY YESTERDAY AFTER ASIATIC FLU APPEAL HANDS NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES AUXILIARY BOARDS SHELTER BELIEVERS ASSIST MEET HEARTRENDING SUPREME TEST STOP FUNERAL OUR BELOVED SATURDAY 9TH LONDON HANDS ASSEMBLY BOARD MEMBERS INVITED ATTEND ANY PRESS RELEASE SHOULD STATE MEETING HANDS SHORTLY HAIFA WILL MAKE ANNOUNCEMENT TO Bahá'í WORLD REGARDING FUTURE PLANS STOP URGE HOLD MEMORIAL MEETINGS SATURDAY RUHIYYIH
8 November 1957 Cynthia Olson [Mariana Islands]GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PRECIOUS GUARDIAN PASSED AWAY LONDON NOVEMBER FOUR FOLLOWING ASIATIC FLU FUNERAL SATURDAY MORNING URGE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERING FUTURE PLANS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AFTER MEETING HANDS HAIFA INFORM VIRGINIA DELAY PILGRIMAGE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE CHARLOTTE
9 NOVEMBER (from London)BELOVED GUARDIAN LAYED REST LONDON ACCORDING LAWS AQDAS IN BEAUTIFUL BEFITTING SPOT AFTER IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY HELD PRESENCE MULTITUDE BELIEVERS REPRESENTING OVER 25 COUNTRIES EAST WEST STOP DOCTORS ASSURES SUDDEN PASSING INVOLVED NO SUFFERING BLESSED COUNTENANCE BORE IMPRESSION INFINITE BEAUTY PEACE MAJESTY STOP 18 HANDS ASSEMBLED FUNERAL URGE NATIONAL BODIES REQUEST ALL BELIEVERS HOLD MEMORIAL MEETINGS 18TH NOVEMBER COMMEMORATING DAYSPRING DIVINE GUIDANCE WHO HAS LEFT US AFTER 36 YEARS UTTER SELF SACRIFICE CEASELESS LABOURS CONSTANT VIGILANCE RUHIYYIH
ASSURE FRIENDS BELOVED SACRED GUARDIAN BEFITTINGLY LAID REST SURROUNDED BY LARGE REPRESENTATIVES GATHERING BELIEVERS EAST WEST LIGHT OUR LIVES DEPARTED WE MUST NOW STAND FIRM REMEMBERING PEERLESS EXAMPLE HIS DEDICATION WORK BLESSED PERFECTION GLORIOUS VICTORIES BE WON PLANS HE LONGED SEE COMPLETED ONLY REDEDICATION GREATER UNITY STEADFAST SERVICE CAN BEFITTINGLY SHOW OUR GRIEF MAKE US ACCEPTABLE HOLY THRESHOLD RUHIYYIH
IMPORTANT URGENT MEETING ALL HANDS CALLED HAIFA SUNDAY NOVEMBER SEVENTEENTH PLEASE CABLE WHEN YOU ARRIVE LOVING GREETINGS IOAS HANDS CAUSE HOLY LAND
Addendum*Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated June 26th 1926. We should not in the least be discouraged, if we see that the Cause is not making the movement we desire. At the beginning of every such institution difficulties are found & discouragements seem to abound. The people do not seem so receptive, those who approach seem not to get satisfied & soon leave the fold. The few that remain are bothered with so many personal troubles that one could scarcely depend on them. But all such things should add to our zeal rather than damp our energy.
The Cause has been comparatively recently established in those regions. The things already accomplished seem marvellous to those who are at a distance & see the ensemble of the work done rather than any particular phase of it. We have to take courage and persist in the pursuit of our purpose.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to assure you of his prayers. He will always remember the Australian friends & beseech for them divine guidance & spiritual prosperity.
Yours in His Name,Your letter has served to remind me of the inevitable trials & difficulties that pioneers of this glorious Cause have encountered in various lands. They have by their perseverance, their faith & their love surmounted these seemingly unsurmountable obstacles. You are now treading in their footsteps & you should always remember that a powerful wise & loving Hand is guiding and sustaining you in your labours. Be assured of my unfailing prayers for you all.
Shoghi* This letter was received by the editor just prior to publication and could not be included in chronological sequence.
Footnotes1. Clara (1869-1960) and Hyde Dunn (1855-1941) were among the few Bahá'ís who left their homes to pioneer in response to 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets of the Divine Plan. They arrived in Sydney on 10 April 1920, and their subsequent efforts across several decades were rewarded first by the establishment of Local Spiritual Assemblies, and in 1934, the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand. Both were named Hands of the Cause of God by Shoghi Effendi, Hyde posthumously.
2. Printed in Star of the West 14:5, August 1923, p. 153.
3. Edward Bertram Maurice Dewing (1902-1972) became a Bahá'í after meeting the Dunns in Auckland in 1923. He had been involved in "Rationalism" and New Thought. In 1925 he founded the magazine Herald of the South. In 1958 he was elected to the New Zealand National Assembly, and in the same year pioneered to Northland. He passed away in New Plymouth in 1972.
4. Miss Nora Lee became a Bahá'í having met the Dunns in New Zealand. She was private secretary to Lady Salisbury in South Africa before arriving in New Zealand in 1921. In 1924 she moved to Labasa, Fiji, to work as a nanny, and although she subsequently maintained contact with the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís little else is known about her.
5. Mrs Culbert joined the Melbourne Bahá'í community in 1923, but little else is known about her.
6. Margaret B. Stevenson (1865-1941) heard of the Bahá'í Faith from her sister, who was studying in London at the time of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í visit. She met the Dunns when they visited Auckland in December 1922 and hosted the first Bahá'í Feast in New Zealand the following January. In 1925 Miss Stevenson travelled in the first group of pilgrims from this region to the Holy Land. She was secretary of the Auckland Spiritual Assembly from 1926. In 1934 she was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, and remained a member until her passing, in February 1941.
7. Euphemia Eleanor "Effie" Baker (1880-1968) was the first Australian woman to become a Bahá'í, having met Clara and Hyde Dunn in Melbourne late in 1922. She was an artist, model maker, and photographer, who having travelled Australia and New Zealand with Martha Root in 1924, decided to join the first New Zealand pilgrims to the Holy Land, and remained in Haifa as hostess at the Western Pilgrim Hostel 1925-1936. She assisted Shoghi Effendi, in addition, as photographer, and as first keeper of the International Archives. Early volumes of The Bahá'í World include numerous of her photographs of the Bahá'í monument gardens on Mt. Carmel. During 1930-31 Effie travelled through 'Iraq to Persia, to make at Shoghi Effendi's request a photographic record of sites and relics associated with the origins of the Bábí and Bahá'í religions. These were shortly after published with Shoghi Effendi's translation into English of Nabíl's Narrative. Effie returned to Goldsborough in February 1936, where she remained until moving to Sydney in 1963. She shied from publicity and from any celebration of her unique life experience and achievements. In 1981-82 her work was included in a national exhibition,Australian Women Photographers 1890-1950.
8. Bertram Dewing.10. Sarah Blundell (1850-1934), together with her children Ethel (1877-1962) and Hugh (1884-1976), accompanied Margaret Stevenson and Effie Baker to the Holy Land early in 1925 as the first Bahá'í pilgrims from Australasia. Mrs Sarah Blundell, born in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, and raised a devout Quaker, arrived in New Zealand with her husband and seven children in 1886. She had read of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í visit to London published in The Christian Commonwealth, and so knew something of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings and had even considered herself as being a Bahá'í when she met Clara and Hyde Dunn on their second evening in Auckland in 1922. Through Mrs. Blundell the Dunns met many others receptive to their message, and were able to establish a firm Bahá'í group in Auckland.
Ethel Blundel was elected to the Australian and New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly from its establishment in 1934, until 1944. She frequently spoke at public meetings in Auckland and at summer schools, and into the 1940s served on the Bahá'í Quarterly committee.
Hugh Blundell was not a Bahá'í when he visited the Holy Land in 1925, but joined having met and conversed with Shoghi Effendi. He served on the National Spiritual Assembly in the 1940s, and was closely associated with the founding of New Zealand's Summer School. In the 1940s he served on the Regional Teaching Committee for New Zealand, and in 1958 was appointed an Auxiliary Board Member.
11. Ron Cover, Hyde Dunn's manager at NestlÃ(c)s in South Australia, together with his wife Irene, were among the early Adelaide Bahá'ís. Their son, Ron junior, also became a Bahá'í, and in later years lived in Melbourne. The Covers were members of the first Adelaide Assembly, established in December 1924. They moved to Brisbane in 1927, then to Sydney and Melbourne. Mrs Cover lost contact with the community for a period, before re-establishing her links in 1940.
12. Major MacLeod became Bahá'í during Martha Root's visit to Melbourne in 1924, and was subsequently Vice-President of the Melbourne Assembly. Little is known of him after 1926.
13. Grace Challis (d.1948), long serving member of the National Assembly of the British Isles.
14. Siegfried Schopflocher (1877-1953) was for many years a member of the NSA of the United States and Canada, and later appointed Hand of the Cause. Shoghi Effendi named him "Chief Temple builder" for his role in the construction of the Wilmette Mashriqu'l-Adhkár.
15. Mrs Amy Thornton was a member of Melbourne community from 1923. She lived in South Yarra, and in 1925 was elected to the Melbourne Assembly. As corresponding secretary, she wrote "unity letters" to Bahá'í communities in other countries. She also contributed articles to the Herald of the South. By February 1933 she had lost contact with the Melbourne Bahá'ís.
16. Florence (Lorel) Schopflocher (1886-1970) married Siegfried Schopflocher in 1918. She travelled the world nine times, visiting remote Bahá'í communities. Her travel to the interior of Iran was "not duplicated by any other western woman" (Bahá'í World Vol. II, p. 37).
17. Mrs Amy Dewing was born to an English couple living in South Africa, and raised in an English county in a staunch Church of England environment. After learning of the Faith from Clara and Hyde Dunn during their 1922-23 visit to Auckland, she and her son Bertram became Bahá'ís. In 1926 she was elected to the first Auckland Spiritual Assembly; in 1931 she made her pilgrimage.
18. Victoria Bedikian (d.1955), from Montclair, New Jersey, promoted the education of Bahá'í children. In the 1920s she produced The World Fellowship Magazine and The Magazine of the Children of the Kingdom, and was in close correspondence with the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís.
19. Mrs Keith Ransom-Kehler was a New York Bahá'í who travelled widely and was a most effective public speaker. She visited New Zealand and Australia 1931-32. She died in Iran in 1933 while on assignment for Shoghi Effendi.
20. Rev. Oscar Blundell.21. Mrs Evelyn Watkin was a member of the Auckland community from about 1925. She was a member of Auckland's first elected Assembly (1926), and an Esperantist.
22. In November 1923, after hearing Hyde Dunn speak at a "New Thought" meeting in Adelaide, Maysie & Perce Almond became the first South Australian Bahá'ís. They helped establish the first Adelaide Assembly, in December 1924, and remained part of the Assembly after moving to Blackwood about 1928. Maysie was the Assembly's correspondence secretary into early 1930s. In 1943 she moved to Melbourne to open a Bahá'í Centre; and in 1946 lived in Bowral, close to the Yerrinbool School. In 1953 she moved to Murray Bridge, and later assisted teaching work in Sydney. In later years the Almonds helped established Burnside LSA. After Maysie's passing in 1960 Perce married Mrs Ada Roper. He attended the London Congress in 1963.
23. Ernest Brewer, a member of the Sydney Bahá'í community from the 1920s, was one of Hyde Dunn's close friends. The manager of the Daily Guardian, he was secretary of Sydney Assembly from about 1926 to 1933. He was also involved with early issues of Herald of the South. Clara Dunn holidayed with the Brewer family on their property on Norfolk Island. Although Hyde Dunn regarded Ernest Brewer as one of his closest confidants, the newspaper man seems to have drifted from Bahá'í activities after 1935.
24. Mrs Mary Juleff was a Bahá'í in Perth in the mid 1920s. Living at Mt Hawthorne, Leaderville, she was Vice President of the Perth Assembly, then secretary from August 1926.
25. A Bahá'í in Adelaide from about 1927, Joe Dobbins served on Adelaide LSA, and was one of the Assembly's first secretaries. He married Bertha Mochan in January 1933. In the 1930s he served on the Herald of the South committee, and in some years was elected delegate to National Convention. In the 1940s he served on South Australia's Regional Teaching Committee. When Bertha pioneered to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) at the beginning of the World Crusade he supported her from Adelaide, and cared for their two children.
26. The Goal of a New World Order, 28 November 1931. See The World Order of Bahá'u'lláh, pp. 42-43.
27. Annie and William Miller were among the first Perth Bahá'ís. Both served on the Perth Local Assembly, and in the 1940s Mrs Miller was elected delegate to National Convention - although the cost of travelling from west to east prevented her from attending. Mr Miller died on 23 October 1939. When Bertha Dobbins met with the Perth Bahá'ís in January 1949 to revitalise what had become a dormant community Mrs Miller was in attendance.
28. Keith Ransom-Kehler.29. Mariette and Stanley W. Bolton met the Dunns in 1925, and became Bahá'ís after meeting Keith Ransom-Kehler in Sydney in 1931. They became two of the community's most enterprising and spirited advocates. Born in Adelaide, Stanley had migrated to Ontario about 1914, where he married Mariette Germain Roy, a Catholic French Canadian, in 1923, before returning to Australia the following year. The Boltons studied chiropractic in North America 1931-34, and established their practice in Sydney. They were foundation members of the Sydney, Yerrinbool, and Kuring-gai Assemblies, and Mariette was instrumental in the establishment of the Caringbah (later Sutherland), Wollongong and Orange Local Assemblies. Their property at Yerrinbool, south of Sydney, became the Yerrinbool Bahá'í school. Both served on the National Assembly, Mariette during 1948-50, and Stanley from 1937 to 1958. In 1952 Mariette took the Bahá'í teachings to New Caledonia. Stanley died in Orange, N.S.W. in 1966, and Mariette continued teaching in Australia and the Pacific until her passing in 1968.
30. There were eventually four children in the family - Antoinette, Mariette, Stanley and John.
31. Keith Ransom-Kehler.32. Hilda Brooks and her sister Rose Hawthorne, raised in a large South Australian rural family, became Bahá'ís in Adelaide after attending a lecture by Keith Ransom-Kehler in September 1931. She subsequently served the Australian Bahá'í community as public speaker, author, and administrator, for no less than three decades. In 1932 she was elected secretary of Adelaide Local Assembly, and in 1934 was elected secretary of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand. She was secretary for ten years, and a member of the national body until 1947. From the late 1930s Miss Brooks travelled periodically to Melbourne and Brisbane with other members of the NSA to give the first public talks in those cities since those delivered by the Dunns two decades earlier. On these visits radio and newspaper interviews were delivered, and prominent citizens were personally contacted and proclaimed to. In February 1939, Hilda, together with Rose and Will Hawthorne, accompanied Martha Root during her engagements in Melbourne and Hobart. Some of Miss Brooks' essays appeared in Herald of the South and Bahá'í Quarterly, while others were circulated in a limited edition of cyclo-styled sheets. She was co-editor of the Bahá'í Quarterly from its inception in 1936, and its editor from 1944. She also served on the editorial committee for Herald of the South, and in 1938 joined the Bahá'í World editorial staff. In 1946 Hilda married Ewart Thomas. Both became members of Burnside Assembly at its formation in 1950. At her passing in 1969 the Universal House of Justice cabled "Saddened news passing devoted maid servant Bahá'u'lláh Hilda Thomas member first National Spiritual Assembly Australia and New Zealand and its first secretary praying shrines progress her soul Abhá Kingdom stop convey sympathy family friends stop advise hold memorial service Temple."
33. Ethel Dawe joined the Adelaide City community in 1932. She was an active member of the League of Nations of Australia and was one of Clara Dunn's close friends. In 1938, having visited England, Geneva, and Haifa, she returned with Shoghi Effendi's gift to the Australian Bahá'ís of a lock of hair from the head of Bahá'u'lláh. That year she joined ABC radio in Adelaide, and subsequently made some of the earliest radio broadcasts on the Bahá'í Faith in Australia. From the early 1940s into the 1950s she was one of Adelaide's Delegates to National Convention, and for a decade was a member of Adelaide Local Spiritual Assembly. She was member of the National Spiritual Assembly between 1948 and 1953. In 1949 Miss Dawe travelled for a second time to Europe, speaking at numerous meetings in England and attending the second European Teaching Conference in Brussels. On her return she frequently participated in Adelaide's winter schools, and travelled on interstate teaching trips. In 1953, the year she transferred from Adelaide to Burnside community, she chaired a post-convention "Southwest Pacific School" for pioneers departing to Crusade goals, and in October attended the New Delhi Conference. She died in the second year of the World Crusade, on 18 September 1954.
34. Miss Dugdale, a school teacher, was introduced to the Faith by Bertha Dobbins, and became a Bahá'í in October 1927. She lived at Brighton, and was elected to the Adelaide Local Assembly from 1929 into the 1930s. For many years she assisted the production of Herald of the South.
35. Emily Axford (1870-1949) was born Emily Mary Summersgill in Yorkshire, England. After marrying Sidney Axford, they imigrated to New Zealand in 1907. She became a Bahá'í in Auckland in January 1923 having met Clara and Hyde Dunn. She had been a Socialist, and had investigated several religious movements closely. She served the Cause as administrator, public speaker, and author. Her talk on "the non-political character of Bahá'í Faith", first delivered at 1937 convention, was reprinted in American Bahá'í News at the Guardian's request, and subsequently appeared in Bahá'í World VII. She was on Auckland's Local Assembly from its establishment (1925-26), serving first as secretary, then, throughout the 1930s and into the 1940s, as chairman. She was elected one of Auckland's delegates to National Convention from 1936. After moving to Sydney in 1944 she was often one of Sydney's delegates. She served on the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand c.1935-1944, and was first editor of the Bahá'í Quarterly 1936-1944. In addition, Mrs Axford engaged in educational and civic affairs, at one time as vice-president of New Zealand's National Council of Women, and was an active Esperantist. In the 1930s and 40s she undertook numerous important teaching trips on behalf of the National Assembly. In England 1938-39 she associated with numerous Bahá'í communities and with Lady Blomfield. After assisting in the location and purchase of the first National Hazíratu'l-Quds in Sydney in 1944 Mrs Axford returned to Auckland where she continued to serve on New Zealand's Teaching Committee, Auckland's Summer School committee, and the National Assembly's History Committee.
36. Bertha Mochan and Joe Dobbins became Bahá'ís in Adelaide in 1927, and married 17 January 1933. Bertha, a school teacher, served on the Adelaide Assembly from 1929 into the 1930s. From 1930 she edited Herald of the South. She served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1948-49. For many years the Dobbins lived at 112 First St, Joslin. They assisted in the formation of the Woodville and Port Adelaide Local Assemblies through constant teaching activities in these areas, and later settled in Payneham. Bertha pioneered to the New Hebrides in October 1953, and was named by Shoghi Effendi a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. She supported herself in Port Vila by establishing a primary school ("Nur School"), and returned to Adelaide only after witnessing the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Vanuatu in 1980.
37. Guy Inman was a member of Sydney community by 1934, and served on the Sydney Assembly. He taught actively with Hyde Dunn, and contributed articles to Herald of the South before abruptly resinging from the Bahá'í Faith in 1935.
38. Bertram Dewing, "Australia and New Zealand", Bahá'í World Vol. V. 1932-1934, pp. 123-134.
39. Ethel Blundell.40. Silver Jackman heard of the Bahá'í Faith when Clara and Hyde Dunn stayed at her borading house in Blackwood, Adelaide, about 1929. She was first elected to Adelaide Local Assembly in 1932, and was one of Adelaide's delegates to National Convention from 1934 into the 1940s. In 1934 she was elected to the first National Assembly, on which she served until 1947. She was the Assembly's first treasurer. In the early 1940s Mrs Jackman travelled to such outlying centres as Broken Hill to give public meetings. In 1949 she became a founding member of St. Peters Local Assembly. In June 1963 she transferred from Gawler to St Peters, where she died on 15 February 1968.
41. Bahá'í World Vol. VI, 1934-1936, pp. 496-8.42. Miss Kitty Carpenter (b.1900), from a background in Christian Science and Theosophy, became a Bahá'í in Auckland in the 1930s. After her 1938 pilgrimage, and her visits to Bahá'ís in England, North America and Egypt, she visited the Bahá'ís around Australia to speak of the Holy Shrines in Haifa and Akká. She made three further pilgrimages - in 1953, 1974 and 1979. During the Six-Year plan Miss Carpenter retired as manager of a "tea-shop" and moved first to Sydney, then in 1948, to South Australia. At Ridvan she helped form Woodville Assembly, before moving to Perth, where she assisted the group achieve Assembly status at Ridvan 1949. In the next four years she pioneered in Brisbane, Rockhampton, and New Plymouth. During the years of tthe World Crusade Miss Carpenter taught extensively in New Zealand towns. She helped Hamilton group become an Assembly in 1960. In 1963 she moved to Auckland, and attended the London Congress. After assisting the Okahune and Raetihi communities in 1965 and Wanganui and Wellington in 1966, Miss Carpenter attended the International Teaching Conference and the dedication of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Panama, visiting Tonga and the Samoas on her return trip. In later years she visited other Bahá'í communities: Papua New Guinea and Fiji in 1970 and 1971; Mauritius, Seychelles, Kenya, Iran, Nepal and Singapore while making her final pilgrimage.
43. Bahá'í World, Vol. VI, 1934-1936, p.342.45. The Wilsons became Bahá'ís in Sydney in October 1937, but resigned in May 1944.
46. Bahá'í World Vol. VII 1936-1938, p. 412.47. Mrs Nellie French, of Pasadena, California, was for many years involved in production of the Bahá'í World. At the commencement of the World Crusade she became Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to Monaco.
48. Addressed to Miss Root in India.49. Rupert Hearne, a Chemist in Bathurst, N.S.W., was among Hyde Dunn's friends and business acquaintances. He was not a Bahá'í.
50. Printed in Bahá'í Quarterly 13, October 1939, pp. 2-3.
51. Shoghi Effendi, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 7 [Web Ed. - Different version?].
52. New South Wales is intended.53. A trained nurse, Miss Gretta Lamprill was involved in New Thought when she met Clara and Hyde Dunn in Hobart in 1924. For mmany years the only Tasmanian Bahá'í, she served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1942-1953, and Tasmania's Regional Teaching Committee 1948-1953. At the commencement of the Ten Year Crusade she pioneered with Glad Parke to the Society Islands (now French Polynesia), arriving on 29 October 1953. Both were named Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. Only permitted three month tourist visas, Gretta and Glad returned to Tahiti on several occasions before resettling in Hobart. In March 1962 they moved to Devonport, and after a period spent at the Temple cottage in Sydney returned to Hobart to help maintain the Local Assembly. In September 1963 they transferred to Launceston.
54. English-born Jane Routh heard of the Bahá'í Faith when sailing from New York to London. She was a member of Sydney's Local Assembly in the 1930s, between trips to England and Europe. Shortly before World War Two she travelled to North America, and in 1948, once more visited England. These travels equipped her for numerous public speaking engagements in Australia, at which she was able to impart the Bahá'í message of global peace from first hand experience. In later years Mrs Routh continued to correspond with friends in their British Bahá'í community. She died in September 1959.
55. Mr Roland Estall was later, at Ridvan 1954, appointed in the first group of Auxiliary Board Members in America.
56. Hyde Dunn.57. Walter Motteram became a Bahá'í in Adelaide in 1942. He was involved in production of the Bahá'í Quarterly and Herald of the South, and served on South Australia's Regional Teaching Committee. In 1945 he was elected to the National Assembly. When the Bahá'ís of Adelaide city formed Assemblies at municipal level he became part of the Unley community, being its delegate to National Convention. He was on Unley Assembly when it was incorporated in 1962.
58. Bahá'í World Vol. IX 1940-1944, pp. 593-596.59. "Political Entanglements", Bahá'í Quarterly, 18, January 1941, pp. 3-4.
60. Charlotte Moffitt (d.1950) became a Bahá'í in Adelaide in 1923, and was correspondence secretary of the first Adelaide Assembly, established in December. She lived for periods in England between 1925 and 1936. Martha Root stayed with her in London for a month in 1925. Mrs Moffitt was a member of the first National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, and served on the national body until 1944. She was also a member of the Sydney Local Assembly from 1932 until 1935. In the 1940s she travelled to Hobart, Melbourne and Brisbane together with Hilda Brooks and Jane Routh, and moved to Melbourne in November 1945 to assist with teaching in the Victorian capital, returning to Sydney two years later. She died 21 November 1950.
61. The Promised Day is Come, March 28, 1941.63. Mrs Alice Beaumont (d.1948) became a Bahá'í in Adelaide in the 1920s. She served on the Adelaide LSA in the early 1930s, and was subsequently a member of Burnside Community.
64. The National Spiritual Assembly received an identically worded cable, dated 2 November 1941, from the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and Canada.
65. The National Spiritual Assembly had sent a cable to Shoghi Effendi indicating its devotion to his Guardianship during this period of trials with Covenant-breakers.
66. Received by participants of the Yerrinbool Summer School on January 13th. Reported in Bahá'í Quarterly, No. 23, April 1942, p. 9.
67. The National Spiritual Assembly had sent a cable to Shoghi Effendi sympathising with the painful situation caused by his sister's marriage to a Covenant-breaker.
68. The National Spiritual Assembly had informed Shoghi Effendi of the passing of Oswald Whitaker, the first Australian Bahá'í. An optometrist, Mr. Whitaker met Hyde Dunn in Lismore in Northern N.S.W. late in 1922. Upon becoming a Bahá'í, he assisted in establishing the Sydney Local Assembly (of which he was chairman 1924-38), and served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1934-1942. He died on 3 July.
69. Three members of the Sydney community - Miss Hilda Gilbert, Mrs. Annabel Welding, and Mr. Lewis - died shortly after Mr. Oswald Whitaker.
70. A member of the National Spiritual Assembly periodically from 1947 to 1968, James Heggie was born in Scotland, and later moved to Canada. He moved to Australia in 1935 and heard of the Bahá'í Faith in October 1937 from Oswald Whitaker. After studying Chiropractic in North America from 1939, Jim enlisted in the Australian Army's Medical Corp. at the outbreak of war, hoping to be posted in the Middle East so that he could visit Shoghi Effendi and the Holy Land. This he did in December 1941. In 1947 Jim married Merle Brooks of Adelaide. That year, also, he was elected to the National Assembly and became secretary. In 1948 the Heggies moved to Brisbane to work toward the formation of the first Assembly there. They subsequently helped to established Hunters Hill Local Assembly in Sydney. Jim was a student of Islam, producing as early as 1946 a "study index" to the Koran. He later produced other concordances and indexes. He learnt Braille, and produced Bahá'í books for the blind. He was secretary of the National Assembly from the early years of the Ten Year Crusade, and during the period in which the Sydney Mashriqu'l-Adhkár was planned and constructed. For a decade and more he printed the programs for Sunday services. He died in 1992.
71. Printed in Bahá'í Quarterly, 25, October 1942, p.1.
72. A reference to the rail line to the suburbs north of Sydney Harbour. Several years later the Bahá'í communities of North Sydney and Kuring-gai were established.
73. Matthew and Dorothy Appleton became Bahá'ís in Adelaide in 1931. In the 1930s Matt served on the Herald of the South committee. He was one of the few Australian Bahá'ís who served in the armed forces during the Second World War. Upon his return to Adelaide he served on the Regional Teaching Committee for South Australia, Western Australia, Victoria and Broken Hill. In 1946 the Appletons transferred to Yerrinbool, where they lived in the "annex" at the Bahá'í School. Dorothy served on the School Committee, and both served on Yerrinbool Local Assembly. Matt was delegate to National Convention in 1949, elected to the National Assembly and became its vice-chairman. In 1950 the Appletons transferred to Port Lincoln in South Australia.
74. Alvin (d.1968) & Gertrude Blum (d.1993) moved from North America to New Zealand in July 1947. Alvin was frequently a delegate to national convention, and served on the Australian and New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly 1949-1953. Gertrude was also elected to the National body 1951-53. At the commencement of the World Crusade they pioneered to the Solomon Islands and were named Knights of Bahá'u'lláh. After initial hardships the Blums established several successful businesses. Alvin was elected to the South Pacific Islands Regional Assembly, formed in 1959, and Gertrude was also elected in the first year. Both travelled periodically in the Australasian region. During 1964-69 Gertrude served as secretary of the South West Pacific Ocean National Assembly, and 1969-73 served on the region's Auxiliary Board. In June 1989 she received the MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for "long and dedicated services to the community and church in the Bahá'í Faith".
75. Mrs Mabel Ives, of New York.77. Addressed to Mrs Hutchinson-Smith in England. Mrs Hutchinson-Smith (d.1979) was introduced to the Faith by Stanley and Mariette Bolton, and joined in 1941. She was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly 1945-46, and a member of Hunter's Hill Local Assembly from its beginning. From February 1948 to February 1949 and again in 1951 with her daughter Alicia, she greatly assisted Bahá'í communities in Europe in their early post-war teaching activities. In 1948, for instance, at the request of the British NSA she undertook a teaching trip to the Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Ireland. In the early 1950s Mrs Hutchinson-Smith and her daughter Alicia lived for a period in Germany, before once more returning to Sydney. Alicia became a Bahá'í in Sydney 1947-8, and has been a long-time member of the Hunters Hill community.
78. Bahá'í World Vol. IX, 1940-1944, p. 50.79. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Cook Islands Dulcie Burns Dive (c.1910-1962), of Maori and Pakeha (European) ancestry, became a Bahá'í in April 1938. She was actively involved in the New Zealand Bahá'í community, and served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1944-48 and 1951-1953, in some years as secretary or treasurer. She served on the Bahá'í Quarterly Committee from 1943, and on the National Teaching Committee and Yerrinbool School Committee from 1948. She was involved in the first proclamations to members of Australia's national and state parliaments (1940-41), and was an active speaker at both public meetings and summer schools: she had attended Yerrinbool school in January 1939, prior to convening New Zealand's first summer schools at Browns Bay (from 1940), and also attended Winter Schools in Adelaide. She married Jeff Dive on 9 June 1943. When Dulcie was elected secretary of the National Assembly in 1944, the couple moved to Sydney. Dulcie attended the New Delhi conference in October 1953, determined to pioneer in the Pacific. She resigned from the National Spiritual Assembly, and arrived at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands on 18 January 1954. In 1959 she was elected to the first Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific, serving until 1962, when her health began to decline. An operation in Auckland did not save her from cancer and she passed away in September. The Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land cabled "REGRET PASSING KNIGHT OF BAHAULLAH DULCIE DIVE LONGSTANDING SERVICES AUSTRALASIAN FIELD UNFORGETTABLE CONVEY LOVING SYMPATHY RELATIVES."
80. Mrs Ellen McMiles (Nell Dekker) became a Bahá'í in 1944. Her mother Gertrude Muller, and sister Greta Lake, also became Bahá'ís. From the 1940s Nell was a member of the Caringbah (now Sutherland) community in Sydney. She was among the Sydney Bahá'ís who shared responsibility for the erection and subsequent maintenance of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár at Mona Vale. In the 1960s she accompanied the Australasian Counsellors to several major conferences in the Pacific Islands.
81. Mrs Peak became a Bahá'í in Sydney in 1944. She was a member of the first Kogarah group, established in 1950. Mrs Peak moved to Wyong, N.S.W. and in 1989 re-established contact with the Bahá'í community.
82. Mrs Gertrude Muller (1880-1974) arrived in Australia in 1884 from Germany. She became a Bahá'í in Caringbah in 1944 and served on the first Caringbah (later Sutherland) Local Assembly from its formation in 1945. Mrs Muller's daughters Nell and Greta also became Bahá'ís.
83. Thelma Perks (1901-1988) served on the first Continental Boad of Counsellors for Australasia. As a young woman she travelled extensively in Europe and North America, and after meeting the Dunns in the 1930s devoted all her time and energy to the propagation and administration of the Bahá'í Faith (although she did not officially become a Bahá'í until 1947). In the Six Year Plan (1947-1953) Thelma accompanied Clara Dunn on her visits to Bahá'ís in several Australian states, and also travelled widely on her own to teach in the small country towns that were then the focus of attention. She was elected to the National Assembly in January 1954 in a by-election to replace five members who had pioneered; and was later that year appointed an Auxiliary Board Member. From 1955 Thelma visited the Bahá'ís in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands as well as Australia. She was a Counsellor 1968-1980. With news of her passing in 1988 the Universal House of Justice cabled: "WE ARE DEEPLY GRIEVED TO LEARN OF THE PASSING OF DEAR THELMA PERKS WHOSE OUTSTANDING SERVICES FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE FAITH IN AUSTRALASIA WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED HER LOVING CARE OF HAND OF THE CAUSE CLARA DUNN HER DISTINGUISHED WORK AS A MEMBER OF THE FIRST CONTINGENT OF AUXILIARY BOARD MEMBERS FOLLOWED LATER BY HER APPOINTMENT AS A MEMBER OF THE FIRST BOARD OF COUNSELLORS IN AUSTRALASIA TOGETHER WITH HER MANY YEARS OF SERVICE AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF AUSTRALIA STAND AS SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF HER DEVOTED LABORS PRAYERS ARE BEING OFFERED IN THE HOLY SHRINES FOR THE PROGRESS OF HER SOUL IN THE Abhá Kingdom ADVISE HOLD A BEFITTING MEMORIAL SERVICE IN HER HONOUR IN THE MASHRIQULADHKAR A SIMILAR SERVICE IS BEING REQUESTED IN SAMOA".
84. Madge Lillian Featherstone, a qualified nurse of Congregational background, accepted the Bahá'í teachings at the same time as her husband Collis, in December 1944. She helped establish the Woodville and Port Adelaide Assemblies, and served on South Australia's Regional Teaching Committee. During the World Crusade she was a member of the Asian Teaching Committee, and in 1961 was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly. During 1961-68 Madge was secretary of the Continental Pioneer Committee before becoming secretary to her husband. In 1977 the Featherstones moved to Rockhampton in Queensland, where Madge served on the Local Spiritual Assembly from its formation in 1982.
85. Hand of the Cause H. Collis Featherstone (1913-1990), and his wife Madge, became Bahá'ís in Adelaide at the end of 1944. In Woodville, they assisted in establishing the first Local Assembly to be established beyond the boundaries of the metropolitan cities in Australia. Mr Featherstone subsequently served on the National Assembly 1949-1962, and was an Auxiliary Board member 1954-1957. During the World Crusade he was secretary of the Asian Teaching Committee. In October 1957 Shoghi Effendi appointed Mr Featherstone as one of the Hands of the Cause. His responsibilities continued at first to focus on Australasia; later he travelled constantly, visiting Bahá'í communities on every continent. Following his passing the Universal House of Justice cabled: "DEEPLY GRIEVED ANNOUNCE PASSING VALIANT HAND CAUSE GOD COLLIS FEATHERSTONE WHILE VISITING KATHMANDU NEPAL COURSE EXTENSIVE JOURNEY ASIA. HIS NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS STAUNCH FEARLESS DEFENDER COVENANT HIS UNCEASING COMMITMENT PROPAGATION CAUSE ALL PARTS WORLD ESPECIALLY PACIFIC REGION HIS UNREMITTING PERSEVERENCE FOSTERING ESTABLISHMENT LOCAL NATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER HIS EXEMPLARY DEVOTION TO WRITINGS FAITH HIS OUTSTANDING PERSONAL QUALITIES UNSWERVING LOYALTY ENTHUSIASM ZEAL AND DEDICATION DISTINGUISH HIS MANIFOLD SERVICES THROUGHOUT MANY DECADES OFFERING PRAYERS HOLY SHRINES BOUNTIFUL REWARD HIS RADIANT SOUL Abhá Kingdom ADVICE FRIENDS EVERYWHERE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS PARTICULARLY IN MASHRIQU'L-Adhkars RECOGNITION MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENTS".
86. In 1945-46 articles appeared in the Sydney and Hobart editions of Truth (July 1945), in the Melbourne Herald, and in Adelaide's Church Guardian.
87. When one delegate accused others of "electioneering" prior to the 1946 National Convention, and a majority of the delegates consequently refused to accept the validity of the election for the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, the Convention cabled Shoghi Effendi for advice.
88. Printed in Bahá'í Quarterly No. 7, October 1948, p.5.
89. Miss Bunn became a Bahá'í in 1948, and was a member of the Perth Bahá'í community established in January 1949 during a special visit to Perth by Bertha and Joe Dobbins. Together with Miss Alice Deakin, with whom a house was shared, Miss Bunn sponsored fortnightly study meetings.
90. Joseph Perdu arrived in Australia from India about 1948. He charmed a number of people through posing as an inquirer who (apparently) grasped the Bahá'í teachings rapidly. Perdu attracted many people to the Bahá'í Faith in Australia as well as Fiji - until his habit of borrowing money from his listeners and failing to repay them became intolerable. Perdu left the Pacific for Africa, where it is said he lost his life in a car accident at a time when he had almost completed repayment of his debts.
91. Albert Styles was introduced to the Bahá'í Faith by Stanley and Mariette Bolton. He declared in Sydney in 1945, before moving to Yerrinbool two years later. In 1961 he became the first caretaker at Sydney Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, but died the following year.
92. Formerly Miss Hilda Brooks.93. Sent to Miss Wyss (later Lilian Ala'i) in Switzerland. Knights of Bahá'u'lláh Lilian Wyss (1929- ) and her brother Frank Wyss (1927- ) heard of the Faith from their fellow students Antionette, Mariette, and Stanley Bolton, at Bowral High School. They became Bahá'ís at Yerrinbool Summer School in January 1944. During 1947-52 Lilian travelled to Switzerland then pioneered in Norway. In December 1952, at the request of Shoghi Effendi, she returned to Australia to assist the Bahá'í Community. At the beginning of the World Crusade her attempts to enter the Solomon Islands were not successful. However, on 14 January 1954 she arrived at Apia, Western Samoa, and was named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. That November she married Suhayl Ala'i. Both were founding members of the LSA of Apia, Western Samoa, and the LSAs of Pago Pago and Fagaitua in American Samoa. Both served on the South Pacific Regional Spiritual Assembly established in 1959. Lilian worked for many years on the committee that produced radio and television programs. She was a member of the National Assembly of Samoa from its formation in 1970 until 1989.
94. A physician with the Education Department who had been prominent in the Theosophical movement, Jack Bean became a Bahá'í in Goulburn in 1944. He moved to Yerrinbool in 1947, and the following year served on the NSW Regional Teaching Committee. Dr Bean contributed to several Yerrinbool Summer School programs, particularly concerning study of Nabíl's Narrative, and the Sabean and Hindu religions. He was one of several Bahá'ís who donated land to the Yerrinbool school property. After his correspondence with Shoghi Effendi concerning the Bahá'í Faith and Theosophy, Dr Bean chose to remain with the latter.
95. Knights of Bahá'u'lláh to Portuguese Timor Harold (d.1969) and Florence Fitzner (d.1980) first met Hyde and Clara Dunn in Adelaide in 1927. Harold, then Chief clerk at North British Insurance Company, was elected to Adelaide Assembly from 1930 to 1950. The couple married on 14 May, 1931. That year they helped plan Mrs Keith Ransom-Kehler's visit to Adelaide. Both served on the Herald of the South Committee; for many years Harold was responsible for the magazine's production and despatch. Florence served on the Local Spiritual Assembly from 1929 into the late 1930s; she assisted, in addition, with its children's classes and its community program of visiting the sick and the elderly. Frequently Florence and Harold drove to small country towns - such as Port Pirie, Kingston, Kapunda and Nuriootpa - on weekends, to make friends whereever possible, or to find a venue at which to give a public meeting. Harold served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1943-45 and 1947-48. With the announcement of the goals of the World Crusade the Fitzners resolved to move to Portuguese Timor. The acquisition of visas after persistent efforts was remarkable, since only Portuguese citizenns were eligible. Harold arrived in Dili in June 1954, and Florence followed in October. Several Local Assemblies were formed before Harold's death in 1968. Florence remained until 1975, when Indonesian annexation of the former colony, at a time when she was visiting Adelaide, prevented her return.
96. Bahá'í World Vol. XII, 1950-1954, p. 989.97. Miss Leila V. Clark (1887-1982), a lecturer at the Adelaide School of Mines, became a Bahá'í in 1936 after meeting Silver Jackman. She was for many years on the Adelaide Local Assembly, and was one of Adelaide community's regular public speakers. In 1944 she was among the speakers at Adelaide's celebration of the centenary of the declaration of The Báb. For at least a decade from 1937 she edited Herald of the South. She also served on the National Assembly's History Committee. She frequently participated in South Australia's Winter Schools. Miss Clark was later a member of Payneham and Burnside Assemblies.
98. Viva Rodwell and her husband Jeff (d.1993) became Bahá'ís in Yeronga, Queensland, in 1950, having met Joseph Perdu. For many years Viva promoted Aboriginal welfare activities. In 1956 she was appointed to the first Aboriginal Teaching Committee. Jeff Rodwell served on numerous committees during the Ten Year Crusade - including those concerned with Public Relations, Translations, and the Intercontinental Conference held in Sydney in 1958. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly 1959-1967. During retirement in Sydney, Viva continued her involvement in the Women's movement, and in peace activities.
99. Meg Degotardi became a Bahá'í in Sydney in 1948. A lawyer, she was an eloquent and intelligent speaker, frequently asked to participate at summer schools, firesides, and public platforms - from the League of Women Voters, to the Penguin Club, and the Women's League of Health. Tragically, she died in 1963, two years after her marriage to David Podger.
100. A Sydney Bahá'í, Miss Gladys Pollard was secretary of the Summer School Committee in the 1940s. In 1949 she was elected to the Sydney Local Assembly. She pioneered in Honiara, Solomon Islands, briefly in 1959, before returning to settle in the Sydney suburb of Rockdale.
101. Addressed to Miss Hutchinson-Smith, daughter of Mrs L.J. Hutchinson-Smith, while travelling in Germany.
102. Miss Marie Dunning became a Bahá'í in 1946, while teaching at a school in the country town of Qurindi, N.S.W. She moved to Wollongong in 1951, and later to Kurringgai in Sydney, where she served on the Regional Teaching Committee. Miss Dunning undertook teaching trips to several Pacific Islands, as well as within Australia. In 1953 she visited Indonesia and Singapore on her way to the New Delhi conference. In later years she occupied herself with ceramics and children's classes.
103. Mrs A. Audenwood became a Bahá'í in New Zealand 1950-51. Her husband Mr H.O. Audenwood was posthumously enrolled as a Bahá'í in Auckland in 1952.
104. A reference to Mirza H.A. Uskúlí, who took the Bahá'í Teachings to China during the lifetime of 'Abdu'l-Bahá. He died in Shanghai in February 1956.
105. Mrs Zainab Khan, a school teacher, became a Bahá'í during Gertrude Blum's visit to Suva late in 1951. Her husband Walli Khan accepted the Faith the following year. The Khans travelled to the 4th Intercontinental Conference in New Delhi in 1953 and returned in the company of Hand of the Cause Mr Furutan and Mr Faizi, as well as some other Australian Bahá'ís. In the 1960s Mrs Khan moved to San Francisco with her daughters.
106. Late in 1949 Noel Bluett became a Bahá'í as a youth, in the Sydney suburb of Earlwood. In 1952 he and Margaret Mason pioneered to Leeton, NSW. Shortly after, the two were married. They lived in Canberra in the late 1950s, prior to the formation of an Assembly there. Noel served on the National Spiritual Assembly from 1959 until the Bluetts pioneered to Goroka in the highlands of Papua New Guinea in 1966. Both Margaret and Noel served for many years on the National Assembly of Papua New Guinea, first established in 1969. Noel was later as Auxiliary Board Member. In 1991 the Bluetts moved to Cairns, Australia.
107. Marie Antionette Bolton married James Lovelady about 1946, and lived in the United States until 1948. They returned and settled in Sydney, and were active in youth activities, and public speaking engagements in Sydney and surrounding cities until they moved to Toowoomba in Queensland late in 1949. Mrs Lovelady died on 11 May 1959.
108. Mariette E. Bolton married Mr W.O. Peterson and lived in the United States c. 1946-1950 before returning to Australia. They resided at Yerrinbool then Orange before returning to Colorado, North America, in 1956.
109. Margaret Millway's mother Jean Millway became a Bahá'í in Queensland in 1950 having met Joseph Perdu. Jean Millway served on the Ten Year Crusade Language Committee, and was a member of the National Aborigine Committee from 1956.
110. The son of Rose Maxwell, James Maxwell had become a Bahá'í as a youth in Auckland and in 1946 had moved to Adelaide.
111. Addressed to Miss Hutchinson-Smith while travelling in Germany.
112. The Careys moved to Australia from England and settled in Warrnambool, Victoria, in 1953. In 1960 they moved to Grassmere.
113. New Zealand Bahá'í Mrs Else Norden arrived in Suva, Fiji, in June 1952, to work at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital for one year. Her determination to teach people regardless of their race challenged the Bahá'í community, which was not accustomed to easy communication across cultures at that time. She was a member of Suva LSA in 1953.
114. In a letter dated 21 May 1953, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, Gretta Lamprill, had sought advice from Shoghi Effendi concerning the extent of reports on activities that she was required to send to the World Centre.
115. Lilian Wyss.116. On 18 May 1953 the National Spiritual Assembly had forwarded to Shoghi Effendi reports of activities for Bahá'í Year 109 (1952-53), the concluding year of Australia and New Zealand's Six Year Plan.
117. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to Mariana Islands, Robert Powers Jr. arrived in May 1953, temporarily attached to the U.S. Air Force on Guam.
118. In a letter to Shoghi Effendi dated 6 July, 1953, the National Spiritual Assembly had asked whether it could print the pamphlet known as "Number 9" in the Tahitian language.
119. Miss Dawe attended the conference held in New Delhi in October 1953, and made her pilgrimage afterwards. The Guardian's cable may be an indication that she was due in Haifa on 5th November.
120. Written to her in Poona, India. Miss Yaganegi arrived in the Solomon Islands in 1956. She married John Mills. The Mills subsequently pioneered to Papua New Guinea.
121. Knights of Bahá'u'lláh to the Gilbert & Ellice Islands Colony. This letter was written to the Fernies prior to their departure from Panama. Roy Fernie (1922-1964) was born in the Panama Canal Zone but spent his school years in England. His Anglican family owned the C. Fernie Steamship Company. At end of WWII he returned to the Canal Zone from St. Louis Missouri, and soon after heard of the Bahá'í Faith from his future wife, Elena Maria Marsella. He became a Bahá'í in March 1953. Elena Marsella, a concert pionist from Boston, joined the US Foreign Service, and in 1945 pioneered with Ofelia Montalvo to Trujillo in the Caribbean. In 1950 she was elected secretary of the first NSA of Central America and Antilles. With the announcement of the Crusade goals, the Fernies resolved to pioneer in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands (now the independent states Kiribati and Tuvalu). They arrived in March 1954 and settled at Abaiang, where sudden interest in the Bahá'í teachings antagonised colonial authorities. Mission opposition resulted in Roy Fernie's deportation from the colony. Pressure appears to have been put on Abaiang Catholics to have the Fernies removed from the Island. Although the charges against him were clearly false (eg, his performance of theatrical tricks was reported as influencing people with magic) Fernie was not allowed re-entry. Roy Fernie later worked in Hawaii; on Truk in the Eastern Caroline Islands; and in the Marshall Islands, and died in Hawaii in October 1964. Elena did not leave the Gilberts with her husband as perhaps the authorities had expected, and remained until another pioneer, Francis Heller, could replace her in 1956. As an Auxiliary Board Member from 1958 until 1964 she travelled widely in the Pacific, notably to the Caroline, Mariana, Hawaiian, Samoan, Tahitian, and Fijian Islands. She authored several books, including The Quest for Eden (1966).
122. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Tuamotu Archipelago. Mr Jean Sevin was the only French Bahá'í to pioneer in the Pacific during the Ten Year Crusade. He entered the Tuamotu Archopelago in January 1954, but was not able to stay more than a few years. Subsequently, he moved between the French-speaking Pacific territories at the request of the Institutions, adopting whatever manner of work that was available. He spend periods in the New Hebrides, French Polynesia, the Tuamotu Archipelago and New Caledonia. In 1962 he married Liliane Michelle in Papeete, the daughter of Madame Ariane Vermeesch Drollet, who learned of the Bahá'í Faith when American Bahá'ís John and Lilian Bosche visited Tahiti in the 1920s. She considered herself a Bahá'í. In 1968, at the request of the Universal House of Justice, Jean moved to New Caledonia, settling in Noumea.
123. On 26 December, 1953, the National Spiritual Assembly had informed Shoghi Effendi by cable that a sixth member of the National body had arisen to pioneer to a virgin territory.
124. Lilian Ala'i arrived in the virgin goal of Samoa on 14 January 1954.
125. Dulcie Dive at Rarotonga in the Cook Islands on 18 January 1954.
126. Stanley P. Bolton arrived at Nuku'alofa, Tonga, on 25 January 1954.
127. On 10 February, 1954, the National Spiritual Assembly had advised Shoghi Effendi by cable of the serious illness of their fellow Assembly member, Ethel Dawe.
128. On 19 March, 1954, the National Spiritual Assembly advised Shoghi Effendi by cable that it had purchased a Mashriqu'l-Adhkár site in Sydney.
129. Cynthia Olson was Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Mariana Islands. She arrived on 2 May 1954, her husband following later.
130. Cabled from the United States to Australia.131. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to Portuguese Timor. Jose Marques arrived in Dili from Portugal on 28 July 1954. Unable at first to obtain a job, Marquest appealed to the Australian National Spiritual Assembly for assistance: the presence of a continental Portuguese in Dili, having no employment, but receiving regular payment from Australia, drew the sucpicion of Timorese authorities on both Marques and Fitzner, and both were threatened with immediate eviction. When Marques cabled the Bahá'í World Centre for advice authorities intercepted his message, searched his accommodation, seized his Bahá'í books, and interviewed Harold Fitzner for four hours. Provientially, the Catholic Bishop of Timor intervened, and both were permitted to stay. In June 1957 Marques married Miss Menezer, and in 1958 moved to Turascai, about 100 miles from Dili. In the 1960s the Marques family moved to South Australia.
132. While travelling in England.133. At this time Harold Fitzner was enroute to his pioneering post. He had departed Adelaide on 4 April, 1954, and after brief stops in Perth, Singapore, Jakarta, and Kupang, arrived in Dili, Portuguese Timor, on June 30. Florence Fitzner arrived in October 1954 (although she was also named as Knight of Bahá'u'lláh in July).
134. This excerpt of a letter from the Guardian appeared in Bahá'í Bulletin 10, July 1954, p.3. The complete copy has not been located.
135. John and Louise Bosch, of California, pioneered to Tahiti for five months in 1920. Their property near Los Angeles became the Bosch School.
136. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Admiralty Islands. The ninth child of Prudence Alice Richards and Henry Hoehnke, Vi Hoehnke was raised in Brisbane before moving to Sydney in 1939 to commence training as a nurse. She was introduced to the Bahá'í Faith by Jim Heggie. She regularly attended meetings held at the home of Clara and Hyde Dunn, and was soon active on the National Youth Committee. In 1948 Vi moved to Melbourne to assist in re-establishing the city's Local Assembly; later she pioneered to provincial town of Ballarat. At the beginning of the Crusade Vi attended the New Delhi Conference and decided to move to a French-speaking Pacific Island. Unable to enter the Loyalty Islands or the New Hebrides, she obtained a position as a nursing sister in the Australian territory of Papua New Guinea. She arrived in Port Moresby on 12 April 1954, and arrived at Manus, Admiralty Islands, 6 July, 1955. Despite the colonial atmosphere and extreme racial prejudice and segregation of the time, Vi made several Papua New Guinean friends, including Apelis Mazakmat, a school teacher from Munawai, New Ireland. In August that year Vi was transferred from Manus to Rabaul by superiors unhappy at the extent of her friendliness with the local people. She subsequently returned to Port Moresby and then to Madang Central Hospital, and in later years lived for periods in Port Moresby, Madang, Samarai, Rabaul, Wewak, Goroka and Lae. In 1964, the year she was appointed Matron at Lae Base Hospital, Vi was appointed an Auxiliary Board Member by Hand of the Cause Collis Featherstone. She retired in 1971, and between 1973 and 1979 served as one of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia. In 1974 she pioneered to Mt. Hagen, capital of Western Highlands Province. From here she travelled to surrounding villages, passing on occasion warriors wielding bows and arrows, engaged in tribal fighting. On several occasions Vi was robbed and harassed, both in her home, and in remote regions, but her indefatigable efforts have resulted in the emergence of Bahá'í communities in the Western Highlands, Southern Highlands, and Enga Provinces.
137. Knights of Bahá'u'lláh to Tonga. The Blakelys had taught the Bahá'í Faith in British Guyana in South America in the 1930s. They arrived in Tonga in July 1954. Elsa, known as "Judy", was a member of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the South Pacific in its first years. In Tonga they became friendly with Queen Salote, and with other members of the Royal family. Dudley, an artist, sculptor and designer, designed Tonga's first coins. In September 1963 the Blakelys moved from Tonga to Hawaii, where Dudley was appointed Director of the Bishop Museum. In 1977 the Blakelys pioneered to the Bahamas, and the following year settled in Georgia, U.S.A.
138. Ethna Archibald became a Bahá'í in Auckland in 1948. About 1956 she pioneered to Northern Rhodesia (later Zambia), settling in Lusaka. For many years she has worked at the Bahá'í World Centre.
139. Eric and Marjorie Bowes became Bahá'ís in Adelaide in 1949. Eric had been an active Congregationalist, and contributed greatly to the Bahá'í community's appreciation of the relationship between the Bahá'í Revelation and Christian teachings. In 1950 he was among the speakers at the Centenary commemoration of the Martyrdom of the Báb held in Adelaide. Mr Bowes' skills as a writer were utlized through his service on the Herald of the South Committee, on which Marjorie served also, and in the production of radio talks, papers, and books. On several occasions he accompanied Collis Featherstone and Harold Fitzner travel teaching to such country towns as Kingston. Eric returned to the church in which he was christened to present a series of four sermons on the Bahá'í Faith, printed in 1958 as Great Themes of Life. In the later years of the World Crusade Eric was appointed to the Auxiliary Board, and travelled extensively visiting and encouraging the Australian Bahá'í communities. About 1963 he published "The Cause of Life to the World", and late in that year he resigned as an Auxiliary Board Member to concentrate on writing.
140. First Gilbertese Bahá'í. Peter Kanare (1920-1992), from Tanaeang, North Tabiteuea, studied at the Catholic seminary at Buota, Abaiang 1933-38, but decided against the priesthood and became a wireless operator, and later a teacher. In 1954 he met Knights of Bahá'u'lláh Roy and Elena Fernie and became a Bahá'í. At the time of his declaration his Bishop had been trying to persuade Kanare to re-join the Church and enter mission employment. When orders were given that Roy Fernie be deported, some two-hundred Abaiang residents declared their position in the days prior to Fernie's departure by announcing their wish to become Bahá'ís. Subsequent events were tragic. On Tarawa waiting for his wife to give birth, and for a ship to take them to Tabiteuea, Kanare received a deportation order from the administration prohibiting him from remaining on either Tarawa or Abaiang. Kanare's wife was denied adequate medical treatment and died soon after childbirth. Kanare returned to his home island of Tabiteuea in the Southern Gilberts, and proceeded to spread the Bahá'í principles there, so that by 1960 there were 47 Bahá'ís on the island.
141. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. Gretta Jankko arrived at Hiva Oa on 5 March 1954 bearing an 8-month visitors visa obtained in Tahiti. While in the islands she was able to mention the Bahá'í Faith as opportunity arose but was advised to leave following a brutal attack which nearly took her life. She departed in December 1954, arriving in Finland in February 1955.
142. Written to Mr Sohaili in Poona, India. He arrived in New Caledonia in May 1955, and his wife Monireh several months later. The Sohailis subsequently moved to Sydney, then to Chicago.
143. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Cook Islands, Edith Danielson arrived 14 October 1953. She was "assigned" to Tonga by the American Asian Teaching Committee, but when she was denied a permit, applied for others for the Cook Islands, Samoa, and Fiji. Confident of obtaining one of these, she shipped all her books and effects to Suva. She obtained permits for both the Cook Islands and Fiji. While pioneering she contracted filarisis, and requierd medical treatment in the United States. In 1958 she moved to Taiwan where she devoted several years to the establishment of the Bahá'í community. From 1967-1974 Edith made her home in New Zealand prior to her return to the United States.
144. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to Cocos Islands. Frank Wyss became a Bahá'í at Yerrinbool in 1944. He arrived on Cocos on 4 June 1955 with a 3 month permit, but was obliged to leave about 22 June by Mr Clunies Ross, who then owned the islands. Returning to Australia, Frank served on the National Spiritual Assembly 1954-57 before pioneering to Papua New Guinea. He moved to Canberra at the end of 1970. In 1973 he was appointed Auxiliary Board Member for Propagation in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.
145. Nur Ali (1912-1962) and his wife Violet, of Fiji-Indian Muslim background, who became Bahá'ís in Suva on 23 October 1950, were among the first Fijian Bahá'ís. Nur was Local Assembly secretary, and the Ali home became the centre of Bahá'í activities in Suva in the 1950s. He worked for the Fijian public service from February 1956, serving as a clerk at the Magistrates courts in Suva, Ba and Nausori, and in the Supreme Court Registry. He also served in the Health department. After his death in January 1962 Violet Ali moved to Sydney.
146. Jim Chittleborough, a physiotherapist, heard of Bahá'í teachings from Harold Fitzner in Adelaide about 1941. He married Margaret Brooks in February 1946 after his discharge from army service, which had taken him to Papua New Guinea and Borneo. From 1946 Jim served on the National Youth Committee and the South Australian Regional Teaching Committee. He was a regular participant at Adelaide Winter Schools. Near the completion of the Six-Year plan (1947-53) the Chittleboroughs pioneered to Gawler. They joined Unley community in 1949, and Jim was elected delegate to national convention. In 1956 the Chittleboroughs moved to the goal town of Naracoorte, and later lived for periods in Mitcham, Mt Gambier and Enfield.
147. First ni-Vanuatu Bahá'í. Peter Kaltoli met Bertha Dobbins in Vila and became a Bahá'í in 1955. His wife also became a Bahá'í, and several of their children attended Nur School, established and operated by Bertha Dobbins.
148. Dr Kenneth Christian, (1912-1959), Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to Southern Rhodesia, died in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1959.
149. Knight of Bahá'u'lláh to the Loyalty Islands. Daniel Haumont became a Bahá'í in the Society Islands early 1955, and travelled to the Loyalty Islands, in New Caledonia, in October 1955. He returned to Tahiti in December 1955 and married there in July 1959. He subsequently resided in France.
150. Bill Washington became a Bahá'í in Leeton, NSW, in 1954, having met Noel Bluett. In June 1955 he pioneered to New Caledonia, but was unable to secure a permit to remain and so returned to Australia late in 1956. He subsequently moved to Darwin in the Northern Territory, where a Local Assembly was formed in 1962. At the end of 1964 Bill was appointed Auxiliary Board Member for Northern Australia. In 1972 Bill and his wife Hiroko moved to Japan, where they remained five years, before settling in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1979.
151. Miss Virginia Breaks (d.1993) arrived on Truk in the Eastern Caroline Islands in November 1953 and was named by Shoghi Effendi a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh. In 1964 she became Auxiliary Board Member for the North Pacific. For many years her work required constant travel to hospitals throughout the islands. In retirement, Miss Breaks resided in Yap, Western Caroline Islands.
152. In the early 1950s MrSchiller participated in Brisbane's Bahá'í youth activities. He later taught at a school in Duchess in mid-west Queensland.
153. Mr John Brogan.154. National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
155. Percy Leadley was born in Kyabrum, Victoria, in 1919. A seaman who had studied Buddhism, he became a Bahá'í in Auckland in 1942. Percy and Edith Carpenter returned to Victoria near the end of the Six Year Plan (1953) and lived in Echuca for six months. Returning to New Zealand, they moved to help establish Wellington Assembly in 1956, and Percy was elected to the New Zealand National Assembly the following year. He served on the National body for ten years, including two as Chairman. Percy produced the New Zealand community's first newsletter, from 1951, and for many years published a children's magazine as well as the small magazine Viewpoint. Following the death of his wife in 1986 Mr Leadly retired to Australia.
156. National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
157. Harry Maude, eminent Pacific Islands' historian.
158. The Chorvats were members of the Wollongong Bahá'í community. Peggy Behrendt became a Bahá'í in Melbourne in 1950 and late 1951 married Stephan, who arrived from Prague, Czechoslovakia, early that year. Also in that year, Peggy was delegate from Melbourne to the National Convention. The following year the Chorvats settled in Wollongong, and at the end of the six-year plan settled in Orange, N.S.W. Peggy Chorvat later became Peggy Laing.
159. Referring to the father of the bride.160. Beryl Harnish (Beryl van der Vaart, later Beryl Carden) heard of the Bahá'í teachings from Alvin Blum in the 1940s, and was the second youth to become a Bahá'í in New Zealand. She lived in Melbourne in the late 1940s before returning to New Zealand, where she was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly. For several years from 1970 she pioneered in American Samoa. Mrs Carden contributed significantly to the planning of the Auckland International conference, held in January 1977. She died in October 1978.
161. Prominent Rabbi in the Australian Jewish community.
162. Allan Davis.163. Mrs Harnish became a Bahá'í in February 1944, having met Alvin Blum. She was for many years a member of Auckland Assembly, and was elected to the New Zealand National Assembly 1957-1961. Toward the end of the World Crusade, in 1962, Mrs Harnish pioneered to assist the Hamilton community, and in later years lived for periods in New Plymouth and Auckland. She died in the Cook Islands in May 1980, while visiting her son and daughter at their pioneer post.
164. Noel Walker, a bank officer, became a Bahá'í in 1942 having met the Boltons in Orange. He was a member of the National Spiritual Assembly 1944-47 and again 1954-1961. Noel and Bessie later acted as caretakers at the Sydney Mashriqu'l-Adhkár. He died in November 1983.