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This volume brings together, for the first time, the communications addressed to the followers of Bahá'u'lláh in the Australasian area by Shoghi Effendi during the period of his ministry, from 1921 to 1957, as Guardian of the Bahá'í Faith. Since the majority of the Bahá'ís of Australasia were resident in Australia during that period, most of the letters collected here were addressed to the believers in that continent. It constitutes a valuable depository of the authoritative guidance from the Head of the Faith during that time.
It is much more than a historical record of letters written to early followers of this Faith, many of whom are no longer alive. It provides a fascinating opportunity to examine the twentieth-century development in the remote Antipodes of a religion having its origins in the heart of Asia. The forces and processes which led to the establishment of a staunch Bahá'í community in so distant a region have not, at the present time, been clearly traced. It is known that the first mention of the new religion in Australia was in a Melbourne newspaper in March 1846, less than two years after the Declaration of the Báb, to be followed by a report in an Auckland, New Zealand, newspaper in February 1853. The first Bahá'í in the Antipodes is accepted as being in New Zealand in 1912, while Australia was opened to the Faith by its illustrious Bahá'í pioneers in 1920.
One might inquire how a new belief originating in an Asian setting, promulgated by a small handful of adherents of limited means and modest social standing, could have been spread far and wide across so vast a region of the planet as that of Australia and the Pacific Islands, at a time when the general population displayed no predisposition to embrace a faith other than orthodox Christianity and no discernible inclination to assess the relative merits of the great religions of the world. It is in the pages of this volume that one might profitably search for an answer to this question. Sustained and invigorated by the loving guidance of Shoghi Effendi, the early Bahá'ís proceeded slowly, and at times painfully, to propagate their Faith, undeterred by the meagre response to their efforts or by their own consciousness of their perceived inadequacy. Setbacks were overcome, obstacles surmounted, and discouragement conquered, as these valiant believers struggled ever onward, confident that one day the Institutions of the Bahá'í Administrative order would be raised up in all parts of the region and would develop as centres of spiritual illumination and unity. To read the letters published here is to attain a profound sense of admiration for the heroism and dogged persistence of those first believers and to acquire an abiding gratitude for their devoted labours.
This book conveys a painfully realistic portrait of the development of the Australasian Bahá'í community. No attempt is made to mask the fact that the infant community endured periods of deep misunderstanding and fundamental misconception, of disunity and inertia, of frustration and impatience in the process of its growth. But the mysterious power of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh welded believers from widely-separated areas, from differing socio-economic backgrounds, and from diverse cultural perspectives, into the unified, energetic and confident community which now exists and which is clearly entering a phase of unprecedented growth and consolidation.
The significance of the events referred to in this book might best be assessed against the background of the evolution of Australian national consciousness during the years in which the letters were written, since so much of the correspondence was directed principally to Australia. In a newly-federated nation, searching for its identity, acutely conscious of its isolation from its European cultural roots and of its proximity to Asia, the Bahá'ís established centres of world-mindedness, of universality and of international cooperation, symbolized by such actions as the monetary contributions made by the fledgling community to global Bahá'í endeavours of earthquake relief in Asia and of construction of the Mother-Temple of the American continent.
The members of the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'í communities are shown, on the evidence of the letters addressed to them by Shoghi Effendi, to have represented, in many ways, the best of the character and temperament of those nations. Over the years, he called attention to "the loyalty, the vigour and the devotion" with which they conducted their affairs, expressed his "admiration for their zeal and noble determination", hailed "the solidarity and self-sacrifice, the courage and confidence they display in their incessant and manifold activities", and lauded "the vitality and adventurous spirit the members of these communities have so strikingly manifested". In a society which was male-oriented to an extreme, Bahá'í women played a courageous and disproportionate role as pioneers, teachers and administrators of the Faith. Disregarding the prevailing tendencies to assign little value to the indigenous peoples, the Bahá'ís attached importance to attracting to their Cause as brothers and sisters the aboriginal Australians and the Maori New Zealanders, thus contributing to the upliftment of the peoples and to their enlistment in the world-wide endeavour of spiritual regeneration of humanity.
This book is of far more than archival value. It provides insight into the complex dynamics of the growth of a Bahá'í community in a Western society, and into the gradual emergence of that community from unmitigated obscurity into a position of admiration and respect from the most progressive elements of that society. It might also profitably be studied for the clarifications it offers about various aspects of the Bahá'í teachings, and the prescription it sets out for the process of acquiring a more profound comprehension of these teachings. As world events unfold, a deeper understanding will be gained of the significance of the "spiritual axis, extending from the Antipodes to the northern islands of the Pacific Ocean" to which the Guardian referred.
The prodigious accomplishments of Shoghi Effendi in the 36 years of his ministry as Guardian of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh are a continuing source of wonder and astonishment. A perusal of his letters to Australasia reveals his infinite patience, his compelling logic, the clarity of his thought, his sensitivity to believers who only dimly grasped the importance of the work to which he was calling them, his compassion for them in their setbacks, and the fathomless love and tenderness with which he nurtured and trained them from spiritual infancy to adulthood. As stated by the Universal House of Justice in its tribute to Shoghi Effendi on the occasion of the first World Congress in 1963:
He it was, and he alone, who unfolded the potentialities of the widely scattered, numerically small, and largely unorganized Bahá'í community which had been called into being during the Heroic Age of the Faith. He it was who unfolded the grand design of God's Holy Cause; set in motion the great plans of teaching already outlined by 'Abdu'l-Bahá; established the institutions and greatly extended the endowments at the World Centre, and raised the Temples of America, Africa, Australasia, and Europe; developed the Administrative Order of the Cause throughout the world; and set the ark of the Cause true on its course.
The passage of years will magnify rather than diminish the gratitude that succeeding generations of Australasian Bahá'ís will feel for his monumental labours.
Peter J. KhanThe Bahá'í communities of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, had their origins at the very dawn of the Formative Age. Their early champions were nurtured by heroes and heroines whose belief in the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh had been confirmed and consolidated through contact with 'Abdu'l-Bahá, during his travels to the West. Through the unaided efforts of Clara and Hyde Dunn, the Master's wish that his Father's teachings be spread to the islands of the South Seas was thus realised within his lifetime. Soon after, news of his passing spread a cold wind over the pioneers, which only the tender and hopeful words of Shoghi Effendi could clear. At the time of his appointment as Guardian and Head of the Bahá'í Faith, in the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, there were Bahá'ís in no more than thirty-five countries of the world. Thirty-six years later, when at the untimely close of his ministry, the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh had become known in nearly two-hundred more, modest geographical and numerical spread had enlarged the scope of the Bahá'í community in Australasia from two members in one country, to some thousands of followers in over 100 localities in Australia and New Zealand, and a further 210 amongst the islands of the Pacific. From the pen of Shoghi Effendi had flowed to them more than 700 letters and cables. Although the number of communications is small when compared to the volume of guidance directed to individual Bahá'ís and to Bahá'í institutions in other continents, the Australian and New Zealand communities share with them the rare privilege of having been in contact with Shoghi Effendi from the beginning to the end of his ministry. With his unerring guidance, local and national institutions of Bahá'u'lláh's rising World Order in the "antipodes" were nurtured through their infancy and period of complete obscurity. By 1963, three of the original fifty-six pillars of the Universal House of Justice had been raised in the South Pacific.
In 1970 the Australian National Spiritual Assembly published Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand 1923-1957; in 1982, to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of the formation of the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly, that body produced Arohanui: Letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand. The significant expansion of Bahá'í communities in these two countries, as well as in the islands of the Pacific, in recent years, together with the lack of accessibility to the aforementioned books and other earlier publications, made it imperative that the Guardian's correspondence with individuals and institutions in the Australasian region be made more widely available. The suggestion was made in late 1988 to gather this correspondence in one publication. The task became one of considerable regional collaboration. About one third of the communications from the Guardian were in the Australian Bahá'í Archives at Mona Vale in Sydney. To these were added others received from the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Mariana Islands, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, and the Western Caroline Islands. Not all of these Assemblies had additional information, but all deserve thanks for their investigations.
Numerous individuals also shared precious letters received from Shoghi Effendi. Among the pioneers to the Pacific, Lilian Ala'i, Margaret and Noel Bluett, Virginia Breaks, Vi Hoehnke, Elena Marsella, and Jean Sevin responded to requests for copies of previously unpublished letters. The late James Heggie also shared copies of his treasured correspondence. Throughout the project, the late Hand of the Cause of God Mr Collis Featherstone gave encouragement, and much guidance. Mrs Madge Featherstone also assisted greatly, finding several previously unknown letters in Mr Featherstone's papers. In 1998, after publication of the first edition, Mrs Featherstone forwarded to me additional letters from the Guardian, one dated January 28th 1924 to Clara and Hyde Dunn, one dated August 27th 1951 to Clara Dunn, and one dated May 31 1953 to Clara Dunn.
The work was greatly aided by the patient, invaluable, and meticulous work of the staff at the Department of Library and Archival Services at the Bahá'í World Centre, who supplied several hundred communications that had not been located in searching Australian and Pacific archives. Other correspondence was received from the United States National Bahá'í Archives. Following the task of keying the letters and cables onto computer, an advisory team to review the project, consisting of Miguel Gil, Lilian Ala'i, and Aflatoon Payman (aided in later stages by Manúchir Gabriel and Rod Haake), painstakingly checked proofs against copies of the original communications. Layout, design, and final production were handled by Barry Anderson.
A word concerning the scope of this book is necessary. Dr Peter Khan has pointed out that this publication by no means constitutes a regional history of the Bahá'í Faith - although its contents facilitate the writing of such. Nor do its pages fully detail the most significant personalities and episodes in the Australasian Bahá'í communities - for whereas some individuals chose to write to Shoghi Effendi (as they were expressly encouraged by him to do), others refrained, not wishing to add to his heavy workload, news of what they regarded as their small concerns, or victories. Hence the mention or otherwise of people and places in this work, and whether on one occasion or many, does not measure the contribution of each. That task awaits another time.
Shoghi Effendi is known to have written some 26,000 letters to the Bahá'í world: those directed to the Antipodes, approximately 700, appear in the present volume. These include 81 that appeared in Letters of the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand, as well as 82 published in Arohanui: letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand.
As the letters were penned for Shoghi Effendi by a series of secretaries, across almost four decades, they lack a uniformity in style and presentation. Different uses of "s" and "z", for example, have been retained, rather than standardised. Every effort has been taken to ensure that the contents of the letters have been reproduced in their entirety. Minor errors in grammar and style have been corrected with permission of the Department of Archives. The name and address of the addressee, where they were included in a letter, have been reproduced. In other cases, details have been supplied from accompanying envelopes, or other sources, and supplied in brackets thus [ ].
Shoghi Effendi had difficulty in securing suitable secretarial support. At some times family members assisted, while at others, Western Bahá'ís served as secretaries during extended periods spent in Haifa. They included `Azizu'lláh S. Bahádur (in 1924), Soheil Afnán (1924-30), Ruhi Afnán (1926-1933), H. Rabbáni (1931-40), Mehrenguiz Rabbáni (1932), J.E. Esslemont - who had lived in Australia briefly before becoming a Bahá'í - (1925), and Ethel J. Rosenberg (1927). Later, secretarial support was given the Guardian by Rúhíyyih Khánum, and in the 1950s, Amelia Collins (1951), Leroy Ioas (1952-57), and Jessie Revell (1953).
It is hoped that the publication of the Guardian's communications to the Bahá'ís of the Australasian region at this time will assist us in understanding the social and spiritual context in which we labour, and in grasping also the potential for the unfoldment of these communities, as Shoghi Effendi so clearly and expectantly described.
GlossaryAn institution created by Shoghi Effendi in 1954 to assist the Hands of the Cause of God.
Continental Board of CounsellorsAn institution created in 1968 by the Universal House of Justice as a means of developing "the institution of the Hands of the Cause with a view to extension into the future of its appointed functions of protection and propagation".
ConventionA gathering of delegates for the purpose of electing and consulting with the National Spiritual Assembly. National Convention is held annually during the Ridvan period (21 April - 2 May).
FeastA gathering of Bahá'í communities held every nineteen days, on the first day of every Bahá'í month. Feasts comprise devotions, consultation, and fellowship, thus fulfilling Spiritual, administrative and social functions for Bahá'í communities at local level.
Gilbert and Ellice IslandsFormer name of the two Pacific Island countries, Kiribati and Tuvalu.
Hand of the CauseIndividual appointed by Bahá'u'lláh, and later by Shoghi Effendi, charged with specific duties of protecting and propagating the Bahá'í Faith.
Haram-i-AqdasThe gardens at Bahji surrounding the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh. The term means "Most Holy Sanctuary".
Hazíratu'l-QudsA term meaning "The Sacred Fold", used to refer to the central offices for a Bahá'í community, whether at national or local level.
Knight of Bahá'u'lláhA title given by Shoghi Effendi to Bahá'ís who travelled during the first year of the World Crusade (1953-54) to open a "virgin" territory, as well as to those who were the first to arrive at territories that remained to be opened after that date.
Local Spiritual AssemblyThe local administrative body which is directly elected from the body of the believers during Ridvan, serving for a period of one year.
Mashriqu'l-AdhkárThe term for Bahá'í Houses of Worship and for practices of worship, which means "Dawning-place of the remembrance of God".
National Spiritual AssemblyThe national administrative body of a Bahá'í community, whose members are elected for a one year term by delegates to national convention.
Naw RúzThe Bahá'í New Year, which takes place on the spring equinox, generally on 21 March.
New HebridesFormer name of the Pacific Island country, Vanuatu.
RidvanA twelve-day festival beginning annually on 21 April, to mark Bahá'u'lláh's declaration of his mission. Elections for Local Spiritual Assemblies are held on the first day of Ridvan, while those for the National Spiritual Assembly are held sometime during the Ridvan period.
Society IslandsFormer name of some islands within French Polynesia.
Summer SchoolResidential programs which combine instructional sessions with Bahá'í fellowship.
Universal House of JusticeSupreme administrative body of the Bahá'í Faith, ordained by Bahá'u'lláh in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Its members are elected at five-year intervals by the members of all National Spiritual Assemblies.
World CrusadeA ten year plan of expansion and consolidation planned and initiated by Shoghi Effendi, which commenced in 1953.
1922AWAITING LOVINGLY GLAD TIDINGS OF AUSTRALIAN FRIENDS IN HOLY LAND
20 December 19222How great was my joy to learn that in that far-away continent, remote from the turmoil and restlessness of a weary world, the Voice of God has been raised and proclaimed and has attracted such a promising number of ardent and faithful lovers of Bahá'u'lláh!
I offer you my heartfelt love and sympathy and the assurance of my unfailing assistance in the great work of service to mankind which is now so gloriously unfolding itself to your eyes.
I have shared fully your news with those loving pilgrims and resident friends in the Holy Land whom I meet regularly in what was in the past the audience-chamber of the Master and who thirst after the tidings of
the progress of the Cause in every land. They, and myself with them, will pray most fervently for every one of you that the seeds of faith and loving fellowship that you are casting in the soil of hearts may germinate and swell the ever increasing number of the valiant hosts of Bahá and enable them to attain glorious victory.
I shall await with eager expectation the welcome news of the extension of your activities, the widening of your correspondence with the various spiritual centres throughout the world, the plans you contemplate for the spreading of the Movement and the means you will utilise for their speedy execution. On my part I shall never neglect to send you such news as will urge you to press forward your great work for the Cause and hearten you in your labours of love and devotion at His Sacred Threshold.
Your brother in His Service, ShoghiThe beloved of the Lord and handmaids of the Merciful throughout the Pacific Islands, Care of the members of the American Spiritual National Assembly.
Beloved co-workers in the Vineyard of God!Though pressed on all sides by my manifold duties, yet I can always find the time to devote my attention to the interests of those far-away friends who though distant in body are yet at heart so near and dear to us all.
To realize that at this present hour, a company of steadfast and zealous lovers of `Abdu'l-Bahá are day and night absorbed by their one thought of earnest service to the Cause in those uttermost corners of the globe, is the highest inspiration and the greatest encouragement in the great task that lies before me.
I am well aware of the Divine Bounties that have been showered upon you in the past and I am confident that every one of you, realizing now more than ever before the significance of these bountiful gifts, will arise with greater selflessness and increased determination to bring this noble task entrusted to him by our beloved Master to a speedy and glorious consummation.
I shall be most pleased and gratified to receive a detailed and comprehensive report of all your activities, of your achievements in the past, your services at present, and your plans for the future.
Those distant islands, the object of our Master's love and tender care, occupy a warm and abiding place in our hearts, and their very names evoke within us so high a sense of hope and admiration that the passing of time and the vicissitudes of life can never weaken or remove.
Assuring you of my constant prayers on your behalf, I am your devoted brother in His service, Shoghi
21 January 1923Dunn, "Morinda" Beachworth Road, Pymble, New South Wales
PRAYING FOR GLORIOUS SUCCESS IN YOUR NOBLE ENDEAVOURS
5 March 1923The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout America, Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Australasia.
Fellow-workers in the Vineyard of God!Over a year has elapsed since that calamitous Hour, when the glorious Person of `Abdu'l-Bahá was veiled from mortal eyes and His Spirit ascended the Kingdom of Glory; and I feel that the time is now ripe to take those fresh and momentous decisions which will enable us to fulfil, speedily and faithfully, the last wishes of our departed Master.
The year has been to the outside world a year of fear and suffering, of disillusion and turmoil. To us, however, the bereaved followers of a gracious and loving Master, it has been, despite the passing cares which His sudden departure must necessarily entail, a period of hope, of wholesome activity, marked throughout with a spirit of undiminished confidence in His power and of fidelity to His Cause.
From the East and from the West, from the North and from the South, the unnumbered servants of Bahá'u'lláh, disdainful of the evil
machinations of the enemies of His Cause, the breakers of His behests, have rallied to His Standard, and risen with one accord to carry on the great Work He has entrusted to their charge. All-hail to that undying Spirit of Fidelity which burns, and shall burn unceasingly, in the breasts of His loved ones! Great shall be their reward, and blissful the hour, when after a toilsome life of service, they are gathered to the glory of Bahá, and partake in their Beloved's Presence, of the joy of eternal Reunion.
But great achievements still await us in this world, and we feel confident that, by His grace and never-failing guidance, we shall now and ever prove ourselves worthy to fulfil His great Purpose for mankind. And who can fail to realise the sore need of bleeding humanity, in its present state of uncertainty and peril, for the regenerating Spirit of God, manifested this Day so powerfully in this Divine Dispensation? Four years of unprecedented warfare and world cataclysms, followed by another four years of bitter disappointment and suffering, have stirred deeply the conscience of mankind, and opened the eyes of an unbelieving world to the Power of the Spirit that alone can cure its sicknesses, heal its wounds, and establish the long-promised reign of undisturbed prosperity and peace.
Now surely, if ever, is the time for us, the chosen ones of Bahá'u'lláh and the bearers of His Message to the world, to endeavour, by day and by night, to deepen, first and foremost, the Spirit of His Cause in our own individuals lives, and then labour, and labour incessantly to exemplify in all our dealings with our fellow-men that noble Spirit of which His beloved Son, `Abdu'l-Bahá, has been all the days of His life a true and unique exponent. The sayings of our beloved Master have been noised abroad, His name has filled all regions, and the eyes of mankind are now turned expectant towards His disciples who bear His name and profess His teachings. Shall we not by our daily life vindicate the high claims of His teachings, and prove by our services the influence of His undying Spirit? This surely is our highest privilege, and our most sacred duty.
Let us, with a pure heart, with humility and earnestness, turn afresh to His counsels and exhortations, and seek from that Source of Celestial
Potency all the guidance, the Spirit, the power which we shall need for the fulfilment of our mission in this life.
Behold, the Station to which `Abdu'l-Bahá is now calling His loved ones from the Realm of Glory:-
"It behoveth the loved ones of God to be enamoured of one another and to sacrifice themselves for their fellow-workers in the Cause. They should yearn towards one another even as the sore athirst yearneth for the Water of Life, and the lover burneth to meet his heart's desire."
Such is the sublime, the glorious position He wishes us, and all the peoples and kindreds on earth to attain in this world; how much more to achieve unity and common understanding among ourselves, and then arise to herald with one voice the coming of the Kingdom and the salvation of mankind.
With unity of purpose firmly established in our minds, with every trace of personal animosity banished from our hearts, and with the spirit of whole-hearted and sustained fellowship kindled in our souls, can we hope to deliver effectively the Message of Bahá'u'lláh, and execute faithfully the various provisions of our Beloved's Will and Testament.
Steadfast in our faith, firm in our union, abounding in our love, fervent in our spirit, and selfless in our labours, let us arise and with prayerful hearts make another and supreme effort to fulfil these last words of our Beloved, His most cherished desire:-
"O ye that stand fast in the Covenant! When the hour cometh that this wronged and broken winged bird will have taken its flight unto the Celestial Concourse, when it will have hastened to the Realm of the Unseen, and its mortal frame will have either been lost or hidden neath the dust, it is incumbent upon the Afnán that are steadfast in the Covenant of God and have branched from the Tree of Holiness, the Hands of the Cause of God, (the Glory of the Lord rest upon them), and all the friends and loved ones, one and all, to bestir themselves and arise with heart and soul and in one accord to diffuse the sweet savours of God, to teach His Cause and to promote His Faith. It behoveth them not to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. They must disperse themselves in every land, pass by every clime, and travel throughout all regions. Bestirred, without rest, and steadfast to the end, they must raise in every land the triumphal cry of Ya Bahá'il-Abha!, must achieve renown in the world wherever they go, must burn brightly even as a candle in every meeting, and must kindle the flame of Divine Love in every Assembly; that the Light of Truth may rise resplendent in the midmost heart of the world, that throughout the East and throughout the West a vast concourse may gather under the shadow of the Word of God, that the sweet savours of Holiness may be diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, hearts be filled with the Divine Spirit and souls be made heavenly. In these days the most important of all things is the guidance of the nations and peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause is of utmost importance, for it is the head corner-stone of the foundation itself. This wronged servant has spent his days and nights in promoting the Cause, and urging the peoples to service. He rested not a moment, till the fame of the Cause of God was noised abroad in the world, and the celestial Strains from the Abhá Kingdom roused the East and the West. The beloved of God must also follow the same example. This is the secret of faithfulness, this is the requirement of servitude to the Threshold of Bahá."
We need but glance at the Words of Bahá'u'lláh and the Epistles of `Abdu'l-Bahá to realise the great privilege of teaching the Cause, its vital necessity, its supreme urgency, and its wide-reaching effects. These are the very words of `Abdu'l-Bahá:-
"In these days, the Holy Ones of the Realm of Glory, dwelling in the all-highest Paradise, yearn to return unto this world, and be of some service to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh and prove their servitude to the Threshold of the Abhá Beauty."
What a wondrous vision these words unfold to our eyes! How great our privilege to labour in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! Is it not incumbent upon us to arise and teach His Cause with such an ardour
which no worldly adversity can quell, nor any measure of success can satiate?
And, now, that this all-important Work may suffer no neglect, but rather function vigorously and continuously in every part of the Bahá'í World; that the unity of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh may remain secure and inviolate, it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text of the Kitábu'l-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine, a local "Spiritual Assembly" be forthwith established. To it all local matters pertaining to the Cause must be directly and immediately referred for full consultation and decision. The importance, nay the absolute necessity of these Local Assemblies is manifest when we realise that in the days to come they will evolve into the local Houses of Justice, and at present provide the firm foundation on which the Structure of the Master's Will is to be reared in future.
The matter of Teaching, its direction, its ways and means, its extension, its consolidation, essential as they are to the interests of the Cause, constitute by no means the only issue which should receive the full attention of these Assemblies. A careful study of Bahá'u'lláh's and `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Tablets will reveal that other duties, no less vital to the interests of the Cause, devolve upon the elected representatives of the friends in every locality.
It is incumbent upon them to be vigilant and cautious, discreet and watchful, and protect at all times the Temple of the Cause from the dart of the mischief-maker and the onslaught of the enemy.
They must endeavour to promote amity and concord amongst the friends, efface every lingering trace of distrust, coolness and estrangement from every heart, and secure in its stead an active and whole-hearted co-operation for the service of the Cause.
They must do their utmost to extend at all times the helping hand to the poor, the sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow, irrespective of colour, cast and creed.
They must promote by every means in their power the material as well as the spiritual enlightenment of youth, the means for the education
of children, institute, whenever possible Bahá'í educational institutions, organise and supervise their work and provide the best means for their progress and development.
They must make an effort to maintain official, regular, and frequent correspondence with the various Bahá'í centres throughout the world, report to them their activities, and share the glad-tidings they receive with all their fellow-workers in the Cause.
They must bend every effort to promote the interests of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, and hasten the day when the work of this glorious Edifice will have been consummated.
They must encourage and stimulate by every means at their command, through subscription, reports and articles, the development of the various Bahá'í Magazines, such as the "Star of the West" and the "Magazine of the Children of the Kingdom" in the United States of America, the "Bahá'í News" of India, the "Sun of the East" (Khurshíd-i-Khávar) in Turkestán, the "Star of the East" in Japan, the "Sun of Truth" in Germany.
They must undertake the arrangement of the regular meetings of the friends, the feasts and the anniversaries, as well as the special gatherings designed to serve and promote the social, intellectual and spiritual interests of their fellow-men.
They must supervise in these days when the Cause is still in its infancy all Bahá'í publications and translations, and provide in general for a dignified and accurate presentation of all Bahá'í literature and its distribution to the general public.
These rank among the most outstanding obligations of the members of every Spiritual Assembly. In whatever locality the Cause has sufficiently expanded, and in order to ensure efficiency and avoid confusion, each of these manifold functions will have to be referred to a special Committee, responsible to that Assembly, elected by it from among the friends in that locality, and upon whose work the Assembly will have to exercise constant and general supervision.
These Local Spiritual Assemblies will have to be elected directly by the friends, and every declared believer of 21 years and above, far from
standing aloof and assuming an indifferent or independent attitude, should regard it his sacred duty to take part, conscientiously and diligently, in the election, the consolidation, and the efficient working of his own Local Assembly.
Regarding the establishment of "National Assemblies", it is of vital importance that in every country, where the conditions are favourable and the number of the friends has grown and reached a considerable size, such as America, Great Britain and Germany, that a "National Spiritual Assembly" be immediately established, representative of the friends throughout that country.
Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, unify and co-ordinate, by frequent personal consultations, the manifold activities of the friends as well as the Local Assemblies; and by keeping in close and constant touch with the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct in general the affairs of the Cause in that country.
It serves also another purpose, no less essential than the first, as in the course of time it shall evolve into the National House of Justice, (referred to in `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Will as the "secondary House of Justice") which according to the explicit text of the Testament will have, in conjunction with the other National Assemblies throughout the Bahá'í world to elect directly the members of the International House of Justice, that Supreme Council that will guide, organize and unify the affairs of the Movement throughout the world.
It is expressly recorded in `Abdu'l-Bahá'í Writings that these National Assemblies must be indirectly elected by the friends; that is, the friends in every country must elect a certain number of delegates, who in their turn will elect from among all the friends in that country the members of the National Spiritual Assembly. In such countries, therefore, as America, Great Britain and Germany, a fixed number of secondary electors must first be decided upon, (95 for America, including the Pacific Islands; 95 for Germany; and 19 for Great Britain). The friends then in every locality where the number of adult declared believers exceeds nine, must directly elect its quota of secondary electors, assigned to it in direct proportion to its numerical strength.
These secondary electors, will then, either through correspondence, or preferably by gathering together, and first deliberating upon the affairs of the Cause throughout their country, (as the delegates to the Convention) then elect from among all the friends in that country nine who will be the members of the National Spiritual Assembly.
This National Spiritual Assembly, which pending the establishment of the Universal House of Justice will have to be re-elected once a year, obviously assumes grave responsibilities, for it has to exercise full authority over all the Local Assemblies in its province, and will have to direct the activities of the friends, guard vigilantly the Cause of God, and control and supervise the affairs of the Movement in general.
Vital issues, affecting the interests of the Cause in that country, such as the matter of translation and publication, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, the Teaching Work, and other similar matters that stand distinct from strictly local affairs, must be under the full jurisdiction of the National Assembly.
It will have to refer each of these questions, even as the Local Assemblies, to a special Committee, to be elected by the members of the National Spiritual Assemblies from among all the friends in that country, which will bear to it the same relation as the local committees bear to their respective Local Assemblies.
With it too rests the decision whether a certain point at issue is strictly local in its nature, and should be reserved for the consideration and decision of the Local Assembly, or whether it should fall under its own province and be regarded as a matter which ought to receive its special attention. The National Spiritual Assembly will also decide upon such matters which in its opinion should be referred to the Holy Land for consultation and decision.
With these Assemblies, local as well as national, harmoniously, vigorously, and efficiently functioning throughout the Bahá'í world, the only means for the establishment of the Supreme House of Justice will have been secured. And when this Supreme Body will have been properly established, it will have to consider afresh the whole situation, and lay down the principle which shall direct, so long as it deems advisable, the affairs of the Cause.
Pending its establishment, and to ensure uniformity throughout the East and throughout the West, all Local Assemblies will have to be re-elected once a year, during the first day of Ridvan, and the result of polling, if possible, be declared on that day.
In order to avoid division and disruption, that the Cause may not fall a prey to conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby its purity and pristine vigour, that its affairs may be conducted with efficiency and promptness, it is necessary that everyone should conscientiously take an active part in the election of these Assemblies, abide by their decision, enforce their decree, and co-operate with them whole-heartedly in their task of stimulating the growth of the Movement throughout all regions. The members of these Assemblies, on their part, must disregard utterly their own likes and dislikes, their personal interests and inclinations, and concentrate their minds upon those measures that will conduce to the welfare and happiness of the Bahá'í Community and promote the common weal.
And as the progress and extension of spiritual activities is dependent and conditioned upon material means, it is of absolute necessity that immediately after the establishment of Local as well as National Spiritual Assemblies, a Bahá'í Fund be established, to be placed under the exclusive control of the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and contributions should be offered to the Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express purpose of promoting the interests of the Cause, throughout that locality or country. It is the sacred obligation of every conscientious and faithful servant of Bahá'u'lláh, who desires to see His Cause advance, to contribute freely and generously for the increase of that Fund. The members of the Spiritual Assembly will at their own discretion expend it to promote the Teaching Campaign, to help the needy, to establish educational Bahá'í institutions, to extend in every way possible their sphere of service. I cherish the hope that all the friends, realizing the necessity of this measure, will bestir themselves and contribute, however modestly at first, towards the speedy establishment and the increase of that Fund.
The need for the centralization of authority in the National Spiritual
Assembly, and the concentration of power in the various Local Assemblies, is made manifest when we reflect that the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh is still in its age of tender growth and in a stage of transition; when we remember that the full implications and the exact significance of the Master's world-wide Instructions, as laid down in His Will are as yet not fully grasped, and the whole Movement has not sufficiently crystallized in the eyes of the world.
It is our primary task to keep the most vigilant eye on the manner and character of its growth, to combat effectively the forces of separatism and of sectarian tendencies, lest the Spirit of the Cause be obscured, its unity be threatened, its teachings suffer corruption, lest extreme orthodoxy on one hand, and irresponsible freedom on the other, cause it to deviate from that Straight Path which alone can lead it to success.
But let us be on our guard --- so the Master continually reminds us from His Station on high --- lest too much concern in that which is secondary in importance, and too long a preoccupation with the details of our affairs and activities, make us neglectful of the most essential, the most urgent of all our obligations, namely to bury our cares and teach the Cause, delivering far and wide this Message of Salvation to a sorely-stricken world.
To His valiant combatants on earth, who at times may feel disheartened, our ever-victorious Commander, `Abdu'l-Bahá, gives the following assurance:-
"O ye servants of the Sacred Threshold! The triumphant Hosts of the Celestial Concourse, arrayed and marshalled in the Realms above, stand ready and expectant to assist and assure victory to that valiant horseman who with confidence spurs on his charger into the arena of service. Well is it with that fearless warrior, who armed with the power of true Knowledge, hastens into the field, disperses the armies of ignorance, and scatters the hosts of error, who holds aloft the Standard of Divine Guidance, and sounds the Clarion of Victory. By the righteousness of the Lord! He hath achieved a glorious triumph and obtained the true victory..."
With such inspiring words as these, are we to remain any longer unmoved and inactive? His trumpet-call resounds on every side, and summons us to service; are we to tarry and hesitate? His Voice is calling aloud from every land; let us march on, undeterred and unafraid, and fulfil our glorious Destiny.
ShoghiP.S. On another page is given the list of the best known and most current Bahá'í terms, and other Oriental names and expressions, all properly and accurately transliterated, the faithful adoption of which by all the Western friends will avoid confusion in future, and insure in this matter a uniformity which is greatly needed at present in all Bahá'í literature. The full code will be duly communicated to the various National Assemblies, and the transliteration of the Oriental terms mentioned in the English letters sent out by the Haifa Spiritual Assembly will provide a correct and reliable supplement to the above-mentioned list. I feel confident that all the friends will from now on follow this system and adhere scrupulously and at all times to this code in all their writings.
The list of those Bahá'í localities in the continent of America, where the number of adult declared believers exceeds nine, with their number of secondary electors apportioned among them according to their respective numbers, taken as an illustration of the principle which should govern the election of the secondary electors in every country:-
10 New York N.Y.The quotas have been assigned on the basis of the List compiled and sent a year ago to the Holy Land. The readjustment of these quotas will have to be undertaken by the American National Spiritual Assembly before this year's annual Convention, and should be based upon a revised and up to date census.
LIST OF ORIENTAL TERMS FREQUENTLY USED IN BAHA'Ithis page requires "."s and I have attempted to generate these in a file
called "advance".AND ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY(this break only placed here to keep my pages similar to Barry's second draft set
13 March 1923The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful, throughout Australasia.
Dearly beloved brethren and sisters in `Abdu'l-Bahá!
I have been deeply touched by the welcome letter which our beloved friends, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, have sent me from that far-away land, and I am delighted to hear of the deep and widespread interest that they have awakened in the hearts of its people in the truths of this glorious Revelation. Their marvellous energy, their unwavering determination, their devoted labours to spread the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh far and wide have excited the admiration of all the resident friends in the Holy Land and have revived my hopes for the glorious future of that distant continent. I have incorporated the contents of that encouraging letter in the circular letter which is sent once every nineteen days by the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa to all the various Spiritual Assemblies throughout the East and I am confident that your news will be received by all of them with intense delight and gratitude.
May that small and rising community in Australia raise the Call of the New Day of God in the heart of that promising continent, and set aflame the hearts of its people with the Bahá'í Spirit that alone can give the world the Peace that it craves for and which no human power can ever hope to achieve.
I have also read with deep satisfaction the enclosed letters sent by my beloved Bahá'í brother & sister Mr. B. Dewing3 & Miss. Nora Lee.4
I very earnestly urge them to concentrate for the present their attention on the spread of the Movement in Australia, and do all they can to establish various Bahá'í centres in those remote regions of the globe. I sincerely and fervently pray on their behalf that they may be divinely guided and richly blessed in their efforts to consolidate the Work that has been so admirably and beautifully started in that land. Extreme pressure of work, unfortunately, prevents me from corresponding with the friends individually, but I wish to assure them one and all that in my hours of prayer and silent meditation, I remember them most tenderly and beseech on their behalf whenever I visit the Sacred Shrines, the protection and the grace of God, that they may herald the Glad-Tidings of the Kingdom to this distracted and disillusioned world.
Regarding the questions raised in our beloved Bahá'í brother, Mr. Dewing's letter, I feel that I can not add to what has already been fully and clearly stated by our Master `Abdu'l-Bahá in the book of "Some Answered Questions", where, I am sure, she will find the clue to all the perplexing questions that agitate the mind of man in his search after true knowledge. The more this Book is read with care and patience, the greater are its revelations, and the more complete the understanding of its inner truth and significance.
I am enclosing for your perusal various selections and prayers from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá, which I am sure will
stimulate you to further action and greater perseverance in your labours for His Cause.
I eagerly await your individual as well as collective letters, and am so anxious to know more of the progress of your activities, and the plans that you contemplate for the effective propagation of the Movement in that part of the world.
Assuring you again of my constant prayers for your guidance, protection and success in the field of service,
I am your devoted brother and co-worker,The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful in New South Wales, New Zealand and Victoria. Care of Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, Victoria.
Dearly beloved brethren and sisters in the Love of God!
The two letters which I have recently received from our active and devoted brother, Mr. Hyde Dunn, dated April 1st and 5th, have given me the greatest pleasure, as they indicated the growth of a deepfelt interest in the Movement, throughout those outlying regions of the earth.
How great is your privilege to labour in this Day in the Divine Vineyard! How sweet and encouraging the thought that the seeds you now scatter will soon germinate and yield an abundant harvest! It is my prayer and hope that your energy may never slacken, your faith and courage never fade, that you may advance, steadily and peacefully, and attain your heart's desire.
It is of the utmost importance that those friends whose souls have been illumined by the Light of this Divine Revelation, should if possible scatter over that vast continent, establish themselves in various localities, and from there as their permanent headquarters, travel in the vicinity and endeavour to win to this Cause the most able, the most enlightened of all men.
I shall be most happy to learn of the address of these various permanent residences, that I may immediately communicate with them
all, and do all that I can to consolidate their respective centres, and promote the work of Teaching. I would welcome also the permanent postal and telegraphic address of Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, which will enable me to keep in constant touch with the progress of the Work in that part of the world.
It is my ardent prayer that Mrs. Culbert5 will grow in understanding and power and become one of the resplendent lights in this Divine Dispensation.
I very strongly urge you, whenever possible to travel to the Islands of the South Seas, and there raise the glorious Call of the Kingdom, and attract many a soul to these heavenly Teachings. I pray at the Three Holy Shrines that the way may be made open, that obstacles may be speedily surmounted, that His promises may be fulfilled.
The Greatest Holy Leaf, whose health I am glad to announce is steadily improving, joins me in wishing you all the highest success in your noble and steadfast endeavours.
Your brother and co-worker,Miss. Margaret B. Stevenson,6 Clunie, 3 Cowie Road, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand
My dear Bahá'í sister,Your beautiful letter of April 3rd written to the beloved Guardian of
the Cause of God, our dear Shoghi Effendi was received. He was much impressed and charmed with the spirit of your letter which indicated deep devotion to and absolute dependence on the Holy Spirit of the beloved Master, `Abdu'l-Bahá.
He instructed me with a heart overflowing with love to answer your letter, conveying to you his high estimation for the beauty of the faith of the New Zealand friends and deep appreciation towards the splendid services of our dear Mr. and Mrs. Dunn who are so wonderfully blessed and assisted by the power of the Holy Ghost. He loves you all and prays for your happiness and spiritual growth.
It is true that your group is now still small, but he assures you that your group will before long grow larger and larger day by day. It has been always the case with the growth of every religion. Some pure soul or souls go to some land and sow the seeds of the heavenly teachings in the hearts of few who are most pure and so most receptive. The seeds will germinate and grow in them. The fruits of those seeds appear in the regeneration of the lives of those primary adherents. These primary adherents share the bounties they have received with other souls who through them obtain new life and light and in turn illumine other people.
The primary adherents are the stars of great magnitude in every land in the firmament of the Kingdom of God. They are the chosen people. They are like candles which, through their sacrificial efforts, are weeping their lives away in order to give light to the world and establish the purpose of their Lord and Saviour, which purpose is the salvation of mankind. Reflect upon the time of that great Saviour of mankind, His Holiness Jesus Christ! See how small the group of His disciples was! No matter how few the number of the disciples was, yet they through His power illumined the world. Our Era is similar to that, but through the development of humanity it is greater and through the evils of the material civilization and negligence of mankind our sacrifices must be greater. Divine light must make itself manifest in our daily life deeds.
In the early days of the appearance of our Saviour virtue was to save ourselves. When we are once established in our faith, then virtue is to save others. The three mottoes of education hold true in our case too.
First grow, then become and then contribute. We have developed; we have established ourselves; and now it is time to contribute to others. We have inexhaustible capital. The candles of our spiritual lives constantly weep away their lives in shedding light to the world, but they never become exhausted. For there is connection between our lives and that of Bahá'u'lláh and our beloved `Abdu'l-Bahá.
It cannot be described how much we long to see our dear New Zealand brethren and sisters. We hope the day will come when they can come to us and we to them. Meanwhile, we are praying at the Holy Threshold of our beloved Master for your success and happiness. We hope you will pray for us too. The effect of the prayers of the pure hearts is tremendously great.
Our dear Shoghi Effendi wants you not to look at your own capacity, but at the power of the Holy Ghost of God. He sends you all his loving greeting and tender affection.
With warm wishes and Bahá'í love I remain,Your humble brother in His love, `Azizu'lláh S. Bahádur.
2 December 1923 [Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand]
Fellow-labourers in the Divine Vineyard!Upon my return, after a forced and prolonged absence, to the Holy Land, it is my first and most ardent wish to renew and strengthen those ties of brotherly love and fellowship that bind our hearts together in our common servitude to His Sacred Threshold.
The two years that have elapsed since the passing of our beloved Master have been for the Cause, as well as for mankind, years of deep anxiety and strain. The momentous changes that are taking place in the history of both have proved so swift and far-reaching as to arouse in certain hearts a strange misgiving as to their stability and future.
On the one hand the remarkable revelations of the Beloved's Will and Testament so amazing in all its aspects, so emphatic in its injunctions, have challenged and perplexed the keenest minds, whilst the
ever-increasing confusion of the world, threatened as never before with disruptive forces, fierce rivalries, fresh commotions and grave disorder, have well-nigh overwhelmed the heart and damped the zeal of even the most enthusiastic believers in the destiny of mankind.
And yet, how often we seem to forget the clear and repeated warnings of our beloved Master, who in particular during the concluding years of his mission on earth, laid stress on the severe mental tests that would inevitably sweep over his loved ones of the West - tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their noble mission in life.
And as to the world's evil plight, we need but recall the writings and sayings of Bahá'u'lláh, who, more than fifty years ago, declared in terms prophetic the prime cause of the ills and sufferings of mankind, and set forth their true and divine remedy. "Should the lamp of Religion be hidden", He declared, "chaos and confusion will ensue." How admirably fitting and applicable are these words to the present state of mankind!
Ours then is the duty and privilege to labour, by day, by night, amidst the storm and stress of these troublous days, that we may quicken the zeal of our fellow-man, rekindle their hopes, stimulate their interests, open their eyes to the true Faith of God and enlist their active support in the carrying out of our common task for the peace and regeneration of the world.
Let us take heart and be thankful to our beloved `Abdu'l-Bahá, as we remember his manifold blessings and unfailing care and protection, ever since the hour of his departure from our midst. The flames of sedition, so maliciously kindled in the past by those who have dared to flout his will, are gone forever, and the fondest hopes of these evil plotters are now abandoned, doomed never to revive. He has indeed redeemed his promise!
It seemed not a long time ago that their agitation, so violently renewed immediately after the passing of our Beloved, would for a time confuse the Divine Message of Bahá'u'lláh, obscure His Covenant, retard the progress of His Cause, and shatter its unity; and yet how well we see them all today, not through our efforts, but by their own folly, and above all, by the intervention of the hidden hand of God, reduced to the vilest and most humiliating position.
And now, with the Cause purified and inwardly victorious, Its principles vindicated, Its enemies silenced and sunk in unspeakable misery, may we not, henceforth, direct all our efforts to collective action and constructive achievement; and in utter disregard of the flickerings of their fast-fading light, arise to carry out those urgent measures that will secure the outward and complete triumph of the Cause?
I for my part, as I look back on the unfortunate circumstances of ill-health and physical exhaustion that have attended the opening years of my career of service to the Cause, feel hardly gratified, and would be truly despondent but for the sustaining memory and inspiring example of the diligent and ceaseless efforts which my fellow-workers the world over have displayed during these two trying years in the service of the Cause.
I cherish the hope that, from now on the Beloved may bestow upon me all the strength and vigour that will enable me to pursue over a long and unbroken period of strenuous labour the supreme task of achieving, in collaboration with the friends in every land, the speedy triumph of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. This is the prayer I earnestly request all my fellow brethren and sisters in the Faith to offer on my behalf.
Let us pray to God that in these days of world encircling gloom, when the dark forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy and reaction are threatening the very stability of human society, when the precious fruits of civilisation are undergoing severe and unparalleled tests, we may all realise more profoundly than ever, that though but a mere handful amidst the seething masses of the world, are in this day the chosen instruments of God's Grace, that our Mission is most urgent and vital to the fate of humanity and, fortified by these sentiments, arise to achieve God's holy purpose for mankind.
Your brother in His service, ShoghiFor my beloved brethren and sisters in Australia and New Zealand - Shoghi
1924The dearly-beloved ones of `Abdu'l-Bahá throughout Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, and the adjoining islands of the Pacific.
Friends and heralds of the Kingdom of Bahá'u'lláh!
A fresh breeze, laden with the perfume of your love and devotion to our beloved Cause, was wafted again from your distant southern shores to the Holy Land, and has served to remind us one and all of that unquenchable spirit of service and self-sacrifice which the passing of our Beloved has in these days kindled in almost every corner of the world. The letters now and then received from those faithful untiring pioneers of the Cause of God Mr. and Mrs. H. Dunn, are in themselves not only a convincing testimony of the ever-advancing Faith of God, proclaimed by Bahá'u'lláh, but set as well a magnificent example to those who yearn and endeavour to further His Cause and adhere faithfully to `Abdu'l-Bahá'í last instructions.
The progress of your labours, however modest and inconspicuous at first, the world and all the forces therein can never resist; and the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh working so amazingly through every one of you the changes and chances of this distracted world can never quench. You are assuredly of those few, yet highly favoured, harbingers of the new Day of God, towards the establishment of which the world in its distress and turmoil is fastly, though unconsciously, moving on, and the full triumph of which, if it be His Will and Desire, I trust, you will all witness.
I pray that your meeting and collaboration with our beloved Martha Root, that admirable and zealous disciple of `Abdu'l-Bahá, will stimulate and advance your work, fortify your spirit, and reinforce your endeavours to penetrate fields, hitherto unexplored, wherein you may achieve signal victories. My ardent prayer at His sacred Shrine is that your vision of so great and precious a Cause may never grow dim, that your convictions may never falter, that you may continue, steadfast, radiant and undaunted, your task so nobly begun, and achieve in the fullness of time its destined and glorious consummation.
In this prayer join me the bereaved Ladies of the holy household whose eyes are turned tenderly and expectant towards you, seeking and finding in every one of you the alleviation of their grief at the Beloved's sudden departure, and the hope for the triumph of a Cause for which He laboured and gave His life. That you will guard His trust and achieve His victory, we are firmly convinced, and together with this expression of our confidence and firm belief may we convey to you all a measure of our undying love and deep affection.
Your devoted brother in His service, ShoghiMiss. Martha Root, C/o American Consul, Sydney, Australia.
My dear Bahá'í sister, Martha,Your interesting letter of Sept. 10th written to our dear Shoghi Effendi arrived yesterday and gladdened his dear heart. He appreciates very highly your sacrificial efforts in spreading the divine teachings in those distant countries and prays for your success very affectionately.
Today he instructed me to write a few words and inform you of the receipt of your letter and assure you of his great love for you. As to the plan of your future journeys he wishes you to follow the dictates of your pure heart. Depend entirely on the guidance of our Beloved, `Abdu'l-Bahá who will guide you whether to travel alone or with sister Effie Baker.7Shoghi Effendi prays for her confirmation too.
He is very glad to hear that our brother Mr. Dewy8 is wonderfully confirmed in the realisation of his high aspirations in service to the Cause of God. He especially prays at the Holy Shrines for his success and wishes you to convey to him his affectionate Bahá'í greeting.
Shoghi Effendi also instructed me to send twenty pounds to you through our brother Roy.9 This is meant as a little contribution towards your comfort in travelling.
The G.H. Leaf and the other members of the Holy Family are sending you their tender love and assure you of their loving prayers for you too.
Your humble brother in service to our Beloved, `Abdu'l-Bahá and our dear Guardian, `Azizu'lláh
26 December 1924 [Effie Baker]I wish to thank you for your kind letter to our dear Shoghi Effendi, and desire to assure you of his great pleasure to see you here in Haifa, the Holy Land not only for Jews & Christians but for Bahá'ís also.
We all hope that you will have a pleasant journey from Australia, and will soon find yourself in the warmer country of Palestine. Shoghi Effendi feels that your field of service is very wide in Australia and hopes & prays that you will succeed not only in living a true Bahá'í life but also in attracting new souls to the great message of God.
The family of the Master all join me in the utmost love to the friends there and especially to your own dear self,
Yours in His Service, Soheil.Just a word to assure you personally of my unceasing prayers for your welfare & the success of your glorious efforts for the spread of the Cause. Persevere in teaching, work unceasingly & the victory will be yours.
Your true brother, Shoghi.To the beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, North Adelaide, Auckland and Hobart. Care of the dearly beloved servants of God, Mr. and Mrs. H. Dunn, Melbourne, Australia.
My dearly beloved brothers and sisters in `Abdu'l-Bahá!
The fragrant messages of love, of loyalty and hope that have reached me from that most promising land have filled my heart with gladness and have greatly encouraged me in my work. All praise to that magnificent spirit of fidelity and devotion which your indefatigable spiritual parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Dunn have displayed for the propagation and the consolidation of the Bahá'í Faith in those remote corners of the earth! Their memorable services are graven upon my heart and stand as a remarkable testimony of the undiminished potency of the creative power of Bahá'u'lláh. The marvellous accounts that have reached us of the progress of this mighty Cause in Australia and New Zealand have stirred deeply the hearts of the resident friends in the Holy Land and have been broadcasted throughout the East, so that the harassed and long-suffering friends in Persia may be relieved and comforted by the story of such wondrous triumphs in that far-away continent.
Surely the hidden hand of God is directing you, His Spirit is inspiring you and the power of His Word reinforcing every effort you make for the advancement of His Cause. We all feel that the promised glories of this Divine Dispensation will ere long unfold in that remote corner of the globe and reflect its radiance on the surrounding regions and fill the friends the world over with renewed enthusiasm and hope.
I hope and pray that the members of the newly established Local Spiritual Assemblies, whenever formed in any given locality, will initiate, each group within its own province, a well-conceived campaign of Teaching, and will do its utmost to protect the interests and extend the sphere of the Cause. Should circumstances be favourable and the friends after consultation find it feasible and practicable, I would advise you to undertake in the days of Ridvan (April 21-May 2) the election of the National Spiritual Assembly of Australia and New Zealand. I am enclosing a copy of my general letter to the West which will assist you in the conduct of the affairs of the Local and National Assemblies. What is however of paramount importance in these days is the advancement, by every means at our disposal, of the work of teaching that we may be able to add to our number such souls as would give their unreserved allegiance to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh and consecrate their lives to His service.
The first party of Bahá'í pilgrims from Australia and New Zealand have safely arrived and we pray that they will return to their respective fields of labour with fresh enthusiasm and renewed vigour, determined to do their utmost for the spread and ultimate triumph of our beloved Cause.
I assure you of my love, my keen interest in your work, my steadfast prayers for your welfare and success,
Your true brother, Shoghi"Belmont", Clarendon St., East Melbourne, Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Brother & Sister,Shoghi Effendi has asked me to reply to your letters of 19th and 29th Jan., and I also owe you a letter on my own account, and it is with great pleasure that I take my pen in hand to write to you.
We had a delightful visit, lasting three weeks, from the three Blundells,10 Margaret Stevenson and Effie Baker, whom the Holy Family and the friends here came to love very much. They are very sincere and selfless souls. We hope you have many more such in the various groups you have founded. Few things have contributed more to Shoghi Effendi's happiness during the last year or two than the progress of the Cause in Australasia, thanks to your tireless and selfless efforts. We all hope that what has been accomplished up till now may be but a foretaste of much greater progress in the future when those you have been training & teaching become themselves active workers.
Martha Root is still here and will remain a few days longer. She is working hard at the study of Esperanto in order to equip herself still better for her teaching and travelling work. When she leaves here she will go to Egypt for about a fortnight, then on to Europe where Geneva will probably be her headquarters for 3 or 4 months. Then she expects to go to England and other parts of Europe. I wish we had many such workers as she.
We were delighted to hear about the success of your work in Adelaide and the founding of the Assemblies there - especially that your business manager and his wife and children have become so deeply interested.11
Shoghi Effendi has already replied to your questions about a National Spiritual Assembly for Australasia in his general letter to the believers there.
We hope that it will soon be possible to start Assemblies in Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane, and other centres.
By the way, if you ever visit Ararat, Victoria, be sure to call on Mrs. Edward Gray, High St. She was my Sunday School teacher when I was a youngster and we have always kept up friendly relations, which were renewed when I spent a year in Ararat as Med. Supt. of the hospital there. At that time I was not a Bahá'í, but Mrs Gray has since read my book on the Cause and is considerably interested. I am sure she would be delighted to meet you. Her husband is a commercial traveller and she has three grown-up children.
We hope and pray that the way may be opened up for you to visit Brisbane this year, and to revisit all the centres where you have already sown the seed, in order to water the seedlings that have taken root and to sow fresh good seed in the prepared ground.
We hope and pray too that the Australasian pilgrims who have just been here may return from the Holy Shrines and from their travels with a fresh baptism of the Spirit and with hearts aflame with the love of God, ready to continue their work for the Cause with greater enthusiasm, wisdom and power.
Shoghi Effendi entirely approves of your suggestion regarding "An International Song of Love" and hopes you will be confirmed in having it perfected and set to suitable music. There is one phrase in the suggested text that I think had better be altered or omitted viz: "not by force - happiness and force are impossible". It is true of course that when love reigns in all hearts violence becomes unnecessary, but the sentence as it stands does not appear to me to be well-worded. Both happiness and force are not only possible but existent, and have co-existed in the world since the dawn of history, and the Bahá'í teachings admit that in past ages and even at the present time Love and Justice have had to make use of force - Christ drove the money changers from the Temple with a scourge. Both Moses and Muhammad resorted to military measures and various forms of punishment and Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá both teach that under certain circumstances the use of force in the interests of justice is not only permissible but incumbent - in order to prevent unjust aggression.
With this slight exception the words you have chosen seem to me admirable.
I am afraid I did not acknowledge the receipt of your last letter enclosing money-order for the last lot of books you ordered from me, but I got it all right about a month ago. Since then I have had about 3 weeks in bed owing to an attack of pleurisy, from which I am now convalescing. I was in hospital most of the time the New Zealand and Australian friends were here and so did not see as much of them as I should have liked.
Mount Carmel is looking its best now, adorned with the Spring foliage and flowers. The gardens at the Shrines of the Báb and the Beloved Master are very beautiful. Shoghi Effendi has taken a great personal interest in the laying out and planting of these gardens which are said to be the most beautiful in Palestine.
We all hope that some time Mrs Dunn & you may be able to make a pilgrimage to Haifa and I hope that sometime our Beloved Guardian may be able to visit the Bahá'í Centres in Australasia. I should love to revisit Australia myself and meet the friends there. God willing, that too may come to pass sometime. Shoghi Effendi has most kindly invited me to make this my headquarters for the next few months. I may go to Europe for about 3 months in Summer, to escape the hot season here, but shall probably return here for next winter to continue my Persian studies, translation work and giving Shoghi Effendi some help in his correspondence.
With warmest love and heart-felt prayers for God's richest blessings on your life and work, in which Shoghi Effendi and all the Holy Family, Martha Root and all the friends here join,
Your brother in the Master's service J.E. Esslemont.
My most precious, my dearly-beloved friends!It is always an indescribable joy to receive your letters & learn of the marvellous progress of your work, your cherished names are graven in letters of gold upon my heart & the memory of your unremitting and selfless labours is an inspiration to me in the discharge of my manifold & arduous duties. Your exemplary devotion, your unrivalled services are being abundantly rewarded by `Abdu'l-Bahá & He who loves you & guides you will surely bless you even more richly than before. We have witnessed with profound admiration and the deepest emotion the remarkable results of your self-sacrificing labours and have been refreshed & encouraged by meeting the first fruits of your splendid efforts - the beloved pilgrims from Australia & New Zealand. We have all remembered you in our prayers & we trust their return will add a fresh impetus to the memorable work you are doing in those remote corners of the globe. I assure you of my profound affection, my ardent prayers for you both & my heartfelt gratitude & appreciation, Shoghi
19 April 1925Major Norman Macleod, Army Headquarters, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Australia.12
Dear Bahá'í Brother,Shoghi Effendi was very pleased to receive your letter of 11th March and to hear that you had become a Bahá'í through the instrumentality of Martha Root. Martha Root has just been here and stayed fully a month in Haifa. She has now gone forth again fired with fresh enthusiasm to resume her splendid work for the Cause. She is now in Cairo, but on 1st May will leave for Europe. After consultation with Shoghi Effendi, her provisional plan is to spend the next year or two in Europe, where teachers such as she are greatly needed. She will probably spend 3 or 4 months in Geneva and then to on to England, then to other European countries, including Russia, if circumstances permit.
With regard to your question about the "White Australia" policy, it is clear that this policy of rigid exclusion of coloured Asiatic races from Australia finds no justification in the Bahá'í Teachings.
Bahá'u'lláh and `Abdu'l-Bahá taught in the clearest possible way the necessity of getting rid of all racial and national prejudices and of equal justice for men of all races and colours. That a white race should forcibly annex a country previously inhabited exclusively by coloured people and then proceed to forbid the admission of coloured people to that country - especially a country so large as Australia, many parts of which are obviously better suited for coloured races than for white people - is clearly unjust.
At the same time there is undoubtedly truth in the contention that if, in a country where a reasonably high standard of living, of culture, etc., has been attained, people accustomed to a lower standard of life and culture are freely admitted, and allowed unrestricted rights of commercial and industrial competition, the standard of living and culture in that country is bound to suffer.
Even if we got rid of racial and colour prejudice, this economic and cultured problem would remain. The Bahá'í method of solving the problem is to educate both the white and coloured races in the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh. The white races must cease to regard themselves as "superior" and as having, by virtue of that innate superiority a right to exploit, take unfair advantage of and even to exterminate coloured races, on the principle of the "survival of the fittest". They must cease to regard the colour of a man's skin as a legitimate index of his "superiority" or "inferiority" and must recognise that a good coloured man (of whom there are many) is better than a bad white man (of whom there are also many). They must adopt a policy of even-handed justice for white and coloured people and recognise that coloured and white people have equally the right to live and to have access to suitable land on which to live. If there are certain parts of the world which by reason of climate are more suited to coloured people than to white, then coloured people ought to have preference in rights of access to such land, if white people have preferential rights in cooler regions, more suited to their health and well-being.
The "backward" races must be educated and their standard of living and culture be raised as much as possible, their latent talents being developed to the fullest possible extent. If this is done their objectionable characteristics will disappear.
The so-called "advanced" races however, are by no means free from objectionable characteristics, such as commercial greed, love of domination, materialistic conceptions, want of spirituality. By true education and true religion these also must be got rid of.
When both the "backward" and the "advanced" races become educated in this way, then such questions as the admission of coloured races to Australian territories will no longer be settled by certain people who have seized such territory dictating to the rest of the world who shall be allowed admission to it, but by an impartial international tribunal in which all sections of the human race shall be fairly represented and which will consider the pressure of population in various regions, the suitability of various regions for the habitation of different peoples, etc., and decide what is best in the interests of humanity as a whole.
For the satisfactory solution of any one such question we need the progressive application of all the Bahá'í principles. For instance in this case it is clear that racial and national prejudices must be abolished, that universal education is necessary, that a universal league of nations must have an authority superseding that of any one nation, that impartial arbitration must be substituted for domination by powers which are backed by strong armies and navies, that an international language is needed to promote international understanding, that materialism and selfish greed must be replaced by true religion and mutual love, and so on.
The ideals of the Oneness of God, the oneness of religion and the oneness of humanity must be instilled into the minds of the children throughout the world, and when a generation grows up thoroughly imbued with these great ideals, the solution of the economic and political problems that now cause so much misery, strife and even blood-shed in the world will become easy.
Meantime in political and economic matters, compromise is necessary but we must use our influence to see that the compromise is ever being modified and advanced in the direction of justice for all - not in the direction of the exclusive advantage of one section of the world's population over others.
We are delighted to hear of the growth of the Bahá'í Group in Melbourne. In the growth of the Bahá'í movement, it seems to me, lies the hope of the world for the solution of all the problems that now vex and trouble it. It is very encouraging to note not only the steady increase in the number and size of our Bahá'í groups, but the steady trend of public opinion throughout the world towards acceptance of the great fundamental principles laid down sixty years ago by Bahá'u'lláh. There are backward eddies in the current, of course, and this "White Australia" policy seems to me to be one of them, but on the whole the progress of Bahá'í principles seems to me to be amazing during the last half-century and this to me is one of the clearest proofs of the true prophethood of Bahá'u'lláh.
From your name I presume that either you or your parents hail from the same side of the Tweed as myself. My native town is Aberdeen. The name of Norman MacLeod was a highly honoured one in Scotland in my childhood's days and is still. Are you a near relative of the great Presbyterian Divine we used to hear so much about?
Shoghi Effendi is looking forward to meeting Rev. D. Millar of Melbourne. We had a delightful visit from Effie Baker of Melbourne and four New Zealand friends. They spent about 3 weeks here and then went on to England.
Shoghi Effendi and the friends here join in warmest regards and best wishes to yourself and all the friends in Melbourne especially to Mr. and Mrs. Dunn, who are doing such fine work for the advancement of the Cause.
Your brother in the Master's service, J.E. Esslemont.
8 May 1925 [Sarah Blundell]Shoghi Effendi was very pleased to receive this morning your letter of 28th April, but we were very sorry to hear you have been ill and hope your health will soon be completely restored. it was nice that you saw Shoghi's sister and Soheil's brother in London.
I forget whether I gave you the address of Mr and Mrs King, c/o Messrs Hayman and King, 202 Old Christchurch Rd. Bournemouth. They are very kind-hearted Bahá'ís and will be delighted to see any of you if you call. Both of them work in the business and you are most likely to see them if you call there. They live above the shop.
I gave you Sister Challis's13 address at West Moors (Ferndown Lodge). You can get there by 'bus from Bournemouth Sq. or Lansdowne, which will drop you right at Sister Challis's door (She keeps a nursing home) or you can go by train from West Bournemouth to West Moors station which is within 5 minutes' walk of Ferndown Lodge. I hope you will be able to see her.
As I write, the Greatest Holy Leaf is on a visit to the Shrine of the Master. It is over a year, I think, since she has been able to visit the Shrine and until now she has not seen the new Gardens, in the laying out of which Shoghi Effendi has taken such a deep interest. The Gardens are looking lovely now and it is easy to imagine how delighted she will be. One day during the feast of Ridvan she and the Holy Mother were able to visit Bahjí and the Garden of Ridvan.
I have quite recovered from my pleurisy now and am steadily regaining my strength.
Shoghi Effendi is still tired. I hope he will soon be able to take a rest.
All the friends here join in loving greetings and best wishes to yourself, your son and daughter, Miss Stevenson and Effie Baker. With warmest greetings.
Your brother in the service of the Beloved, J.E. Esslemont
My dear precious sister in `Abdu'l-Bahá:I was so glad to hear from you directly and learn of your improved health and meeting with the English Bahá'ís. I need not assure you of my ardent prayers for your happiness, good health and continued success in the service of the Cause. I hope and pray you will be enabled by the guiding spirit of the Master not only to stimulate the interest of your friends and relations in this Cause but to make of some of them earnest and whole-hearted believers and supporters of the Faith. Shoghi
9 May 1925 [Margaret Stevenson]The Greatest Holy Leaf and Shoghi Effendi have asked me to answer on their behalf your kind letters of Apr. 2nd from Port Said and April 14th from London.
We were sorry to hear that Mrs Blundell got a chill on the steamer and was laid up for a few days after her arrival in London. We hope that by this time she is all right again. We had a note from her from Bournemouth.
You will be glad to hear that the Greatest Holy Leaf and the Holy Mother were able to motor to Bahjí and Ridvan one day during the Feast of Ridvan, and that yesterday the Greatest Holy Leaf motored to the Shrine of `Abdu'l-Bahá and saw the new Gardens in which Shoghi Effendi has been taking so much interest.
Yesterday a Dutchman arrived here from Port Said, the first Dutch Bahá'í, so far as we know. He has been a sincere and earnest truth-seeker for years. About 9 months ago he left his home at the Hague and walked on foot through Belgium, France and Italy. Then he felt some inward urge to go to Egypt, and travelled thither by a Dutch Cargo Steamer. When the steamer arrived at Port Said Mahmood Effendi, one of the Port Said Bahá'ís came on board and was introduced to Mesdag (the Dutchman). They struck up a friendship at once and after 2 days Mesdag went to live in Mahmood's house. There he met Martha Root, Mr Schopflocher14 and various other Bahá'ís, read my book and became thoroughly interested and seems now already a firm believer. He has already, since his arrival yesterday morning, translated our 8-page folder into Dutch and we hope he will be able to do much to make the Cause known in Holland and win adherents there.
I have quite recovered from my pleurisy now and am feeling almost as vigorous as before the attack. `Azizu'lláh Bahádur is now in Stuttgart. There is as yet no improvement in his hand, but he is having skilled treatment now and we hope it will be successful. He seems to be having a very happy time with the German friends.
Shoghi Effendi is much in need of rest, but fairly well. He and all the members of the Holy Family join in loving greetings and heartfelt prayers for your welfare. We hope you will have a fine time in England and return to New Zealand refreshed and reinvigorated physically and spiritually to take up your work for the Kingdom there with new enthusiasm and devotion. We pray that you may always be guided and strengthened by the Divine Confirmations.
With love also to Effie Baker and all the other friends,
Your brother in the service of the Beloved, J.E. Esslemont.
My precious Bahá'í sister:-I wish to assure you personally of my appreciation of your devotion to the Cause, and your earnest efforts to promote it as well as my fervent prayers for your spiritual advancement, success and happiness. I will always remember you most tenderly in my hours of visit at the three Holy Shrines and beseech for you and the New Zealand friends the blessings of our loving and almighty Master,
Your true brother, ShoghiMr Bertram Dewing, 5, Aldred Road, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.
Alláh-u-Abha!Shoghi Effendi has asked me to reply to your kind letter of 11th April. He is delighted to hear that you propose starting a Bahá'í Magazine for Australia and New Zealand and suggests as a suitable title "The Herald of the South". Every 19 days a letter will be sent from Haifa to Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn giving the news of the Cause. Owing to the restricted facilities for multiplying copies which are at present available here, I fear it will not be possible to send another copy to you, but doubtless you can arrange with Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn to have their copy passed on to you for the magazine. We are glad to hear that notwithstanding the absence of the Blundells and Margaret Stevenson the friends in New Zealand are remaining united and active. We hope that when the pilgrims return the faith and enthusiasm of the believers will be greatly deepened and strengthened and that many new believers may be attracted. I had a long letter from Effie Baker yesterday. She is very devoted and whole-hearted and will be a valuable worker for the Cause, I think, and a great help to Father and Mother Dunn. When she wrote, Margaret Stevenson had gone to Scotland and Mrs. and Miss Blundell were in Bournemouth. Effie Baker hopes to make a return visit to Haifa on her way back to Australia.
Shoghi Effendi assures you of his prayers on behalf of your mother, yourself and all the Australasian friends and his hopes that the proposed magazine may greatly help the spread of the Glad Tidings in Australia and New Zealand.
With warmest greetings and best wishes,Yours sincerely in the Master's service, J.E.Esslemont
My dear fellow-worker,Your charming letter truly gladdened my heart. I will follow the development of your magazine with keen interest and assure you of my desire to help and promote its interests to the fullest possible extent. I am enclosing two photographs of the Shrine and gardens recently laid out in the close neighbourhood of the Shrines of the Báb and `Abdu'l-Bahá. I assure you of my love, appreciation and fervent prayers, Shoghi
28 May 1925 [Margaret Stevenson]Shoghi Effendi asks me to thank you on his behalf for your letter of 14th May. He received the letter of Mrs Amy Thornton15 all right. I remember answering it for him some weeks ago, so you can set your mind at rest on that score.
The recovery of your Bahá'í ring and stones was very remarkable. It reminds me of a somewhat similar occurrence in Bournemouth. One of our Bahá'í friends had her Bahá'í ring stolen, and nothing was heard or seen of it for some months. Mr King, another of our group, has an antique shop in Bournemouth and one day his partner (a non-Bahá'í) bought a ring from a man who said it was his wife's, but as they had become very badly off she wanted to sell it. When Mr King saw the ring he recognised it as a Bahá'í ring and knowing that this friend had lost her ring, he sent it to me. It turned out to be her ring and she was delighted to recover it. The curious thing is that out of dozens of jewellers and antique shops in Bournemouth to which the ring might have been taken for sale, it should be taken to the one where there was a Bahá'í who recognised it.
I hope that before you leave Scotland you may be able to go to Aberdeen and see my home people. They would be delighted to see you. My father's address is Fairford, Cults, (about 3 miles from Aberdeen, by car or train). He is 86 years of age and rather frail. My sister looks after him. My two married brothers are Peter Esslemont, 21, Louisville Avenue and W.D.E., 12 Wellbrae Terr. Mannofield. Both of their houses are near the Mannofield Car Line.
We were very glad to hear of your meetings with the friends of London and West Moors.
Many thanks for your letter to myself and the excellent snapshots enclosed. I am glad you have fallen in love with Sister Challis and hope you will see her again before you leave. I had a delightful letter yesterday from Miss Kilford of West Moors, whom I regard as a Bahá'í grand-daughter, as she was brought into the Cause by Sister Challis who calls me her Bahá'í father!
We hope Shoghi Effendi will get away soon for a much needed rest. The Greatest Holy Leaf was rather seriously ill all last week, but is a good deal better again, although very feeble and frail.
I have been advised by the Drs to leave Haifa for the summer months, as my breathing has lately been troublesome and they think the moist heat during the summer here would be bad for me. On the same day on which this decision was arrived at, I received a cordial invitation to go to a place in the Black Forest for my summer vacation. The Drs considered this place would be ideal for me and that the sooner I got away the better, so I leave in 3 days time. My address will be c/o Frau Victoria von Sigsfeld, Hüsli Finsterlingen, bei St Blaisien, Baden, Germany. I hope to return to Haifa in the latter part of Sept. to resume my work here.
Shoghi Effendi, the members of the Holy Household and the friends here join in loving greetings and best wishes,
Your brother in the service of the Beloved, J.E. Esslemont
Mrs Schopflocher16 arrived here last night after a very successful tour in Russia, Persia and Iraq.
My dear co-worker:I was very glad indeed to learn about your experiences and visit to the friends and your firm determination to labour unceasingly in the Divine Vineyard. I will continue to pray for you that all your relatives and friends may recognise and be illumined with the resplendent light of this Divine Revelation. Never get disheartened and trust me ever, Your affectionate grateful and true brother in the service of the Cause, Shoghi
15 June 1925 [Clara and Hyde Dunn]I thank you very much indeed for your most affectionate letter of May 10th to our dear Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. He appreciates your loving sentiments immensely and feels certain that your deep-seated and almost passionate faith and enthusiasm will leave an everlasting influence upon the spiritual reawakening of Australia.
Already the fruit of your works in the person of our beloved and devoted sister whom we were so glad to welcome in Haifa, speak eloquently of the diligent and heroic pioneer work in that vast continent, yet we await expectantly the day when Australia & New Zealand through your selfless endeavours will establish itself as another Bahá'í stronghold and will raise with hands more puissant the glorious torch that first shed light from the little towns of a helpless Persia.
Shoghi Effendi thanks you and the friends in Australasia for the respective contributions which have been sent for the famine-stricken friends in Persia. Though small these contributions make still firmer the belief that the spirit our beloved Master infused into the world is working in every heart and is bringing about that unity, that international brotherhood, which was the aspiration of His soul.
In assuring you again of our Guardian's deep love & prayers and of his whole-hearted admiration & appreciation of the glorious work you have already done and are still doing in Australia, may I also extend to you the love & heartfelt greetings of every member of the family.
Our Guardian has decided to take a rest for a short time, and although he finds it hard to leave a work wherein his heart lies, physical fatigue necessitates a rest.
With all good wishes, Yours ever in his service, Soheil
My most precious unforgettable fellow-workers:The sweet savours of your most welcome letter refresh my soul & ease the burden that weighs often heavily upon me. You are always close to my heart, ever the object of my prayers & my constant companions in spirit. I am delighted to learn of your intention to form next year a Bahá'í Convention & the first National Spiritual Assembly of Australasia. Accept my best wishes & the assurance of my continued & ardent prayers & of my keen desire to help & serve you in any way I can. Your services, your indefatigable efforts & exemplary achievements are graven upon my heart, Shoghi
3 November 1925 [Hyde Dunn]BAGDAD COURT OF APPEAL DECIDED AGAINST US REGARDING OWNERSHIP BAHAULLAHS HOUSE URGE EVERY ASSEMBLY IN AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND COMMUNICATE BY CABLE AND LETTER WITH IRAQ HIGH COMMISSIONER ENTREATING ACTION TO ENFORCE JUSTICE REGARDING HOUSES - SHOGHI
5 December 1925 [Bertram Dewing]I have just heard the welcome news of the publication of the first issue of the Bahá'í Journal, recently established by the friends of Australia and New Zealand. I rejoice in this new and notable Bahá'í enterprise, particularly as it is undertaken by my dearly-beloved and self-sacrificing brothers and sisters in a land which holds so great a promise for the future.
I have followed the progress of the activities of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand with keen interest and ever-increasing confidence, and with a deep sense of pride and gratitude. I most heartily welcome this newly-added link in the chain of the many services, so lovingly and spontaneously rendered by the pioneers of the Cause in these lands. I assure you of my steadfast prayers for the speedy expansion and consolidation of this youngest of all Bahá'í Magazines, and of my earnest endeavour to enable it attain a high standard worthy of the bearer of such a noble message.
It should be the object and purpose of its author and publisher to open its pages to the consideration and review of matters that are strictly Bahá'í in character as well as to the treatment of topics of a humanitarian, ethical and religious nature; that its readers, while witnessing to the liberal and broad-minded attitude of the Bahá'í Cause, may receive from it their full share of inspiration which only a clear and direct statement of the Divine Message can impart.
Go forth, on thy noble errand, O thou "Herald of the South". Join thy voice, however feeble, to those of thy sister-journals who, in various parts of the world, are raising with one accord the call of this new Day of God. Persevere in thy labours, endeavour to reach every circle and every home, that the light thou bearest, may, in the fullness of time illuminate with its healing rays the uttermost corners of that distant and troubled continent.
Your well-wisher, Shoghi.Our Guardian has been very pleased to receive your letter of Nov. 14th and to read the copy of your splendid letter of appeal to the British High Commissioner in 'Iráq. We trust that justice will at last win out and the houses that are so sacred and dear to every Bahá'í will be restored to its Bahá'í caretakers.
Shoghi Effendi was very sad to know that your dear wife had been unwell due to heart attacks. He prays from all his heart that our gracious Master may bless her with full health and may restore her to active service in the glorious field she has chosen. The Cause in Australia is yet sorely in need of its selfless pioneer workers Father and Mother Dunn. It is their devotion and love that has so soon affected all & every one who has come in touch with them, and it is the Spirit of the Almighty that through them has shown earnest and zealous seekers the path of guidance and of righteous life. Their names will be engraved in the heart of all those who now & in the years to come will choose to follow the standard of Bahá'u'lláh and to fight through the might of His heavenly teachings the sore afflictions of mankind.
Miss Effie Baker is in good health and still with us. The family are all well and send you, your family & dear friends their heartfelt love & greetings. I am sure the friends have been much grieved in the sudden loss of our dear brother Dr. Esslemont. And yet he is now at the feet of his Beloved with no pain & with no sorrow.
With best wishes, Yours in His service, SoheilYour past & present endeavours are indelibly engraved upon my heart. I rejoice to learn of the expansion & consolidation of your pioneer services to the Cause, I assure you of my continued prayers for your happiness, good health & success. I am sending you various enclosures which I trust will aid you & assist you in your work,
Your true brother, ShoghiI wish to assure you in person of my fervent prayers for the recovery of dear Mother Dunn to whom I am eternally grateful and whom I love so dearly.
30 December 1925 [Amy Dewing]17I am so sorry to have had to delay my answer to your welcome letter of Sept. 3rd for such a very long time. In fact it was not that I delayed but was unable as I received your letter only a short while ago. All during the summer that I was away from Haifa privileged to be with Shoghi Effendi while he was taking a rest, the mail was sent over to us except your letter which through inadvertence was kept until my return. It is for having not yet written since my return last October that I must beg your kind forgiveness.
I am so sorry that the answer to your mail did not reach you as I knew Shoghi Effendi did answer.
You had asked in connection with the subject of prohibition. Of course in every country one must take into consideration the exact conditions as to whether by force of legislation people can be stopped from drinking, but as a principle the Bahá'í Teachings are quite against drinking, intoxicating liquors and from the Bahá'í point of view every thing that helps to stop drinking is welcomed.
As to the Scout movement, they afford a great disciplinary lesson to the young boys and girls provided they are not prepared directly for the army. In some towns here we have in some of the schools Scout troops who are also students of the colleges and it was proved to be a great educational scheme for helping the development of the children but they are never taught to carry arms or even the use of firearms. And furthermore they are often taught the evils of war rather than encourage them to become in future active soldiers with imperialistic designs. This of course is my own personal view. I am so glad to know that your children are taking a more active interest in the Cause and Shoghi Effendi trusts that they will in future be able to render great services to our dear Cause.
The copies of the Herald of the South which you sent me I was glad to look over & Shoghi Effendi has been glad to see them. He wrote a letter for it sometime ago & I believe you have received it by now.
The family join me in loving greetings to yourself & dear children for the New Year.
Yours in His service, SoheilBahá'ís of New Zealand. Stevenson, 3 Cowie Road, Parnell, Auckland.
LOVING APPRECIATIONYour letter to Shoghi Effendi and the enclosed one to Ruhi with the postal order for £10 have been received and read with keen interest and pleasure.
We are all very happy to know that you have had such a pleasant journey back home and that you had the opportunity of delivering the message on so many occasions. We hope and pray that the seed you have sown has fallen on fertile soil and that in time it will grow and bear abundant fruit.
We hope that now through your sustained zeal and effort new life will be infused into your small Bahá'í group, and that it will in the near future grow sufficiently in number to enable you to form an Assembly the first to be established in that land. We shall all pray at the Holy Threshold for your guidance and the success of your work.
The Greatest Holy Leaf and the Holy Mother remember you well, and they and the other members of the family send their loving greetings to you.
You will be interested to know that the new pilgrim house is being completed, and it will be all ready in a month's time for the new pilgrims that will come.
We still have our dear sister Effie Baker with us, and we all love her so, she is so sweet and helpful.
We have just now two American lady friends with us, Auntie Victoria Bedekian18 and Mrs R. Kehler19 - very fine Bahá'ís they are and we are expecting some more soon.
I always remember the happy day I spent with you and Effie in London and shall look forward to the pleasure of meeting you again some day - perhaps here in Haifa or in New Zealand, who knows?
I am back at home now for the present, and am trying to help Shoghi Effendi a little in his enormous task.
He is keeping in good health I am glad to say in spite of his many activities and heavy and manifold responsibilities.
To you he sends his brotherly love and the assurance of his prayers for your welfare and happiness.
With all good wishes and loving greetings,I cannot but add a few words personally expressing my deep appreciation of your persistent self-sacrificing services to the Cause. I have donated your gift towards the Fund for the Western Pilgrim House and I wish to assure you that when I visit the Holy Shrines I tenderly supplicate for you Divine Guidance and strength in your labours for our beloved Cause.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Feb. 18th 1926. He well appreciates the whole-hearted contributions the friends, the world over, have made to safeguard the neighbourhood of the Shrines. We all hope that this spirit of quick response and action will permeate all the different activities of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi as well as the other members of the family send you, & through you, the Australian and New Zealand friends their best love & greetings. They all await the good news of the progress of the movement in Australasia.
With loving greetings I remain, yours very sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
My dear fellow-worker,I fully appreciate the self-sacrificing efforts of the New Zealand Bahá'ís & am glad to inform them that the surroundings of the Shrines on Mt Carmel are secure. May the Beloved reward them a hundred fold! Convey my love & gratitude to them all.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Jan. 24, 1926.
He hopes that after this long vacation you have had you are ready to begin again spreading the Cause in New Zealand with even greater energy than before. The people there seem to be broad in their outlook, receptive to any idea which helps the human faculty from decreasing its burden.
Shoghi Effendi was most chagrined to hear of the sudden death of your son20 and wishes me to extend to you his deepest love and sympathy.
There is no special news here except that we have removed to the new pilgrim house. Miss Baker is well and very busy entertaining the friends and arranging the new home.
Shoghi Effendi as well as the other members of the family are well and send you their love and greetings. They earnestly pray for your success and hope to hear, before long, the news of your many victories in the field of service to the Cause.
Please convey my loving greetings to your son and daughter.
Yours most sincerely, Ruhi AfnanI wish to express in person my deep sympathy in the heavy loss you have sustained. May the Beloved Comforter strengthen you and sustain you in your bereavement. The memory of your visit to the Holy Land is still fresh and vivid in my mind and I pray and supplicate at the Holy Shrines that your labours in the Cause may yield an abundant harvest. Your sympathising brother, Shoghi
14 May 1926 [Auckland Assembly]I thank you on behalf of Shoghi Effendi for your letter of Mar. 8th and for the second copy of the draft that you had sent enclosed.
He has already received and cashed the first draft and has sent you the receipt for it.
He appreciates very much indeed the help of the New Zealand friends and I am sure they would all be very glad to know that the surroundings of the Holy Shrines on Mt. Carmel have already been safeguarded. This is such a relief to Shoghi Effendi & all the friends who feared lest the approaches should fall into the hands of speculators and interested men.
With heartfelt greetings to the friends in New Zealand, I am, yours ever in His service,
Soheil AfnanI wish to reassure you in person of my continued prayers for you as well as for those friends who in the distant city of Auckland are labouring for the advancement of the Cause in New Zealand. Please convey to them my brotherly greetings & very best wishes. I can never forget them & they are ever near to me.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has been in receipt of your interesting letter dated June 7, l926. It is a great pity that your health has more or less handicapped you in your service to the Cause. We, however, hope that this weakness will soon vanish and your health and strength be fully restored.
The case of the teacher who has been in Palestine is one really to be lamented. All such persons instead of procuring their information from the very source, when they are so near to it, they go to the Missionaries who are undoubtedly biased. They are immediately told that the Cause is nothing more than a sect of Islam; a movement that may do immense good to the Muhammadan world, but far from ranking with Christianity or satisfying its need. Then they refer this ignorant and innocent person to books such as Brown's. It is their fault for having gone to the wrong source for proper information, but once they have gone it is not their mistake to have them mislead. We have heard of many such instances and there is absolutely no remedy except to leave them until they find the truth for themselves. We can only pray for their guidance.
Shoghi Effendi always prays for you as well as the other Auckland friends, so that through your combined efforts the Cause may prosper there, and obtain a strong position in the life of the people. I am not the least familiar with the social conditions there, but I am sure there is a ready field for active service.
Yours in His Name, Ruhi AfnanI rejoice to learn that your dear sons are realizing gradually the significance of this unique and mighty Cause, and my constant and fervent prayer is that you may witness erelong the fruition of their slow yet sure spiritual evolution. Persevere in your labours for I entertain and cherish the brightest hopes for the future awakening of promising New Zealand. I shall ever remember the memorable visit of the first New Zealand believers to the Holy Land. Please assure them of my undying affection.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated June 7, l926. It was most interesting to go over your circular letter and read the many points of interest. I was especially struck by the literature you have sent to Lord and Lady Allenby. If they have at all seen them I am sure they were much impressed, for they knew the Master so well. They were surely very astonished to see a group of Bahá'ís formed in such a distant land.
I am very ashamed of myself not to have yet answered your letter of some months ago. It was mainly because Shoghi Effendi wrote you and acknowledged the receipt of your contribution for the pilgrim house that I have been so neglectful. I took Miss Baker's advice on the matter and together, we went down-town and bought a set of straw chairs. We thought that would be most appreciated by the friends while sitting in the veranda of the new Pilgrim House.
I remember a prayer, which you wrote, has been asked by a certain friend to be read daily. I believe sometimes the friends through their zeal & ardour do things that are not asked in the Cause. We have only one prayer that we have to say daily. No one in the world has the power, given to him by Bahá'u'lláh, to add another to that daily prayer. If we should admit this the life of the friends will soon be spent in mere prayer, which is not the aim of the Cause. The healing prayer and such ones are only for occasional use. When the need for them arises.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to extend to you his hearty greetings & assure you of his prayers.
Yours in His Name, Ruhi AfnanYour letters are always a source of inspiring joy & stimulating encouragement to me. You are destined to achieve great things for our beloved Cause & my constant prayer is that your vision may be clear, your purpose unshaken, your zeal undiminished, your hopes undimmed. Let not obstacles & disappointments, which are inevitable, dishearten you & whenever you are faced with trials recall our Beloved's innumerable sufferings. You certainly occupy a warm & abiding place in my heart.
Your true brother ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated June 14th 1926, & also thank, through you, the Auckland friends for their kind contribution.
He wishes me to assure you & them of his earnest prayers. He hopes that through your constant endeavour the Cause will progress rapidly in that city & make the spirit of the movement permeate throughout the land. Though your number is still comparatively small yet through divine guidance and the Master's ever-wakeful spirit you will soon add many to your group & make of it a power for goodness which will attract all attention.
With best wishes and kindest greetings I remain, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
My dear fellow-worker:I am touched by this expression of the loyalty & devotion of the Auckland Bahá'ís whose welfare, & spiritual advancement are the object of my earnest & constant prayer. I shall devote it to further the interests of the Cause in ways that are dearest & nearest to my heart. I shall supplicate the Almighty that strength & wisdom may be given you to face & overcome the obstacles & trials that you will inevitably encounter in future. The end is glorious if we only persevere.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter dated July 1st and the enclosed circular letter have been duly received, and Shoghi Effendi who has read them with keen satisfaction and pleasure has charged me to convey to you his Bahá'í love and greetings with the assurance of his prayers for your welfare and success.
He is indeed very pleased to know of the harmony and love that prevails in your group and he feels certain that your efforts shall be crowned with success for you have first sought and succeeded in putting into practice the noble ideals that you proclaim, and are living the true Bahá'í life.
We hope and pray that this first circular letter will mark the beginning of a long series of the written records of the great work that shall be achieved in that land; and be sure dear sister that we shall always look forward with keen pleasure to the receipt of your own letters as well as the circular ones.
Shoghi Effendi, the Greatest Holy Leaf and the other members of the family join me in loving greetings to your dear self, your husband, and all the other friends in Adelaide.
With best wishes, Yours very sincerely, Ruh-Angúiz.
My Dear fellow-worker:I wish you to know that you are always most welcome to write me whatever your heart prompts you to express & you must be assured that I will continue to follow the progress of the activities of the Adelaide friends with deep & brotherly interest. Their circular letter is admirable in substance & in form & I trust that it will grow in size & influence & diffuse the Bahá'í Spirit from those distant regions of the earth. Assuring you of my continued prayers for you all.
I am your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated July 18, 1926. He was very glad to learn of the encouraging prospects you have for your "Herald of the South". He hopes that it will daily progress and add to its importance in drawing the attention of the people there. A good periodical fully representative of the spirit and teachings of the Cause is the greatest help the Movement can have in establishing itself in a country. So though difficulties may be faced at the outset we should bear them patiently & await that the future should give us our reward.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to extend to you his loving greetings & assure you as well as your mother & Mr. Brewer23 of his constant prayers. He hopes that through your combined efforts the Herald of the South will soon realize its aim and purpose.
Yours in His Service, Ruhi Afnan.Your welcome letter has cheered my heart & I look forward with confidence & joy to the harvest which you are destined to reap in the not distant future. I shall be so pleased & grateful if you would send me regularly a copy of your Bahá'í periodical which I trust & pray will grow from strength to strength and contribute its destined share to the progress and consolidation of the Cause of God & be assured of my prayers for your happiness, welfare & spiritual advancement
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated ll-9-26. He was most gratified to learn that the Cause is becoming more and more known and appreciated by the peoples in New Zealand. This is as important as the actual increase of the number of the friends, for it means that the principles are gradually permeating the thoughts of the people and making them more ready and receptive to the full identification of their beliefs with the precepts of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to assure you of his prayers for you as well as for the other friends in New Zealand. He hopes that they will increase both in number as well as in spiritual understanding and insight. The reports that we occasionally receive from there are most encouraging and hopeful. It seems that the people there due to their breadth of mind and lack of traditional drawbacks show better prospects than many other places.
With deepest loving greetings,Your letter rejoiced my heart. I request you to persevere and renew your splendid efforts for the consolidation of the work already achieved. I have great hopes in the 'Herald of the South' and trust that the Editor will be guided and strengthened in his noble undertaking. I shall be obliged if you send me copies of any newspapers that may publish anything on the Cause as I am preparing a collection of them in the Holy Land. Please assure the friends in New Zealand of my continued prayers at the Holy Shrines for the success of their pioneer work.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated September 13th 1926. He was most grateful to read the nice & encouraging news it contained. He hopes that the "Herald of the South" will daily increase in importance & now that it is coming out in printed form, obtain a great number of readers. You should try from the very start to maintain a high standard for its articles. They should be broad in view, clear in style, and scholarly in their development of the different subjects. In short the public should be taught to consider it as a paper fully worthwhile to read and meditate upon. Shoghi Effendi will remember in his prayers all those who are working in this noble field of service.
Shoghi Effendi desires that you should extend his loving greetings to all the friends in Auckland. He hopes that through their endeavours & the Master's invisible guiding hand they will succeed to raise the standard of the Cause in that land to such heights that it will arouse the interest of all the seeking souls & in due time win their support.
The members of the Master's family are well & send you their loving greetings.
Yours in His Service, Ruhi AfnanI shall pray with all my heart for the steady development and the growing influence of "The Herald of the South". May its voice grow in strength and power, and may its pages increasingly reflect the dynamic spirit of the Faith, & mirror forth the ever-expanding activities of the friends in Australasia, as well as in distant lands. Persevere in your efforts, let not obstacles damp your goal & determination & rest assured that the Power of God which is reinforcing your efforts will in the end triumph & enable you to fulfil your cherished desire. Shoghi
12 November 1926 [Clara Dunn]Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated September 24, 1926. He wishes me also to assure you of his prayers. The work you & Mr. Dunn have been & are doing for the Cause in those regions are appreciated & commented upon not only by Shoghi Effendi but also by the other friends. The fruits of your work are too glorious and abundant to escape the notice of the Bahá'í world. Miss Baker who is staying with us obtains every now and then the good news of the progress of the Cause in Australia & New Zealand & shares them with us. We all, therefore, look eagerly to your letters as well as to the other letters that come from those regions, as a source of hopeful signs of the progress of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi & the other members of the family are well & send you their loving greetings. They wish also to be remembered to Mr. Dunn whose services are considered as a real asset to the Cause and most deeply appreciated.
Yours in His Service, Ruhi AfnanYour letter after such a long silence was a joy, a refreshing encouragement to me. Your beautiful shining example, your restless tireless selfless efforts, the splendid activities your spiritual children are engaged in throughout Australasia are an inspiration to me in my arduous labours. Continually & fervently I shall pray for you & for dear Mr. Dunn that you may be kept happy & safe under His Protection, that your magnificent career of exemplary Service may extend in scope, deepen in influence & achieve your heart's desire.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated November 2, 1926. He was most thankful & gratified for the encouraging news about the progress of the Cause there. As it is a new country the people are more receptive to new & broad ideas. The Cause could spread with very great rapidity if properly expounded & its tenets fully represented. Shoghi Effendi prays for your success & hopes that new avenues of work will daily open up before you & give you the chance of serving the promulgation of the divine teachings.
Shoghi Effendi and the other members of the family are well & send you & the other friends there, their loving greetings. The news that we obtain from the different parts of the world are most encouraging & show clearly how living & active is the spirit of the movement.
May I thank you for mentioning me in Shoghi Effendi's letter. I happen to be a brother rather than a sister.
Yours in His Service, Ruhi AfnanI always eagerly await the news of the progress of the Cause in Australia particularly from the newly-opened centres. You must ever realize that Australia will in time grow to become one of the most important centres in the Bahá'í world for it is rich with many & varied possibilities both material & spiritual. Do not for a moment relax in your efforts, remember the sufferings our Beloved endured, take heart & forge ahead with renewed power & faith.
Your true brother, ShoghiOur beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you for him. He is very pleased with your letter of Dec. 8th, which reached him in Jan l0th and he is very glad to hear of your activities in New Zealand. He will pray earnestly that your sincere efforts to make Bahá'u'lláh's Revelation widely known will bring forth much fruit and have a great result. In the newer countries minds are more open, & the people more ready and willing to receive this great message.
With regard to the Queen of Rumania's 3 articles, he will see that you receive them correctly. He considers the last one in which she acknowledges Muhammad as a true Prophet of God to have great importance for the East, especially in Persia. This evening, personally, have had a most interesting conversation with Dr. Habíb of Kermánsháh, who is now on a visit to Shoghi Effendi with his wife and little girl. He was telling us of the Moslims of Persia - & how during two periods of the year especially, the fanatical mullahs preach against the Bahá'ís from their pulpits - saying to the ignorant "no matter what evil things you have done during your life, or what sins you have committed, if you kill a Bahá'í who is an enemy of Islam, or even if you take his property or severely injure him all your own sins will be wiped out and forgiven for the sake of this good deed of destroying such an enemy of the Faith!!" In this way they incite the people to deeds of violence and persecution. He said that the Bahá'í teachings are spreading rapidly amongst the more educated classes, but it is difficult to teach the very poor and ignorant fanatical people. Thus when they do become Believers they are very strong and faithful.
The two periods of particular danger for the Bahá'ís in Persia, are the fast month - & the period of Moharram, which lasts for 8 weeks.
Shoghi Effendi is very interested to hear of the engagement of your son to a Bahá'í young lady - and he prays that in future they may do a great work for the "Cause". He hopes so much that you will recover your full health and strength, and he will pray especially for that. It is good to know that Esperanto is increasingly studied in New Zealand.
He will certainly pray for Miss Palter & your mother as you ask him to do - and also for your dear son and your two daughters. Please accept all best wishes from myself and believe me,
Yours in His Service, Ethel J RosenbergI have read the issues of the "Herald" with deep joy and thankfulness. I will continue to pray at the Holy Shrines that the invincible power of Bahá'u'lláh may add to your present opportunities, extend the sphere of the Journal, and enable you, individually and collectively, to mirror forth the beauty and the power of this Divine Revelation.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to thank you for the M.O. for £l- which he has safely received, sent for the help of the sufferers in Persia.
He is himself sending this money to the Nat. Assembly in Teheran, and has requested them to send him the receipt for it. When he receives this receipt he will forward it to you, and urges you to give it to the friend who sent the money. The Persian friends will be very much pleased at receiving this kind remembrance and help from far distant New Zealand.
With love & warm Bahá'í greetings from the holy household and the friends here, to the dear friends in Auckland.
In the Master's Service, Sincerely yours, Ethel J. Rosenberg
My dear co-worker:I am deeply touched by this further evidence of the love and devotion of the New Zealand Bahá'ís & I will gladly forward the contribution of our friend to the Teheran Assembly to be sent by them to the sufferers in Jahrum. I will ardently pray for everyone of you that the Beloved may guide your steps & lead you to glorious victory. I urge you to communicate regularly & frequently with the Bahá'í newsletter editor through Mr Horace Holley & report to him the progress of your activities. It is so essential & valuable.
Your true brother ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you on his behalf, and to tell you that he has received your good letter of Jan. 3rd and he rejoices to hear of the excellent Service you have rendered in Queensland, and indeed everywhere in Australia. He will certainly pray most earnestly for the dear Sister your wife - that she might be completely restored to health and that you both may be strengthened and spared for many years to continue your great work in that continent. Our dear Effie Baker tells us that Perth is not only a very beautiful place but extremely healthy and we therefore hope that residence there for a few months will be of much benefit to Mrs Dunn's health.
Effie Baker and Fugita thank you for your kind messages to them. They both continue their devoted service here.
Personally, I myself am much interested in your having visited Rockhampton where my brother resided for 3 years after leaving Cambridge University, as master in the Grammar School, teaching science and mathematics there. The school authorities greatly desired he should remain in Rockhampton, but my mother was in very poor health, & he had faithfully promised to return to England at the end of three years, and consequently he felt obliged to fulfil his promise to her but he always looks back with the greatest interest to his 3 years of residence in Rockhampton.
When I return to England I will enquire if he ever met Mrs Wicus tho I suppose it is not very probable. It encourages us all to hear of the blessed confirmations you have received in the path of God. May you ever be guided and blessed in your devoted Service is my earnest hope and prayer.
Your fellow worker in the blessed service of `Abdu'l-Bahá, Ethel J. Rosenberg.
My dear co-workers:I will continue to pray from the bottom of my heart for your success, welfare & spiritual advancement. Your names, your services, your high endeavours are graven upon my heart & your example is truly inspiring. Your collaboration lifts a considerable part of my burden from my shoulders & your zeal & constancy hasten me in my work. May health, strength & joy be abundantly bestowed upon you that you may continue your unsurpassed pioneer service to our beloved Cause. You are tenderly remembered at the Holy Shrines & we all eagerly expect, nay hunger, for the welcome news of the progress of your admirable achievements.
Your true brother, ShoghiI take pleasure in thanking you on behalf of our dear Guardian for your letter of April 5th.
As a far away outpost of the Bahá'í Faith in New Zealand, he is always delighted to hear from Auckland & especially yourself & your promising Assembly there. You own a warm spot in his heart and he is looking forward to the day when through the effort of the Auckland Assembly, centers will be established in every town in New Zealand. A firm faith & a golden heart is yours, there still remains to turn other hearts into gold.
Miss Baker is well & often thinks of you. Assuring you of our Guardian's prayers and the love & best wishes of the family who always remember you.
Ever yours in His service Soheil AfnanYou should exercise your judgement & tact in delivering the message. You should make an effort to understand the character & mind of the seeker before you speak to him on the Cause. I will pray that you may be inspired & guided to follow the path of moderation & may become an exemplary herald of His message in that far-away land.
Your well-wisher, ShoghiI acknowledge with great pleasure your short letter to our dear Guardian.
With regard to the plan of some friends to arrange your visit to Haifa and your question in that respect from Shoghi Effendi, he wishes me to inform you that whatever the donors decide is acceptable to him. He would thus wish the donors to express their own free desire.
I take this opportunity to assure you again of our Guardian's deep & growing admiration for your noble work in Australia & the brilliant results that have already appeared.
With all good wishes & much love, ever yours in His service, Soheil Afnan
18/8/27Your last two letters dated June 5, 26 have been carefully read, & I hasten to inform you that regarding Stenstrand, he is an Azali & the friends should shun & avoid him & ignore him altogether. He is after mischief & dissension. Pending the formation of a National Assembly in Austr. & N. Zealand the friends should keep in close touch with you & seek your advice & your opinion for you are their guiding star, their loving parents. I trust you will write to me whenever you feel inclined. I shall eagerly await your news. The letter you drafted & enclosed is excellent and you have thereby rendered a distinct service to the Cause. As to the sum collected by the friends, I feel I should leave it entirely to the discretion of the donors. After prayerful meditation & consultation whatever they decide I welcome and endorse. I will pray for their guidance, for your happiness, good-health & success,
Your true brother, ShoghiI am instructed by our dear Guardian to thank you for your welcome letter of Jan. 26th.
It has been a source of great pleasure to him to hear from such devoted fellow-workers again and to receive that note of joyful service, of unceasing activity and radiant happiness that all your communications must needs contain. You cannot imagine what a comfort it is to him to be assured of your sustained efforts and pioneer work in that vast continent, especially as you seem to have already planned beyond its limits and turned your gaze to promising fields in the Islands beyond. It seems an unforeseen and divine bestowal that your business affords such a splendid chance to carry the torch constantly into new lands, and our Guardian realises with lively satisfaction that you have made good of every opportunity.
Of course your journeyings through the country and your travels to Norfolk Islands and the South Seas, will not deprive, Shoghi Effendi hopes, the already established Assemblies of your parental care and guidance for they surely still need it. And with new Assemblies forming in the various centres, with an increase of understanding and study of the teachings and mission of the Faith among the individual friends, and with the fruits of sober enthusiasm and mature thought, our Guardian hopes & prays, that you will be strengthened & spared to help establish the greatest Bahá'í National Assembly in the Southern Hemisphere.
With much love from the family to you both & the friends you meet.
Sincerely in His service,Your letters & the joyful news they impart are a source of abiding joy, strength, & consolation to me in my arduous task. I admire the spirit of faith & constancy that animates you in your glorious pioneer work in that far-away land. You will I am sure be abundantly and increasingly blessed by our Beloved. Your names will for ever be remembered with gratitude, admiration & pride. Your achievements the rising Bahá'í generation will extol and magnify. You occupy most certainly an abiding place in the Greatest Holy Leaf's heart and my own, & we shall both continue to supplicate for you & your dear co-workers the Master's imperishable blessings.
Your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your good & warming letter of Jan. 2nd.
It always gives him immeasurable pleasure and hopefulness to hear from you as his precious fellow-workers in the pioneer fields of Australia and he is delighted to receive your good news about the friends in Australasia for all of whom, Shoghi Effendi has a very warm spot in his heart. He sincerely trusts that their numbers will be constantly increasing and that soon promising and progressive Bahá'í centres will be established in all the large cities and towns and that Australia will be able to become a leading torch-bearer for the spiritual regeneration of man and for the establishment of universal brotherhood in the world.
Permit me to assure you as much as ever of Shoghi Effendi's affections and prayers for you both. Sincerely yours in His service, Soheil Afnan
My dear co-workers,I truly admire your unwavering constancy & unflinching determination to carry on the sacred work entrusted to your charge. I will continue to pray for your good health, happiness & success. You both occupy a warm & abiding place in my heart. You are often in my thoughts & I trust that the Beloved may graciously assist you to bring to a glorious & successful conclusion your unexcelled and historic mission on earth. Regarding Effie, I would leave it to your own discretion and to her own desire and wish.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiWIRE FOLLOWING SECRETARY GENERAL LEAGUE OF NATIONS GENEVA. Bahá'ís OF AUSTRALIA & TASMANIA UNITE IN EXPRESSING PROFOUND THANKFULNESS FOR MEMORABLE DECISION PRONOUNCED BY LEAGUE REGARDING BAHAULLAHS HOLY HABITATION IN BAGDAD
8 April 1929WIRE FOLLOWING SECRETARY GENERAL LEAGUE OF NATIONS GENEVA NEW ZEALAND Bahá'ís PROMPTED TO OFFER THEIR SHARE OF GRATITUDE FOR HIGH PRINCIPLE OF JUSTICE UPHELD BY LEAGUES REPRESENTATIVES TOUCHING OUR HOLY SITE IN BAGDAD
25 May 1929I am directed by the Guardian to thank you so much for your welcome letter of April 20th.
It gives him immense pleasure to learn of your good health and of the happy and hopeful work that is being done in Australia as a result of your eager efforts and inspiring cooperation with the rest of the friends. Though so far away across the seas, the friends in Australia have a warm place in Shoghi Effendi's heart, and great would be his joy and satisfaction to feel that miles and miles away the seeds that were once sown in Persia are growing with all the glory of a full bloom. But the thing he would surely pray for, that you may both live to see with human eyes the fruits of your selfless endeavours, your courage, your self-sacrifice, and above all your unflinching faith even at the darkest moments.
Do please assure your friends and fellow-workers of the Guardian's greetings and love and of his wish that they may grow daily in their understanding of the Cause and become worthy servants of the Lord.
It is "`Alláh-u-Abhá" which is repeated 95 times.With the assurance of his affection and prayers for you all, sincerely yours, Soheil Afnan
My dear and precious co-workers:I wish to assure you in person of my keen appreciation of your steadfast & splendid services to the Cause. I will continue to pray for both of you from the depths of my heart, that the Beloved may strengthen you in your pioneer work for our beloved Faith, & enable you to render memorable services to the sacred threshold.
Your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your letter of May 19th written on your behalf by your secretary.
Shoghi Effendi has been deeply touched by the generous and unsolicited help which his friends across the oceans have offered for the victims of the earthquake in Khurásán.
Whether the sum is large or small, Shoghi Effendi accepts your contribution with a deep realisation of the all-transforming spirit of Bahá'u'lláh, and of that true sense of love & fellowship which it has instilled in your hearts. At a time when the world seems to be drifting so far apart, is it not a ray of infinite hope, a message of glad tidings, that the Bahá'í Faith does succeed to carry and uphold the sacred principles of a united humanity?
I am sure you would be glad to know that according to reports so far received although the damages caused by the earthquake were large, the loss of human life has not been so large and the Bahá'ís have especially been spared.
Shoghi Effendi wishes me to inform you that he will send you later the receipt from the Persian National Assembly for your deeply appreciated contribution.
With warm regards & greetings, yours in His service, Soheil Afnan
With the assurance of my keen appreciation of your unsparing efforts for the spread of our beloved Cause, & of my continued prayers for your spiritual advancement,
your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of Oct. 20th.
He was very pleased to hear from you and learn of your growing interest in the Bahá'í Faith. He welcomes you with all his heart as a brother and a fellow-worker in our common service to our fellow-men and he wishes me to assure you of his ardent prayers for you.
There is no doubt that God in his infinite goodness has favoured us each with an individual faculty which, if we can strengthen, will enable us to make our lives fruitful and successful; and it is through prayers and successive efforts that we must study ourselves and find out what we are most suited for.
With renewed assurance of Shoghi Effendi's affection & prayers and of his pleasure to hear from you,
sincerely yours, Soheil AfnanWith the assurance of my best wishes & prayers for you & for your dear co-workers during my visits to the Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh,
your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you so much for your kind letter of Feb. 19th sent through our dear friend Mr. Bertram Dewing.
He was pleased to hear from you and he is grateful for your loving solicitude in connection with his recent illness.
He is happily quite well now and again busy at his work, as is the Greatest Holy Leaf who was also seriously unwell lately but who although still very weak, is feeling much better.
It gave Shoghi Effendi great pleasure to know that the work in Australia is progressing and that more & more new people join to share our faith and our labours. He prays earnestly that before long the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand may contribute increasingly in service to the Bahá'í Faith and may establish progressive and enthusiastic centres throughout the whole Continent. We might be very far away from you, but often if not always friends both in the East and West think or talk and love to meet their fellow-workers across the seas & needless to say they never forget the glorious share you can claim.
Mr Dewing is still with us and it is such a pleasure to have him. Let us hope some day you too will come.
With the assurances of Shoghi Effendi's affection & prayers and with loving greetings to the friends there. Sincerely yours, Soheil Afnan
My dear co-workers,A letter from you always imparts joy & strength to my heart. You are the heroic and glorious pioneers of His Cause in this Day. Your name, countless lips shall utter with veneration & praise in the days to come. Your memory is immortal. Your services are graven upon my heart. I will continue to pray for both of you as well as for your dear, spiritual children throughout Australasia. Be happy always.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated June 22nd 1930. Concerning the condition of the Cause in Australia, the constant endeavour of the friends should be to spread the Cause. Once new members begin to come in, they will inspire the friends with more courage & hope & make them forget their petty differences. Shoghi Effendi will sincerely pray for you & hopes that God will guide you to ultimate success.
Concerning the different translations of the words. It is surely the original text that should never be changed. The translations will continue to vary as more & better translations are made. Shoghi Effendi does not consider even his own translations as final, how much more translations made in the early days of the Cause in the West when no competent translators existed.
Concerning the two prayers in the last edition of the prayerbook. You had better write about it to the National Assembly in America. Quite a number of objections were already made & I am sure they will be glad to receive any you have for corrections to be made to future editions.
Most of the prayers and Tablets published in the West have to be revised by some board of translators. But when that will be, no one knows. Meanwhile the friends have to be satisfied with what they can obtain.
Concerning the New History Society. Though it is run by some Bahá'ís, yet the N.S.A. has announced - & Shoghi Effendi has approved their action - that they have no relation with the Cause. Because the Society persists in its refusal to abide by the decisions of the N.S.A. it
does not deserve the help of the Bahá'ís. It is not the first case of Bahá'ís going at a tangent from the proscribed teachings of the Master. Our attitude should be impartiality rather than hostility. Shoghi Effendi hopes & prays that those who are responsible for this society will be sorry for their attitude and will come back under the banner of the movement.
In closing may I assure you & Mrs. Dunn of Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings. He will remember you and all the other Australian friends in his prayers and ask for you divine guidance and conformation.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanWith the assurance of my fervent & continued prayers for your good-health, your happiness, your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiI thank you on behalf of the Guardian for your letter of April 16th.
He was very glad to learn that you are now on your way to England by way of America and he hopes that you will find the occasion & the means of visiting the friends & making permanent connections with them. Bertram will of course be delighted to meet you & we hope he is successful in his work there.
I suppose you have all the London addresses as the friends there would be delighted to meet you. Of course if you do decide to visit Haifa on your way back, Shoghi Effendi wishes me to assure you of a most hearty welcome.
With his loving greetings to you all & to the young couple in England and with much love from all here, Sincerely yours, Soheil Afnan
My dear co-worker:I was so pleased to hear from you & of your plans. I do hope you will be able to visit the Holy Land where you would be most welcome in 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í house. I will pray for the success of your efforts from the depths of my heart when I visit the Holy Shrines. May the Beloved enable you to render distinguished services to His Cause, & remove every obstacle from your path.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated May 17th 1931. He was naturally very glad to hear that Mrs. Dunn is planning to come to Haifa, for he is always desirous to meet those self sacrificing souls who leave their homes, & travel in a foreign country merely to spread the message and do pioneer work. They are the seed sowers who experience only the drudgery. Those who follow are the easy-going reapers who are constantly encouraged by the sight of the increasing produce. Anyhow Shoghi Effendi is only too glad to extend to Mrs. Dunn a hearty welcome, but would urge her to so plan her trip as to be here next spring - some time in March or April.
Shoghi Effendi was very sad to hear that the progress of the Cause in Australia is far from what it should have been. He, however, hopes that the condition will soon change. When the friends are not kept busy with constant service, & do not find success to keep up their spirit, they naturally become depressed & start to criticise each other. The only remedy is constructive work, that is teaching. Let them concentrate upon that and they will soon forget their mis-understandings, & find themselves co-operating in the same pursuit.
Please convey to all of them Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings & assure them of his prayers. He sincerely hopes that they will do their utmost in spreading the Cause in that land. Please remember him also to Mrs. Dunn & extend to her a hearty welcome.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan.I was so pleased to hear from you, particularly as you express the wish of Mrs. Dunn to visit the Holy Land. She is most welcome, as her service as well as yours, have endeared you both to me as well as to the believers of East & West. The record of your glorious work is imperishable. May the Beloved protect, sustain, cheer & bless you always. Shoghi
17 September 1931 [Clara Dunn]Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge on his behalf the receipt of your welcome letter dated Aug. 1, 1931 & to extend to you his loving appreciation of your precious services to the Cause.
He was very pleased to learn that you were in good health & that you were serving the Faith with such enthusiasm & zeal & he hopes that you will be able to win many hearts to the Cause. Regarding your coming visit to the Holy Shrines, Shoghi Effendi wishes you to come in whichever month you find suitable & he fervently hopes that through this pilgrimage you will receive Bahá'u'lláh's divine confirmations & will be strengthened both in body & mind.
With the renewed assurance of our Guardian's best wishes & of his continued prayers for your spiritual advancement. Yours sincerely, H. Rabbani
My dear & precious co-worker:I am looking forward very eagerly to your projected pilgrimage. You certainly deserve so great a bounty after such a splendid record of unstinting and exemplary service to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh! I wish only Mr. Dunn, your distinguished and beloved husband and collaborator, could have accompanied you! You are both so dear & near to me, & the memory of your accomplishments, & above all the consciousness of the spirit that animates you, is a source of inspiration to me in my work. May the Beloved cheer your hearts, sustain your efforts and fulfil your hearts' desire,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi was much pleased to receive your letter of Aug.4th, 1931 which he read with deep interest & he charged me to acknowledge its receipt on his behalf & to extend to you his warmest congratulations for having been elected Chairman of the Adelaide Assembly.
The responsibilities which you have to assume & the delicate task which you have to carry out are both tremendous. The friends have put their confidence in you & it is your duty to watch & serve the interests of the Faith with the greatest care & wisdom.
Regarding the copy of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í Tablet enclosed in your letter, Shoghi Effendi doubts very much its authenticity & he wishes you to prevent its circulation among the believers, He feels that its perusal will do more harm than good as the answers given by the Master to the inquirer have been misunderstood & misinterpreted.
The Guardian has already received a copy of the "Herald of the South" & he was greatly rejoiced to witness the perseverance which the editors have displayed in the way of its publication, & he hopes that the number of the contributors will increase and that through their efforts the Cause will develop rapidly in Australia.
With Shoghi Effendi's fervent prayers for your spiritual advancement & progress.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe Herald of the South is the most effective instrument as yet devised for the spread of the Cause in that land. I cherish for it the brightest hopes. The spirit of Bahá'u'lláh will assuredly inspire its promoters & reinforce their efforts. May it continue to prosper & increasingly reflect the spirit that animates His Faith.
With the assurance of my continued prayers for the success of your unsparing efforts for the spread & consolidation of our beloved Cause,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs. Keith Ransom Kehler, C/o Mr. H. Dunn, P.O. Box 3116, Sydney, New South Wales.
Dear Mrs. Ransom-Kehler:Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated October 22nd, 1931 written from Melbourne. He sincerely hopes that this trip around the world you are taking will bear wonderful fruits & many seeking souls be attracted to the Faith. The Master often repeats in His Tablets that the teachers should like the morning breeze pass over the different cities & bring new life & energy to its people. The friends often need a reawakening & this is one of the tasks to be fulfilled by the travelling teachers. This is the greatest work Miss Root is doing & the kind of service she is rendering to the Cause.
Besides encouraging the friends in the pursuit of their work Shoghi Effendi hopes that you are attracting many souls through your public speeches. You are very well fitted for that kind of work & in the East especially India & Burma there is much need for it. We constantly hear the call for teachers from India. The people are opening their eyes to the need for basic reforms & are ready to give an attentive ear to the one who has really something to say. This is especially true of those who are educated & have come in contact with the West in more than a superficial way.
Shoghi Effendi is sure that the friends in India & Burma will avail themselves of the chance presented & obtain for you nice openings into important & cultural circles.
In his moments of prayer he will remember you & ask God to guide you in the realization of your hopes.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanWith the assurance of my deep sense of abiding appreciation of your magnificent services to the Cause, & of my continued & fervent prayers for your welfare, happiness & spiritual advancement,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Dec. 2nd 1931. He is very sorry that you cannot on your way to New Zealand, break your journey & come over for a short visit to Haifa. But these are such difficult days that we should not be astonished & discouraged if our plans fail. He hopes however that on your way you will meet the friends, especially those in Port Said, for we have no centers in Malta & Colombo.
He was also very sorry to hear that Bertram has to give up his studies & return home. Shoghi Effendi hopes that this period he spent in America would be itself an education that would help him in his work in serving the Cause. His activities with the young people there should have made him very experienced & have deepened his understanding of the Faith.
I believe Mrs. Dunn is planning to come this spring for a visit to Haifa. Perhaps you will meet her before she starts. Shoghi Effendi is eagerly waiting to see this noble soul who introduced the Cause into Australia & has been so self-sacrificing in her services.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that on returning home you will start again to serve the Cause & attract new souls. The world is in great distress & its only salvation is in the spirit & teachings of the Blessed Beauty. Let us not, we who are the trustees of that divine message, fail in accomplishing our task & fulfilling our purpose.
Assuring you of Shoghi Effendi's best wishes I remain,
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanI am wiring the friends in Port-Said to meet you on your arrival & I very much regret your inability to come to Haifa & visit the Holy Shrines. I will continue to pray for you, for your son-in-law, & for your dear and promising son, for whose future work in the Cause I cherish the brightest hopes. I will also remember in my prayers the friends in far-away Australia & New Zealand & will supplicate for them all the Master's richest blessings and unfailing guidance. Shoghi
1932CABLE Bahá'í CENTRES AUSTRALASIA MAIL HAIFA GROUP PHOTOGRAPHS FOR Bahá'í WORLD
27 January 1932 [Keith Ransom-Kehler]Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Dec. 27th 1931 written from Sydney & to express his deep appreciation for the wonderful work you are doing. So many of the friends have written of your trip & told us how very successful you have been. Your first concern should be not only to make the teachings broadcast, but also to get individual persons accept the message and actually enter the ranks of the believers. Both of these are important. Public talks make the precepts of the Cause permeate the life of the people at large, & individual contact will induce them to come & help carry the work further.
Concerning the economic teachings of the Cause: Mr. Lunt & Mr. Holley have each contributed a long & interesting article on that subject for the coming issue of the Bahá'í World which will be published in few months. I am sure you will find much material in them. Even though the Cause has much on the economic life of society, such as progressive income tax, a high death duty & consultation in industry between capital & labour; yet what it has on the international question is far more important and interesting, especially in the light of present world problems.
Shoghi Effendi has, after giving much thought to the words of Bahá'u'lláh & the Master concerning World Unity, written a general letter to the Western friends explaining how the Unity of Mankind is not merely a spirit of brotherhood but an organic unity towards which the forces now operating in the world are leading us. In that letter you will find much material for your talks. It is being published in America in the form of a pamphlet.26
Shoghi Effendi was very glad to hear of your work with the Maoris. He sincerely hopes that some real good will be achieved. He has been encouraging the New Zealand friends to translate Dr. Esslemont's book into their language. May be when that will be done some real work will be started.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that in India you will render a great service to the friends. They are rather quiet and they need a good stimulus.
Assuring you of his best wishes & prayers & hoping to see you soon I remain,
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanYour magnificent services have brought immeasurable joy to my heart. You have achieved a work that will endure, ennoble & enrich the annals of God's immortal Faith. The seeds you have sown in the Far East, which you are now sowing in India & which you will sow in the near future in Europe will germinate & testify to the potency of your Faith, the power of your eloquence, the brilliance of your mind and the range & depth of your thought. I would urge you to visit, if convenient & practicable, the Bahá'ís of Burma. A delay of two or three weeks, as a result of a visit to Rangoon & Mandalay, where the Bahá'ís would be only too glad to meet & hear you, would be thoroughly justified. You might be able to arrange it on your arrival at Calcutta after consultation with the friends. I am devising a plan for a fruitful & vital teaching work on your part in Egypt & Europe. May the Beloved bless & sustain your mighty efforts.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Feb.4th 1932. Even though your number is small yet the photograph would show that the spirit has been carried to a country so distant from the place of its origination. These centers may seem unimportant but in reality will become focal-points from which the light of guidance will radiate.
Present troubles & difficulties & the dissatisfaction that is prevailing throughout the world, are bound ultimately to awaken man, stir him spiritually, & turn his steps God-ward. At that juncture the importance of these centers will be appreciated. Now, people come one by one, but then it will be in scores & large groups. You should never be disappointed but exert all your efforts in spreading the Cause & establishing properly elected Assemblies.
In closing may I assure you & the members of your family as well as the other friends there, of Shoghi Effendi's prayers & best wishes.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanWith the assurance of my deepest appreciation of your devoted services
to the Cause, & of my fervent & loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated Feb. 14th, 1932. He does appreciate the difficulty of having a group photograph at a short notice, & what you have succeeded to send is undoubtedly the best that could be done under the circumstances. Perhaps you could keep in mind and have a really good one for the next issue of the Bahá'í World which will appear in two years. By then you would, we hope, have a larger number of Bahá'ís in Victoria Park.
Shoghi Effendi was very glad to learn that you met Mrs. Dewing on her way from Haifa. Even though their stay with us was very short, we did enjoy it tremendously. We sincerely hope that her experiences visiting the different Assemblies in her trip around the world will be an asset to the work in Australia & New Zealand. This is especially true of her son who stayed for a while in America & saw how their young people work in serving the Cause.
In closing may I extend to you Shoghi Effendi's greetings & assure you of his prayers & best wishes. Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
May the Almighty bestow upon you & your devoted co-workers His richest blessings, enable you to widen the range of your activities, consolidate the basis of your work and fulfil your heart's cherished desire. I will continue to pray for you all from the depths of my heart,
Your true brother, ShoghiINFORM BERTRAM DEWING ENSURE PROMPT TRANSLATION ESSLEMONTS BOOK MAORI
17 March 1932 [Annie Miller, Perth]Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 20th 1932. He was very glad to know that Mr. Dewing could land & visit you for few hours, & tell you some of his experiences both here in Haifa and also during his stay in America. Shoghi Effendi has great hopes in what he will do for the Cause for his heart & soul are in the work.
It should have been surely a delightful gathering with him & Mr and Mrs. Dunn. We wish we had people, truly Bahá'í in spirit, who would travel from one city to another, meet the friends, cheer their hearts & stimulate them to further activity. They would be rendering such a service, even though they make no speeches & actually teach no one, for the keeping up of the hopefulness & spirit of the friends is an important enough job.
Perhaps by the time you receive this letter Mrs. Dunn would be in Haifa or on the way. It is surely a pity that Mr. Dunn also could not take the trip. Shoghi Effendi would have enjoyed meeting both of these souls who have brought the message to Australia.
Assuring you & the members of your family of Shoghi Effendi's prayers and best wishes, I remain, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
May the Almighty sustain you in your arduous task, assist you to surmount the many obstacles that hinder the progress of your work, & enable you to fulfil your heart's cherished desire.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe cards have just arrived in perfect condition, & I wish to assure you of my deepest appreciation of your splendid gift, Shoghi
18 April 1932Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter & to extend to you his loving greetings & best wishes. Mrs Dunn is now with us staying in the Pilgrim House. Shoghi Effendi sincerely wishes that you were here with us enjoying the privilege of visiting the blessed Shrines with Mrs Dunn. Perhaps some time in the future this will come to pass for it is sure that this is a longing you have always had & deeply cherished.
Mrs Ransom-Kehler was unable to join Mrs Dunn in Bombay and come together to Haifa. The plans they made for her in India were more than she could complete during the short period she had allotted to that vast country & Shoghi Effendi advised her to prolong her stay by at least a month. We sincerely hope she has succeeded to achieve there as much as in some of the principal cities in Australia. She is surely a very competent teacher of the Cause, familiar with its spirit & teachings & quite competent to attract others.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that in Australia the friends will try to keep burning the lamp she kindled. They needed someone to come & stimulate them a little & she surely achieved that task, but it is very necessary that this enthusiasm should not be left to subside & cool down. You, who are their father should see to it. In his moments of prayer & meditation at the Shrines Shoghi Effendi will think of you & ask God to guide and assist you - you as well as the other friends in Australia. Please extend his loving greetings to all of them.
Yours ever sincerely Ruhi AfnanIt was such a pleasure to hear from you & to learn from Mrs Dunn the news of your continued & self-sacrificing endeavours for our beloved Cause. How greatly we miss you in these days when our dearly beloved sister, your precious wife and distinguished collaborator is with us in the vicinity of the Holy Shrines. I have urged her to stress in her letters to you the necessity of your taking the utmost care of yourself, that your precious health may not suffer from the constant strain which your strenuous & high endeavours involve. You are most welcome to visit the Holy Land as soon as you find it feasible, for we all long to meet you face to face & congratulate you in person upon the magnificent services you have rendered to the Cause.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated March 19th 1932, written on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of Adelaide, regarding the publication of the Herald of the South. Mr. B. Dewing wrote in person to Shoghi Effendi and proposed to have it published for sometime in Montreal in Canada as a sign of gratitude for the help Mrs. Maxwell is going to render to it financially. In answer to him Shoghi directed me to write & stress the importance of having it published in Australia. That periodical belongs to that continent & should remain there as the organ of the friends residing in those regions. Should Mrs. Maxwell or any other person desire to support it, they should not condition their assistance upon such a transfer. And Shoghi Effendi does not believe that they do expect such a thing for it is contrary to the interests of the Cause. If they have the means they would support it even though it be primarily an Australian activity. The sphere of our benevolence should not be limited by geographical boundaries.
As to whether the Herald of the South should be published in Australia or New Zealand, Shoghi Effendi would prefer to have this question settled by the friends there. He naturally trusts that in whichever of the two countries it should be published the friends of both Australia and New Zealand would participate in the work & consider it as the organ of all those groups. They should be able to co-operate & have on the committee members from both countries. Mr. Dewing has the work very near to his heart & Shoghi Effendi hopes he will play an important part in its publication. It is always with co-operation & consultation that the interests of the Cause can be furthered.
Please convey Shoghi Effendi's greetings to all the friends. He will pray for them all & ask God to guide them in their services to His Faith.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi AfnanMay the Beloved guide & bless your efforts & enable you, in collaboration with your valued co-workers, to widen the scope of your activities, and consolidate the foundations of the Bahá'í institutions in that remote corner of the world.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has received your kind letter of May 29th 1932 and he has directed me to extend to you his loving appreciation of your valuable services to the Cause.
Concerning the Bahá'í meetings Shoghi Effendi feels that they should be devoted to the discussion & full study of the Bahá'í teachings & problems & that subjects which have no direct bearing to the Cause should be avoided as they do not serve to deepen our knowledge of the Cause. Special emphasis, however, should be laid upon the relations of the Bahá'í principles & teachings to our present world problems with the purpose of pointing out the Bahá'í solution to the social, economic, political & religious evils of the time.
In regard to the five steps that should be taken for the discussion & solution of all matters pertaining to the Faith, the Guardian wishes me to assure you that he has already discussed about them with Mrs Dunn during her last visit to Haifa - Mrs Dunn's pilgrimage has been a source of inspiration to all the friends here & Shoghi Effendi is confident that when she will come back home her experiences will serve to quicken the hearts & awaken the zeal of our Australian believers.
With the Guardian's best wishes for yourself & for the rest of the friends in Sydney.
Yours sincerely, H. RabbaniI hope & pray that you may in the not distant future undertake the longed for pilgrimage to the Holy Land, for I am eager to meet you face to face & to visit with you the Holy Shrines. Whatever the future may have in store for us, we should persevere under all circumstances and never allow any form of depression to cloud our vision of the future glory of the Cause of God. May the Almighty sustain & bless your high & self sacrificing endeavours.
Your true and affectionate brother, ShoghiIt was with a deep sense of joy and appreciation that Shoghi Effendi received your communication of May 20th, 1932 and he has charged me to extend to you his heartfelt thanks.
The new list of the Sydney Bahá'ís greatly rejoiced his heart as it clearly showed the progress of the Cause in Australia and the zeal & loyalty of the believers there. He sincerely hopes that, as a result of Mrs. Keith's travels28, the friends will unitedly strive to spread the Message & will not let any obstacle, of whatever nature, hinder their onward march. The devotion and the sincerity with which our Australian brethren have thus far served the Cause is highly praiseworthy, and the Guardian trusts that this same spirit will continue to animate all their spiritual activities.
Shoghi Effendi cherishes the brightest hopes for the future of the Cause in Sydney and he fervently hopes that the newly elected members of your Spiritual Assembly will prove equal to their task by striving with all the means at their disposal to teach the Cause both through publicity and through public lectures, to create as much as they can that spirit of unity & cooperation among the believers without which no progress is possible. Now that the friends are provided with a Reading Room they should all avail themselves of this opportunity & try to deepen their knowledge of the Cause & extend the field of their correspondence to all the important Bahá'í centres both in the East and the West.
In closing may I ask you to extend to all our Sydney Bahá'ís & especially to Mrs. & Mr. Bolton,29 who have newly embraced the Cause, the loving greetings of the Guardian. In his moments of meditation and prayer he will remember them all and ask the Almighty to bless their unceasing efforts for the greater spread of His Message.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniWith the assurance of my fervent prayers for the extension & consolidation of your valued activities in the service of our beloved Cause,
Your true brother, Shoghi14 July 1932 [Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand]
GREATEST HOLY LEAF ASCENDED Abhá Kingdom OUR GRIEF IMMENSE OUR LOSS IRREPARABLE INFORM LOCAL ASSEMBLIES COMMEMORATE BEFITTINGLY SACRED EXPERIENCE SO RICH SO SUBLIME SO EVENTFUL A LIFE MAGNITUDE OF OUR SORROW DEMANDS COMPLETE SUSPENSION FOR 9 MONTHS THROUGHOUT Bahá'í WORLD EVERY FORM RELIGIOUS FESTIVITY HER MORTAL REMAINS LAID VICINITY HOLY SHRINES
27 July 1932 [Auckland Assembly]Mrs Mariette Bolton, Box 1042, Wellington, New Zealand.
Dear Mrs. Bolton,Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated April 5th. 1932.
He was very glad to learn that Mr. Bolton and yourself have found in the spirit and teachings of Bahá'u'lláh your highest hopes and ideals. He hopes that you will become more and more deeply rooted in the Faith as you pursue your studies and become thoroughly familiar with the literature of the Cause. The message of Bahá'u'lláh like the revelation of previous prophets of God - and perhaps even more - is a store-house of wisdom and learning. The deeper we go in them, the more marvellous we find its treasures to be.
After such a deep study Shoghi Effendi trusts you will follow the example of your spiritual parents Mr. & Mrs. Dunn and Mrs. Ransom-Kehler, and become active teachers of the Faith. It is a sacred duty you bear towards your fellow-men that, should you come to the source of a truth, you should inform your friends and give them also the chance of realizing their highest hopes and ideals.
The world is passing through great tribulations. Millions of people are left destitute with almost no ray of hope to maintain their courage. The key to the whole situation is entrusted to our humble care, for we bear the message of God to the world for we are already shown the way to salvation. Should we remain idle or become neglectful of our duties, then what would become of the perishing society?
In his moments of prayer Shoghi Effendi will remember you and Mr. Bolton and ask for both of you, divine guidance and help. In case you will, in your travels, come anywhere near to Haifa, he will be very glad to receive you and entertain you in the Bahá'í pilgrim house where Mrs. Dunn is staying at present.
Please extend Shoghi Effendi's greetings to all the friends in Sydney. He sincerely hopes that their number will daily increase and become the source of inspiration and hope and guidance to all the people of that continent.
With best wishes, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
With the assurance of my loving and fervent prayers at the Holy Shrines for your welfare and spiritual advancement and for the success of your endeavours for the spread of our beloved Faith.
Your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by Shoghi Effendi to thank you for your letter of June 20th, 1932 and to express his loving appreciation of your continued services to the Cause.
He was particularly glad to learn that you have recovered from your illness and that you are again able to promote the interests of the Faith in Australia.
Your visit to the friends in Perth, Sydney & Adelaide will, undoubtedly, be of a great help towards a closer & deeper cooperation among the friends, & will serve to create a spirit of unity that is so much needed in these days.
In this terrible hour when the Bahá'ís all over the world are mourning the loss of our departed Greatest Holy Leaf, our Guardian's sole comfort is to see the friends working harmoniously together & paving the way for the speedy progress of the Cause.
His aching heart is overflowing with grief. But he is fully confident that our beloved Khanum's immortal spirit is continually showering its blessings upon that little band of faithful & toiling believers.
May the memory of her saintly life continue to inspire our souls, quicken our hearts & keep us ever constant & active in the Faith.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe memory of your visit is still fresh in my mind & I trust that the day may not be far distant when Mr. Dunn will be able to undertake a similar pilgrimage to the land of his heart's desire. The services which both of you have rendered, & are still rendering, to the Faith, are engraved upon the tablet of my heart. Nothing can efface their trace or dim their memory. I will continue to pray for both of you & for your dear collaborators in your promising country. Rest assured,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Bahá'ís of Perth, c/o Annie O. Miller, 73 Berwick Street, Victoria Park, West Australia.
Beloved co-workers in the Faith,Your message of sympathy dated July 24th, 1932 written through your secretary Annie O. Miller was received and brought immense joy & satisfaction to Shoghi Effendi's sorrow-stricken heart. He wishes me to thank you all from the very depth of his heart and give you the assurance of his lively appreciation of your precious efforts towards the extension of the Cause in Australia.
Though overflowing with grief yet the news of your unceasing labours served to confirm his hopes, and to give him the assurance that the friends are as ever burning with the desire to spread the Message.
The new Bahá'í group that you have succeeded in establishing in Perth is, indeed, very significant and may prove to be a valuable asset to the future of the Cause in Australia.
Assuring you all of Shoghi Effendi's best wishes and of his continued prayers for the advancement & success of your work.
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I wish to thank your secretary for the letter she addressed me on your behalf as well as for her personal letter to me, both of which are eloquent testimonies to the reality of your faith & the depth of your devotion. I will pray for you all from the depths of my aching heart & will supplicate for you Divine consolation, strength & guidance. Rest assured.
Your true brother, ShoghiNATIONAL ASSEMBLY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ON BEHALF Bahá'ís CABLE HIS HIGHNESS TIMURTASH COURT MINISTER EXPRESSING THEIR ABIDING GRATITUDE REMOVAL BAN ON ENTRY Bahá'í LITERATURE INTO PERSIA EMPHASISING STRONG ATTACHMENT TO BAHAULLAHS NATIVE LAND LOYALTY TO HIS MAJESTY DEVOTION TO BEST INTERESTS HIS EMPIRE DETERMINATION ENHANCE ITS PRESTIGE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
4 October 1932Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 25th 1932 & to express his deep appreciation for your kind words of sympathy.
The loss of the Greatest Holy Leaf will be bitterly felt by all those friends who had the pleasure & privilege to meet her. She always kept such a wonderful atmosphere of joy & hope around her that was bound to influence those that were present & help them to go out into the world with added zeal & determination to consecrate all in the path of God.
The only consolation of Shoghi Effendi is in the knowledge that she has been delivered from earthly worries & physical weakness & that she is now in the presence of Bahá'u'lláh, her Father & Lord enjoying the infinite blessings of His eternal Kingdom.
In closing may I express Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings to all the friends of Australia & assure them all of his prayers & best wishes for the progress of their Cause.
With best wishes, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
With the assurance of my deepfelt appreciation of the noble sentiments expressed in your message, & of my fervent & loving prayers for your spiritual advancement & the removal of your difficulties.
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 25th 1932 & to extend his deep appreciation for your kind words of sympathy. This loss is a thing that will be bitterly felt by every Bahá'í throughout the world, because she used to be a source of inspiration to every one of them. Mere coming into her presence & thinking of the trials and difficulties she had to pass through in her life, was sufficient to create in us new hope & arouse us to stronger determination to promote the Cause she suffered for.
Assuring you all of Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings & best wishes.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan.May the Almighty bless, cheer & comfort you, and graciously assist you to reflect the beauty, & the radiance of our beloved Khanum's saintly life, & enable you to perpetuate her glorious memory.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.Mrs. S.W. Bolton, 7410 12th. Street, Detroit Mich. U.S.A.
Dear Bahá'í Sister,The Guardian wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated October 19. He was glad to hear that you have decided to settle for a while in Detroit and lend your valuable assistance to the Bahá'ís there. He is certain that you will help them to spread the Faith and to prepare the people to receive the Message.
Shoghi Effendi deeply appreciates the eminent share that you and your husband are having in the services of the Cause; he has a profound and great confidence in your laborious endeavour, and values your assistance to the important task that he has been charged to fulfil by the Master.
Indeed it would have been for you such a joy to meet the Greatest Holy Leaf during her earthly life, but the Guardian does not wish you to feel depressed about it; this beloved soul will from the Heaven of her Almighty Father guide you to serve the Cause which has been so dear to her. Shoghi Effendi values your sincere sympathy in this irreparable loss; he hopes that we all will follow the example of her saintly life.
The Guardian prays that the three little dear children30 that you are now so devotedly bringing up in the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh will in future, serve in turn the Cause in which they have been so well reared. He will remember you in his prayers at the Holy Threshold of Bahá'u'lláh and will ask the blessing of the Master for this dear united Bahá'í Family.
Please convey the Guardian's Bahá'í greetings to Mr. Bolton.
Yours in His Name, Mehranguiz Rabbani.Your letter rejoiced my heart. I do not wish you to allow any disappointment, however severe, to cause you to relax in your devoted efforts to promote the Word of God. For your dear children I will pray from the depth of my heart, and will supplicate for your husband the blessings of our departed Master. May he bless richly your family and enable its members to render distinguished services to His Faith.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter dated May 12th, that you have sent through the kindness of Mrs. Bolton, was welcomed by the Guardian; he has charged me to acknowledge it & to extend to you his abiding gratitude for all the services that you are rendering towards the advancement of the Faith.
The Guardian was delighted to learn, that at last, through your admirable endeavours a Bahá'í meeting room has been established in Sydney; your successful report of the first opening meeting, has indeed, rejoiced the heart of Shoghi Effendi, who is looking so eagerly to receive the news of the progress of the Faith. He is fully aware that the Friends are laboriously at task, spreading the teachings of our Beloved Master & trying their best to serve such an eminent Cause.
Indeed our Bahá'í sister Keith31 is rendering wonderful services for the advancement of the Faith. Her visit to Haifa has gladdened Shoghi Effendi, who has urged her to travel for awhile in Persia. She is now on her teaching tour in Bahá'u'lláh's native land, rendering remarkable services, giving the Sacred Message to the eminent Persian leaders.
The Guardian deeply appreciates the efforts that the Bahá'ís of Sydney are displaying for the establishment of the Cause of God over their country, & the fulfilment of 'Abdu'l-Bahás fondest hope: to bring the world under Bahá'u'lláh's banner. He will pray from the depth of his heart for the success of your efforts, & will supplicate at the Holy Shrines, that the light of Divine Guidance may illumine your path & enable you to kindle in the hearts of the people, the flame of Truth. He has great confidence in your valuable enterprise, & values your earnestness to assist him in such a mighty task.
With the assurance of the Guardian's prayers,I wish to add a few words in person in order to assure you of my keen & abiding appreciation of your devoted endeavours for the promotion of the word of God & the consolidation of the institutions of His Faith. May He guide your steps, cheer your hearts, & enable you to hasten the triumph of His Cause, Shoghi
27 December 1932The Bahá'í Assembly c/o Hilda Brooks,32 Sec. Adelaide, South Australia.
Beloved co-workers in the Faith,Your most beautiful message of Nov. 29th, 1932, written through Miss Hilda Brooks, your Secretary, was received and the news of the projected formation of a National Spiritual Assembly in Australia gladdened the heart of our Guardian. He sincerely hopes that, through the whole-hearted cooperation of our Australian believers, this plan will soon materialize and will serve to coordinate the efforts of the various Spiritual Assemblies in that continent. The time has come, the Guardian believes, that the friends should organise themselves into a solidly-united administrative body and in this way increase the efficiency and the success of their teaching work.
In closing may I assure you all of his fervent prayers on your behalf and of his warmest thanks for all that you have done for the further consolidation of the interests of the Cause in your land.
Yours very sincerely, H. RabbaniIt is for the Local Assemblies in Australia & New Zealand to take counsel together and deliberate whether it is feasible to ensure the formation & successful functioning of the National Assembly in that continent. I would be delighted to hear of its formation if the necessary precautions are taken before hand, so as to make sure that the elected members can meet regularly, can direct effectively the national committees as well as the Local Assemblies & groups under their jurisdiction, establish a National Fund, hold annual Bahá'í Conventions and coordinate the various branches of Bahá'í activity with efficiency, harmony & vigour. Shoghi.
1933Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated December 16th 1933.
What you stated as the basic teachings of this Faith is quite correct, only you should not say that the Master, who obtained His inspiration from Bahá'u'lláh, rather than directly from God, was on the same footing as Bahá'u'lláh. The moon cannot be compared to the Sun. And this the Master states in His last will & testament. There he states what ought to be the basic belief of every Bahá'í.
As regards the charts: what the Guardian told Mrs. Dunn was that we should be very careful not to consider geometrical figures as expressing in an absolutely true form what is in reality spiritual relations & beyond our comprehension. The charts may be helpful to state some primary facts but surely the reality has elements far beyond what they can express.
All these points are clearly explained in books such as the Iqán and Some Answered Questions, and the students of the teachings should be encouraged to study them & the more they study them the more will the truth reveal itself to them.
Shoghi Effendi was very glad to hear of your services & of the progress of the Faith. The credit for most of what has been achieved surely is yours, for you have been the father of that community. The Guardian hopes that you will continue to render distinguished services to the Faith.
As regards the tea-room the Guardian believes that you should confer with the friends there who are better acquainted with the circumstances. Anyhow you have his best wishes. God will surely help devoted servants of His such as you.
Please convey Shoghi Effendi's loving greetings to Mr. and Mrs. Bolton. It was surely a very Bahá'í act for them to open their home to you, God will surely recompense him who helps the servants of His Cause.
The Guardian will pray for them as well as for their son. May they all render distinguished services to His Cause.
While visiting the blessed Shrines the Guardian will think of you & Mrs. Dunn, as well as the other friends there & ask for you all divine guidance & help.
Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan.Your letters are always a source of genuine pleasure & satisfaction to my overburdened heart & soul. I deeply value your services, above all I value beyond words the spirit that animates you in His service. The chart which you have sent, & which I regard as very helpful, I will keep in the mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji. I hope you may be enabled some day to visit it. My prayers will continue to be offered in your behalf. Convey my greetings to Mrs. Dunn and assure her of my keen & abiding appreciation of her constant and self-sacrificing labours.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated January 27th 1933.
As regards the changing of the pronouns in the prayers of Bahá'u'lláh. Even though the change is not so important for it makes no alteration in an important aspect of the writings, yet it is counter to a basic principle mentioned by Bahá'u'lláh in the book of Aqdas. There he prohibits in most emphatic terms the interpolation of the Words. It would therefore be wrong to effect such modifications even though it is insignificant.
It is very difficult, that having an English translation of a prayer, to know the Persian or Arabic original of it, for Bahá'í's prayers are many & not all compiled in one or a series of books. It is therefore difficult to find the original of the prayer you mention to compare it with the translation. If we follow the meaning of the verse we would find that the last word "world" should be plural. This is also a familiar expression of Bahá'u'lláh & quite true for He says repeatedly that besides this there are many worlds.
The Guardian will surely, while visiting the Shrines, pray for you & Meade Almond as well as for Ethel Dawe33 and Hilda Brooks. He trusts that through your efforts, now and in the future, the spirit of the Faith will spread far and wide & bring many seeking souls to the teachings of the Cause. With best wishes, yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan.
Dear co-worker:I wish to assure you in person of my continued prayers for your spiritual advancement & for the success of the noble efforts you are exerting for the spread of our beloved Faith. Rest assured & persevere in your pioneer work which the Almighty will abundantly bless & enable you to extend its scope in the days to come.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter as well as the manuscript of your thesis.
As he has no time to go over it in person at present, he asked me to read it & give you any suggestions I have. He will avail himself of the first opportunity he obtains to read it through personally.
In one connection you mention that the Garden of Ridvan is near Mt. Carmel and that Bahá'u'lláh lived in it & used to go to the Mountain for prayer. This is incorrect. The garden is in Acre and far from the Mountain. Having never seen Haifa you have confused the localities & different sites. I would advise you to leave out those passages.
Then, you mention the importance of numerology & the occult sciences and advise that the students should be taught these things. As you are trying to express the Bahá'í point of view on the subject of education, it would be far better to leave this out, for the Master discourages the study of numerology & the occult sciences instead of encouraging them. He says there is a germ of truth in them but that does not justify us to attribute any importance to them. I have mentioned this to the Guardian & he also feels you had better leave out the passage.
Shoghi Effendi deeply appreciates your efforts in presenting the educational program of the Faith to the public. It is, naturally, premature for us to say what the full & considered program is, for all the Tablets have not been collected & studied, & we do not know, as yet, every thing that Bahá'u'lláh & the Master have said on the subject. The step you have taken is therefore that of a pioneer who even though he may not achieve everything will create enough interest to arouse others to follow his footsteps.
In closing may I express the Guardian's loving greetings to you as well as to Mrs. Watkin & assure you both of his earnest prayers for the progress of your work.
With best wishes, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
With the assurance of my prayers for your welfare, your success & spiritual advancement.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian wishes me to thank you for your kind letter dated March 26th 1933 expressing to him your deep love & attachment to the Cause.
He sincerely hopes & prays that this love will stimulate you to render distinguished services to the Faith; & he is confident that it will, because such a deep attachment is bound to express itself in your acts & inspire you to constantly strive & sacrifice in the path of attainment to your spiritual longings.
In his moments of prayer at the Blessed Shrines, the Guardian will think of you & ask God to guide & assist you & to reinforce your efforts in promoting the Faith in Australia.
With the condition of the world as it is - full of strife, distrust & uncertainties - we should not sit idle for a single moment. We should bear in mind the admonitions of the Master, as well as His encouraging words & lofty principles, & labour until His hopes are realized & His ideals attained. With best wishes, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
Dear & precious co-worker:I am deeply touched by the sentiments expressed in your letter & I wish to assure you in person of my loving, my ardent & constant prayers for the speedy realization of your heart's desire & for your spiritual advancement. I will also remember in my prayers your devoted co-workers in Adelaide & will supplicate for them the Master's richest blessings. Rest assured & be happy,
Your true brother, ShoghiMr. Stanley W. Bolton, Box 56, Palmer School of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa. U.S. America.
Dear Mr. Bolton,The Guardian wishes me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated April 2, 1933.
He sincerely hopes that wherever you be and whatever you do you may be guided and assisted by the spirit of the Master. These are surely difficult days and without the consciousness that the spirit of the Master is leading us onward to our final destiny and spiritual attainments, we would never be able to stand our sorrows and overcome the obstacles we find on our way.
Shoghi Effendi was very glad to hear that Dr. Palmer has met the Master and was deeply impressed by him. May he gradually come to learn and accept this divine message and consecrate his life to its service.
As regards your return to Australia, in case Haifa will fall on your way you are heartily welcomed to visit the Shrines and spend a few days in the pilgrim-house. To spend a few moments of deep meditation in those sacred spots is a blessing that every true and sincere soul will deeply appreciate.
Assuring you and the members of your family of the Guardian's prayers and best wishes I remain, Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan.
May the Beloved bless richly your efforts, guide every step you take, deepen your knowledge of the essentials of His Faith and enable you to render signal services to His Cause, Shoghi.
29 April 1933Shoghi Effendi wishes me to thank you for your kind letter of March 16th 1933, as well as the enclosed article which has been translated by Mr. Paul into the Maori language.
The Guardian has already written Mr. Paul expressed his deep appreciation for the service he has rendered to the Faith, but especially to his own people who through the means of such literature will be acquainted with the teachings & will receive the light of guidance brought to the world by Bahá'u'lláh.
I believe the Guardian has already intimated his approval of this pamphlet & the desire that the friends in Australia publish and circulate it among the Maoris.
As regards the passages with sacred writings indicating the wrath of God; Shoghi Effendi says that the Divinity has many attributes. He is loving & merciful but also just. Just as reward & punishment, according to Bahá'u'lláh, are the pillars upon which society rests, so mercy and justice may be considered as their counterpart in the world to come. Should we disobey God & work against His commands He will view our acts in the light of justice & punish us for it. That punishment may not be in the form of fire, as some believe, but in the form of spiritual deprivation & degradation. This is why we read so often in the prayers statements such as "God do not deal with us with justice, but rather through thy infinite mercy". The wrath of God is in the administration of His justice, both in this world & in the world to come. A God that is only loving or only just is not a perfect God. The Divinity has to possess both of these aspects as every father ought to express both in his attitude towards his children. If we ponder a while, we will see that our welfare can be insured only when both of these divine attributes are equally emphasised & practised.
In closing may I express the Guardian's loving greetings & best wishes for the progress of your work in serving the Cause. Yours ever sincerely, Ruhi Afnan
May the almighty bless your efforts, deepen your understanding of the essentials & distinguishing features of His Faith, guide your steps, & aid & assist you to extend the range of your activities & services,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Adelaide Spiritual Assembly c/o Hilda Brooks, Secty. Adelaide, South Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,I have been requested by the Guardian to inform you of the receipt of your letter dated April 24th, 1933 together with the enclosed membership application form which you had sent for his approval. The news of the projected formation of an Australian National Assembly greatly cheered his heart and confirmed his hopes for the future of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand. He is confident that through your perseverance, enthusiasm and devotion great results will be achieved. He wishes you, however, not to be in a hurry, to proceed slowly and carefully and to follow as closely as possible the example set by our American brethren in their attempt to widen and consolidate the nascent institutions of the Faith in their land. The formation of a National Assembly is not an easy matter. It is fraught with incalculable difficulties. Our Australian friends, therefore, should act with great caution and wisdom lest they jeopardize the very best interests of the Cause.
Shoghi Effendi has carefully read your membership application form for affiliation with Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand and he wishes me to assure you that it has met with his whole-hearted approval. In all the various & important steps you are now taking for the formation of your National Assembly he would strongly urge you to ask the advice of the American National Assembly, to keep in close and constant touch with its members who are on the whole much more experienced in matters pertaining to the actual functioning of Bahá'í administrative institutions. Moreover, the volume "Bahá'í Administration" is an indispensable book for a thorough understanding of the spirit as well as the form of Bahá'í Administrative system. Its perusal is incumbent upon all, for upon its study much of our understanding of the Cause depends.
In conclusion may I extend to you all the loving greetings of the Guardian. In his moments of meditation and prayer he will remember you and [illegible] the Lord to enable you render His Cause yet greater services. Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dearly-beloved Co-workers:Your activities & institutions, the development of which constitutes the privilege & sacred obligation of the Bahá'í elected representatives in Australia & New Zealand, should, I strongly feel, follow the lines & function according to the principles, adopted by the American National Assembly - embodied in their by-laws and Declarations of Trust, both national and local. These fundamental principles, whether spiritual or administrative, are the bedrock of the future civilization, the source & centre of which is the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. I advise you to keep in constant touch with the American National Assembly & seek from them the advice & assistance you require in your noble mission. May the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh guide, inspire & assist you to rear the noble structure of a duly constituted National Assembly for that far-away yet promising continent.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.The Bahá'í Assembly c/o Mr. E.H.Brewer, Secty. Sydney, Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,Shoghi Effendi wishes me to acknowledge on his behalf the receipt of your letter of May 19th, 1933, written through Mr. Brewer your secretary, together with the enclosed communication addressed by you to the Adelaide Assembly, all of which he has read with deepest appreciation. He hopes that the newly-elected members of your Assembly will be deeply confirmed in their efforts for the further extension & consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia. The Guardian wishes you to concentrate most of your efforts during this year on the ways and means essential for the eventual establishment of an Australian National Assembly. The time has come, he sincerely believes, when our Australian friends have to coordinate their administrative activities & thereby give a new impetus to the development of the Cause in their land.
Shoghi Effendi was extremely pleased to witness how earnestly you are serving the cause of the Temple, through your continued & self-sacrificing endeavours. He is confident that the financial & the moral assistance you are so devotedly extending to our American brethren will increasingly draw upon you the blessings of God & will enable you to serve His Cause with increasing success.
With the assurance of his best wishes for you all, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dearly beloved co-workers:The incessant & ever increasing activities of the Sydney believers & of their collaborators in other cities of Australia & New Zealand are a source of joy & inspiration & strength to my heart, & soul. I will pray that Bahá'u'lláh's almighty arm may guide your steps in your efforts to erect one of the national pillars of that supreme & universal world-embracing House of Justice the promise of which lies enshrined in the writings of Bahá'u'lláh & 'Abdu'l-Bahá. More power to your elbow! My heart is full of gratitude for your splendid initiative & pioneer services. Shoghi
25 July 1933 [Eric Watkin]Your letter of May 19th, 1933 addressed to Ruhi Afnan was duly received together with the enclosed sum as your contribution to the Faith.
The Guardian was especially glad to learn that you are in a good health & that you are so devotedly & so continuously offering your
services to the Cause. It is so encouraging and inspiring to see the friends so eager to promote the Teachings. He is confident that through your self-sacrificing efforts as well as through your thorough understanding of the essentials of the Faith you can win a great success in the teaching field. May Bahá'u'lláh inspire & sustain your noble efforts & impart to your soul the courage, wisdom & strength you need for the fulfilment of your work.
Shoghi Effendi will always remember you in his prayers & will implore for you the blessings of God so that you may be increasingly confirmed in His Cause.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniShoghi Effendi was so glad to receive your beautiful & most interesting message of June 28th, 1933 together with the enclosed newspaper clipping and to learn of your activities after such a long time. The many news you have given him about the progress of the Cause in Australia, together with the suggestions you have made for its further extension and consolidation in that continent, were thoroughly appreciated by him. You seem to have given him a faithful & true account of the standing of the Cause in your community. He hopes that you will write to him more frequently & will keep him in close & constant touch with your activities.
The Guardian is firmly convinced that you can be of a great help to the friends in Australia & that your knowledge of the Cause & your eagerness to promote its principles make you specially fit to devote a good deal of your time to the teaching of the Faith. You should fully avail yourself of this opportunity & arise to dedicate your life to the service of the Cause. Before you is a vast & endless field of teaching. You have the energy, the courage, & the ability to undertake such a highly important & most delicate task. May Bahá'u'lláh strengthen & help you & may He shower upon you His blessings & impart to your soul that peace & serenity of which the world is in such a crying need.
Shoghi Effendi would like you also to make all your effort to increase among the friends the spirit of unity & of cooperation & to encourage the young believers to come into a closer contact with the older generation of friends, so that through this harmonious cooperation the Cause may be given a further chance to develop & expand. The Faith needs both the experiences & the wisdom of age as well as the enthusiasm & the energy of youth. When all these qualities are harmoniously combined great results will be achieved.
With the assurance of the Guardian's best wishes & of his fervent prayers on your behalf & on behalf of your devoted husband, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear & prized co-worker:Do not lose courage or hope. I will fervently pray for the deliverance & awakening of the continent in which you live. Persevere in your efforts. I cherish bright hopes for the future of your work in both the teaching & administrative fields, & I feel confident that Bahá'u'lláh will guide your steps & enable you to surmount all obstacles for the child you expect. I will also pray. Rest assured,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiYour message of July 4th, 1933 brought much joy & happiness to the Guardian's heart, as it was abounding with facts that clearly demonstrated your eagerness to spread the Holy Message & your readiness to foster & safeguard the cause of the Administration in your locality. The Cause greatly needs your enthusiasm, your spirit of initiative & of whole-hearted loyalty to the essentials of the Faith, & above all your genuine realization of the necessity of cooperation & consultation in all your Bahá'í activities.
In regard to your wish of broadcasting the Message, Shoghi Effendi would advise you to consult with the Spiritual Assembly as to whether such an action meets their approval, & if so to ask their assistance & help for finding the best means through which to carry out your plan. The idea of a wireless station is rather ambitious & requires much financial expenditure. If, however, you find it feasible & within your financial capacity you should not hesitate to do so, inasmuch as this will enable you to spread the Cause in a much easier & more efficient manner.
In closing please extent the Guardian's loving greetings to your dear wife & to all the friends in your community & assure them all of his fervent prayers for their advancement & welfare. Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
With the assurance of my loving & fervent prayers for the realization of your hopes & the complete & speedy success of your high & devoted endeavours,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Bahá'í Spiritual Assembly, c/o Miss Hilda Brooks, Box 447D, Adelaide, South Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends,The news letter which your secretary D.M. Dugdale kindly forwarded to the Guardian was received and its perusal filled his heart with inexpressible joy. It is so encouraging & uplifting to learn of the steadfastness, loyalty and devotion with which our Australian brethren are toiling for the extension of the divine World Order, and are sacrificing so much of their resources for the widening & the strengthening of the basis of its nascent administrative institutions.
Shoghi Effendi sincerely hopes that all the friends & Assemblies throughout Australia & New Zealand will combine their efforts in the coming year in order to hasten & insure the establishment of their National Assembly, and in this way advance a step further in the administrative organisation of the Cause. He has already urged the friends to take all the steps necessary & essential to the creation of such a body which will coordinate & unite the teaching as well as the administrative activities of the entire body of our Australian & New Zealand believers.
The Guardian wishes also to stress the importance, in these days when the Cause is making such a rapid advance in the West, of widening, as much as resources permit, the sphere of your teaching activities as well as Bahá'í publications. Their standard, both intellectual & artistic, should be raised in order that through them the interest of the public in the teachings of the Faith may be increased & kept alive. Much effort should be spent particularly on your monthly magazine, the "Herald of the South" that its subscribers may increase in number & that they may encourage their friends to read & study its contents.
The Guardian will continue to supplicate on behalf of you all, that you may soon be able to form your National Assembly & thus contribute your share to the formation of the future Intern. House of Justice & to the administrative expansion & consolidation of the Faith. With loving Bahá'í greetings & best wishes,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniOn behalf of Shoghi Effendi I wish to thank you for your letter dated Jan 4th and for the enclosed report on Bahá'í activities in Sydney which our dear friend Mr. Bertram Dewing had so carefully prepared for the "Bahá'í World". The text of the report will be forwarded to Mr Horace Holley that he may incorporate it in his general survey of Bahá'í activities throughout the world during the last two years.
With many thanks and with loving Bahá'í greetings to you and to all the friends in Sydney,
Yours in his service, H. RabbaniWith the assurance of my loving appreciation of your steadfast endeavours & devotion in the service of our beloved Faith, & of my prayers for your welfare and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs. S.W. Bolton, P.S.C. Box 56, Davenport, Iowa. U.S.A.
Dear Bahá'í Sister,On behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 1, and to thank you for the three booklets you have sent him under separate cover. He was glad to go over them and to realize that in some of their aspects they bear certain resemblance to the teachings.
He hopes that your close and continued contact with Mr. B.J. Palmer will serve to deepen his interest in the Cause, and to stimulate him to do something for its spread in your locality.
He will certainly pray on your behalf that your labours in this connection may prove fruitful. Let me also assure you of his prayers on behalf of your family. May the Beloved keep and strengthen them in his Cause.
With loving greetings to you and your husband,With the assurance of my loving prayers for your spiritual advancement and success in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi.On behalf of Shoghi Effendi I wish to thank you for your letter dated Feb. 1st which you had written in the name of the Adelaide Spiritual Assembly, expressing the difficulties which the friends are encountering in the formation of their N.S.A.
As the Guardian has already intimated, the believers should in no way consider the establishment of a National Assembly in Australia as an impending obligation, but as an important step to be taken when circumstances are on the whole favourable. He is fully conscious of the obstacles which impede the realization of this suggestion he has made to some of our Australian & New Zealand believers. And in view of that he would recommend the friends not to take any definite action in the matter unless they can ascertain that their plan can be successfully carried out.
As regards the method to be adopted for the election of the delegates to the Convention, he feels that as the friends in Australia & New Zealand are relatively few in number it would be advisable for them to have only
nine or nineteen delegates instead of ninety-five. And these delegates must be elected to represent those localities where there are duly established Local Spiritual Assemblies, and according to the principle of proportional representation. As to the adoption of the Membership Application Form, the Guardian prefers to leave this matter entirely in the hands of your National Assembly when it is formed.
Trusting that this coming spring will witness a marked development in the administration of the Faith in Australia & New Zealand, and with best wishes for the success of your labours in this connection.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the almighty guide & sustain you in your devoted & persistent efforts for the spread of the Faith & the consolidation of its institutions, & may His spirit enable you to overcome every obstacle & fulfil your heart's desire.
Your true brother, Shoghi.On behalf of the Guardian I wish to thank you for your much appreciated letter of Feb. 22nd which carried the joyful news of the projected formation of the Convention of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, in the middle of this coming April. I cannot, indeed, refrain from expressing his deep and abiding gratitude for this latest expression of the spirit of determination, of courage & of whole-hearted loyalty which is so powerfully animating our Australian and New Zealand believers, & which, in the years to come, will enable them to forge ahead in their efforts for the establishment & expansion of the administrative order of the Faith in their country. This new & momentous step they have been inspired to take will surely bring them into a closer & deeper contact with the general body of the Cause, by providing them with an opportunity to discharge, with more effectiveness & power, their manifold & sacred responsibilities for the international promotion & safeguarding of the Faith. The formation of every new National Assembly must, indeed, be viewed as a step forward in the evolution of the Administration of the Faith. And not until a sufficient number of such National Assemblies has been duly constituted can there be any hope for the future expansion of the Cause.
I need not remind you of the Guardian's oft-repeated urge that in the formation of their Convention as well as in all their other activities in connection with the election of the N.S.A. the friends must follow as closely as possible and with due consideration to certain local differences, all the regulations, laws & principles governing the administration of the Faith in America. The American N.S.A. is, indeed, the prototype of all other National Assemblies in the Bahá'í world. And this, not because of any geographical or national considerations but due to the fact that it constitutes the oldest and the most effective organ of its kind in the field of the administration.
With loving greetings to you and to Mr Dunn, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear and precious co-worker:I am overjoyed to learn of the historic decision of the Bahá'ís of Australia & New Zealand. It marks a turning point in the history of the Faith in that far-away continent. The entire Bahá'í world welcomes this stimulating intelligence & feels deeply grateful for the spirit that has prompted it. I will from the bottom of my heart pray that the blessings of Bahá'u'lláh may rest upon the deliberations of this First Convention of the Bahá'ís in Australia & New Zealand,
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has received your letter of Ap.7th, and was deeply
moved by the spirit which is animating and sustaining you in your services to the Cause in Australia. He feels, indeed, deeply grateful to you, and to each and every member of the community in that land for the remarkable & historic step you have taken for the formation of your first National Spiritual Assembly. He is fervently supplicating the Almighty that His guidance may continue to light the path which you are destined to follow, & that through His Divine assistance you may be enabled to pave the way for the safe and speedy establishment & consolidation of the administration of the Faith in your country.
In closing please accept his best wishes for yourself and for your work, and convey his loving greetings to all the faithful, & particularly to Mr. & Mrs. Brewer, to Mr. Guy Inman37 & to dear Mr. Dewing. May I also assure you of his prayers for the confirmation of Mrs. E. McLachlan.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI fully share your joy, your gratitude & deepest satisfaction at the fruition of your patient, your arduous, your historic & exemplary labours in that far-off continent. The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia & New Zealand crowns your magnificent work for His Cause. The supreme concourse glorifies and extols the endeavours which Mrs. Dunn and yourself have so devotedly and heroically exerted. Future generations will magnify your great & unforgettable achievements. I am deeply thankful for & proud of all that you have done, Shoghi
15 May 1934 [Adelaide Assembly]The Guardian has deeply appreciated your message dated April 10th, and he has asked me to convey to you once more his grateful thanks for the services you are so continually rendering the Faith in your centre. The gratifying news has just reached him of the opening of the first Convention of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, and needless to say how deeply he was moved by this historic step you have been inspired to take for the consolidation of the Administration in your country. He feels confident that through such remarkable evidences of the self-sacrificing, heroic and united efforts of the Australian and New Zealand believers an increasing number of hitherto sceptical and unfriendly people will be gradually attracted to the Faith.
Assuring you again of the Guardian's fervent prayers for the continued expansion of your Bahá'í activities, and with his best wishes and greetings to you and to all the friends in Adelaide,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI rejoice to learn of the momentous step the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand have taken. They will surely be reinforced by the hosts of the Kingdom, and deserve the praise and admiration of their fellow-believers throughout the world. Constancy, co-operation, unity and steadfast adherence to the spiritual and administrative principles of the Faith are essential during these days when the foundations of the Universal House of Justice are being laid through your devoted efforts in your own country. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, ShoghiINEXPRESSIBLY GLADDENED CELEBRATION FIRST HISTORIC CONVENTION ASSURE DELEGATES ABOUNDING GRATITUDE FERVENT PRAYERS DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
13 June 1934The Guardian has duly received & deeply enjoyed reading your letters dated November 30th, December 27th, 1933 and February 4th, 1934. He is sorry that unforseen circumstances have caused such a long delay in acknowledging their receipt. He hopes, however, that the matters you have submitted for his consideration have not suffered as a result.
Since your last letter to him, he has heard of the gratifying news of the formation of your N.S.A. This historic step in the development of the Administration in Australia & New Zealand is, he feels, bound to react favourably on the further expansion & consolidation of the Faith in these far-off lands. He is fervently supplicating Bahá'u'lláh that the newly-elected members of the N.S.A., upon whom has been placed such a tremendous responsibility, be assisted in the discharge of their sacred obligations & duties to the Faith.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe splendid reports you have sent me have been incorporated in the manuscript & sent to the Bahá'í World committee in America38 The formation of the National Assembly of Australia & New Zealand will no doubt furnish you with new & refreshing material for your next report in 1936. I will pray for your success & deeply value the manifold & constant services you are rendering the Cause of God. Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
26 July 1934I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of June 6th, written on behalf of the N.S.A. of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, and to convey to you, and to your collaborators on that Assembly his grateful appreciation of the stupendous efforts you have unanimously exerted for making your first Convention such a successful and promising meeting. Your collective and continued sacrifices, as well as the assistance and guidance of Bahá'u'lláh have surely been responsible for this historic triumph which you have been able to achieve in the administrative field of the Cause - a triumph which will inevitably bring about a renewed and deeper spiritual consciousness to all the believers in these far-off lands.
Shoghi Effendi is praying from the very depths of his heart for your guidance and assistance, and hopes that as a result your National Assembly will be soon enabled to take such steps as would enable it to extend and to further consolidate its national as well as international activities.
With warm greetings to you and to all the friends in Adelaide,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMy heart is filled with joy and gratitude as a result of the perusal of your letter. I long to be in close and constant touch with your newly-formed National Assembly - the first of your administrative activities and the herald of one of the most fruitful and stirring periods in the history of the Faith in that promising continent. I will be so glad to receive copies of the minutes of your gatherings, and urge you to keep in close touch with your sister Assemblies throughout the Bahá'í world. I will assuredly pray for you and your dear and devoted collaborators from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi.The Guardian has just received from the editor of the "Herald of the South" copies of your monthly magazine together with the printed report of the first Convention of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, and he is deeply gratified to witness the steady advancement which your National Assembly is making in consolidating the foundations & in extending the sphere of the administration of the Faith throughout your country. He was particularly impressed by the photograph of the delegates at the Convention & also by that representing the members of your newly-elected National Assembly, both of which have been beautifully reproduced in the last issue of the "Herald of the South". He would be, indeed, very thankful if you send him three copies of each of these photographs which he wishes to place in the mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji. He feels certain that the many visitors to this hallowed spot, both believers and non-believers alike, will be deeply impressed by them, and will be further convinced in their recognition of the tremendous & unsurpassed progress achieved by the Faith in these far-off lands.
In closing I wish to assure you of the Guardian's best wishes, and to renew his grateful appreciation of your continued and pioneering services for the Cause in Australia. His prayers for you both, as well as for your collaborators in the National Assembly are being continually offered to God. May His unfailing guidance and love continue to impart a fresh & ever-increasing stimulus to your collective endeavours for the further penetration & establishment of His Faith.
With warmest greetings & heartfelt thanks, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
P.S. The Guardian wishes to remind you & through you the members of your National Assembly that in conformity with the general rule & practice among the believers and for the sake of maintaining the necessary unity in the administrative rulings & procedures of the Cause you should have your Annual Convention held any time during the twelve days of Ridvan beginning from April 21st, and not on May 15th as observed in your last Convention gathering.
P.S. Shoghi Effendi is directing the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa to incorporate both in the English & in the Persian issues of their circular letter the news of the Convention of the Australian & New Zealand friends as this news will greatly stimulate & inspire the believers all over the world.
25 September 1934 [Bertha & Joseph Dobbins]The Guardian has read and carefully considered your letter of July 29th with its enclosures, and was profoundly grieved to learn of the unfortunate situation that has arisen between you and your Local Spiritual Assembly. He hopes, nevertheless, that through your exemplary self-sacrifice & your spirit of good-will this abnormal condition will be soon remedied, and that your relations with the Assembly will take on their normal course. In view of that he would advise you to drop the matter entirely, to even forget it, and to demonstrate through both your words and deeds your unqualified & whole-hearted obedience to whatever your Assembly decides & acts upon. For in so doing you will be demonstrating your loyalty not to any individual, but to a principle & to that body which incarnates & exemplifies that same principle.
The Guardian feels also that it would be more advisable if you do not petition the National Assembly, in view of the fact that this body has much more constructive problems before it for consideration & settlement. He would advise you also not to insist any more on obtaining an apology from your Local Assembly, for such an act even though it may be justified by facts, would assuredly lower the prestige of that institution in the eyes of the believers. The Guardian's impression is that the whole issue is due to a misunderstanding between you & the Assembly, & that in view of that it would be preferable not to give it any more consideration than it deserves. Such misunderstandings have invariably accompanied the birth of the administration in every country in which it has been established, and time has proved that through the propelling power of the Faith each & all of them have been gradually & effectively wiped out. You need, therefore, have no misapprehension whatever. Your action, the Guardian feels certain, will constitute an example which the friends will thoroughly appreciate, & in the light of which they will learn to settle every problem arising between them & their Assemblies in future.
With his best wishes & greetings to you both.Do not allow, I beseech you, this unfortunate incident to damp your ardour or to impair the effectiveness of your labours in the service of our beloved Faith. No sacrifice, I assure you, is too great for the consolidation of the nascent institutions of God's Cause in your promising country. Persevere, be happy & confident. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiI am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated August 31st with its most interesting enclosures, all of which he has carefully read and considered. It is with deep gratification that he follows the progress and extension of the work of your NSA, and he hopes and prays that through the confirmations of the Almighty it will serve to give an increasing impetus to the progress of the Faith in your land.
The Guardian has read with particular interest the minutes of the meetings of your N.S.A. He hopes to receive them regularly, and thus to be in close and constant touch with your national activities.
In regard to your question as to whether it is permissible to substitute the plural pronoun for the singular in prayers worded in the singular, the Guardian would strongly urge your N.S.A. to inform the friends to strictly adhere to the text of the Holy Writings, and not to deviate even a hair-breadth from what has been revealed by the Holy Pen. Besides, it should be noted that congregational prayer has been discouraged by Bahá'u'lláh, and that it is allowed only in the case of the prayer for the dead.
Concerning the Healing Prayer, the Guardian wishes me to inform you that there is no special ruling for its recital. The believer is free to recite it as many times and in the way he wishes. There are also no obligatory prayers for the Fast. But there are some specific ones revealed by Bahá'u'lláh for that purpose.
As to the instructions given in the little black covered Prayer Book, they are by no means complete and are only tentative. When the Book of Aqdas is published, the believers will have then full and authoritative prescriptions about the form of prayer, and other instructions and rulings of a spiritual character.
With loving greetings to you and to the members of the N.S.A., Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.
Dearly beloved co-worker:My constant prayers for the extension of the activities in which you and your dear fellow-labourers are so strenuously engaged will be offered on your behalf that the splendid era which you have inaugurated may redound to the glory and honour of the Most Great Name. I am truly proud of the manner in which my loved friends in Australia and New Zealand have arisen to discharge their sacred and pressing responsibilities. Great triumphs, I feel convinced, are in store for them if they persevere in their mighty task. May the Almighty bless their high endeavours and enable them to achieve His purpose.
Your true brother, Shoghi.GRIEF STRICKEN ASSURE YOU DEEPFELT SYMPATHY PRAYING FERVENTLY PIONEER SERVICES EVER REMEMBERED
22 December 1934The Guardian was profoundly grieved to learn of the passing away of your dear mother, and has directed me to convey to you, and to the bereaved members of your family, his heartfelt condolences and sympathy for this severe loss which you have sustained.
Mrs. Blundell's departure is, indeed, a loss not only to her family, but also to the community of her fellow-believers in New Zealand. For in her they have come to lose one of their oldest and most distinguished co-workers.
The Guardian well remembers her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and has always cherished the hope that she would once more be enabled to visit the Shrines. But alas, her departed soul has taken its flight from this world, leaving her friends and relatives in a state of profoundest grief. Their only consolation now is the realization that through her painstaking & sustained labours for the Cause in Auckland Mrs. Blundell has left an abiding monument to her memory, and one which will continue for many years to come to inspire and strengthen them all in their collective endeavours for the establishment of the Faith in New Zealand.
Shoghi Effendi is fervently praying for the soul of our departed sister, and is entreating Bahá'u'lláh to give her her full share of divine blessings in the other world.
May I also assure you of his ardent supplications for you, and for all the friends in Auckland.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe Guardian has duly received your beautiful message of the 2nd of December, and he wishes me to thank you for it, as well as for the enclosed copy of the Auckland Assembly's circular letter which he has delivered to the Spiritual Assembly of Haifa for their perusal.
He also wishes me to ask you to kindly inform Miss Blundell of the receipt of the twenty-five copies of the Maori pamphlet which she had lately mailed to him. These, together with those she had sent previously, have all been placed in his own library, & a few copies have also been placed in the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji for the information of the general public.
In closing, the Guardian wishes me to renew to you the expressions of his abiding and genuine appreciation of your labours for the Cause in Auckland, & particularly in connection with your duties as secretary of the Local Assembly. He is praying from the very depth of his heart for your progress & success in this important field of Bahá'í service.
With heartiest greetings to you & all the friends,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI wish to assure you of my deepfelt appreciation of your constant & manifold services to the Faith, & particularly of the share you have had in consolidating its administrative institutions in both Australia & New Zealand, whether local or national. My prayers will continue to be offered from the bottom of my heart for your dear co-workers. Persevere & never feel disheartened.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour welcome letter of the 13th of December, together with the accompanying message of December 11th addressed to the Guardian by "The General Purposes and Business Committee" of the N.S.A. have all been duly received and deeply appreciated by him.
He has also received and read with great care and interest the enclosed copy of the minutes of the above-mentioned committee, and was pleased to realize that, despite the various impediments standing in the way of your Assembly, that body is functioning smoothly and with one accord. He hopes that the various steps taken by your Committee in connection with the publication of the "Herald of the South" will all materialize and meet with success.
May I also in closing express the Guardian's appreciation of your efforts in connection with the management and direction of this monthly review, and also with regard to your activities in the field of teaching.
With his loving greetings to you and to your co-workers in the "Herald of the South" Committee, and with the assurance of his prayers for you all.
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.The repeated evidences of the strenuous efforts exerted by the believers in Australia and New Zealand for the spread of the Cause and the rise and consolidation of its institutions have brought me intense joy and excited my deepest admiration. I urge them to persevere, to remain united, not to relax in their determination, and to strive with all their might to extend the scope of their meritorious activities. I will continue to pray for them from the bottom of my heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi.The Secretary, N.S.A. of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand.
Dear Bahá'í Friend,At the direction of the Guardian I am enclosing the translation of a report he has recently received from Persia, and addressed to the Persian N.S.A. by a believer from Kerman.
The Guardian feels your N.S.A. will be interested to read this report as it throws much light on the conditions under which the Faith is now passing in Persia.
With his best wishes & greetings,The Guardian has just received your kind message of the second of January last, and wishes me to thank you for it.
It comforted him greatly to learn that, despite the severe loss which you have sustained through the passing away of your mother, you are still engaged as actively as before in the work which you have set your heart to accomplish for the Cause in Auckland. The agonies of her earthly separation from you, difficult though they may be to bear, will assuredly be transmuted through the blessings of Bahá'u'lláh into a peaceful and abiding joy. In serving a Cause for which your mother sacrificed so much you will no doubt come to find the very purpose of your life, & the true secret of happiness in this, as well as in the next world.
The Guardian is fervently praying for you and for your brother, that you both may be strengthened and guided in your services to the Cause, and in this way continue and enrich still further the noble heritage which your mother has left for the Faith in New Zealand.
With loving Bahá'í greetings to you & to all the friends in Auckland,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI wish to assure you in person of my heartfelt sympathy in the loss you have sustained, & of my loving and ardent prayers for the departed soul. The work with which her name will for ever be associated will confer upon her imperishable glory, & her example will serve to stimulate the rising generation to follow in her footsteps, & carry on the work she has so nobly initiated. Your true brother, Shoghi
24 April 1935 [National Assembly]The Guardian has read with great care and interest your letter of the 24th of March last, and has noted with deep satisfaction the steady progress which your N.S.A. is making since its formation last year. He is particularly pleased and encouraged to realise how wisely and effectively your Assembly is adjusting itself to the general conditions and specific requirements of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand, to such an extent that obstacles which a year ago seemed to be insurmountable have now, through the sustained and earnest efforts of the friends, been partially if not completely removed. Your Assembly has, indeed, truly vindicated its ability and power to function as a well-organized and united body, and this in the face of manifold difficulties which the all-conquering spirit of the Faith could alone overcome. Nothing short of this Divine spirit, as expressed through the self-sacrificing and confident labours of the Australian and New Zealand friends, could have so effectively subdued those forces which every now and then threatened to undermine the foundations of your Assembly, and thus overthrow the entire system of the Administration in your land.
Now that the N.S.A. has successfully emerged out of these difficulties and trials, the Guardian has every reason to believe that the progress thus far achieved will continue undiminished and undeterred by any obstacle, however formidable it may seem to appear.
In his moments of meditation and prayer at the Holy Shrines he will specially supplicate for the guidance and assistance of the N.S.A. and will supplicate Bahá'u'lláh to inspire its members in all their deliberations.
With his warmest and most loving appreciation and greetings to them and to all the friends in Adelaide.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI fully approve of the decisions arrived at by your Assembly regarding the various issues referred to in your letter, and feel gratified to learn of the zeal, the constancy, the loyalty and the determination with which the national representatives of the believers in Australia and New Zealand are prosecuting the noble work entrusted to them by the Almighty. I would urge you to take the necessary steps for the incorporation of your National Assembly as soon as you adopt your Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and I pray that the almighty hand of Bahá'u'lláh may guide and sustain you in your high and historic endeavours.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.The Guardian is profoundly grieved to learn from your letter of the 19th of April last, that Mr. Dunn has had a stroke, & that as a result he is confined to bed & is unable to attend to his work for the Cause. It is very kind, indeed, of Mr. and Mrs. Bolton to have offered themselves for nursing & treating him, and it is hoped that through their kind assistance & care, as well as through the bounty and favours of Bahá'u'lláh, our beloved patient will gradually improve in health, & will be able to resume his activities for the Faith in a not too distant future.
In his prayers & meditations at the Holy Shrines he will specially remember him, & will pray for his complete recovery.
As to yourself, Shoghi Effendi sees no objection if, for the present, you offer your resignation from the Local Assembly in order to have more time to take care of father Dunn. He wishes you, however, to first try to serve in both capacities. In case you find yourself unable to do so, you can be certain that your action is quite justified, & hence meets with the Guardian's approval.
Assuring you again of his supplications for your protection & guidance, and with his cordial greetings to father Dunn & your dear self, as well as to all the friends in your centre,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI am truly distressed to learn of the illness of so precious, so dearly-beloved a worker, so magnificent a pioneer in the field of Bahá'í service. I hasten to assure you of my prayers at the Holy Shrines for the recovery, the welfare, the success & happiness of one who may be truly said to have set an unsurpassed example to the generations that will be called upon to serve the Cause of God throughout the whole world. My gratefulness to you knows no bounds & my affection for you is beyond description. The concourse on high are truly proud of your record your eminent and unforgettable accomplishments. Shoghi
30 May 1935 [Silver Jackman]40The Guardian has directed me to thank you for your letter of the 30th of April last which he has just received & deeply appreciated reading.
He has also received the sum of twenty pounds stirling which the friends in Australia and New Zealand have generously contributed to the Cause, and wishes you to convey to them all the expression of his most sincere & loving appreciation of the spirit that has led them to make this donation. He hopes & prays that the Almighty may abundantly reward them for the self-sacrifices they have borne in this connection.
With regard to the "Herald of the South" magazine. Shoghi Effendi is very much pleased to witness how its standard is improving, & how effectively it is being used by the friends in their teaching work. What he would advise the editors is to make an effort to make this review as interesting & as stimulating to the non-Bahá'í public as possible. To this end, he suggests that more emphasis be laid on the number & quality of articles, & that the latter be written not only on specific Bahá'í subjects, but should cover a wide range of material whether, social, religious or humanitarian. The science section is, no doubt, very important & has a special appeal to the young & the new-comers. The Esperanto section is also highly useful, and adds a good deal to the international character of the review.
In closing Shoghi Effendi wishes me to express once more his appreciation of your services to the Cause, whether in the local or the national field of Bahá'í activity, and to also assure you of his prayers for the success & continued expansion of your labours for the spread & establishment of the Faith in your country.
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I am deeply touched by these evidences of the devotion, the incessant activities, & the undeviating loyalty of the believers in Australia and New Zealand. Through their high endeavours they have laid the foundations of the Administrative Order of their Faith in that far-off continent. They are loyally & devotedly labouring to rear on this basis the institutions of the World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. May He increasingly sustain, guide & bless their meritorious & historic activities. Shoghi
19 June 1935 [National Assembly]The Guardian has received your letter dated May 8th, and has carefully read and considered its contents. He wishes me to thank you for it, and specially to convey to you, as well as to the other members of your N.S.A., his hearty congratulations over the success that has attended your national elections this year. He hopes and prays that as years go by your Assembly will increasingly grow in unity and strength, and will demonstrate its capacity to cope with the manifold problems and difficulties with which it will be inevitably confronted as it forges ahead in its slow though steady progress towards the firmer establishment of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order throughout Australia and New Zealand.
With regard to your question as to the advisability of disclosing to an individual believer the contents of the N.S.A.'s correspondence. The Guardian thinks that although this cannot be considered as constituting an obligation which a believer can impose upon the national body, yet, it would seem highly advisable that the N.S.A. should give a sympathetic consideration to any such request made to it by a believer. This, he feels, would avoid giving the impression that the Assembly is working in an atmosphere of complete secrecy, and that it is motivated by dictatorial motives. The final decision in such matters, however, is entirely left to the discretion of the N.S.A. The basic principle that should always be remembered is that the N.S.A. cannot be required to reveal to any outsider all the details concerning its work. It may choose to do so if it wishes, but nobody has the right to enforce upon it any such action: This is, of course the purely legal side of the question. But a purely legalistic attitude in matters affecting the Cause, particularly now that the Faith is still in a state of infancy, is not only inadequate but fraught with unforeseen dangers and difficulties. The individuals and Assemblies must learn to cooperate and to cooperate intelligently, if they desire to adequately discharge their duties and obligations towards the Faith. And no such cooperation is possible without mutual confidence and trust.
With loving greetings from the Guardian to you and to the members of the N.S.A. and with the assurance of his prayers on behalf of you all,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I cannot refrain from expressing in person my deep sense of gratitude and indebtedness to the beloved co-workers in that land for their splendid achievements in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity. I feel truly proud of your accomplishments. I will continue to supplicate for every one of you the Beloved's imperishable blessings.
Rest assured and persevere. ShoghiOn Behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th of July last, with the enclosed copy of the minutes of the N.S.A. of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand. I wish, in particular, to express his gratification at the news of the success of the last meeting of your N.S.A. held in Sydney. It gives him, indeed, much pleasure and encouragement to realize that your Assembly meetings are conducted with such a good deal of order and efficiency, and above all, in such a perfect spirit of unity and fellowship - the few other obstacles and difficulties left, he feels confident, will in due time disappear. The foundation has been now firmly laid down, and the work is bound to develop and expand. The friends should, therefore, be confident, and should exert their utmost that the institutions they have so painstakingly and laboriously established should flourish and yield their fruit.
In connection with the N.S.A.'s decision regarding the appointment of Mrs. Axford and Mr. Inman to keep records of Australian and New Zealand activities for the "Bahá'í World"; the Guardian wishes you to assure your fellow-members in the Assembly that he fully endorses their choice. He also wishes you to impress the newly-appointed correspondents with the vital importance of their task, and to urge them to acquit themselves of it with thoroughness, efficiency and vigour.
Regarding dear Mr. Hyde Dunn's health; Shoghi Effendi is grieved beyond words to learn that he is growing so weak physically. Will you kindly assure him, as well as Mrs. Dunn, of his supplications for the amelioration of his health and for the complete restoration of his forces.
In closing will you also convey his love and greetings to the members of the N.S.A. and assure them once more of his continued prayers for their welfare, protection and guidance.
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.The detailed report of the activities of the National Assembly - the furthermost pillar of the Universal House of Justice which the high endeavours of the believers in Australia and New Zealand have reared - has filled my heart and soul with immense joy and gratitude. The Beloved is surely watching over and continually blessing your splendid accomplishments, the plans you have conceived, the methods you have devised, the efforts you are exerting, the services which you have rendered. I will continue to pray for the consolidation and uninterrupted expansion of your laudable activities in the service of so glorious and mighty a Cause. Never relax nor despair. The tender plant which your hands have raised and nurtured shall grow and will ultimately gather beneath its shadow the whole of that far-off and promising continent. Persevere and be happy, Shoghi.
1 October 1935Mrs Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Beloved Bahá'í Sister,Shoghi Effendi has just received your welcome letter of the 22nd of August with enclosures, and has read them all with deepest interest. He is so pleased to hear from you after such a long time, and to learn that you and family are keeping well and are earnestly engaged in spreading the Message in Australia. He wishes you complete and continued success in your efforts in this connection, and also in your material conditions which, he hopes, will daily improve, and will thus give you a still wider opportunity to work for the Cause in Sydney.
Regarding our distinguished pioneer friend Mr. Dunn; the Guardian feels greatly worried about his health. Many of the Sydney friends have already written that his general condition is causing great anxiety, and that every effort is being done to help him regain his forces. It is hoped therefore, that with the generous assistance of the believers, and also through the unfailing help of Bahá'u'lláh, our dear friend will soon improve in health, and will be able to resume his important activities on behalf of the Cause.
In closing will you kindly assure him, and also dear Mrs. Dunn, of Shoghi Effendi's best wishes, and of his prayers on behalf of them both. May the Almighty protect and guide them, and prolong their career of service in the Faith.
May I also assure you of the Guardian's supplications for your husband, children and your dear self, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.
Dear Co-workers:I will pray that your most cherished desire for the advancement and glory of our Faith may be fully and speedily realized. I am deeply touched by the sentiments your letter conveyed, and I am truly appreciative of the kindness and assistance you have extended to our distinguished and dearly beloved co-workers, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn. The work they have achieved is a source of inspiration to me, and I will continue to pray for them from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi.The Guardian has asked me to convey to you his best thanks for your letter of the 9th of October & specially for the enclosed sketch of your mother's life which you have been requested by him to write for publication in the next issue of the "Bahá'í World"41 The account of your dear mother's career of service is very comprehensively and beautifully written, indeed, & will, he feels certain, deeply touch every reader of the Biennial. The New Zealand & Australian friends will particularly appreciate this touching account of the life of one of their earliest, most devoted & active pioneer co-workers, & will assuredly draw from it continued inspiration & vigour.
Thanking you again for your painstaking efforts for the preparation of this article, & with the renewed assurance of the Guardian's continued supplications at the Holy Shrines for you & for all the Auckland believers,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI have received the splendid photograph you have sent me, & I wish to assure you that I will myself place it in the manuscript of the Bahá'í World which I expect to receive from the States this winter. Her pioneer services are imperishable. The spirit she so powerfully displayed, the work she performed, the example she has set & the high standing she achieved future generations will long remember & extol. Rest assured & persevere along the path she has so nobly trodden. Shoghi
1936Miss Effie Baker is leaving for Australia with the consent and full approval of the Guardian.
As you know, for over ten years she has been devotedly working for the Cause in Haifa, as keeper of the Western Pilgrim House and also as the custodian of the International Bahá'í Archives.
During this long period of service she has accomplished much for our beloved Cause, and she is now in need of some rest after so many years of strenuous labours. She is going to join her mother, and will, it is hoped, prove of great help to the friends throughout Australia and New Zealand in both their teaching and administrative activities.
The Guardian hopes, therefore, that the friends will give her all the opportunity she needs to help in the extension and consolidation of the Cause throughout Australia and New Zealand.
He is entrusting Miss Baker with a beautiful and most precious present for the friends; it is one of the finest photographs of the Master which, he wishes your NSA to place in your National Bahá'í Archives. He is, in addition, sending through her for the believers a bottle of attar of rose extracted by the friends in Persia.
With loving greetings and all good wishes for a most happy and prosperous New Year,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniVery many thanks from the Guardian for your most kind and encouraging letter of the 7th February just received. He feels so happy to learn that Father Dunn is keeping well, and that his health has much improved lately. He hopes that through your care he will fully recuperate his forces, & will be quite fit again to resume his historic work for the Cause in Australia. He wishes you to assure him once more of his supplications at the Holy Shrines on his behalf, that the Beloved may further prolong & enrich his noble career of Service to His Faith.
The Guardian is also praying for you, that you too may be given the necessary strength to carry on your labours for the Cause.
Will you, in closing, kindly convey his best wishes and greetings to the believers in Sydney, and specially to the distinguished members of the National Spiritual Assembly. He is truly delighted at the steady progress the latter is making, & at the continued & successful efforts its members are exerting for the wider spread and firmer consolidation of the Faith throughout Australia and New Zealand. May the Almighty ever keep, protect & guide them in the service of His Cause.
Again with deepest thanks from the Guardian for your beautiful & loving message, & with his warmest Bahá'í greetings to Father Dunn and your dear self, Yours in His Service,
H. RabbaniI am so glad & relieved to learn of the improved health of our much-loved and illustrious friend, and co-worker, Mr. Dunn. Please assure him of my deep love, my continued prayers, my abiding gratitude for his past and present services. He has, thanks God, tasted the first fruits of his devoted labours & historic services. Future generations will reap the harvest and gather the rich fruits which his pioneer work in the Divine Vineyard will have produced. Shoghi
13 March 1936 [National Spiritual Assembly]NATIONAL ASSEMBLYS PHOTOGRAPH FOR Bahá'í WORLD ESSENTIAL. MAIL BEFORE END APRIL TWO COPIES HOLY LAND
15 April 1936 [National Spiritual Assembly]On behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with thanks and appreciation the receipt of your letter of March 12th with enclosure. He is grateful for the warm assistance extended by your N.S.A. to Miss Effie Baker, and hopes that she will be of valuable assistance to you all, specially to the friends in Melbourne. The task of organising the believers in that center is no doubt a very responsible one, and the Guardian trusts that she will be able to fully acquit herself of it.
Regarding the "Herald of the South" magazine, Shoghi Effendi very much appreciates the fact that in spite of the many difficulties that your Assembly had to overcome this review is being regularly published, and that its standard is gradually improving. He would call upon all the English-speaking friends to contribute, as often as they can, such articles for publication in that magazine as would serve to make it a more direct and effective teaching medium for the spread of the Cause throughout Australia and New Zealand. He is advising the American N.S.A. to specially ask the cooperation of the American believers for that purpose, and hopes that the response they will make to this call will be such as to further encourage you in your splendid efforts for the publication of this national organ of the Faith in Australia.
The Guardian would appreciate receiving detailed reports of the activities of the Local Assemblies, and would be very thankful if you send these to him as regularly as you can.
In closing may I ask you to convey his loving greetings to your distinguished fellow-members in the N.S.A. and to assure each and all of them of his supplications for their welfare and guidance. He also wishes you to express his best wishes to dear Father and Mrs. Dunn, and tell them how happy he is to learn that they are keeping in good health.
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I am so glad to have received your letter and to have realised the progress of your activities. I trust and pray that the work in which the National Assembly is so energetically and devotedly engaged may steadily expand and be further consolidated. The teaching work is the corner-stone of its activities, the sole basis on which the administrative structure can flourish. A strenuous, systematic and continuous effort should, both individually and collectively, be now exerted to attain this supreme objective. With a heart full of gratitude I will pray for the success of your endeavours, Shoghi.
26 April 1936 [National Spiritual Assembly]I am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your letter of the 30th March informing him of the date of Miss Kitty Carpenter's42 arrival in Port-Said. You can be sure that the friends will be most delighted to meet her, and to render her journey to Haifa as safe and comfortable as possible.
The Guardian himself is eagerly looking forward to the pleasure of meeting her, and cherishes the hope that through this pilgrimage she may receive a renewed stimulus to better work for the promotion of the Faith upon her return home.
The Guardian has also noted with deep satisfaction the preparations made by your N.S.A. for this year's meeting in Melbourne. He is praying that in spite of the difficulties you have encountered in carrying out your plans this important gathering of the Australian and New Zealand believers may prove another landmark in the history of the Cause throughout that Continent.
With loving greetings to you and your dear fellow-members,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.May the Almighty bless you and your dearly-loved co-workers and fellow-members, and enable you all to proclaim far and wide the essential truths of this glorious Revelation and to lay unassailable foundations for its institutions.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Many thanks indeed from the Guardian for your most welcome and comforting message of April 3rd. He is rejoiced to learn that your health has considerably improved, and that now you feel quite fit to carry on your pioneer work for the Cause in Australia. He is deeply appreciative of the warm assistance extended to you by the friends, and feels confident that Bahá'u'lláh will abundantly reward them for all that they have done for you & for the Cause.
Regarding the plan you have proposed for the extension of the teaching work in Australia: Shoghi Effendi has carefully considered your suggestions, and while he believes that your plan offers many possibilities, yet he thinks that owing to conditions both within & outside the Bahá'í world its realization is, if not quite impossible, at least fraught with considerable difficulties. He sees, however, no objection to your putting the plan before the American N.S.A. for their consideration & opinion.
What the Guardian feels it of vital importance for the friends to do is to teach the Cause directly and by means of imparting the Holy Words. It is now too early to carry out any teaching activity along the lines you suggest. Not only the number of the believers is too limited, and their resources confined, but the situation outside, both political and economic, is such as to seriously hinder the realization of any social scheme of the kind suggested in your letter.
With all good wishes and greetings from the Guardian to you, and also to Mother Dunn & all the friends,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI am overjoyed to learn of your improved health and of the resumption of your glorious and historic work in the service of the Cause. The friends, I am sure, are delighted & are filled with renewed hope & vigour. The teaching work is of paramount importance these days. It should be intensified & carried out systematically, constantly & energetically by all individual believers & organised Assemblies. I will pray for you, for Mrs. Dunn & for your valiant & dear co-workers from all my heart. Shoghi
12 May 1936 [Silver Jackman]I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to inform you of the receipt of your very kind letter of April 16th, and also of the enclosed draft of £20 which you have been asked by your N.S.A. to send to the International Fund in Haifa. Will you kindly assure your fellow-members in that body, and through them the entire body of the believers in Australia & New Zealand of his genuine appreciation of this donation they have so generously made to the Cause. Knowing the limited number of the believers in these two countries, and the many expenses they have so willingly incurred lately in connection with the maintenance of dear Mr. & Mrs. Dunn it is truly splendid that in spite of all these necessary expenses they have found it possible to also contribute to the international fund of the Cause at its world-centre.
The sacrifices that have been made, the Guardian can well realize, have been really stupendous, & nothing short of divine guidance & assistance could possibly enable the friends to bear them with such a wonderful spirit of heroism, & of self-giving. Surely these notable accomplishments will stand as landmarks in the history of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand & will, even as a magnet, draw upon the believers in these regions the blessings and confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh.
May your undying love for Him and for His Cause continue for ever to quicken you, & all your fellow-believers in those regions, to put forth still greater effort to teach & establish His Faith.
With most loving Bahá'í greetings, & sincere good wishes, also to the members of the N.S.A., Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.
Dear co-worker:I deeply appreciate the many evidences of devotion, steadfastness & loyalty that distinguish the organized activities & the individual services of the believers in Australia & New Zealand. I am profoundly touched by the messages which I receive from them, & feel deeply grateful for their determination to persevere & overcome all obstacles in their path. I will pray for them from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, ShoghiMany thanks indeed from the Guardian for your welcome message of April 17th just received. He would certainly be delighted to meet you in Haifa next year, & hopes that your visit to the Holy Shrines will give you a fresh vigour & renewed determination to carry on your work for the Cause. He specially cherishes the hope that your trip to England will be of great benefit to you, & also to our English believers. They will be only too happy to welcome you in their midst, & will thoroughly appreciate any assistance which you may give them during your sojourn in England.
The Guardian has learned with deep gratification of the news of the teaching work carried on by the Auckland believers. He wishes you to kindly assure them all of his best wishes and fervent prayers for the success of their labours. May Bahá'u'lláh bless, guide and strengthen them in every step they are taking for the spread of His Faith & the consolidation of its institutions in this far-off land.
Assuring you too of his special prayers on your behalf at the Holy Shrines, & with warmest greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniAssuring you of a most hearty welcome, & wishing you good health, happiness & success,
your true brother, ShoghiI am instructed by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge with deepest thanks the receipt of your letter dated March 30th written on behalf of the NSA of Australia and New Zealand.
He is rejoiced to learn of the projected formation of a Spiritual Assembly in Perth, and by the time this letter reaches you, the Assembly will have been duly constituted and will be functioning with the utmost unity, efficiency and vigour.
In this connection he wishes me to bring to your Assembly's attention the necessity of their taking the necessary steps for the incorporation of the N.S.A. This step, he feels, is of a vital importance to the further development of your Assembly, and will no doubt give it more stability and an added influence, specially in the eyes of the general public.
The Guardian would also advise that the Local Assemblies take a similar step, and obtain official recognition from the authorities.
In case the Auckland Assembly has been registered in the government, will you be so kind as to send him photostatic reproductions of any registration papers or documents that the Auckland friends may have obtained from the authorities, as he wishes to have them published in the next "Bahá'í World".43
As regards the photograph of your NSA; the Guardian wishes me to inform you that in going over the manuscript of the "Bahá'í World", which was sent to him from the States, he found your Assembly's picture already incorporated in it.44
The manuscript has now been sent back to America and is awaiting publication.
with loving Bahá'í greetings, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:The incessant efforts so devotedly exerted by the members of your distinguished Assembly are assets that I greatly value and of which I am truly proud. I will fervently pray for the extension of your activities and the fulfilment of your dearest hopes. Rest assured and persevere,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Your detailed communication of July 14th written on behalf of the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand together with its enclosures, have all duly arrived, and their contents read with deepest interest and appreciation by our beloved Guardian. Also the photographs and blocks have duly reached him, as well as the Local Assembly reports sent under separate cover. Please accept his most sincere and grateful thanks for them all.
Regarding the proposed News Letter to be issued every three months by your NSA; this, the Guardian feels, is a splendid idea and can render a unique and much needed help to your Assembly in its efforts for the establishment of the Administration and the more effective functioning of its institutions throughout Australia and New Zealand. Not only it has the great advantage of keeping the friends well-informed about the events and developments in the Cause, but in addition can help in consolidating the organic unity of the believers by bringing them within the full orbit of the N.S.A.'s jurisdiction. It is hoped that this body will do its utmost to maintain the publication of this bulletin, and will make full use of this splendid medium for the further widening and consolidation of the foundations of the Local as well as National Assemblies.
As regards Mrs Bedikian's request that you assist her in her project of uniting the believers through correspondence; this is of course a task which is quite secondary compared to the duties and responsibilities up are called upon to discharge as secretary of the N.S.A. Your secretarial work in that body imposes upon you a paramount obligation which no other service can equal in importance. All your other Bahá'í activities should be subordinated to your work in the N.S.A. which is, undoubtedly, the most vital and urgent of them all.
Concerning the Greatest Name; this term refers both to "Alláh-u-Abhá" and to "Yá Bahá'u'l-Abhá". The first is the form of Bahá'í greeting and should be used, while the other is an invocation, meaning "O Thou Glory of Glories". These two words are both referred to as the Greatest Name.
The Guardian, while fully aware of the difficulties, both financial and otherwise which your N.S.A. is facing in connection with the publication of the "Herald of the South", feels, nevertheless, the urge to advise you to continue with this magazine and not to feel in the least discouraged if your efforts for meeting the expenses incurred for its printing and circulation, and for raising its literary standard, do not bring the expected results. He very deeply values the self-sacrificing and sustained efforts exerted by your Assembly in this connection. May Bahá'u'lláh richly reward you for all your meritorious endeavours.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings,The work in which your National Assembly is engaged, and which it is prosecuting with such fidelity, diligence and perseverance is near and dear to my heart. You are laying an unassailable foundation for the erection of mighty Bahá'í institutions which future generations are destined to extend and perfect. Your pioneer work is arduous and highly meritorious. I feel proud of your achievements, realizing as I do the circumstances in which you labour. 'Abdu'l-Bahá is watching over you and is well-pleased with your service. Persevere and rest assured, Affectionately, Shoghi
25 September 1936 [National Spiritual Assembly]Our able and indefatigable co-worker, Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher is on a tour to Australia, India and the Near East, and by the time this letter reaches you he may be already in your midst.
The Guardian wishes your N.S.A. to arrange for him to visit all the centers in Australia and if possible New Zealand too, and to make every effort to render his stay amongst you as abundant in its results as possible.
Mr. Schopflocher is surely known to you and to many friends in Australia. He is truly one of the most distinguished believers in the West. He has a deep knowledge of the Cause, and specially of the Administration, and has contributed a unique share towards its establishment and consolidation in the States. For many years a member of the American N.S.A., he revealed such great qualities of heart and mind as very few of his fellow-members were able to manifest. He supported valiantly and generously, and through both moral and financial means, the various institutions of the Cause, and in particular the institution of the Bahá'í Fund which, as you can well realise, is the foundation stone of every phase of Bahá'í activity.
In this connection it should be remembered that it was mainly due to his unfailing and most generous assistance that the Temple in Wilmette was built. The friends owe him indeed a great debt, and can never be too grateful for what he has accomplished, and is still so splendidly accomplishing, for the Faith in the West.
The Guardian hopes, nay he feels confident, your Assembly, as well as all the friends will extend a most cordial welcome to this dear and distinguished Servant of the Cause, and will fully avail yourselves of this splendid opportunity that has been offered you to further enrich the field of your experiences in the Faith. With warmest greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.Your welcome letter dated August 17th has been received and read with deepest appreciation by the Guardian.
May I again express his sincere hope that your long-cherished desire to visit the Holy Shrines may be fulfilled very soon, and that through this pilgrimage you may obtain a renewed zeal & vigour, as well as a new vision of the task you are called upon to accomplish for the Faith in New Zealand.
In closing let me assure you & your fellow-workers in Auckland of his profound appreciation of your determination to press forward the work in the teaching field. He is ardently praying for the guidance & success of your labours.
With warmest greetings, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
May the Beloved fulfil your heart's desire, & enable you to promote effectively the sacred & manifold interests of our beloved & glorious Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiOn behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with deepest thanks the receipt of your letter of the 17th October, and wish also to thank your Assembly for forwarding to him the photostatic reproduction of the registration certificate of the Assembly of Auckland. He fervently hopes that the formation of the Declaration of Trust of the NSA will also be completed very soon, and that the difficulty you have encountered in this connection will be satisfactorily met and settled. He also trusts that the delay caused in registering the Sydney Local Assembly will be overcome, and that you will immediately proceed with the formation of your National Declaration of Trust. It is splendid, and a matter of deepest satisfaction to our beloved Guardian that in all these steps you are taking for the administrative development and consolidation of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand you are closely and faithfully following the example of America which, it should be admitted, occupies a pre-eminent rank among its sister communities in both the East and the West.
As regards the problem facing the N.S.A. in connection with the representation of Perth at the next Annual Convention; the Guardian believes that the fact that a certain Assembly or community is not in a financial position to defray the expenses of its delegate or delegates does not constitute sufficient justification for depriving it from its sacred right of participation in the national elections and other activities of the Convention. Every Assembly, no matter how poor, is entitled to take part in the Convention proceedings by sending one or more delegates to that meeting. It is absolutely essential that this principle be clearly understood and faithfully applied by the friends. Financial considerations can under no circumstances invalidate it, or allow the least compromise in its application. It is the duty of every N.S.A. to ensure that it will be carried out whenever the Convention elections are held.
With loving greetings,I would be very pleased to receive two more copies of the registration form of the Auckland Assembly and three copies of the form of the Adelaide Assembly, some of which I shall place in the mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahji. Will you also send me three copies of the registration form of every Assembly which will be incorporated in the future. The foundations which your National Assembly is now laying with such assiduous care and exemplary loyalty constitute a service that is truly historic and is highly meritorious in the sight of God. I feel deeply indebted to you for such splendid achievements. Persevere and never lose heart.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has just received the first issue of the newsletter published by the N.S.A. of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, and has read it all through with deepest pleasure and satisfaction. He wishes me to ask you to transmit to your fellow-members in that body his warmest thanks for this new step they have taken for the further consolidation of the Administration in their country, as well as his most hearty congratulations upon the ever-increasing success that is attending their labours in this field.
It is his fervent hope that this organ your Assembly has initiated will fully serve its purpose by intensifying the spirit of cooperation between the N.S.A. and all Local Assemblies, groups and isolated believers throughout Australia and New Zealand. Such a medium, if properly utilized, can be of inestimable value to the believers by further enriching their knowledge and understanding of the principles and actual functioning of the Administrative order of the Faith, and by maintaining alive, nay intensifying in them the desire to promote and safeguard its interests.
He would, therefore, earnestly appeal to every believer in Australia and New Zealand to make full and continued use of this bulletin, and consider it as a most effective means to closer fellowship and to a deeper understanding of his duties and responsibilities as builder of the New World Order of Bahá'u'lláh.
He is ardently praying to the Almighty to ever bless and guide your Assembly's endeavours in this connection,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.The Guardian is in receipt of your letter of the fifth November, and exceedingly regrets that, owing to certain family difficulties, you have found it necessary to cancel your trip to the Holy Land. He is specially grieved to learn of the many cares & sorrows with which your daughter has been so sadly afflicted of late, and wishes me to hasten to convey to you his most loving sympathy, as well as the assurance of his prayers for the removal of the family troubles with which you are beset. He fervently hopes that these afflictive trials confronting you & your beloved daughter will all serve to quicken your spiritual energies, & that the outcome of it all will be to open before you new horizons of service, & fresh fields for teaching the Message. May Bahá'u'lláh give you patience to courageously withstand these tests, and full guidance to use them as means to more active, concentrated & selfless service to His Cause. Do assure, therefore, your daughter not to feel disheartened, but to confidently endeavour to overcome her domestic sorrows and cares.
In closing may I express the Guardian's hope that, as soon as your family problems are solved, you may be able to undertake your long-cherished pilgrimage to the Holy Shrines. He is ardently praying for the materialization of your hopes & plans in this connection.
It is a pleasure to learn of the successful visit of Mr. Schopflocher to Auckland, and of the warm welcome he has been accorded by you & the friends. This is a true evidence of the strong ties of fellowship so closely uniting the friends throughout the world, & of the deep affection which the believers in New Zealand cherish for their fellow believers in every region & clime.
With renewed & warmest greetings to you & to the friends in Auckland,
Yours in the Guardian's Service, H. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving & ardent prayers for the removal of every obstacle from your path & for the speedy realization of your earnest hopes,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs. Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. Australia.
Dear Mrs. Bolton,Our beloved Guardian is in receipt of your most welcome message, and wishes me to hasten to thank you for it, and to renew his appreciation of the efforts which you and your beloved husband are earnestly exerting for the spread and consolidation of the Faith in Australia. He is profoundly grateful for the work you have so splendidly accomplished thus far and is eagerly awaiting to witness further evidences of the progress and success of your activities. He is truly rejoiced to hear that the study group you have formed is regularly meeting at your home, and wishes me to urge you to make every possible effort to increase the number of the attendants and to deepen their knowledge of the fundamentals of the Faith so as to make them ready to accept it in the near future, and to intelligently and earnestly work for its spread.
What has most deeply rejoiced the Guardian is the news of the confirmation of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson,45 to whom he wishes you to kindly convey his hearty congratulations and his sincere good wishes. It is his fervent hope that these two dear souls who have expressed their firm determination to join and actively serve in the growing army of Bahá'u'lláh's devoted servants will daily gain in faith and spiritual vigour, and will make their very best to contribute as much as they can to the further development of the Faith in their centre.
It has been also a source of profoundest satisfaction to the Guardian to learn of the success that has attended Mr. Schopflocher's visit to Sydney, and of the cordial welcome that has been extended to him by you and the friends. He hopes that your meeting with this outstanding and truly selfless servant of the Cause will serve to stimulate afresh your energies, and those so marvellously displayed by your dear fellow-workers in Sydney. He is ardently praying for you all at the Holy Shrines.
Regarding your suggestion relative to the establishment of a Bahá'í Summer School in Yerrinbool; Shoghi Effendi fully realizes the importance of your idea and deeply appreciates the offer you have made to the Sydney Assembly in this connection. Before making any definite start, however, he wishes you to submit your plans to the N.S.A. for their consideration and approval.
Assuring you once more of his best wishes and ardent prayers for you and your family,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I am delighted with the news you give me. Your splendid intention regarding the establishment of the First Summer School in Australia is highly praiseworthy. May this historic work be accomplished and this magnificent plan materialize. I will pray for you from the depths of my heart that you may attain to your heart's dearest wish.
Your true brother, Shoghi.Mrs. Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Mrs Bolton,Our well-beloved and much esteemed Bahá'í brother Mr. Fred Schopflocher has just arrived in the Holy Land and has duly presented the message which you had asked him to deliver to the Guardian, as well as your kind gift of a pin tray, for both of which he wishes me to convey to you his loving appreciation and gratitude.
He very deeply values indeed the spirit that has prompted you to offer him such a nice present, and he wishes me to assure you that he will keep it as a dear souvenir from you.
With the renewed expression of his deep appreciation of your warm sentiments, and with his hearty greetings to you and family, Yours in the Guardian's Service, H. Rabbani
Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your gift which I shall place on your behalf in the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahjí in the close vicinity of His Shrine and wishing you success from all my heart.
Your true brother, ShoghiOur much loved brother Mr. Fred Schopflocher has duly delivered to the Guardian your welcome messages of the 18th and 19th November, and I wish to hasten to thank you on his behalf for the many expressions of love, devotion & loyalty which you had been moved to convey to him. Your kind & assuring words have sunk deeply into his heart & brought wonderful refreshment of spirit to him. He is daily praying for you, & for the loved ones in Australia and New Zealand, that the confirmations of Bahá'u'lláh may continue to be showered upon you, & may thus enable you to attain your highest destiny in the path of service to His Cause.
Mr. Schopflocher's report of his visit to the centers in Australia has been truly gratifying, & the Guardian's heart has been immensely cheered by the good news of the wonderful progress of the Cause it conveyed. Knowing full well how unique & exemplary is the share which you both are contributing to such an advancement, he feels the urge to renew to you the expression of his abiding appreciation and loving gratitude, & to assure you of his fervent & continued supplications for the expansion & success of your activities. How happy indeed you must be to witness the rich harvest which your long & arduous labours have brought forth. The Beloved is assuredly well pleased with what you have so brilliantly accomplished, & are still busily engaged in accomplishing for His Faith. Be cheerful & confident, therefore, and whole-heartedly persevere in your highly-meritorious & historic task.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dearest co-workers,I am overjoyed to hear from you. Often you are in my thoughts & prayers, & my heart smiles with gladness & gratitude when I recall your services, your devotion, your perseverance, your great love for this most glorious Cause. I will continue to pray for your good health, happiness & success. May Bahá'u'lláh, Whose Cause you have served & are still serving with such exemplary faith & fidelity, fulfil your wishes, & enable you to enrich the noble record of your unforgettable achievements, Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
4 February 1937 [National Spiritual Assembly]I am instructed by the Guardian to inform you of the receipt of your letter of the 2nd January, and of the enclosed reports of the Adelaide and Auckland Spiritual Assemblies, and to renew to you, and through you to your fellow-members in the N.S.A., his grateful appreciation of the warm welcome you have so lovingly extended to that dear and distinguished servant of the Cause Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher during his visit to Australia and New Zealand. It is his fervent hope that the spirit his visit has released will long serve to sustain the friends in their heavy task of expanding the foundations of the Administrative Order throughout that continent.
Regarding Mr. Bolton's question as to whether the Guardian has given any instructions to the friends as to the best way to make their investments secure during the coming world crisis; I am instructed to inform you that no such directions have been given either to any individual believer or to any Assembly. The only advice which the Guardian wishes to give is that whatever investment the friends make they should do it with the utmost caution, as economic and financial conditions are at present most unstable and even precarious.
Shoghi Effendi has been very deeply grieved to learn of Mr. Inman's resignation from both the N.S.A. and the Sydney Local Assembly, and of his request to leave altogether the Cause. He wishes me, however, to assure your Assembly not to feel discouraged at this truly sad happening, but to confidently strive to bring him back into the community. Should he persistently refuse to return, the best thing would be to leave him to himself, and to pray for him that Bahá'u'lláh may, in His infinite mercy and love, open again his eyes, and lead him out of the state of spiritual lethargy into which he has so sadly fallen.
With the assurance of the Guardian's best wishes, and of his continual prayers for you, and for your distinguished fellow-members in the N.S.A.,
Yours Sincerely in His Service,I am delighted with the progress of your activities and with your splendid achievements in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í service. The National Spiritual Assembly is laying a firm and unassailable foundations for the administrative order of the Faith, and I wish to congratulate all its members and committees on the marvellous progress thus far achieved. I will continue to pray for them from all my heart. I will specially supplicate for the success of this coming convention. May your hopes be fulfilled in every respect. Gratefully and affectionately, Shoghi.
17 March 1937 [Annie Miller, Perth]I am directed by the Guardian to express his appreciation of your letter of the third instant written in the name of the friends in Perth, and to ask you to kindly transmit to each & all of them the expression of his deepest thanks for the sentiments they had been moved to convey to him on the occasion of the forthcoming Feast of Naw-Rúz. He is deeply touched indeed by the assurances of love & devotion you had given him, and fully reciprocates your good wishes and greetings. His hope is that this new Bahá'í Year we are about to enter will be marked all through by a united & determined effort of the believers in your centre, & in other Bahá'í localities in Australia as well, for the extension of the teaching work. He is fervently entreating Bahá'u'lláh for the guidance & success of your endeavours to this end. Be confidant, therefore, & persevere.
I wish, in closing, to ensure you in particular of the Guardian's supplications for the removal of the obstacles facing the believers in Perth in connection with their representation at the Annual Convention of the Australian friends in Sydney. He hopes that the financial position of the members will gradually improve, & will permit them to actively participate in the deliberations and discussions that will be conducted during that important national gathering.
Again let me assure you, & your dear fellow-believers in Perth of his keen appreciation and abiding gratitude for your self-sacrificing labours for the Cause in Australia, & with renewed and warmest Naw-Rúz greetings to you all,
Yours ever in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the almighty spirit & power of Bahá'u'lláh ever sustain you & surround you, & enable you & your dear co-workers to promote, proclaim & establish the principles & teachings of this most glorious Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiOn behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your letter of the 17th February with the enclosed report of the Sydney Local Assembly, and wish to express his gratification at the news of the progress which that community is making in the teaching work. He has noted with deep satisfaction that two new names have been added to their membership roll, and hopes that this step will mark the beginning of a new era of teaching expansion throughout that center. He wishes you to kindly congratulate the Sydney Assembly for this splendid success which their teaching efforts have won, and to urge them to continue in their endeavours for the attraction and confirmation of New Souls. May the Beloved aid, sustain and ever bless them in His service.
The Guardian is delighted to learn that the necessary arrangements for the holding of your next Annual Convention have been completed, and while he deplores the fact that owing to the long distances that separate the centers full attendance at this national gathering would not be feasible, he nevertheless hopes that it will be a most successful meeting, and will be marked all through by a perfect spirit of unity and fellowship. He wishes you to assure the delegates of his prayers for the success of their deliberations, and to convey to them his warmest greetings and best wishes for a happy Ridvan.
Your ever in His Service, H. Rabbani.P.S. Shoghi Effendi wishes me to express his thanks for the four reproductions of the Adelaide Assembly registration form and trust which you had enclosed in your letter, one of which he has ordered to be placed in Bahá'u'lláh's Mansion at Bahji, and another one he wishes to incorporate in the manuscript of the next "Bahá'í World" (vol VII).46 H.R.
Dear and valued co-worker:I am truly gratified and delighted to receive so many evidences of the zeal, the loyalty and the devotion with which the believers in Australia and New Zealand are extending the range of their historic activities. I feel deeply grateful to them. I will most assuredly pray for them that the Beloved may bless their high endeavours and aid them to establish His Cause and proclaim far and wide its verities and teachings. Shoghi.
1937 [National Spiritual Assembly]ANNOUNCE BELIEVERS CELEBRATION MARRIAGE BELOVED GUARDIAN. STOP. EVERLASTING HONOUR CONFERRED UPON HANDMAID OF BAHAULLAH. RUHIYYIH KHANUM MISS MARY MAXWELL. ZIAIYYIH MOTHER OF THE GUARDIAN
6 April 1937 [National Spiritual Assembly]ASSURE LOVED ONES AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND PROFOUND ABIDING APPRECIATION
26 April 1937 [Perth Assembly]I am charged by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 8th April, written on behalf of the Bahá'ís of Perth, conveying to him their greetings and congratulations on the occasion of his marriage.
He wishes me to ask you to kindly transmit his thanks and appreciation to them for their beautiful & most assuring message. He indeed highly values their sentiments, & their spontaneous & warm response to this union which has conferred such a great honour on the believers throughout the West.
It is the Guardian's hope that in return for all these honours & bounties the friends will unanimously arise to serve the Cause, & will awaken to the full sense of their responsibilities and obligations. He is praying for you, & for all our dear friends in Australia & New Zealand that you may receive an ever-increasing measure of guidance and success in your endeavours in His Path.
May I in closing express the Guardian's thanks for the beautiful gift which your Assembly has kindly presented to him. He will certainly keep it as a token of your great love & devotion to the Cause.
Yours ever in His Service, H. Rabbani.With the assurance of my loving prayers for your spiritual advancement & success,
Your true brother, ShoghiDELIGHTED HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS ASSURE ATTENDANTS SUMMER SCHOOL ARDENT LOVING PRAYERS
30 April 1937 [National Convention Australia and New Zealand]
IMMENSELY APPRECIATE MAGNIFICENT SPIRIT ANIMATING CONVENTION. SUPPLICATE RICHEST BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS. LOVE SHOGHI
18 May 1937The Guardian has received your message of last April, & his heart has been most profoundly touched by the sentiments of love, loyalty and devotion you had been moved to convey to him on the occasion of his marriage. He highly prizes indeed your words, & deeply appreciates the assurances you have given him. His fervent hope is that through this union of East and West the consciousness of all the believers will be so quickened as to spur them on to redouble their efforts for the promulgation of our beloved Cause.
The Guardian is most satisfied with the conditions of the Faith in Australia & New Zealand, and cherishes the highest hopes for the future of that Community. Though your numbers are yet small and your material resources restricted, you should nevertheless rejoice at the realization that the Cause in these far-off lands has at last been firmly and permanently established, that with the passing of every year, nay of every month, some definite progress is achieved, and that despite the forces of opposition, both from within & outside it, your community is forging ahead, slowly but steadily, confident in the divine confirmations & guidance of Bahá'u'lláh.
The Guardian is particularly rejoiced at the news of the formation of the first Australian Bahá'í Summer School at Yerrinbool - which step is a clear evidence that your community is alive & is progressing quite satisfactorily. He would urge the friends, each & all, to help by every means in their power, to further the interests of that institution which, if maintained & developed, can be of invaluable teaching help to the Cause.
With the assurance of the Guardian's prayers on your behalf and on behalf of Mother Dunn, and for the confirmation of Mr Hearne.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, enable you to still further ennoble the record of your unique & superb services, & aid you to realise your highest wishes in the service of His glorious Faith. Gratefully & affectionately, Shoghi
28 July 1937Mr. S.W. Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Mr. Bolton,Your welcome letter of June 11th with the enclosed report of the Yerrinbool Bahá'í Summer School, as well as the photographs of the same sent under separate cover, have all duly reached the Guardian and have imparted a tremendous joy to his heart.
He is rejoiced beyond words to know of the great success that has attended this first session of your Summer School, and he wishes me to convey to you, to the attendants, and particularly to the members of the Yerrinbool Summer School Committee his hearty congratulations for the valuable share you have each contributed towards the formation and effective functioning of this national institution of the Cause in those far-off lands. It is his fervent hope, and his heart's ardent prayer that you may continue extending every support to this first Bahá'í Summer School in Australia and New Zealand, so that it may develop and flourish and become a center of intense and nation-wide teaching activity throughout that land. The friends should realize that it is their responsibility to maintain, may assist in continually developing the scope of this vital national enterprize. The beginning that has been made is truly splendid and augurs well for the future of your labours for the prosecution of this task.
With most loving greetings to Mrs. Bolton, children and your dear self,
Sincerely and gratefully in His Service, H. Rabbani.
Dear and valued co-worker:I am so cheered and heartened by your most welcome message. I feel deeply grateful to, and proud of, you and your valiant co-workers for this notable and historic step you have taken. Future generations will befittingly extol the work you have so nobly and splendidly initiated. I wish to congratulate you from the very depths of my heart. Affectionately and gratefully, Shoghi
29 August 1937 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your welcome communication of June 30th written on behalf of the N.S.A., as well as the accompanying papers and reports have all been received, and their contents read with keenest interest and appreciation by our beloved Guardian.
How rejoiced he feels to witness the increasing evidences of the growing progress of the community of the Australian and New Zealand believers. The considerable work that they have accomplished during the last few years, in both the teaching and the administrative fields, could not indeed have been carried out without the wise and effective leadership of your N.S.A. who, ever since its inception, has been functioning with a loyalty and efficiency that are truly remarkable.
The success of this year's convention, as evidenced by the report of the proceedings you had sent, marks a further step in the process of steady consolidation through which the N.S.A. is passing, and indicates how strong are the loyalty and attachment which it has awakened among the body of the believers throughout Australia and New Zealand.
It is the Guardian's fervent hope that this confidence which your Assembly has inspired will be further strengthened during the course of this year, and that this in turn will deepen in the members the sense of the heavy responsibility they have to shoulder for the extension and consolidation of Bahá'í work throughout that continent.
Now as regards your Assembly's question concerning a tie vote; as the point raised is a secondary matter it is left to the discretion of your N.S.A.
In the case of voting for less than nine individuals; it is not compulsory that a ballot paper should contain necessarily nine votes. The individual voter may record less than nine names, if he chooses to do so.
With renewed greetings and thanks from the Guardian to you and your fellow-members in the N.S.A., Yours ever in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:I am delighted with the manifold evidences of the progress achieved through the concerted efforts of the Australian and New Zealand believers under the able direction of their elected national representatives. I feel proud of their accomplishments, highly approve of their plans and projected enterprises, feel grateful for the spirit that animates them, and cherish bright hopes for the extension of their activities. May the Beloved guide their steps, cheer their hearts and enable them to diffuse far and wide the teachings and spirit of His Cause. Gratefully and affectionately, Shoghi
30 August 1937 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter of the 17th July enclosing Miss Ethel Dawe's communication requesting permission to visit the Holy Land has been duly received by our beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to inform you that, at your suggestion, he has cabled Miss Dawe directly to London, extending to her a hearty welcome to visit the Holy Shrines in the next fall.
He hopes that in the meantime nothing will happen to alter or upset her plans, and that she will be given the privilege and joy of undertaking this much-desired pilgrimage to Haifa.
Hoping this will find you and all the Adelaide friends in the best of health, and with loving greetings to you and to them, Yours ever in the Cause, H. Rabbani
Wishing you success from all my heart, and assuring you of my continued prayers for the realisation of your highest hopes,
Your true brother, Shoghi.Many thanks for your letter of September 16th addressed to our beloved Guardian. He is most pleased indeed to hear of Miss Hollaway's interest in the Cause & appreciates keenly your efforts for bringing about her full confirmation in the Faith. He is, at your suggestion, writing her directly & giving her the addresses of some individuals & centres in South Africa. He hopes that through contact with the friends her interest in the Teachings will be considerably increased & she will be stimulated to help in spreading their knowledge throughout South Africa.
The Guardian wishes you to keep in closest touch with her through correspondence, & to send her suitable literature on the Cause, & to endeavour to make her join actively the Faith.
Again with many thanks for introducing this lady who indeed seems to be a most promising worker, & with loving greetings to all the friends in Auckland,
Yours ever in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless you & aid you to surmount all obstacles that may stand in your path, & aid you to lend a fresh impetus to the work that has been so splendidly initiated.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian is most sorry to have been so late in thanking you for your letters of August 30th & September 10th sent from Australia. The delay has been unavoidable owing to his absence from the Holy Land during the summer months.
He hopes this letter will find you well, & refreshed from your wonderful visit to the friends in Australia & New Zealand. What a privilege indeed to be able to visit these far-off centres of the Cause, to encourage & stimulate those believers who are so remote from the chief Bahá'í countries, whether in the East or the West, & to spread the Message in virgin & distant lands.
The Guardian has every hope that through this visit the bonds of fellowship & cooperation between the Australian & American believers will be considerably cemented, & the way paved for a deeper understanding & a more effective application of the Administrative Order in that far-off continent.
It was a matter of profound grief to the Guardian to know of the withdrawal from the Cause of Mr. Bertram Dewing. He will pray for him, that his eyes may be opened & illumined, & that he may realize the full gravity of his action & may sincerely repent for it.
Under the circumstances, however, his name should be removed from the list of editors in the "Bahá'í World", & substituted by that of the secretary of the Australian N.S.A., Miss Hilda H. Brooks of Adelaide, who is an outstanding Bahá'í teacher & administrator.
With loving greetings, Yours in the Cause, H. Rabbani
Dear & prized co-worker:I am so pleased to learn of the success that has attended your trip to Australia. Your successive journeys to this & other far-off lands are of immense value, & have served to forge new links & to reinforce the ties that already bind the Bahá'í communities to one another. I am deeply grateful to you, & will continue to pray most fervently on your behalf.
Your true brother, ShoghiCONVEY SUMMER SCHOOL ATTENDANTS HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS. SHOGHI
31 January 1938 [National Spiritual Assembly]The Guardian wishes me to express his loving thanks for your letter of the third instant enclosing the half-yearly reports of the Perth and Auckland Spiritual Assemblies, all of which he has been delighted to read.
He wishes you to write the Auckland Assembly assuring them of his approval of the request they have made on behalf of Miss Kitty Carpenter for permission to visit Haifa. He has every hope that through this pilgrimage she will be greatly refreshed and strengthened spiritually, and will upon her return home impart to the Friends in New Zealand some measure of the inspiration she will gain through close contact with the Holy Shrines.
Before closing the Guardian also wishes me to express the hope that your N.S.A.'s plan of holding a meeting in Melbourne during the course of this year may be realized, and that the occasion may serve to lend a fresh impetus to the growth of the Cause in that city. He is frequently praying for the success of your Assembly's efforts in this connection.
Reciprocating your greetings and with renewed and warmest thanks,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe work in which you and your dear fellow members are so devotedly, so loyally and diligently engaged, is progressing in a manner that is highly gratifying and merits the highest praise. I feel increasingly proud of, and thankful for the achievements that signalize the rise of the Administrative Order of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in Australia and New Zealand.
Generations yet unborn will extol those qualities and virtues that have enabled you all to render such great services to our beloved Cause. Persevere, be happy and confident. Shoghi
30 March 1938 [National Spiritual Assembly]The Guardian was indeed pleased to receive your letter of the 16th ins. informing him of Miss Dawe's safe arrival in Australia, and of the receipt of the precious relic which he had asked her to present to your N.S.A. for preservation in your National Archives.
He wishes you to assure your fellow members of his full approval of their suggestion to place this sacred relic in a little miniature frame case, and in such a manner as to keep the paper containing it from becoming soiled and frayed with constant handling.
In connection with the article published in the October number of the "Herald of the South" entitled "Above the Mists"; the Guardian wishes the believers to disregard such subjects as psychic practices and phenomena, for these besides not being authenticated by the Writings of the Founders of the Faith, pertain mostly to the domain of conjectures. The magazine of the "Herald of the South" should be devoted to the study and presentation of those subjects that reflect the spirit of the teachings, and which as such are worthy of consideration by the believers. As the national organ of the Australian and New Zealand friends its main function is to assist in disseminating the knowledge of the Cause, and thus develop into an effective teaching medium. This is the goal which the editors should have constantly in mind, and which they should endeavour to attain through the best possible means they can devise at present.
The Guardian wishes me in closing to express his thanks for sending him the reproductions of the Declaration of Trust certificate of your N.S.A., and for the reports of the Adelaide and Sydney Assemblies, as well as the photograph and report of the Yerrinbool Summer-School.
With his loving greetings to you and to your fellow-members in the N.S.A.,
Yours ever in His Service, H. Rabbani.I am so touched by the repeated and compelling evidences of the magnificent spirit that animates my dearly-beloved co-workers in Australia and New Zealand. The record of their manifold accomplishments warms my heart and cheers my spirit. The Beloved is truly pleased with them and the Almighty will surely bless and reinforce their high endeavours. May their highest and dearest hopes be fulfilled in His Service, Shoghi.
11 April 1938You must think I forgot all about you and your visit as I have delayed so long in writing! But I assure you I have not forgotten and never will. It was such a great pleasure for me to meet and know a believer from far away Australia - and I can truly say you impress me as having something unique among the Western Bahá'ís in your part of the world. You are not like either the Europeans or the Americans and from the reports and quarterly, which the Guardian was kind enough to share with me, I feel as if almost a spiritual breeze blew from you all!
The picture of the first summer school at Yerrinbool delighted Shoghi Effendi, as also did the incorporation or registration of the National Assembly and the spirit shown by the friends in offering the prayer for entering a City on visiting the Capital. How wonderful it would be if the news each day that he received could bring him such encouragement and happiness.
Australia and New Zealand must offer wonderful opportunities for the future development of the Cause, and it is wonderful to feel we are living in times of the spreading and conquest by the Faith of virgin territories.
I wish I knew which was your cousin, Maisie Almond, in the photograph of the Summer School! I hope someday you will come to Haifa together.
Anytime you ever feel you might like to write me it would be most welcome to me! It was lovely having you here and I am happy to have a friend whom I know out there!
Ever lovingly in His Cause, RuhiyyihP.S. Though I don't know Mr and Mrs Dunn would you give them my dearest love! I have always admired them so much.
I hope you are in excellent health? RI am directed by our beloved Guardian to convey his thanks to you for your letter of the 13th instant and to express his profound and loving appreciation of the contribution you have enclosed in the name of the National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand toward the International Fund of the Cause. I am sending herewith a separate receipt duly signed by him for your files. The spirit of true sacrifice and devotion which this offering represents is indeed a source of deepest satisfaction to the Guardian and he will certainly pray that, as the years go by, it may increasingly gain in strength, and become so intensified as to enable the believers throughout Australia and New Zealand to accomplish such deeds of service as would make them the object of the admiration and envy of all their sister communities in both Europe and America. Already the signs of tremendous vitality which the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'í community is evincing are sufficiently numerous to justify such high hopes, and augur well for the glorious future it is destined to have. The news of the safe arrival of Miss Dawe to Australia and of the inspiration the friends have gained through sharing the impressions of her memorable pilgrimage to the Holy Land is yet another source of deep gratification to the Guardian. He fervently hopes that the way may be opened for most of our Australian and New Zealand friends to visit the Holy Shrines in the not distant future.
With seasons best greetings and with renewed thanks.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI am deeply impressed by the splendid progress that is being achieved along such sound lines and in so many spheres of Bahá'í activity by the believers in Australia and New Zealand. My heart overflows with love and gratitude to them all and feels increasingly proud of their noble achievements. I appeal to them all to persevere and surmount every obstacle in their path. Shoghi
28 April 1938 [National Spiritual Assembly]HOLY MOTHER Munírih Khánum ASCENDED Abhá Kingdom SUSPEND Ridvan FESTIVITIES HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS. SHOGHI
27 May 1938The Guardian is in receipt of your letter of the 19th ins., and is indeed pleased to know that your visit to Cairo has been so happy & successful, & that the friends have extended to you such a warm hospitality all through your stay.
He hopes this letter will find you well, & enjoying your visit to your relatives & fellow-believers in England.
With loving remembrances, and renewed thanks for your message,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the Beloved fulfil your heart's desire in the service of His Faith, & enable you to promote effectively the interests of its new-born institutions.
Your true brother, ShoghiI am directed by our beloved Guardian to express his loving thanks for the message of sympathy, dated May 15th, which you had written him on behalf of the Bahá'ís of Perth, conveying your condolences on the occasion of the passing of the Holy Mother, Munírih Khánum.
He is moved to realize how keenly you all have felt her loss, but surely the thought that she has at last been liberated from the sufferings & limitations of this world affords deepest comfort to your grief-stricken hearts. How happy she must be now in this eternal reunion with her loved ones, and with our beloved Master. No matter how profound our sorrow, we should therefore turn our hearts to Bahá'u'lláh in the hope that He may transmute our grief into an abiding and peaceful joy, whereby we may serve His Cause with added energy, & renewed & uttermost consecration.
In closing may I convey to you the Guardian's loving appreciation of the kind message you sent him through Miss Kitty Carpenter. Her stay in the Holy Land was short, but it is hoped, that the experiences she has gathered during those few days, will long serve to sustain & stimulate her energies in service to the Cause in New Zealand.
With renewed & loving thanks for your message, and with warmest greetings to all the friends in Perth,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.With the assurance of my deep & abiding appreciation of the noble sentiments of sympathy & loyalty you have expressed, and of my loving, constant & fervent prayers for the full & speedy realization of your dearest hopes for the advancement of His Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiI am instructed by our beloved Guardian to express his thanks for your communication of May 14th, with the enclosed copy of the resolutions passed by the Australian and New Zealand N.S.A. in its April meeting held in Melbourne. He has also noted with deep satisfaction the program of the public meetings you had arranged on that occasion, and is very much heartened to know that the response from the public has been most genuine and quite beyond your expectations.
The general situation of the Cause in Melbourne, however, has caused immense grief to his heart, specially as the believers themselves are losing interest and seem to be drifting away. The decision taken by your Assembly to hold the next Annual Convention there, with the view of encouraging and guiding the friends to reorganise their activities, and also in order to stimulate the progress of the teaching work in that centre is most splendid. The Guardian would strongly advise that in the meantime every effort be exerted, through such means as the N.S.A. may find feasible and effective, to bring back into the community those members who have already left, and to take immediate measures to discourage those who contemplate doing so.
With reference to Miss Martha Root's projected teaching trip to your shores; the Guardian highly appreciates the cordial invitation extended to her by your Assembly, and has every hope that through her splendid zeal, mature and wide experience in the teaching field, she will be able to lend an unprecedented impetus to the expansion and consolidation of the teaching work throughout Australia and New Zealand during this coming winter.
In closing I wish to convey through you to the newly-elected N.S.A. the Guardian's heartfelt congratulations and sincere greetings and to assure them of his prayers, that throughout their new term of office, they may be assisted in acquitting themselves befittingly of their task.
Also kindly extend to them his loving thanks for the expression of deep sympathy which they have conveyed to him on their behalf and in the name of the believers in New Zealand and Australia in the passing away of the Holy Mother, Munírih Khánum.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI truly admire the manner in which the national representatives of the believers of Australia and New Zealand are discharging their responsibilities and fulfilling their vital and manifold functions. I, moreover, feel eternally thankful for the spirit which the believers themselves manifest, the support they extend to them, the vigilance, steadfastness, and self-sacrifice that distinguish the record of their services. The foundations they are laying will endure and broaden as the days go by, and the institutions they are erecting will multiply a thousandfold if they persevere in the path they are now treading. The blessings of the Abha Beauty will enable them to achieve still greater victories if they refuse to hesitate and falter. Gratefully, Shoghi
2 November 1938 [National Spiritual Assembly]I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge with thanks your Assembly's communication of October 6th.
Regarding the need you have expressed for a small, inexpensive prayer book for use by the friends in Australia and New Zealand; he views with favour the idea, but does not advise the use of the translations given in the Bahá'í Prayer Book, as these are mostly incorrect and inadequate renderings. He wishes you to preferably select from the book "Prayers and Meditations", recently published in America, suitable prayers for a small edition.
The Guardian wishes me to express his gratification at the news of the enrolment of three new members in the Sydney Bahá'í group, and of two others in the Auckland community. He will pray that these new believers may continue deepening in their faith, and in their understanding of the Teachings, and that each of them may arise and lend every assistance in his power to the further expansion and firmer consolidation of the Faith in that far-off continent.
The three reproductions of the Sydney Registration Certificate which you have mailed under separate cover have been duly received, and one of them will shortly be placed in the Mansion at Bahjí.
The projected visit of Miss Martha Root to your shores next winter, the Guardian hopes, will as on her previous journeys serve to impart a fresh stimulus to the friends in Australia and New Zealand and inspire them with a renewed determination to re-consecrate themselves to the service of the Cause. Your Assembly should extend to her a warm welcome and every support she requires for the success of her mission. May her noble endeavours, seconded by the energetic and diligent efforts of the believers, result in inaugurating a new era of teaching expansion throughout the Australian continent.
With warmest greetings from the Guardian,The visit of our dear and cherished sister and exemplary co-worker, Martha, to your shores is approaching and I feel confident that her collaboration with you will lend an unprecedented impetus to the advancement of the Faith. Laden with laurels, animated by an unquenchable spirit, armed with a faith that none can surpass, she will, I feel sure, contribute magnificently to the magnificent work her co-workers in Australia and New Zealand have so valiantly achieved and are so energetically and methodically extending. My prayers for you and for her will continue to be offered with a heart filled with pride, joy and gratitude.
Your true brother, Shoghi.Your very cordial message of the 27th November addressed to our beloved Guardian has duly reached him, and he has noted with keen appreciation indeed the desire you had expressed of visiting the Holy Shrines on your way back to New Zealand.
As you must have surely read in the newspapers however the general situation in Palestine is at present so gravely disturbed as to make it quite impossible for you to undertake this trip in the next few months, and in view of this the Guardian would advise that you postpone your visit until the November of next year, by which time, it is hoped, the situation throughout the country will have sufficiently improved to permit you to undertake this long-cherished pilgrimage. The Guardian, needless to say, would be also most delighted to meet you, & to hear from you directly of the news of the Cause in New Zealand, & to discuss certain matters which the N.S.A. has asked you to present to him for his instructions.
Regarding your question whether there is any special ceremony which the believers should perform when they wish to "name" a Báby; the teachings do not provide for any ceremony whatever on such occasions. We have no "baptismal service" in the Cause, such as the Christians have. There would be no objection, however, for the friends to come together on such happy occasions, provided they do not hold an official public ceremony, & provided also they strictly avoid uniformity and rigidity in all such practices. No rule whatsoever that would tend to be rigid and uniform should be allowed in such secondary matters, particularly as there are no specific instructions in the Teachings regarding them.
With the warmest good wishes of the Guardian to you and to the friends, and assuring you again of his hearty welcome to visit the Holy Shrines during next autumn, and with greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniI shall indeed grieve if the situation in Palestine should prevent our meeting & prevent your pilgrimage to the Holy Shrines. I pray that this may not be the case. I am so eager to meet you, & express in person my deep & abiding sense of appreciation of the splendid & historic services you have rendered. I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiASSURE ATTENDANTS SUMMER SCHOOL SPECIAL PRAYERS SIGNAL SUCCESS URGE INTENSELY STUDY TEACHINGS DEEPEN SPIRIT Bahá'í FELLOWSHIP EXTEND SCOPE ACTIVITIES SHOGHI
9 January 1939Your message of November 23rd addressed to our beloved Guardian was indeed most welcome, & its perusal truly refreshing and encouraging. It is always a source of deepest gratification to him indeed to hear from you and from our far-off believers in Australia & New Zealand, and to realize, that in spite of the serious handicaps under which you are labouring, your Community is steadily forging ahead, and is increasing in numbers & growing in unity & in consecration to the Service of the Cause. He cherishes the brightest hopes for the future of your activities, & though these be at present much circumscribed in view of your limited numbers and resources, you should not feel discouraged, but look at the years ahead with absolute, nay ever-deepening confidence, & indomitable courage.
Martha's visit, the Guardian hopes, will prove once more the signal for a further intensification of your teaching activities, and he is eagerly awaiting to hear of the news of the triumphs she will be winning for the Faith in your Continent. He is confident that the friends will spare no effort to make her journey pleasant & successful, & will avail themselves of the opportunity of her presence in their midst to extend the scope & consolidate the foundations of their teaching work.
The Guardian was most deeply interested & pleased to read Miss Dawe's letter addressed to you & Father Dunn on her way back from the Holy Land last winter. He is glad to know how much this visit to the Holy Shrines has meant to her, & trusts that the experiences she was able to gather during that memorable pilgrimage will ever sustain & guide her in her activities for the Faith in Australia. She is indeed an example of faith & devotion, & is endowed with such gifts of heart & mind as will surely prove an asset to the Cause in that Continent.
Kindly assure her of the Guardian's continued prayers for her protection & guidance, & assuring you too of his supplications for the health & welfare of Father Dunn & your own dear self,
Yours ever in His Service, H. RabbaniWith the renewed assurance of my loving prayers for you and for my dearly-loved, distinguished & unforgettable co-worker and brother, who together with you, has done so much, and worked so devotedly and magnificently for the promotion of our beloved Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiYour most welcome letters of October 6th, December 16th, 19th with their enclosures have all been duly received and their contents read with close attention and profoundest appreciation by our beloved Guardian.
The latest typewritten report of your teaching travels throughout India has, at his direction, been translated and published in the Persian news letter of the Haifa Assembly for the benefit of the friends in the East who, as you certainly realise, are always eager to hear of the news of your activities, and will be thrilled to know of the splendid work you have accomplished during the longest journey you have ever undertaken to India and Burma.
Now that your India itinerary has drawn to a happy and successful close you can look with pride and a feeling of deep satisfaction over the rich record of service you have rendered the Faith during this past year. What you have accomplished is all the more remarkable, and indeed miraculous, considering your poor health, and the hardships and other trying circumstances attending your journey. The Indian believers are all unanimous in expressing their gratitude and their feelings of unbounded admiration for the services you have rendered in their midst - as a result of which, they all hope, the teaching work will now make rapid progress in both India and Burma.
The Guardian has already cabled you expressing his hope that your visit to Australia may likewise prove a great success, and serve to lend a fresh impetus to the growth and further expansion of the Faith in that continent. He has also cabled the secretary of the Australian NSA Miss Hilda Brooks, informing her of your arrival, and he is certain the friends must have accorded you a most hearty and befitting welcome.
Assuring you once more of his prayers for your health and protection, and for the confirmation of your services to the Cause, yours ever in His Service, H, Rabbani
Dearest Martha,India is astir with praise and admiration for you. What you have achieved in that land is truly historic and marvellous. Australia is now the field that claims your magnificent energy and high devotion. I have already cabled the friends in that continent to accord you befitting welcome. Take good care of your health, and persevere in your incomparable services, Affectionately, Shoghi
14 February 1939 [Martha Root]Your deeply appreciated letters of the 1st and 6th January have been received, and read with keenest interest and deepest satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.
He was deeply touched and rejoiced to know of the farewell meetings which the friends had arranged on the occasion of your sailing from Bombay, and to realize the profound effect which your historic visit to India had left on the hearts of every one of the believers. This high position which you have come to occupy in their affections is certainly well deserved and rightly won. For the seeds you have so ably and devotedly planted in almost every important part of that country, during this one year of ceaseless and intense teaching work, constitute a record of service of unparalleled magnitude in the history of the Faith in that land.
The Guardian hopes you will one day be able to re-visit India, and witness the rich harvest which your untiring efforts have brought forth. For the present, he would advise that, soon after the termination of your teaching tour throughout Australia and New Zealand this coming June, you should return to the United States, and extend your stay there, and later on visit Central and South America, and assist in extending the teaching campaign in these Central and South American Republics, where the Teaching work is fast beginning to develop and advance. The opening up of these Latin American countries, as you undoubtedly know, constitute one of the chief and most difficult objectives of the Seven-Year Plan. Your invaluable co-operation in this Inter-American campaign of teaching would therefore be received with universal welcome by the believers, and will greatly encourage and stimulate them to carry this heavy task to successful completion.
Regarding your suggestion for the establishment of a Bahá'í School in Karachi, the Guardian would advise that whenever you find a favourable opportunity to approach the American believers regarding this matter you should do so, without, however, bringing any pressure to bear upon them to contribute the funds required for the erection of such an Institution.
The Guardian was deeply grieved to hear of the heavy losses inflicted on our highly esteemed and distinguished brother Siyyid Mustapha Roumie during the recent riots in Mandalay. He wishes you to convey to him his sympathy, as well as his approval of his wish to sell part of the shops, in view of his strained material conditions which render such step most necessary indeed.
The Guardian has noted with deep gratitude the love and assistance which Mr. F. has so kindly extended to you during your stay in Calcutta, and wishes you to convey to him his thanks and his high sense of admiration for his valuable and deeply appreciated services.
Assuring you also of his prayers for your health and protection, and for your guidance in all your undertakings.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniHow proud I am of your work, and how thankful for your labours! You are so precious to us and to the Cause. Take the utmost care of yourself, and be always happy and confident that you are fulfilling the will of Bahá'u'lláh and promoting in an exemplary manner, the interest of His glorious Faith,
Your true and Grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter of January 17, enclosing one addressed to the Guardian by the Sydney Spiritual Assembly, have both duly arrived, & their contents read by him with deepest satisfaction & with feelings of unbounded gratitude. He is writing the Sydney Assembly separately, assuring them that Miss Davis, who is on a world tour, would be most welcome to visit the Holy Shrines in Haifa & Bahji, but he himself is exceedingly sorry not to be able to meet her, as he is at present away from the Holy Land, & may not be back to Haifa before some time. He hopes, nevertheless, Miss Davis will benefit from her close contact with the Sacred Places of the Faith, & will gain such experiences as will stimulate still further her interest in the Cause and lead her gradually to fully and unreservedly embrace its truth. Regarding the extensive preparations made by the N.S.A. in connection with the teaching travels of our indefatigable and highly-esteemed Bahá'í sister, Miss Martha Root, throughout Australia and New Zealand; the Guardian feels truly delighted & profoundly grateful to your Assembly for the befitting welcome you have extended to her, & for the arrangements you have made for her to broadcast her speeches, & to contact as many individuals & organisations as her time & health permit. You are certainly fully availing yourself of the opportunity of her presence in your midst to further intensify the campaign of teaching throughout Australia, & you can rest assured that Bahá'u'lláh will reinforce & bless your endeavours for the accomplishment of so vital & so sacred a task.
The draft for thirty pounds, which you had enclosed in your letter, representing the contribution of the believers of Australia and New Zealand toward the International Fund of the Cause, has been received with grateful appreciation by our beloved Guardian, & he wishes your Assembly to kindly convey to all the friends his deep sense of gratitude, as well as his profound admiration, for the exemplary devotion & loyal attachment to the Cause that has prompted them to make such generous donation.
With renewed & heartfelt thanks for your very kind letter, & reciprocating your greetings,
Yours in His service, H. Rabbani.I am so glad & grateful for the plans you have conceived for the reception & organisation of the work of Martha during her visit to your shores. The community of the believers in Australia & New Zealand is making remarkable progress in every phase of its activities & deserves the highest praise in its magnificent & incessant labours. I am proud of the quality of its faith & range of its achievements. May the Beloved infuse into each one of its members a greater measure of His power & of His spirit that will enable them to scale nobler heights in their historic service to His Cause!
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiI gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the sum of thirty Palestine pounds from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand as a deeply appreciated contribution made by them on behalf of the believers of Australia and New Zealand for the promotion of the international interests of the Bahá'í Faith. Shoghi Jan 15 1939
15 February 1939 [Sydney Assembly]Your welcome letter of the 19th December addressed to our beloved Guardian, introducing Mrs. E.E. Davis of Sydney, who is now on a world tour & is planning to visit Palestine, has been received, & its the contents read with deep appreciation by him.
He wishes you to assure Mrs. Davis that she would be most welcome to visit the Holy Shrines in Haifa & Bahji. He himself, however, will be away from the country, & therefore deeply regrets not to be able to meet her when she arrives.
The Guardian nevertheless hopes, & indeed will pray that Mrs. Davis' contact with these Holy Shrines of the Faith may result in further deepening her interest in the Cause, and stimulate her, upon her return home, to extend full & increasing support to the friends in Sydney, in both their teaching & administrative activities.
Before closing I wish to take this opportunity of conveying to you, & through you to your fellow-members in the Sydney Assembly the expression of the Guardian's profound & abiding appreciation of your devoted labours on behalf of the Cause. His prayers for the guidance & confirmation of your efforts will be ardently & humbly offered to Bahá'u'lláh. May His love ever sustain & strengthen you in your highly-meritorious services to His Faith.
Yours most sincerely, H. Rabbani.Assuring you of my special prayers for you in the service of our beloved Faith, & for the realization of your dearest hopes for its promotion,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour communication of February the 12th addressed to our beloved Guardian, informing him of Martha's safe arrival in Australia, has been received, & he was made truly happy to know how cordially & befittingly she had been welcomed by the friends. The wide acclamation with which you have greeted her upon her arrival, and the kind solicitude & warm affection you have displayed towards her by arranging for dear Dr. Bolton to give her the necessary treatment soon after her landing in Adelaide - such spontaneous expressions of your deep set admiration & love for this valiant and indefatigable star-servant of the Cause must have surely greatly warmed and touched her heart.
Your N.S.A., no less than the Local Assemblies of Perth & Adelaide, has undoubtedly spared no effort to use her presence as an opportunity for giving the Faith every publicity possible through both the radio & the press. It is to be hoped that before long the results of this campaign of publicity will be made apparent, & a good number of sincere & intelligent inquirers will be led to investigate and seriously study the Teachings, & enrol later on in the Community.
While the Guardian wishes the friends to take full advantage of Martha's presence & invite her to speak and teach as frequently as her energies permit, yet he would advise that they should also take great care lest her health be seriously impaired through overwork, specially as she is already so frail, having extensively travelled & tirelessly laboured for a whole year throughout India. He would further entreat the believers to join him in ardently supplicating Bahá'u'lláh to continue bestowing upon our well-beloved & distinguished sister all the strength & energy that she requires for the continuation and successful termination of her teaching tour throughout Australia & New Zealand.
With reference to Mr. & Mrs. Bolton's request for permission to visit Haifa during next October or November, the Guardian wishes to assure them that they would be most welcome to undertake this pilgrimage through which, he hopes, they will get refreshed spiritually & filled with renewed vigour and added determination to labour for the further promotion of the Faith upon their return home. With the season's best greetings to you and all the friends,
Yours ever in His Service, H. RabbaniHow deeply I appreciate what you & your dear collaborators are achieving for the success of Martha's work amidst you. My heart brims over with gratitude for the manner in which you approach your task, discharge your duties & extend the range of your local & national activities. With your deeds you are demonstrating in that far-off continent what the power of the Greatest Name can achieve when it operates through channels that are pure & receptive to its outpouring grace. My prayers are being continually offered for you all. Rest assured & be happy.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has received and read with deepest pleasure your letters dated February 11th and 26th with the many enclosures, and feels inexpressibly happy to know of the very cordial and befitting welcome extended to you by the friends upon your arrival in Australia, and of the many opportunities you have had of contacting leading figures in the various towns you have visited. The many messages you were able to broadcast, particularly that on Tahirih, which was so warmly received and appreciated by the Director of Broadcasting of all South Australia, surely cannot fail to awaken interest in the Cause, and might even lead many listeners to seriously investigate and study the teachings, and possibly later on apply for full membership in the community. Anyhow, you have certainly spared no effort to sow the seeds, and time alone will prove how fertile has been the soil on which they have fallen.
Regarding Queen Marie's Will, which is reported to contain references to the Cause, the Guardian has received no information whatever to such effect, but has, following your letter, written both Miss Jack and Mrs Lynch, and asked them to secure, by whatever means possible, copies of the Bucharest paper which is stated to contain the references in question. He has neither received any communication from the Queen, and would therefore wish you to carefully ascertain the truth of the reports, and let him know of any information you receive, as soon as possible.
Concerning your teaching itinerary; the Guardian wishes me to stress again the necessity of you avoiding excessive work and of safeguarding your health, and also of adhering to your plan, which he has already approved, to return to the United States in time for the Geyserville Summer-School, and to spend the winter in the southern states, or preferably, if possible, in Central America where the teaching work is not making steady progress, and is in need of any support it can receive from visiting Bahá'ís.
In view of the urgency, and increasing requirements of the teaching program set forth by the Seven-Year Plan, the Guardian would advise that on your return to the States next June you should devote all your energies to the nation-wide and unprecedented campaign of teaching activity, which is now gradually extending all over the American Continent from Alaska to the North, down to the Republic of Chile in the South, putting at the service of this Inter-American teaching campaign all those talents and qualities which you have acquired during your many years of experience in the field of pioneer teaching.
Assuring you again of his abiding gratitude for your indefatigable services, and also with the assurance of his special prayers on behalf of dear Mrs Latimer, yours ever sincerely,
H. RabbaniI am so glad to learn that you are feeling better and that your visit to Australia is proving itself to be so promising and fruitful. You are often in my thoughts and prayers in these days when you are displaying such superhuman energy in such a far-off land and are enriching so magnificently the record of your glorious services to the Cause. May the Beloved protect and guide you in your exemplary endeavours,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiI am directed by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 25th, informing him of the date of your departure from England, & your inability to defer your visit to Haifa till next November. He regrets indeed that you should find it impossible to extend your stay in Europe and come to Palestine in autumn, as the situation here is now so tense & dangerous that there seems very little hope of any real amelioration in security conditions to take place by next May. General conditions throughout the country are, at present, even worse than a month ago, & the tension is daily increasing.
In case, however, security is re-established by the time you reach Port Said, you would be welcome to visit the Shrines, but the Guardian would be still away.
Wishing you again a successful & happy return home, & with the renewed assurances of the Guardian's prayers for your welfare, protection & guidance,
Yours most sincerely, H. RabbaniI deeply regret that the situation in Palestine has not yet improved as I realize how eager you are to visit the Holy Shrines. If however when you reach Port-Said it will at all be possible for you to visit the Shrine, you will be most welcome, I assure you. May the Almighty fulfil the dearest hope of your heart.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian wishes me to gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your card conveying to him your Assembly's greetings for Naw-Rúz, and to assure you how deeply he feels appreciative of the renewed expressions of loving devotion which you had felt prompted to transmit to him on such a happy & blessed occasion.
He immeasurably values indeed your sentiments, and wishes me to take this opportunity of assuring your Assembly, & all the members of the Auckland Bahá'í Community, of his ardent prayers for the further extension of the Faith, & its firmer consolidation in your centre, and for the spiritual advancement & welfare of each & every member of your group. May this new Bahá'í Year we have just entered witness a fresh intensification of the spirit of service in the heart of each one of you, & lead you to scale still nobler heights of service & sacrifice in your stewardship to the Cause.
Reciprocating your kind greetings, & with all good wishes for a happy Naw-Rúz,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniYour sweet & most assuring message of the 2nd February has duly reached our beloved Guardian, and his heart was inexpressibly gladdened by its perusal, & at the joyful tidings of the slow yet steady progress of the Cause in Sydney & in the rest of Australia. How happy & grateful indeed you must feel to have lived until this day, & to have witnessed the glorious harvest which, after many years of tireless & painstaking effort, it has been your reward and your incomparable privilege to gather & offer to the Faith in such a remote yet so highly-promising Continent. Although, in view of your advanced age & its attending ailments and disabilities, you feel no longer able to take as active a share as you wish in the activities of the Cause, yet your very presence is, in itself, such a valuable asset to the Australian Bahá'í Community as will surely compensate for any particular act of service, however meritorious, which you may be able to render, whether in the teaching or the administrative fields of Bahá'í activity.
The Guardian, therefore, would urge you above all to preserve your health, & to avoid any activity that might prove too strenuous & fatiguing, even though this may necessitate a considerable curtailment in your general work for the Cause.
He keenly & lovingly appreciates the care & consideration you have been shown by the believers in this respect, & feels particularly grateful to Mr Rupert Hearne49 and other friends who have proved so helpful to you during your illness. He will surely remember them all in his prayers, entreating the Beloved to abundantly reward them for their services & to ever strengthen & guide their forces in service to His Cause.
Concerning your question regarding the identity of Abraham and Zoroaster; in the light of a statement from Abdu'l-Bahá, in which he says that Zoroaster came to Palestine & met the Hebrew prophets, one can rightly infer that Zoroaster was a different historical person than Abraham, and that the two, therefore, were not identical.
With the Guardian's warmest love & greetings to you and to dear Mother Dunn.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMy heart rejoices whenever I hear from you. How proud & thankful I feel when I think of you & your services! Future generations will appraise your accomplishments & extol the spirit that has prompted you in your historic labours. Take the utmost care of your dear self, & be always assured that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Affectionately Shoghi
193950It is with deepest pleasure that I am forwarding to your address by separate mail a copy of the recently-published general communication addressed by our beloved Guardian to the American believers entitled, "The Advent of Divine Justice", which he wishes you to accept as a gift from him in token of his abiding appreciation of your long-standing and indeed historic services to the Cause in the field of pioneer teaching. In reading this epistle, which has been rightly described as the Bahá'í Charter of Teaching, you will note that the Guardian has referred, briefly but in terms of highest praise,51 to the distinguished record of your teaching accomplishments during the well-nigh two decades that have elapsed since the ascension of our beloved Master, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and it is only fitting, therefore, that in recognition of these unique services you have rendered, he should present you himself with a copy of that epistle which more than any other document so far issued from his pen, extols the teaching accomplishments of the American believers, and discloses before them a teaching vista of such dazzling splendour as should challenge their resources and guide their energies for many more years yet to come. The tribute so abundantly and yet so deservedly paid by the Guardian in this unique epistle to your magnificent teaching services is assuredly destined to transmit to the future Bahá'í generations, and in particular to the Bahá'í teachers and pioneers of succeeding centuries, such measure of inspiration and such example of true pioneer service as cannot but inspire and guide them to follow in your footsteps and emulate your noble example.
With affectionate greetings to you both. Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
19 April 1939Mrs. Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, South Australia.52
Dear Mrs. Bolton,Many thanks indeed for your very kind and welcome communication of March 26th addressed to our beloved Guardian, and for the accompanying clippings from the "Sydney Morning Herald" regarding Martha's visit, which he was truly delighted to read.
He feels so deeply thankful for the cordial welcome you have all accorded Miss Root all through her stay in Sydney, and she too, has expressed her gratitude in her last letter to the Guardian, telling him of the love and consideration she was shown by every one of the friends, and in particular by Mr. Bolton and yourself. Her very presence, her living example of selfless and tireless effort, her absolute self-effacement and resignation to the Divine will, and her whole-hearted consecration to the service of the Cause must have surely inspired and refreshed you, and filled you with added determination to labour for the extension of the Faith in Australia.
The Guardian was also inexpressibly delighted at the news of the success of the Summer-School at Yerrinbool, and fervently prays that this institution, which is still so young and so restricted in its scope and influence, may with the passing of each year gain in attendance and receive the increasing support, interest, and attention of the entire community of the Australian and New Zealand believers.
I take this opportunity of renewing to you, as well as to Dr. Mr. Bolton, the assurance of his prayers on behalf of you both, and also for the protection, guidance and confirmation of your dear children.
With the season's warmest greetings to you and to all the Sydney believers,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.I am so pleased and grateful to learn of the activities in which you are engaged, and of the success attending your efforts. I feel truly proud of the spirit that so marvellously animates you and your dear husband. You are both in my thoughts and prayers, and I will continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.On behalf of our beloved Guardian I acknowledge with thanks the receipt of your deeply-appreciated message written on behalf of our Australian N.S.A. and of various materials, including Assembly reports and photographs of the Yerrinbool Summer School, mailed under separate cover, all of which reached him safely, and for which kindly convey his heart's deepest gratitude to your Assembly.
He has read with great pleasure the account of Miss Root's last few weeks in Australia, and feels exceedingly gratified and thankful at this renewed evidence of the loving hospitality so spontaneously and generously extended to her by all the friends in each centre she visited, and wishes me in particular, to convey to you and to dear Mrs Hawthorne his special thanks for having kindly offered to accompany our precious and well-beloved sister throughout the last stages of her journey to Melbourne and Tasmania. May Bahá'u'lláh richly reward you with His choicest blessings for all the tender care and affection you lavished upon her all through her teaching itinerary, and may He sustain, strengthen and guide you in your endeavours to further enrich and consolidate the notable teaching results she was able to accomplish in your midst during all these months.
The Guardian was highly encouraged to hear of the news of the confirmation of Miss Lamprill's53 friend, and earnestly hopes and prays that through the combined, sustained and loving exertions of these two dear believers the Cause will gradually make headway in Hobart, and a group of well-confirmed souls will soon be established in that centre. Kindly convey to these friends the expression of his warmest good wishes for the extension and success of their labours in service to our beloved Faith, and do urge them whole-heartedly, joyously and confidently persevere in their task of promulgating the message in Hobart.
With regard to Mrs. Routh's54 request for permission to visit Haifa; much as the Guardian desires her to undertake such long for visit to the Holy Shrines, he feels that owing to the continued disturbances agitating the Holy Land, and which give no sign of abating, it would be inadvisable for her to come at such a dangerous time. He hopes some day when the situation will have returned to normal in Palestine, she will have an opportunity of undertaking this pilgrimage.
Assuring you, and your newly-elected fellow-members in the N.S.A. of his continued prayers and best wishes, and with affectionate greetings to all the friends, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-workers,The recent evidences of your marvellous activities in the service of our beloved Faith have brought infinite joy to my heart. The institutions you are so devotedly and laboriously erecting, multiplying and perfecting, notwithstanding your limited numbers, the scarcity of Bahá'í teachers and proper facilities, and despite your limited resources and the varied obstacles in your way, attest the splendid progress you have achieved and augur well for the future of your historic work in His service. The summer-school is but one of those institutions which you have established with such a rare spirit of devotion, such magnificent loyalty and such assiduous care. The foundation you have laid is broad, solid and unassailable. The rising generation who will build upon it, will extol your virtues, ennoble your task, preserve the record of your acts, and transmit to posterity the great tradition which you are now so happily and nobly establishing. My heart brims over with gratitude for all that you are achieving, and is filled with hopes for all that you will achieve in the near and distant future. Perseverance, fidelity, redoubled effort, will enable you to reap a rich harvest and attain your shining goal.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiMr. & Mrs. S.W. Bolton, c/- Palmer School of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.A.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Bolton,Your very cordial letters of the 18th June were received, and it made our beloved Guardian truly happy to know that you have safely reached the United States, and are availing yourselves of the opportunity of your visit to California to attend the Bahá'í Summer School at Geyserville. Your contact with the believers in such happy and pleasant surroundings, and on such an important occasion, cannot surely but vividly impress you, and deepen in you the desire to become of increasing service to the Faith upon your return home.
The Guardian was also much pleased to know of your intention to visit Canada, and trusts that this journey will give you some opportunity of teaching the Cause there, and particularly in the newly-opened provinces throughout that Dominion.
Before starting on your journey to the Holy Land, he would advise you, if at all feasible, to visit our Cairo believers, who would be indeed delighted to meet you, and hear directly of the news of the progress of the Faith in far-off Australia.
May I before closing express the hope that by the time you expect to reach Port Said during October next, the general situation throughout Palestine will have sufficiently improved to permit you enter the country, and fulfil your long and eagerly-cherished desire of visiting the Holy Shrines.
With renewed and warmest good wishes to you both, and with cordial greetings,
Yours very sincerely, H. Rabbani.How deeply I appreciate your marvellous services to the Faith, you who are so young in faith, yet so fervent in zeal and vigorous in your determination. I do hope from all my heart that you will be able to visit the Holy Shrines though I myself will very probably be absent unavoidably and unable to meet you. You are I assure you close and dear to my heart, and I pray that you may on your return to Australia be graciously assisted to render still greater services to our beloved Faith. May the Beloved sustain and guide you always in your magnificent activities and historic services,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Mrs M.G. Bolton c/- Mrs. Mary Bolton, Stathroy, Ontario, Canada
Dear Mrs. Bolton,Your delightful message of the 12th. July reporting on your teaching visits to various centers in the States and Canada was received, and together with its enclosures, read with considerable interest and satisfaction by our beloved Guardian.
The account of your trip to Edmonton, and of the fine publicity you were able to make through the local press, as evidenced by the clippings you had enclosed, and specially your contact with Mr. & Mrs. Byrne, the technical adviser to the premier of Alberta Mr. Aberhart, was all very gratifying indeed, and the Guardian has every hope that as a result of it all the teaching work in that locality will receive a fresh and unprecedented stimulus, and that with the untiring help of our precious sister Miss Doris Skinner, who is at present working in that region, splendid results will soon be accomplished leading to the gradual formation of an Assembly in Edmonton.
Also it was a real pleasure to the Guardian to hear of your visit to Winnepeg and to know of the fine work dear Mr Estall55 is doing there. He too hopes that this centre, so recently started, will steadily develop, and before long we will have an Assembly established in that locality.
With renewed and warmest appreciation of the teaching services you have been so devotedly engaged in rendering the Faith throughout your journeys in Canada and the States, and with cordial love and Bahá'í greetings to your dear self and Mr. Bolton.
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniMay the Beloved of our hearts guide, sustain and cheer you in your notable services rendered over so wide a field, and may He aid you to realize your dearest hopes in His service,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiMr. & Mrs. Stanley Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Bolton,Your loving messages of the 30th September have safely arrived, and their contents noted with feelings of deepest gratitude by our beloved Guardian. He too, indeed, profoundly regrets that circumstances should have prevented you from carrying out your hearts' earnest and long-cherished desire of visiting the Holy Shrines, and can profoundly realize how utterly disappointed you both feel over such a privation. But it is assuredly a comfort to know that your extensive trip throughout the United States and Canada has been of such deep spiritual experience to you, and has also proved to be of such inspiration and encouragement to the friends in these countries as cannot but compensate, in however small a measure, for the sorrows and disappointment you now feel at having been unable to visit the Holy Land.
The Guardian nevertheless hopes and indeed will fervently pray that you may one day be given the opportunity of undertaking this pilgrimage, and thus fulfil this dear wish of your hearts.
With the renewed expression of his best wishes, and the assurances of his prayers for your welfare and protection, and the steady extension of the field of your services to the Faith in Australia. Yours very Sincerely, H. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-workers:I deeply regret your inability to visit the Holy Shrines on your return to Australia after such a splendid and fruitful association and contact with the American believers. I will specially pray for you both when I lay, on your behalf, my head on the Sacred Threshold, and, will supplicate for you the richest blessings and the unfailing protection and guidance of Bahá'u'lláh in your incessant, your valued and devoted labours for His Cause. Rest assured and persevere in your task,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiREMAINS PUREST BRANCH AND ABDULBAHAS MOTHER MOVED PROXIMITY RESTING PLACE GREATEST HOLY LEAF INFORM BELIEVERS
1940DELIGHTED FERVENTLY PRAYING EVER INCREASING SUCCESS GUIDANCE INFANT VITAL INSTITUTION
4 April 1940 [Silver Jackman]The Guardian wishes me to gratefully acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated February 22nd, and of the sum of thirty pounds which you had been asked by the N.S.A. of Australia & New Zealand to forward to him as a contribution made by them in the name of our Australian and New Zealand believers to the International Fund in Haifa.
Kindly assure your fellow-members in the N.S.A., & through them the friends in that land of his loving appreciation of their donation, which he has graciously accepted, & will use for the furtherance of the international interests of the Faith.
I take this opportunity of conveying to you also his warmest New Year greetings, & of assuring you of his ardent prayers for your continued guidance and success in your Services to the Cause, and for the welfare & protection of our dear Australian & New Zealand believers in these dark & indeed distressing days.
Thanking you again for your loving message, Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.
May the Almighty pour forth His manifold blessing upon you & your dear & devoted co-workers, & aid you all to hold aloft the banner of the Faith in these dark days of stress & peril, & assist you to fulfil your dearest hopes in His service,
Your true brother, ShoghiI would have answered your welcome letter before but shortly before receiving it the news came that my beloved Mother had passed away unexpectedly in Buenos Aires. This was, as you can well imagine, a most heavy blow to hear!
She had gone there to teach our beloved Faith, but as she was over seventy and had very frail health, it seems to have proved too much of an exertion for her - she died of heart failure three days after her arrival!
The love and kindness of the Guardian has been my mainstay and support and the wonderful things he has said of Mother have helped assuage the wound.
She died as I hope all of us will, serving this beloved Cause up to the last minute - giving all for it. Like our dear Martha Root! We have wonderful souls who have shown us the way, all we have to do is pray for strength to follow in their way!
I have often thought of you and was so happy to hear from you.
Please give my love to all the dear friends, especially your cousin - I believe - whom you always called "Maisie".
Your loving Bahá'í sister, RúhíyyihThe Guardian wishes me to express his deep regret at this tardy acknowledgment of your letter of June 6th received some time ago.
The cheque for five pounds which you had enclosed representing the N.S.A.'s donation to the fund for our distressed 'Ishqábád believers has also safely arrived, & the sum will, without further delay, be transmitted to Irán.
This welcome & striking evidence of your solicitude for the suffering brethren in a land so distant from your shores cannot indeed but profoundly move them, & deepen their consciousness of the bonds of close solidarity & fellowship that so firmly knit together the component parts of the Bahá'í world.
Regarding the tracts & publications which your N.S.A. or individual believers in Australia & New Zealand occasionally receive from Ahmad Sohrab & the New History Society; the Guardian would advise the friends to completely disregard such publications. Any attempt to refute such unfounded attacks on the Cause & the Administrative Order, he feels, would be sheer waste of time & energy, as Ahmad Sohrab's efforts are doomed to failure.
With the renewed assurances of his prayers on behalf of the N.S.A. and with loving greetings to you all,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani.May the Almighty reward you all a thousandfold for your self-sacrificing efforts, your unfailing solicitude for the interests of the Faith, & your devotion & perseverance in the path of Bahá'í service.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour communications dated April 22nd and August 23rd written on behalf of the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand with the enclosed reports have all been safely received, and their contents noted with feelings of deepest satisfaction and gratitude by our beloved Guardian.
Also he has received the copy of the Mittagong Star, the reproduction of registration certificate, the three snaps and the three photographs which you had mailed under separate cover, for all of which he wishes you to heartily thank the N.S.A. on his behalf.
He wishes you, in particular, to convey his warmest greetings and congratulations to the members of the newly-elected N.S.A., whose names he has been very pleased to note, and to assure them of his prayers for their guidance and confirmation in the discharge of their heavy and sacred duties and responsibilities throughout this year. Despite the sorrow and distress created by the war, and the heavy sacrifices it is increasingly imposing upon the community of the faithful throughout Australia and New Zealand, he confidently hopes that your Assembly, with the help and support of all the believers in that land, will continue prosecuting, with the same devoted zeal, resourcefulness and determination as before, its twofold task of extending the scope of the teaching work, and of the further consolidating the foundations of the Administration. The unity and efficiency with which it has been functioning in the past year, as attested by the rich record of its accomplishments, indeed augur well for the future of its activities, and it is the Guardian's fervent hope that, notwithstanding the delay and dislocation which the prosecution of the war has inevitably occasioned, it will continue to advance and prosper, and receive unforeseen opportunities of spreading and of strengthening the foundations of the Cause throughout that far-off Continent.
In this time of world calamity his thoughts and prayers are often with our dearly-beloved friends in Australia and New Zealand, and he is ardently supplicating Bahá'u'lláh, on their behalf, that He may bestow upon them such measure of His guidance, protection and strength as would enable them to courageously and successfully meet the tests and trials of the days ahead.
Assuring you, in closing, of his special prayers on your own behalf, and reciprocating your greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe report of your activities and of those of your fellow-workers, undertaken at such a time, and despite such difficulties, and with such a courage, devotion, determination, thoroughness and fidelity, deserves indeed the highest praise and constitutes a powerful evidence of the unconquerable Spirit, and the ever-extending range and the ever-deepening influence of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. Your work is surely blessed by Him, and your fellow-labourers in distant lands derive great encouragement and inspiration from the incessant and remarkable efforts you are so devotedly exerting. Persevere and rest assured that I will, with increasing fervour, pray on your behalf at the Holy Shrines.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiAt the Guardian's direction I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of December 17th just arrived, together with the copy of the resolutions passed by the NSA of Australia and New Zealand in its August meeting, as well as the copy of the statement on the "Bahá'í Attitude to War" recently issued by your Assembly. He found that statement most satisfactory both in its form and in its clear and comprehensive presentation of the underlying principles governing the collective attitude of the believers in this vital issue of the hour.
The friends should indeed make a careful study of this statement, so as to be able to intelligently and correctly answer any questions put to them either by the authorities or individual enquirers.
The Guardian has been particularly pleased to note that the response of the Prime Minister, and of the Premier of Victoria and other ministers to whom you had submitted a copy of the above statement has been so cordial, and he feels relieved to know that through this action of your Assembly any doubts or misapprehensions regarding the attitude of the Bahá'ís to war have been dispelled, and that the authorities feel, as a result, much more favourable towards the Cause, now that they know for themselves that it is certainly non-political in character and that it enjoins absolute loyalty and obedience to the Government
This opportunity your Assembly has had of establishing direct contact with the authorities is indeed a step of vital significance to the Cause in Australia and New Zealand, and is bound to pave the way for its ultimate recognition as an independent religious Faith, entitled to the same rights and privileges which other religious bodies and institutions
enjoy in that land.The Guardian wishes me in closing to express his deepfelt appreciation of your teaching services in Melbourne and Hobart, in which cities you seem to have accomplished such splendid work, both in introducing the Cause to the general public and by assisting the friends in better conducting their teaching and administrative activities.
May the Beloved ever bless and guide your efforts, and may He also strengthen and confirm your fellow-members in the N.S.A., in the discharge of their arduous duties and responsibilities. To you and to them all he sends his warmest greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. RabbaniThe manner and spirit in which the dearly-beloved friends in Australia and New Zealand are discharging their multifarious and sacred responsibilities, in these days of strife and peril, augur well for the future of their mission in that far-off continent. The sound lines along which the administration of the Faith is evolving, the courage and fidelity with which they defend the integrity and assert the claims, and proclaim the verities of their beloved Cause are evidences of their onward march and the potentialities with which they are endowed. I rejoice and am thankful. I will continue to pray and seek for them still greater blessings.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiEnclosed is the receipt for the loving contribution which you insisted on making to the Fund of the Faith here at its World Center.
The Guardian was deeply touched by the motives which prompted you to do this, and he therefore accepts it and will expend it for the Cause here.
He was very happy that you were again able to visit the Shrines here,
and he assures you that his loving prayers will accompany you, wherever you may be.
With warm Bahá'í Greetings,INEXPRESSIBLY GRIEVED LOSS HEROIC PIONEER56 WHOSE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS EXEMPLARY SPIRIT SHED IMPERISHABLE LUSTRE ANNALS FORMATIVE PERIOD FAITH BAHAULLAH STOP CONCOURSE ON HIGH EXTOL HIS VIRTUES MAGNIFY HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS WELCOME HIS ADMISSION THEIR RANKS. ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ASSURE MOTHER DUNN FRIENDS PROFOUND SYMPATHY SPECIAL FERVENT PRAYERS SHOGHI RABBANI
24 February 1941 [National Assembly]CABLING FIFTY POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION TOMB FATHER DUNN CABLE WHETHER MY CABLE CONDOLENCE REACHED YOU LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
16 March 1941Shoghi Effendi has asked me to answer your letter to him concerning the friend of your brother, Mr. Reginald Bridgland.
You may rest assured he, as well as the son of Mr. Motteram,57 will
be most welcome any time they find it possible to call on the Guardian.
The wonderful spirit of intelligent devotion and steadfastness which animates the Australian, as well as the New Zealand, Bahá'ís in these difficult days, is of great comfort to Shoghi Effendi and a source of pride and satisfaction to him in his ceaseless labours for the Faith.
He was grieved at the news of the passing of beloved Father Dunn - a man whose name and deeds will never be forgotten. He, as well as Mother Dunn, are like abundant bearing trees. They have given spiritual life to a whole continent, and now one of them has gone to reap his rich reward in the Abhá Kingdom. He feels sure that the Bahá'ís are doing everything in their power to comfort and take care of Mother Dunn, so that she will not feel her loss too unbearable. For indeed to these two souls the friends owe the greatest gift in the world - the knowledge of the Promise of all Ages!
Kindly convey the Guardian's loving greetings to all the dear friends in those parts, as well as the assurance of his prayers for their well-being.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, yours in His service always, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:I was very pleased to hear from you, & I cherish bright hopes for your future in the service of our beloved Faith. I will specially pray that you may be enabled to hold aloft the torch transmitted to the friends by that great and immortal soul Mr. Dunn, whose work will inspire the rising generation to arise & follow his glorious example. May the Beloved guide every step you take in His service.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter to him of March 25th.
He was most deeply touched by your truly wonderful spirit of love and dedication - so typical of that of your dear husband.
The loss of Father Dunn was felt deeply by the Guardian. He loved, trusted, and admired him greatly. But that noble and exemplary soul has now gone to reap his everlasting reward in the presence of our Lord Bahá'u'lláh. Behind him he has left a truly wonderful harvest, the fruit of your united and untiring service.
Through your and Father Dunn's efforts the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand have grown to be, not only a devoted community of souls, but believers outstanding in their devotion and the soundness of their views which, Shoghi Effendi greatly admires. You have indeed every reason to rejoice that in this life you two were so united and, at such a time in history, could dedicate your lives to such a glorious Cause.
The Guardian feels that the thing for you to do is to remain amongst the believers, who so deeply love you, and to carry on the work of dear Father Dunn. He was most touched by your readiness to enter new teaching fields, but feels that the place where you can best serve the Faith is in Australia, where you can go on aiding the growth of what you have already established.
Shoghi Effendi heartily approves of your thought in connection with Father Dunn's grave, and hopes it will become possible to have the little park around it which would truly be in accordance with his spirit of love for all - especially children.
With the assurance of our Guardian's loving prayers for you, Father Dunn and all your spiritual children, I remain with Bahá'í love,
Yours truly, R. RabbaniWith feelings of overwhelming sorrow I learned of the loss of that
great-hearted, that high-minded, that exemplary disciple of Abdu'l-Bahá, Hyde Dunn, but I rejoice at his elevation to so exalted a seat among the immortals in the Abhá Kingdom, & his reunion with a Master whom he served so lovingly & valiantly, so effectively & so long. He, the spiritual conqueror of the continent of Australasia, will, by his spirit, his example & accomplishments, continue to inspire the rising generation in that far-off continent & indeed throughout the Bahá'í World. The memory of his deeds will shed imperishable lustre on the annals of the first century of the Bahá'í era. Rejoice therefore & be assured of my deepest loving sympathy. Shoghi
18 April 1941Mrs Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your welcome letter of Jan. 31st. was received and Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer it.
He was so happy to receive all your good news concerning the progress of the Cause in Sydney as well as Yerrinbool. The unity evident amongst the friends of far-off Australia and New Zealand, the soundness of their grounding in the teaching, their untiring devotion to the Cause of God, all greatly cheer his heart.
He greatly appreciates you and Doctor Bolton's teaching work both in the classes you are holding in Sydney and the ones in Yerrinbool itself. You may be sure he will often remember you and your dear children in his prayers at the Holy Shrines and he will also pray for those you are teaching.
Shoghi Effendi has never accepted the requests of the friends that he should give them or their children names. This is a custom which he feels is sacred to the memory of the dear Master, and he has never felt he should do it himself. However you may rest assured of his loving prayers for this little son of yours whom you have so generously taken into your home and hearts.
If it should prove feasible to hold a "winter school" at Yerrinbool, as well as the present summer school, Shoghi Effendi feels it would be very useful to the friends and a reinforcement of the many activities already undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís.
He read with interest Miss Lamprill's letter which so clearly shows the influence of the Summer-School on the friends.
Assuring you of the Guardian's deep appreciation of your devoted services,
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.The report of your splendid activities has greatly cheered and heartened me in my arduous task, and I feel truly proud of the work you are accomplishing. I will specially pray for the fulfilment of every wish and hope you cherish in the service of the Faith. May the Beloved sustain, inspire and bless you at all times and under all conditions,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter of March 16th, 1941.
He was pleased to learn that Mother Dunn has accepted in such a noble and exemplary Bahá'í spirit the loss of dear Father Dunn, and that the friends of Sydney are preparing a full description of his death and the funeral. The Guardian would like very much to receive all such histories and reports for the next vol. of "Bahá'í World".58 He would also like you to send him three good photographs of Father Dunn and some of his grave and tombstone - whenever the latter are available.
The truly remarkable services of Hyde Dunn will never be forgotten. They have added a golden page to the history of the Formative period of our Faith. The whole-hearted response to 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í call, raised more than twenty years ago, which he and Mother Dunn made; their quiet and unassuming sacrifices for the Cause; the wisdom and permanence with which he laid the foundations of the work in Australia and New Zealand; and the faithful love with which both of these noble souls tended the growing institutions of the Faith - all constitute a land mark in the victorious progress of the Faith. He is indeed the spiritual conqueror of that continent!
The Guardian was very interested in your Assembly's recent statement published in the January issue of "Bahá'í Quarterly".59 So much so that he felt impelled to have the American N.S.A. publish it in "Bahá'í News" and also have it read at the annual Convention. He feels that in excellent form you have presented the very essence of the Bahá'í attitude on these matters. This has further strengthened his conviction that the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand display a remarkable soundness in their views on all matters concerning the Faith, a characteristic which greatly pleases him.
Concerning your question whether a Bahá'í Burial Service can be conducted for non-Bahá'ís if requested by them; if non-Bahá'ís desire that the believers should conduct a service there is no objection at all.
The contemplated teaching trip of Miss Brooks, Mrs Hawthorne and Mrs Moffitt60 to Queensland, meets with the Guardian's whole-hearted
approval. He will pray in the Holy Shrines that its outcome will be richly blessed and fruitful.
He was very sorry to learn that Miss Stevenson has passed on. He will pray for her joy and advancement in the Worlds beyond. She had the great honour and blessing of being the first New Zealand believer and her reward must be great.
With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi's most loving prayers for you all and with Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniP.S: He wishes me also to thank you for the Naw-Rúz and Ridvan greetings from all the dear friends in Australia and New Zealand.
Dear and valued co-workers:The community of the Most Great Name in those far-off islands has lost a great leader, a stalwart upholder of the New World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. The influence he has exercised will however continue to live, and the example he has set will inspire the rising generation to perform deeds as great and brilliant as those which will ever remain associated with his name. Our dear friend, Mr Hyde Dunn, will, from his exalted station intercede on your behalf, and you should, on your part strive to emulate one whom Bahá'í historians will recognise and acclaim as Australia's spiritual Conqueror. I will pray for his dear spiritual children from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe passing of yet another staunch and indefatigable worker, Miss Stevenson, constitutes yet another loss to the believers in that continent. The work which that exemplary pioneer has achieved however is imperishable. Kindly assure her relatives of my deepfelt sympathy. Shoghi
19 April 1941 [National Assembly]THRILLED EXEMPLARY ATTITUDE REFLECTED, NOBLY CONCEIVED, UNQUESTIONABLY INSPIRED STATEMENT IN JANUARY Bahá'í QUARTERLY ARRANGING ITS PUBLICATION AMERICAN Bahá'í NEWS AND PERSIAN ENGLISH HAIFA NEWSLETTERS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS SHOGHI
11 May 1941 [National Assembly]CONGRATULATE AXFORD PRAYING WORK BRISBANE LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
30 July 1941 [National Spiritual Assembly]The Guardian has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of June 20th, with all its good news.
The response your teaching work met with in Brisbane is truly most encouraging and shows a remarkable receptivity on the part of the people of Australia to the Divine Message. Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will be able to undertake many such trips in furtherance of the teaching work and that an increasing number of the friends will do likewise.
Indeed all the news that comes from the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand bears witness to the soundness of their understanding of the teachings, their loyalty and devotion to the Cause and its laws, and the excellence of their faith itself.
The Guardian has recently written a long general letter to the Bahá'ís of the West.61 Owing to its length and the difficulty of sending a large number of manuscripts abroad at such a time, he has requested the N.S.A. of America to forward it to the other National Spiritual Assemblies. He
trusts it will soon reach you.The news received of the Winter session of the Yerrinbool school was very encouraging.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that many of these points of community contact, such as school sessions, teaching conferences - whatever form of activity is most feasible - will be increasingly inaugurated, as they are of vital importance in fostering the work of the Cause.
He most deeply appreciates your own untiring services in promotion of the Faith in all its branches. You may rest assured that he will often pray for you, and he will also pray for the confirmation of those souls whom you and Mrs. Hawthorne attracted during your recent trip.
With Bahá'í love, Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani.
P.S. The Guardian has not yet received the record of Martha's voice nor photographs of Father Dunn. Will you kindly send one copy of each to him as soon as convenient. R.R.
Dear and valued co-workers:It is indeed thrilling to note the rapidity and soundness with which the flourishing Bahá'í community in that far-off land is establishing the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, is fearlessly proclaiming its truths, upholding its verities and standards, multiplying its institutions, defending its interests, disseminating its literature, and exemplifying its invincible power and spirit. I rejoice, feel proud and am eternally grateful. I cannot but pray, with redoubled fervour, to Him Who so manifestly guides and sustains you, to increase your numbers, to remove every barrier that obstructs your path, to safeguard your unity, to bless your undertakings and to enable you to demonstrate, afresh and with still greater force, the reality of the faith that animates you in the discharge of your sacred duties. Be assured and persevere. Shoghi
30 July 1941Mrs. Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Shoghi Effendi has asked me to answer your welcome letter to him of June 28th.
He was delighted to hear of the increased work of the Yerrinbool School and that you have inaugurated a winter session successfully. This no doubt greatly strengthens the Cause in Australia and is a big step towards its fulfilment of the ideal state for all these Bahá'í schools, which, is of course, to become gradually regular Bahá'í educational institutes, open a large part of the year.
He was also most happy to learn that, through the spirit disseminated by the school, a group of souls in Yerrinbool have joined the Faith. No better testimony to the value of these institutions could be asked for! He hopes that the Adelaide Winter School Session will prove also a great success, and that believers in other centers of Australia and New Zealand will find it possible to inaugurate some similar activity, as the distances are so great in those countries that not many of the Bahá'ís can afford at present to gather in one spot.
He is so grateful for the noble services which you and Dr. Bolton are so ceaselessly rendering the Faith, and he hopes, and will pray, that your dear children will grow up to follow in your footsteps and add their share of lustre to the annals of the progress of the Faith in those parts.
Assuring you and your family of his most loving prayers, and with Bahá'í love,
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniYour welcome letter has cheered my heart and greatly encouraged me in the discharge of my arduous duties. When I recall your magnificent services, and specially when I remember the spirit which animates you in your task, I feel grateful to Bahá'u'lláh for having raised you up in that far-away continent, and inspired you to promote and establish His Faith. He will surely watch over you both and bless the splendid work you are achieving. Persevere, be happy and rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of July 8th.
He was delighted to hear of the progress of the work in your center, as well as your additional report of the fine teaching trip which Miss Hilda Brooks, Mrs. Moffitt and Mrs. Routh undertook in Brisbane. A detailed account of the work of Miss Brooks was received from her a short time ago.
Shoghi Effendi also wishes to express his appreciation for the generous support the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand is giving the International Fund. Enclosed is a receipt for the sum you sent.
He will be most interested to receive pictures of Father Dunn's completed grave, whenever circumstances have enabled the friends to complete it, for use in the next "Bahá'í World".62
The Cause in Australia and New Zealand seems, from all reports received, to be going ahead by leaps and bounds. The people also appear to be more receptive to the teachings than before. This greatly heartens Shoghi Effendi, as he has the brightest hopes for the future part the Bahá'ís of that continent will play in the ordering of world-wide Bahá'í affairs. They have displayed a soundness of understanding of the Teachings, a devotion, balance, and sanity that he greatly admires. His ardent prayers are often with them and their wonderful work.
He deeply appreciates your own untiring efforts to promote the Faith, and hopes you will write and inform him of the success of the new "Winter School", an undertaking which he hopes will thrive and spread to other centers.
Assuring you of his most loving prayers,Yours, in service to our beloved Faith, R. Rabbani
Dear co-worker:The news conveyed by your letter has cheered me, & served to remind me of the constancy, the exemplary activities, the marvellous spirit, evinced by the dear friends in that far-off continent. I will continue to pray from the depths of my heart that the Beloved may watch over you & your valiant collaborators, deepen your understanding of the essentials and requirements of His Faith, extend His assistance to you, & aid you to fulfil your great & splendid mission.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter to him of May 10th, which just came.
He was, as already expressed in the cable he sent you, greatly impressed by the statement in the Quarterly on the true Bahá'í attitude at the present time. It displayed a correctness of viewpoint, a courage, and a loyalty to Bahá'u'lláh which has led him to disseminate it far and wide: in the American Newsletter, in the two Haifa Newsletters, English and Persian, etc. It was indeed a timely and most noble contribution to the Faith.
The friends in both Australia and New Zealand seem to have developed a most outstanding soundness in their relation to the teachings. This leads Shoghi Effendi to believe that they will make great contributions to the unfoldment of the world-wide aspects of the Faith.
His prayers are always with you, and he most deeply appreciates the splendid services you are rendering the Cause, and will pray that the way will open for you to do ever greater work and in an ever widening field.
Please assure all the dear friends of Auckland of his loving remembrance and his prayers for their work.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI cannot refrain from adding a few words in person to assure you of my lively appreciation of your constancy & of the distinctive services you are so ably & devotedly rendering our beloved Faith. That you may be able to extend their range is my fervent & constant prayer. Persevere, and be confidant and happy. Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
24 September 1941Drs. S.W. & M.G. Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í friends:The Guardian just received your letter of Sep.5th which he has instructed me to answer.
He was delighted to hear that you are both going to teach the Cause in Hobart, Tasmania and aid the local Bahá'ís there.
In such a vast country as Australia he fully realizes the difficulties which teaching over a wide area presents, and he considers that these very handicaps have proved the zeal and devotion of the friends of that continent in the service of the Faith.
You already know with what feelings of pride, gratitude and love, the Guardian contemplates the rapidly expanding activities of the Australian and New Zealand friends. He has every reason to hope and believe that they will go on from victory to victory, continually enriching their already noble record of service.
He most deeply appreciates the many and fine services which you both are rendering the Faith, and you may rest assured his loving and ardent prayers accompany you on your present teaching trip. With warm Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniI greatly appreciate, nay increasingly admire, your varied and notable services, and particularly the spirit that prompts you to render them. You are certainly lending a tremendous impetus to the spread of our beloved Faith, and I will pray that you may both be enabled to enrich, in the days to come, the record of your fine accomplishments.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has instructed me to answer your kind letter of August 5th, just received.
He was very pleased to witness your great devotion to our beloved Cause, and to learn that you are so active in spreading it among your fellow-countrymen. The people of Australia have shown remarkable qualities as Bahá'ís - qualities of intelligent understanding and spirituality, combined, as well as great faith in and devotion to the Cause, once they accept it. These characteristics have greatly endeared them to Shoghi Effendi, and he has great hopes for the future of the Cause in that country.
You should indeed feel yourself privileged to have known both Keith Ransom-Kehler and Father Dunn - two very unique and noble souls who served the Faith with fiery zeal till the very last moments of their lives. They offer us all a wonderful example.
The Guardian was very pleased to hear of the Adelaide "Winter-school", which, from all reports, was indeed very successful. He hopes the friends will be able to hold many such get-togethers as they
are of great help and inspiration.The way in which you were led to the Faith shows very clearly that God bestowed this great blessing on you. The Guardian hopes that in your turn He will now aid you to confirm many new souls in His Faith. Indeed in these dark days the Cause is the only hope we can hold out to suffering humanity, and it is wonderful to realize that we can give them hope and point the way to their happiness and ultimate salvation.
He will pray that you, and Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, may be able to greatly aid the Cause in your district and establish a new group of souls. With Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty aid you to lend a fresh impetus to the growth & consolidation of the new-born institutions of His Faith, & enable you to reflect powerfully the spirit that animates you,
Your true brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of August 6th, 1941, just received.
He is delighted at the excellent report you give of the progress of the Faith in your city, the holding of the Winter-School, the visit of dear Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, and above all the number of people you have been enabled to lead into the Faith.
The friends must never mistake the Bahá'í administration for an end in itself. It is merely the instrument of the spirit of the Faith. This Cause is a Cause which God has revealed to humanity as a whole. It is designed to benefit the entire human race, and the only way it can do this is to re-form the Community life of mankind, as well as seeking to regenerate the individual. The Bahá'í Administration is only the first shaping of
what in future will come to be the social life and laws of community living. As yet the believers are only just beginning to grasp and practice it properly. So we must have patience if at times it seems a little self-conscious and rigid in its working. It is because we are learning something very difficult but very wonderful - how to live together as a community of Bahá'ís, according to the glorious teachings.
He is very pleased that you have told him about the work of dear Miss Dawe. He had not known of her serious illness, and regrets it very much. Please convey to her the assurance of his most loving prayers for her recovery, and encourage her to, by all means, share with her fellow-Bahá'ís, whether in Australia or abroad, any teaching methods or teaching material she has found meets with response from the public. This interchange of data and ideas amongst the believers is most stimulating and helpful.
Concerning your statements in your speech, delivered at the Winter-School, that 25 people claimed to be the Promised One in Baghdad, Shoghi Effendi says this is correct. You probably got the information from pilgrim's notes, as he has mentioned it to the pilgrims. He is pleased to see that you are now giving lectures on the Cause.
In closing he wishes to assure you both of his most loving prayers for yourselves and your children as well as those you have been teaching and confirming in the Faith.
Yours in His Service, R. RabbaniMay the Spirit that pervades the Faith be your guide, protector, & succour in these days of world-wide stress & turmoil, & aid you in close collaboration with your devoted and active co-workers, to reinforce the foundations of the structure which you are so marvellously exerting yourselves to establish. I will continue to pray for you all from the depths of my heart. Persevere & rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiRUHI AFNANS SISTER MARRIED COVENANT BREAKER HER FAMILY SUPPORT HER ACTION EXCOMMUNICATION UNAVOIDABLE64
14 November 1941 [Ethel Dawe]Your brother, Mr. Vernon Dawe, called a short time ago on the Guardian, bringing your kind letter to Shoghi Effendi with him.
Owing to the absence of the Guardian from Haifa he was unable to meet your brother personally, which he regretted very much. He hopes, however, that your brother will be able to call again before he leaves the Near East, and then have the opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with each other.
Mr. Dawe visited the Gardens, the Shrines, and the Sacred Tomb at Bahjí as well as the Mansion and various archives - so you see he was kept very busy the few hours he had at his disposal!
He has been told by those who went with your brother that he showed much interest in the various things he saw, and Shoghi Effendi hopes that this, combined with your own devoted efforts, will serve to arouse in him a love for our beloved Faith.
He assures you he will pray for your brother as well as your dear self.
He has heard from some of the Australian friends of both your excellent work for the Cause and your modesty and devotion. He trusts that you will ever-increasingly be able to serve the Cause in a wide field and attract many of your country-men to its enlightened teachings.
With Bahá'í Love, R. RabbaniI deeply regret that when your brother called I was away & unable to accord him a hearty welcome. He has visited the Shrines, however, which is the essential thing. You are often in my thoughts & prayers, & I trust you will be able to enrich the record of your past & deeply appreciated services,
your true brother, Shoghi.DEEPLY APPRECIATE SPIRIT PROMPTING RESPONSE DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI65
25 December 1941Your letter of Dec. 6th has just been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer it.
He was delighted with the excellent news you gave him of the progress of the work in Tasmania. In fact previous to receiving your letter he had heard glowing reports, from some of the Australian friends, of the progress the Cause is making there, and thus feels already somewhat familiar with your work.
You did quite right to write him, and he hopes from time to time you will inform him of the progress of your activities in which he takes the keenest interest.
It is impossible for the friends like yourselves, labouring to establish
the Faith in a new and distant territory, to grasp the significance of your achievements. But those who come after you, and find the foundation laid, the pioneering done, and the harvest ready to be reaped, will know how to befittingly value your labours and appreciate your devotion.
The Guardian was delighted to hear of your youth group. The children who are trained in the world-embracing teachings of Bahá'u'lláh cannot but grow up to be a truly new race of men. He hopes these young people will prepare themselves for the great task which will face them in the future, that of helping to re-build the world with the aid and inspiration of the Bahá'í teachings.
He assures you all that he will ardently pray in the Holy Shrines for the progress of your work, and that you may speedily establish a Spiritual Assembly there.
The wonderful help Dr. and Mrs Bolton have given you, he greatly appreciates. They are truly exemplary servants of their fellow-men.
Assuring you of his most loving thoughts and wishes for your welfare and protection.
Ever yours in service to the Faith. R. RabbaniI was overjoyed to receive your most welcome letter. I wish to assure you of my special and fervent prayers for you, of my admiration & gratitude for the spirit that animates you, & of my eagerness to receive regularly your reports. May the Beloved protect, sustain, and inspire you in these days of storm & trial, increase your numbers, deepen your understanding, fulfil your dearest hopes, & aid you to reflect powerfully in your lives the beauty & glory of His Revelation.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiShoghi Effendi has instructed me to write and thank you for your
very kind and generous donation to the Bahá'í Fund here in Haifa. I am enclosing herewith your receipt.
He was very happy indeed to meet you, and feels that if you are an example of the Bahá'í youth of Australia, they will render the Cause many valuable services.
He wishes to assure you that as long as you happen to be in this part of the world you must consider that you have a home here in Haifa, and anytime you can come and visit here you will be most welcome. Also please feel quite free to write him if there is anything he can do for you.
Rest assured he will often pray for your protection, and that you may be blessed and guided by God in all things.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniThe Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated Sep. 23rd. and Oct. 1st, and to acknowledge the receipt of the manuscript you sent for "Bahá'í World" vol IX, also the photographs of Father Dunn's home and his own picture.
Regarding the questions you asked in your letter...
No.1. Confucius was not a Prophet, so it is quite correct to say he is the founder of a moral system and a great reformer.
No.2. The Buddha was a Manifestation of God, like Christ, but his followers do not possess his authentic writings.
No.3. Zoroaster was not Abraham; the Muslims, some of them, contend that they were the same, but we believe they were two distinct Prophets. There is a misunderstanding in the reference in "Bahá'í Proofs" to this matter.
No.4. There are no Prophets, so far, in the same category as Bahá'u'lláh, as He culminates a great cycle with Adam.
No.5. The Greatest Name is the Name of Bahá'u'lláh. "Yá Bahá'u'l-Abhá" is an invocation meaning "O Thou Glory of Glories"!
Both refer to Bahá'u'lláh. By Greatest Name is meant that Bahá'u'lláh has appeared in God's Greatest Name, in other words, that He is the supreme manifestation of God.
No.6. Revelations 3:12, refers to the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.
No.7. References in the Bible to "Mt Paran" and "Paraclete" refer to Muhammad's Revelation. Deuteronomy 33:2; Genesis 21:21; Numbers 12:16; Numbers 13:13; Genesis 17:20 refer to the twelve Imams and in the Revelation of St John Ch.II, where it mentions two witnesses, it refers to Muhammad and Ali.
No.8. The statement in the "Gleanings", p.64-65, "who out of utter nothingness..." etc., should be taken in a symbolic and not literal sense. It is only to demonstrate the power and greatness of God.
No.9. The Guardian considers that the gist of what Mrs Hanford Ford reported can be considered quite correct.
No.10. The figures 1290 date from the declaration of Muhammad, ten years before His flight to Medina.
No.11. The intercalary days are specially set aside for hospitality, the giving of gifts, etc. Bahá'u'lláh Himself specified that they be used in this way, but gave no explanation for it.
No.12. The Bahá'í Summer Schools were originated in America to meet the requirements of the friends. They have been adopted by other Bahá'í communities the world-over, but there is no reason why they should be called "Summer Schools". There is nothing rigid about the term, it is purely descriptive. The Guardian feels that although you can have the immediate affairs of your Summer-Schools managed by a convenient Local Assembly, they should remain under the direct supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly as they are national in character and not purely local.
A few days ago Mr Jim Heggie came to see the Guardian. He was able to visit all the Shrines and archives as well. Shoghi Effendi was delighted with him; he found him devoted, full of faith and zeal, and very well read in the teachings. He feels that if this is a sample of the Bahá'í youth of Australia, there is, indeed, a wonderful future ahead of that country!
He will be very pleased to receive the picture of Father Dunn's grave as soon as it is available.
The Guardian assures you and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly that his prayers are constantly being offered on your behalf. He is so very pleased with the good news he receives of your activities and the spread of the Cause in those distant lands.
Only yesterday he was reading a most heartening and enthusiastic report of the work in Tasmania, which greatly cheered him.
Dark as these days are he feels confident that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís will continue with unabated devotion to carry on their excellent and exemplary services to the Faith.
His prayers are with them all, and his loving gratitude goes out to you who lead and co-ordinate their activities.
With warm Bahá'í greetings,Yours in the service of the beloved Faith, R. Rabbani.
Dearly-beloved co-workers:In these days when perils are increasingly threatening that far-off continent, the most distant outpost of our beloved Faith, my thoughts turn with deepening anxiety, solicitude, and love to those who are so valiantly holding aloft the banner of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. I appeal to every one of them, and particularly to the members of the Assemblies who safeguard their interests, not to allow any disturbance, suffering, or anxiety to dim the splendour of their faith, to deflect them from their high purpose, to cause any division in their ranks, to interfere with the steady consolidation and expansion of their activities and institutions. I will specially pray that the work they have magnificently initiated, and so marvellously and soundly developed may suffer no setback, but rather continue to develop and yield its destined fruit. Persevere and rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.GENERAL SUPERVISION BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SUFFICIENT PRAYING SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS MEETING AND SUMMER SCHOOL DEEPEST LOVE
29 December 1941 [National Assembly]SISTER MEHRANGIZ FOLLOWED EXAMPLE AFNANS SISTER JUSTICE PROMPTS ME INFLICT SIMILAR PUNISHMENT SHOGHI RABBANI
1942Hilda Brooks, Care Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney.
COMFORTED ADMIRE EXEMPLARY FAITH DEVOTION EVIDENCE SOLID BONDS TRUE SPIRITUAL KINSHIP67
26 January 1942 [Ethel Dawe]The Guardian has instructed me to answer your letter to him of Jan. 4th.
He hopes that your brother will again be able to visit Haifa, while he is in this part of the world, and that this time he will meet him in person.
Recently, two Australian believers, serving with the army, have been able to visit Haifa, one from Adelaide and one from Sydney. The Guardian was so happy to meet these friends, as the distance is so great between Australia and the Holy Land that few of your members are ever able to make the pilgrimage.
He wishes to assure you that he will pray for your brother, that through your influence and that which he saw and felt here in the Shrines, he will be moved to accept the Cause and lend his aid to the work you yourself are ever so devotedly accomplishing in your service to the Faith.
Though the present outlook seems dark indeed, we must think of the future, and strain every nerve to hasten its advent - that glorious future which the Founders of our Faith have promised us lies ahead of the entire human race!
The Guardian hopes that a day will come when you will again visit Haifa, perhaps with the brother you love so much.
Meantime he assures you of his most loving prayers for your work in the Cause, and your health.
With loving Bahá'í Greetings, ever yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to add a few words in person & assure you of my great admiration for the spirit that powerfully animates you in your activities, & of my constant prayers for your success & spiritual advancement. You are often in my thoughts, & I hope that the Beloved may, despite the present critical situation, enable you to extend the range of your valued services.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiDEEPLY APPRECIATE SPIRIT PROMPTING RESPONSE DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
23 February 1942 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter, with enclosures of Nov 8th reached the Guardian safely, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
His thoughts and prayers are very often with the Australian Bahá'ís in these difficult and dangerous times. They are now facing a much more acute situation than hitherto. But whatever of trial and affliction the immediate future may hold for them, we know that the destiny of mankind is in the firm grasp of Bahá'u'lláh, and that he will guide it to its ultimate and highest goal. This assurance is more precious than life itself, it is our anchor in every difficulty and trial.
The Guardian was very happy to know that the work in Brisbane is progressing, and that the Cause is more and more coming before the public and reaching the attention of prominent people.
He feels the believers must continue to do their utmost to acquaint their fellow-citizens with the teachings, that they may at least hear of the Bahá'í ideals, whether they are ready to accept them yet or not.
The recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly must have been of great benefit to all the members and to the work of the Cause in general. Their responsibility in these days is greater than ever, but Shoghi Effendi feels sure they will be guided and protected and continue to spread and safe-guard the Faith in those distant lands.
He assures you, and all the N.S.A. members, of his deep appreciation for your untiring services and his loving and ardent prayers. He will beseech for you all blessings and protection in the Holy Shrines.
With loving Bahá'í greetings,As the difficulties and problems facing the valiant and high-minded supporters and upholders of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand multiply, my thoughts and prayers turn increasingly towards them in loving admiration for the work they have performed and will continue to perform in the future. Adversity, in whatever form, will, I feel confident, now that they have laid an unassailable basis for the Faith, in their hearts and through their institutions, serve to heighten the ardour of their devotion and reinforce the foundation of their spiritual community life. They should persevere, redouble their efforts, close their ranks, intensify their individual as well as collective teaching activities, and defend even more tenaciously and courageously the tenets, claims and institutions of their Faith. Measureless blessings will crown their exertions if they persevere and face heroically the challenge, the problems and the perplexities of the present hour.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of 11th was received and read with great satisfaction by the Guardian. He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear of the wonderful spirit prevailing in Yerrinbool. This experience will no doubt be a great comfort to you and the other believers who were there. Especially in view of the difficult and dangerous times which Australia is now passing through.
How many times the beloved Master told us that our lives, our love, and our unity, would be the greatest source of attraction to seekers! It is also our own source of protection and happiness.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that the dear Australian friends will grow day by day more united, and mirror forth the spirit of the Faith in such wise as to set their great homeland ablaze.
The Boltons have, indeed, rendered the Cause a great service in providing this ideal school for them.
In these dark times the Bahá'ís must cling to each other and to their beloved Faith, assured that whatever sufferings they, and indeed the whole world, endure, the outcome is assured and the future glorious.
His prayers are with you all, and he hopes that the dear Adelaide friends will greatly benefit by their trip to Yerrinbool, and lend a new impetus to their work at home.
Assuring you personally of his most loving prayers for the success of your devoted labours in service to the Faith, and with Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His service, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved guide & sustain you in these days of suffering distress & trial, and enable you & your dear co-workers in those troubled regions to persevere in your task, extend the sphere of your activities, & render the Faith still greater & nobler services,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has instructed me to answer your two letters of Jan.15th and 24th, and to acknowledge the receipt of the enclosed letter of Mrs. Dunn.
He was delighted to learn that the New Zealand members were able to make the trip to Australia, and that such a highly satisfactory N.S.A. meeting was held, in such a spirit of love and harmony. No doubt this experience will prove of great value, not only to the National Assembly, but also to the work of the Cause in the days to come.
Regarding the various matters you refer to in your letters: The Guardian highly approves of the very kind and helpful arrangements made by Dr. Bolton, by which his property at Yerrinbool will pass to the Faith at his death and be used, according to the requirements of a future date, as dictated by the discretion of the N.S.A. It is better that the believers, subject to the judgements of the N.S.A., be left free to select any spot that will prove most convenient for the majority for the summer-schools.
Regarding the Summer-Schools in general; although there is no objection to their being under the direct management of a special committee elected for that purpose, they must be generally supervised by the N.S.A. in respect to policy, etc. In other words they must be considered as a national and not a purely local institution.
For purposes of convenience the N.S.A. may appoint as members of such Committees, those who are situated near the Summer-Schools and are able to pay direct attention to their affairs.
Concerning individual Bahá'ís' letters to the Guardian and his replies; the friends are free to write to the Guardian when they feel the urge to do so. However, for the believers to suppose that the Guardian's letters to them, however full of loving encouragement they may be, give them any special powers or authority to go against or ignore the wishes of their Local or National Assembly, is to grossly misinterpret his true meaning. The Guardian has been at great pains to build up the administrative order and teach the friends how to use it. How could he possibly himself act in such a way as to ignore or belittle the functions of these bodies? He often encourages believers to work, to teach, to pursue some plan they propose in their letters to him but this does not mean a veto of the Assembly's rights, or that the individual thus becomes free to ignore its authority. He trusts this will make the matter quite plain to the friends.
Regarding the matter of Mother Dunn's letter; the N.S.A., will, he feels sure, do all in their power to allay the fears of Mother Dunn and smooth out any misunderstandings that may arise. He feels, however, that you should point out to Mother Dunn that if, at any future date, the believers of Australia and New Zealand should wish to remove the remains of Father Dunn and herself to a beautiful site in a Bahá'í cemetery, or any other chosen spot, they cannot do it without some legal authorization. Just at present, after an infinite amount of red tape being gotten through, the Egyptian N.S.A. has at last succeeded in getting arrangements made for the transfer of Lua Getsinger's and Mirza 'Abu'l-Fadl's bodies to the new Bahá'í Cemetery. It is to ensure success and save trouble in the future, that your Assembly is asking her to delegate certain powers to it in this matter. He feels sure she will cooperate fully when she understands the matter.
In view of the criticalness of the times, the great issues facing the entire human race, and the uncertainty of what perils and trials may yet remain ahead of us to be endured, the Guardian feels that the sooner Father Dunn's memorial is erected the better. Mother Dunn may rest assured in her heart that future believers of Australia will know how to honour ahd cherish dear Father Dunn's grave; for the time being, though, it seems to him it would be wise to complete whatever arrangements are under way as speedily as possible, subject, of course, to her acceptance, as he does not want her to be distressed or unhappy over this matter.
The Guardian would be very glad to receive as soon as possible photographs of Father Dunn's grave upon its completion, to be placed in the Mansion of Bahá'u'lláh at Bahjí.
He assures you all that he feels the greatest confidence in your ability to aid the believers of Australia and New Zealand to weather all storms during the dark days we are passing through. The friends of those two countries have amply displayed their deep loyalty to the Faith, their profound dedication to its Divine Mission, their adherence to its laws and institutions. He always thinks of them with a heart at rest and feelings of deep affection.
Rest assured that his loving prayers will continue to be offered on their behalf, and for you and your fellow members of the N.S.A., who are serving with such devotion and self-sacrifice the Holy Faith.
With warm Bahá'í Greetings and love, R. Rabbani.The spirit manifested by the radiant supporters of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand is most encouraging, highly meritorious, and truly exemplary. The work they have achieved, the plans they are devising, the hopes they cherish for the future, fill me with admiration and evoke my deepest gratitude. The Beloved will assuredly continue to illumine their path, to sustain their efforts, and to bless their accomplishments in these days of unprecedented stress, anxiety, and peril. I will continue to supplicate for them all his abundant and imperishable blessings.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter to the Guardian of Feb. 2nd, as well as the copy of your letter to one of the friends, was received last night, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He quite understands how you have felt undecided as to the right course of action for you to take in the matter of giving the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand legal rights over the body of dear Father Dunn. However, he feels you need not hesitate to take this step, and thus empower that Assembly, at some future date, to remove his remains to some other spot, more especially so, as your son has no objection to this arrangement.
Such matters can so easily be arranged when people are living, but if they are not provided for it becomes a most laborious, and, in some cases, almost impossible task, once they have passed on.
It is only natural that the Bahá'ís of that Continent should, at some future date, wish to place Father Dunn's body in the midst of a purely Bahá'í cemetery. This transfer will be greatly facilitated by your giving them the legal right at present, for both his and your own transfer.
We cannot, of course, at present foresee the nature of future events. But we can be absolutely sure that, as time passes and the glory of the Faith rises up for all the world to see, the love and respect the various Bahá'í communities feel for their pioneers, their teachers, and outstanding figures, will increase. Therefore, the Guardian feels that it is only right that the Bahá'ís should possess the power to place you and your dear husband, gone before you, wherever they feel your graves will be of greatest service to the Faith. This of course is subject to you yourself feeling perfectly happy to give them this right.
The Guardian never forgets dear Father Dunn. His thoughts, too, are often with you, and his prayers are offered on your behalf, that you may go on serving the beloved Faith for many years to come.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. The Guardian, a few days ago, sent a letter in answer to the N.S.A.'s letter to him in which they stated you were writing to him about this matter direct. He advised them just what he is advising you in this letter, that he approves of their having the legal rights required if you are content to give them those rights.
Dear & valued co-worker,I wish to express again my deep sense of sympathy for the great loss which you & all the friends have sustained, through the passing of so distinguished a servant of Bahá'u'lláh. The work he has performed will adorn the annals of God's immortal Faith.
I am thankful for, & feel proud of his unique services & will pray for his soul that it may be richly & eternally blessed by Bahá'u'lláh. Rest assured & be happy.
ShoghiThe Guardian was both surprised and pleased to receive your Naw-Rúz greetings, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
To know that there is now, far off in Tasmania, an active and devoted group of young Bahá'ís, delighted him. It shows what life and vitality is in this Faith that at such a time, far from weakening or being temporarily eclipsed by the terrible tragedies taking place in the world at present, it is growing and spreading and striking new roots all over the world!
The task facing the young Bahá'ís in particular, is very great. For they are the ones who, with their fellow youth the world over, will be called upon after the war to help build the future, and we are assured that a future without the Bahá'í principles to guide it, will be as unsound and fruitless as post-war reconstruction since 1918 has proved to be. Therefore the Guardian hopes you will seek to gain a sound and profound knowledge of the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and endeavour to perfect yourselves as Bahá'ís, so that when the time is ripe you will be able to play your full part in the spiritual leadership of men.
He will pray for you all, that you may attain this goal and worthily acquit yourselves of your sacred tasks in the days to come.
Yours in His service, with Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
11 July 1942 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY GRIEVE LOSS OUTSTANDING PIONEER FAITH HIS HISTORIC SERVICES ENTITLE HIM ENVIABLE PLACE RANK TRAILBREAKERS ABHA CAUSE GATHERED SUPREME CONCOURSE ADVISE HOLD MEMORIAL GATHERINGS ALL CENTRES BEFITTING HIS UNIQUE POSITION DEEPEST LOVING SYMPATHY ASSURANCE FERVENT PRAYERS SHOGHI RABBANI68
28 July 1942 [National Spiritual Assembly]Hilda Brooks, Care Dr. Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney.
DEPLORE LOSS THREE MORE BELIEVERS ASSURE FRIENDS RELATIVES LOVING SYMPATHY69
15 August 1942 [James Heggie]70Your letter of April 12th was received safely, and the Guardian was very happy to see you had gotten back safely to Australia. He has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
It was indeed a great blessing for you that you should have been able, during this world war, to reach the Shores of the Holy Land and make the Bahá'í pilgrimage, even though your time was necessarily short. He hopes someday you will again visit Haifa and spend more time.
The difficulties and problems you mention in your letter are ones with which the Guardian is familiar, and he certainly does not mind your mentioning them. On the contrary, he appreciates hearing about them first hand, and is glad you felt free to write to him. This is as it should be.
The believers, when few in numbers especially, find themselves called upon to take part in a system infinitely beyond their own personal stage of development. The laws and principles of the Cause are designed to embrace the planet itself; how can they possibly, at the inception of their practice, work smoothly with a mere handful of people, however sincere and zealous they may be? Especially as most of the believers the world over at present are adults who change into Bahá'ís, and not people who from childhood have known no other outlook except the exalted outlook the teachings bring.
The difficulties you mention exist more or less everywhere. But as the numbers of the Bahá'ís increase and the Bahá'ís themselves become more spiritually mature, all these small but regrettable characteristics of community life will gradually disappear.
Of course the letters of the Guardian, as he has pointed out in a recent letter to the N.S.A., could never confer on any individual a power or function higher than that of the Spiritual Assembly - an institution he himself has been at the greatest pains to establish! It is very unfortunate that anyone should so misinterpret the spirit and meaning of his letters.
He assures you he will continue to remember you in his prayers, and he cherishes great hopes for your future services to our beloved Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless you and sustain you in your devoted labours for the promotion of our beloved Faith, and may He aid you to demonstrate by your life and deeds the vitalizing spirit of our glorious Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour welcome letter of May 16th has just reached the Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was delighted to hear that the Cause in Adelaide is making such good progress, and that many new and fine souls have embraced the Faith there.
He was also very happy to hear Jim Heggie has been with you all and is so active in helping the friends all he can and in starting a youth group. He is a very fine young Bahá'í, and the Guardian enjoyed meeting him very much. He hopes in the future many more of the Australian & New Zealand friends will be able to visit Haifa.
The Cause is still in its infancy, and when one remembers this, and all it has had to contend with in the line of persecution and oppression for almost a hundred years, it is indeed a miracle that in such widely distant lands as South America and Australia, Europe, and Asia, there should be flourishing centres of devoted and active and growing believers, growing not only in numbers but in deep understanding of and devotion to the Faith.
The Guardian encloses a receipt for your most generous donation to the International Fund, forwarded on behalf of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, which he deeply appreciates.
He was pleased to see the photograph you sent of your house where you hold Bahá'í receptions and meetings, and he hopes your devoted labours to promote the Faith will meet with ever-increasing success.
Assuring you of his loving prayers and his deep appreciation of your services to the Cause of God in Australia, and with Bahá'í love and greetings,
yours truly, R. RabbaniP.S. The Guardian hopes that your desire to have your house become Bahá'í property will some day be realized. He deeply appreciates your intention and motive in this matter.
May the Almighty bless you & your dear co-workers who are so valiantly, so devotedly, & so effectively furthering the vital and manifold interests of His Faith, & may He enable you to fulfil your dearest hopes in His service.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiGREATLY CHEERED ENCOURAGED SOUND PERSISTENT EVER EXTENDING TEACHING ACTIVITIES OF DEAR BELIEVERS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND PROMPTED CABLE TWO HUNDRED POUNDS CARE COOKS MY CONTRIBUTION FURTHERANCE NOBLE WORK SHOGHI RABBANI71
14 October 1942Antionette, Mariette, Stanley and John Bolton, "Bolton Place", Yerrinbool, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í friends,Your letter dated August 9, as well as the lovely little book of the "Hidden Words" which you so kindly made for the Guardian and me, just arrived.
The Guardian wants me to thank you on his behalf for this thoughtful and beautiful gift of love which you have sent, and I thank you too for it. You printed it very well indeed!
He was also very happy to hear of the success of the childrens' class in Yerrinbool and that so many attended it.
You Bahá'í children and young people have both great privileges and great obligations ahead of you, for your generation will be the ones to help build up a new, better and more beautiful world after the dark years of this war are passed. You should prepare yourselves for this great task by trying to grasp the true meaning of the teachings and not just merely accepting them as something you are taught. They are like a wonderful new world of thought just beginning to be explored, and when we realize that Bahá'u'lláh has brought teachings and laws for a thousand years to come, we can readily see that each new generation may find some greater meaning in the writings than the ones gone before did.
Give the Guardian's love to your dear parents whom he often remembers in his prayers.
He will pray for all of you, that you may grow up to render the Faith many wonderful services in the days to come. With Bahá'í love, Yours in His Service, Ruhiyyih Rabbani
May the Almighty richly bless your expanding activities, guide every step you take, cheer and sustain you in these days of stress and peril, and aid you to extend the range of your present and future services.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiMrs Mariette Bolton, Yerrinbool, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of Aug.13th. has just been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was delighted with all the good news your letter conveyed of the progress of the Cause in those parts, especially the formation of the two study classes you are teaching in Caringbah and North Shore line.72 Study classes are, obviously, of the utmost importance, and he sees you are getting good publicity in connection with them.
It is a great loss, no doubt, to your community to have lost five believers so recently. But their devotion remains to strengthen the Faith, and no doubt other souls will be confirmed and arise to carry on the work they began.
He was very pleased to hear that dear Mother Dunn is well, and all the time helping the friends, and he assures you his prayers will be offered for the teaching work you and the other friends are so actively and devotedly carrying on.
As you already know, he considers the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís have a great future in the Cause, and they should feel very happy and optimistic over their work and its potentialities.
He will pray for all those whom you mention in your letter particularly for your brother and your dear self and family,
Assuring you always of his loving prayers and his deep appreciation of your services to the Faith,
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay our Lord and Master guide every step you take, reinforce every effort you exert, consolidate every work you achieve and every victory you win, in the service and for the glory of His Faith.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter of Sep. 1st has just been received recently, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is delighted to see the zeal and determination that fires you in your patient labours to spread the Cause of God among your townsmen in Yerrinbool, and he hopes your efforts will be crowned by the successful establishment of a Spiritual Assembly there by 1944.
Regarding your question concerning membership in Bahá'í Communities: a person is the member of the community where his official residence is established, regardless of how much time he may spend visiting elsewhere. Wherever the local Government would consider to be the legal residence of a person, that would be what we would accept also as his official residence.
His loving prayers will continue to surround you all in your devoted labours for the beloved Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI am delighted to receive your most encouraging message, and I wish to assure you in person of my special prayers for the increase of your numbers & the realization of your dearest hopes. Persevere in your noble efforts, & be happy and assured.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiANNOUNCE BELIEVERS COMPLETION EXTERIOR EDIFICE FIRST Bahá'í TEMPLE WESTERN WORLD ADVISE CABLE CONGRATULATIONS ITS VALIANT BUILDERS SHOGHI RABBANI
27 February 1943Your letter of Dec. 21st was received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very sorry to hear of the illness of dear Miss Dawe, and he would like you to assure her that he will pray for her recovery in the Holy Shrines.
The friends must be patient with each other and, must realize that the Cause is still in its infancy and its institutions are not yet functioning perfectly. The greater the patience, the loving understanding and the forbearance the believers show towards each other and their short comings, the greater will be the progress of the whole Bahá'í Community at large.
The Guardian feels that, through attracting new souls, the Cause will outgrow its present limitations and function more efficiently.
In principle it is an excellent idea to start new communities as long as they fall within separate civic units - towns, townships, etc - but in America the friends have seen, on more than one occasion, that if they undertook such development prematurely the groups were each too small to attract attention and their forces were dissipated. These are all matters for the Assemblies and friends to take up with their N.S.A. and abide by their decision.
He was very pleased to secure the good news your letter conveyed of the Summer and Winter school work, and the new teaching work undertaken by the Boltons and others.
He assures you of his loving prayers for the progress of your own devoted labours for the Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your efforts, guide every step you take, cheer your heart, sustain you, at all times & under all conditions, in the path of service to His Cause & its God-given institutions.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters, written on behalf of the National Spiritual Assembly, and dated April 21st, 1942 and Nov. 18th, 1942, reached the Guardian, together with their enclosures, and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He regrets the delay in replying to them, but he has been, and still is, engaged on a work which requires a tremendous amount of his time, and his correspondence has, of necessity, suffered from it.
The Guardian would prefer sending all cables and moneys etc, to you direct, but the war regulations, as enforced in this country, prohibit the use of a postal address in cables or telegrams, and as he does not have your street address, he has had to do it this way. Please forward your own address, or the one you care to have used, and it will simplify matters in the future.
He is delighted to hear that the friends will be able to hold a Convention in April, and he hopes that through its deliberations and the meetings of the N.S.A. members, far reaching teaching plans will be set afoot and the Cause in New Zealand and Australia obtain a new impetus. You already have the nuclei of a number of Spiritual Assemblies in places where there are a group of believers, and he hopes that through following the methods, so successful in such countries as India and the United States, of having both travelling teachers and pioneers or settlers go out, you will have a number of new Spiritual Assemblies by 1944.
He was very pleased to see the increased interest among the friends in their various Bahá'í Summer and Winter Schools, and hopes that these will increasingly attract students of the Faith anxious to deepen their knowledge of its wonderful teachings.
The Australian and New Zealand friends, now feeling the full weight of the war, its dangers and sorrows, are very often in his prayers. He feels confident that they will emerge from these dark years stronger in spirit, more united and consecrated than ever before. They have a great and precious mission before them of rearing, albeit in miniature, the pattern of a New World Order, divine in origin, in the midst of their countrymen, who someday are sure to turn to that pattern as the solution of their problems and the harbinger of their happiness.
He assures you and all the members of the NSA of his continual, loving prayers, that you may be guided and aided in all your services to our beloved Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. The Guardian replied to Mr Heggie's letter, and he is very pleased to hear of the fine work he is doing. He is also pleased to hear that the work will now go on in connection with Father Dunn's memorial.
Dear and valued co-workers:The constancy, the zeal, the unity and devotion which characterize the activities of the dearly-beloved community of Australia and New Zealand Bahá'ís evoke my heartfelt admiration, and demonstrate the power of Bahá'u'lláh and His unfailing guidance. I will pray for them all, will supplicate for them His richest blessings, and feel confident that if they persevere in their noble task their mission will be crowned with glorious success.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiADVISE MEMBERS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CONCENTRATE NEXT MEETING MEASURES ENSURE MULTIPLICATION Bahá'í CENTRES PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS CABLING TWO HUNDRED POUNDS REINFORCE ALL IMPORTANT URGENT TEACHING ACTIVITIES APPEAL SUPREME SYSTEMATIC PERSISTENT EFFORTS SHOGHI RABBANI
12 May 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]KINDLY AIRMAIL IMMEDIATELY COMPLETE LIST NAMES ALL LOCALITIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND WHERE ONE OR MORE BELIEVERS RESIDE SPECIFYING THOSE POSSESSING SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
23 June 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]CABLING CARE COOKS THREE HUNDRED POUNDS FOR FURTHERANCE TEACHING ACTIVITIES PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS SHOGHI RABBANI
4 July 1943 M BoltonMrs. Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of May 28th has been received, together with the newspaper clippings you enclosed, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to receive the completed file of clippings, which he found very interesting, and he thanks you for sending them to him.
The broad and tolerant attitude of the Bahá'ís presents such a sharp contrast to the prejudice and intolerance (however sincere) of the members of the clergy who have denounced the teachings of the Faith, that it cannot but excite the interest and admiration of disinterested readers.
The Guardian hopes that the Australian friends will exert their utmost, during these last months of our first Bahá'í century, to bring the Faith to the knowledge of the public, attract and confirm new souls, and consolidate its institutions everywhere.
He deeply values your and your husband's tireless services, and will often remember you in his prayers.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my special prayers for the steady expansion of your valued activities in the service of the Faith, and for the realization of every hope you cherish, and every plan you conceive, for its consolidation and progress,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter dated April 6th reached the Guardian, together with enclosed draft for £30 - the receipt for which I am enclosing herewith - and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He regrets very much that you should have felt, for even a moment, that there was some special reason for his forwarding sums through Mr. Bolton. The matter was entirely impersonal, and was due to strict rules governing the addressing of telegrams and cables during war time; no post office box addresses being accepted here any more. Therefore the Guardian, being sure that Mr. Bolton's address was a permanent one, and the money would not go astray, sent it in his care. He experienced similar difficulties in communicating with all centers which had only forwarded to him a P.O. Box address. He now has secured Miss Hilda Brooks' permanent address which will facilitate communications by cable with the N.S.A.
He hopes you will continue to serve the N.S.A. in whatever way they may require of you, and continue to do your utmost to promote the Faith in all fields, both locally and nationally.
The most urgent requirement of the Faith in Australia at present is in the teaching field, and he is very anxious for the friends to arise and extend their activities as much as possible in that vast country.
He deeply appreciates the efforts of the Adelaide friends to establish a permanent summer school, but as long as this will dissipate the efforts of the friends, who must now concentrate on one summer school in Australia, and will also detract from the all-important necessity of devoting all attention and resources to the teaching work, he does not approve of the establishment of such an institution at present.
Please assure the friends of his high hopes for the success of their contemplated work in all fields and rest assured his loving prayers are offered for you personally, and for the N.S.A. and the believers.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your efforts, guide every step you take, & enable you & your dear & valued collaborators to promote, during the concluding year of the first Bahá'í Century, the teaching activities of the Faith, with energy & determination, & crown your labours with unprecedented success.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiP.S. He is happy to hear Mr Appleton73 has returned safely home and is
active in The Cause. He was received here with great pleasure as the Australian and New Zealand friends are always welcome.
14 July 1943Your letter of May 19th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
The Guardian was surprised to hear that the friends of Adelaide have embarked on such an expensive project as the purchase of a house and property at such a time. He fully realizes, however, that it is nothing but their keen desire to further the interests of the Faith in everyway that has led them to this step. In this connection he would like to say that he does not consider it wise for the Australian friends to have more than one Summer School at present, as it will dissipate their forces and be an unnecessary burden on their resources. If the friends wish to maintain this property they have recently purchased, he would suggest that they convert it into their local administrative headquarters and meeting place. This matter is one for the Local Assembly to decide, preferably in consultation with the National Assembly.
The most urgent task facing the friends of Australia at present is the teaching work, and the Guardian is eagerly awaiting news of their activities in this field.
Please convey his loving greetings to all the friends. He is pleased to hear Mr. Appleton arrived safely home, and is so active in the work there.
Assuring you of his prayers for the success of your teaching efforts,
Yours, with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your efforts & enable you, & the dear friends in Adelaide, & indeed in Australasia & New Zealand, to lend a tremendous impetus to the progress & development of the all-important and most urgent teaching task that confronts them at the present time,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister,Your letter of May 3rd, together with newspaper clippings and photos, reached the Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He found the correspondence very interesting, regarding the Faith, in the "Mittagong Star"; such open discussion cannot but attract attention and stimulate a wide interest in the Cause and a better understanding of its true meaning.
He was also delighted to see the pictures of the Hyde Dunn Memorial Hall and Hilda Gilbert Cabin; Yerrinbool is becoming yearly a more important rallying point for the friends, and he has great hopes for its future.
Your and Mr. Bolton's devoted and tireless services to the Faith are very deeply appreciated by the Guardian, and he hopes you will both be able to further the general teaching work in Australia, the importance of which the Guardian is greatly emphasizing at the present time.
His loving prayers will be offered on your behalf and on behalf of your dear family, that God may strengthen, guide and protect you all.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty bless continually and abundantly your highly meritorious labours, and aid you and your dear husband as well as all your collaborators to promote effectively the all-important teaching work, in the course of this crucial year, and thus crown with memorable victories your achievements and services, for the promotion of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.KINDLY CABLE EXACT DATE MONTH AND YEAR DUNNS ARRIVAL AUSTRALIA TO ESTABLISH FAITH
18 July 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]ASSURE MEMBERS ARDENT PRAYERS REMOVAL DIFFICULTIES EXPANSION TEACHING ACTIVITIES LOVE
22 July 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]OWING IMPORTANCE ASCERTAIN EXACT DATE THROUGH FURTHER INVESTIGATION AND KINDLY CABLE
29 July 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]REMARKABLE PROGRESS ACHIEVED FAITH BAHAULLAH LAST TWO DECADES AUSTRALASIA AS EVIDENCED BY ESTABLISHMENT LOCAL ASSEMBLIES FORMATION NATIONAL ASSEMBLY INSTITUTION SUMMER SCHOOL INCORPORATION Bahá'í ADMINISTRATIVE BODIES EXPANSION TEACHING ACTIVITIES INITIATION PERIODICALS PROMPTS ME ADVISE NATIONAL ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND BELIEVERS INAUGURATE NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS BY UNDERTAKING PROMPT MEASURES PURCHASE SUITABLE BUILDING SYDNEY MOTHER CITY CONTINENT TO SERVE AS Bahá'í NATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS AND SEAT OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CABLING THOUSAND POUNDS CONTRIBUTION ENTERPRISE DESIGNED CROWN LABOURS AFFORD TANGIBLE EVIDENCE CONSOLIDATING STRENGTH COMMUNITY VALIANT FOLLOWERS BAHAULLAH IN ANTIPODES SHOGHI RABBANI
5 September 1943Dr. Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter, with clipping enclosed, dated June 18th, has been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was very pleased to hear of the success of the Winter School held at Yerrinbool, and that two new believers have embraced the Faith. Please convey to these friends a loving welcome into the Faith on the part of the Guardian.
The need for a national administrative headquarters for the Cause in Australia has been stressed by the Guardian in a recent cable to the N.S.A., and he hopes the Sydney friends will do all in their power to speed the consummation of this plan, so that it may be ready and in use before the Centenary of our Faith next May.
He sends his loving greetings to you and your family and the assurance of his prayers on your behalf for the success of your ceaseless labours for the Faith.
With Bahá'í love,May the Beloved pour out His manifold blessings upon your work to which I attach the utmost importance, and for which I cherish the fondest hopes.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Your letter of June 26th has been received and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very pleased to hear you are now in sufficiently good health to go on with your work, and he hopes that, with your wide background and abilities, you will be able to substantially assist the teaching work in Australia.
As the Centenary rapidly approaches the need grows more urgent for the Australian friends to enlarge their ranks and also bring the Cause to the attention of the public in general.
He will pray that God may strengthen you to render valuable assistance in this all-important field of Bahá'í activity.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniWishing you all happiness & success from the depths of my heart, & assuring you of my special prayers for your spiritual advancement & the extension of your activities in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.Your letter - with the two interesting enclosures - dates June 21st reached the Guardian a few days ago, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He has heard indirectly from Miss Kitty Carpenter of how happy the friends have been to have you in their midst, and how much you have helped their local activities. He was very happy to know you are able to be active in serving the Faith, even while doing army work in distant lands.
As you no doubt have heard, Dear Mrs Ives75 has passed away. Her truly wonderful and exemplary services will never be forgotten, and she and her husband deserve to be emulated by the younger generation of Bahá'ís.
The Guardian hopes that in the future you and Miss Gewertz76 - such a devoted worker for the Faith - will have an equally happy and dedicated union.
He will pray that wherever you are God will open the way for you to serve the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my special prayers for you and for the realisation of every hope you cherish in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters dated July 2nd and Aug. 2nd, together with the financial report and the two receipts made out in the name of the Guardian, have been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to hear that a successful N.S.A. meeting was held, and that plans are going ahead speedily for the teaching work, and the opening of new cities to the Faith.
He hopes that the N.S.A. will be able to establish their Bahá'í Administrative Headquarters in Sydney with the greatest expedition, as this is an undertaking of primary importance, and will greatly redound to the prestige of the Faith. Other countries, namely Iráq, Egypt, India and Persia either have established such institutions, or are rapidly completing their erection in time for the Centenary of our beloved Faith next May, and the Guardian is most anxious that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís should have a similar headquarters before that date.
He hopes that you received a letter from him, in answer to one from you, and mailed some time ago, in which he explained that, as your street address had not been available, nor that of Miss Brooks, he had been forced to forward money to the N.S.A. through Mr. Bolton, as the Cable office will not accept P.O. Box addresses.
The Guardian assures you of his loving prayers and his appreciation of your devoted labours for our beloved Faith.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved sustain, guide, & bless you, & enable you, in conjunction with your devoted co-workers, to establish the national Bahá'í headquarters in Sydney, & thus reinforce the foundations, & expand the range, of the Administrative Order, which has been erected with such remarkable rapidity & soundness in that far-off land.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiAPPROVE DECISION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY REGARDING Bahá'í PROPERTY STOP APPRECIATE DEVOTION ENTHUSIASM ADELAIDE FRIENDS STOP URGE CONCENTRATION EFFORTS UNITY BELIEVERS PROMOTION TEACHING ACTIVITIES ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL Bahá'í ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS SYDNEY ASSURE ALL LOVING PRAYERS
14 October 1943 [Clara Dunn]Your letter of Aug. 23rd reached the Guardian, and he greatly rejoiced to hear of your determination to arise and serve the Faith in Queensland during this last year of the 1st Bahá'í century. This decision must also greatly rejoice the heart of dear Father Dunn, who will no doubt be with you in spirit and aiding you from the invisible world.
He was also very happy to hear that the stone has been placed on the grave of Father Dunn, and is so beautiful, and he is hoping to receive a photograph of it in the near future.
The friends in Australia small as are their numbers, should arise now to truly sacrifice for their Faith, and produce some victories by our glorious centenary in May 1944. Their spirit has been faithful, they have been devoted and enterprising, and have achieved many things in Australia, and he hopes they will accomplish still greater things during the next few months. He is very anxious to receive news of the purchase of the administrative Headquarters in Sydney and of the establishment of new groups and Assemblies.
If it is possible and the journey is safe, he sees no reason why you should not go to America for the 1944 Convention.
The Guardian, as you can well imagine, is greatly over-burdened with work at present, and very tired. But his heart is with the friends, and he eagerly awaits their good news.
He sends you his love and assures you his prayers will accompany you in all you do for our beloved Faith.
With warmest Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved of our hearts graciously assist, protect, sustain & help you always & enable you, in the all-important teaching field, to win fresh laurels for the crown you have won in His service,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiCABLING FURTHER TWO THOUSAND POUNDS MY LOVING CONTRIBUTION PROMPT ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL Bahá'í HEADQUARTERS WITHIN CITY SYDNEY Bahá'í COMMUNITIES EAST WEST WILL ALSO JOYOUSLY ASSOCIATE THEMSELVES EPOCH MAKING ENTERPRISE INITIATED FAR AWAY DEARLY BELOVED SISTER COMMUNITY AUSTRALASIA PRAYING RESOUNDING SUCCESS SHOGHI RABBANI
3 December 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]EAGERLY AWAITING NEWS PURCHASE HEADQUARTERS SYDNEY STOP CABLED HUNDRED POUNDS CARE COOKS FOR HEADQUARTERS KINDLY MAIL RECEIPT NAME SOHRAB BAHMARDI.
7 December 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]PRAYING SPEEDY PURCHASE PROPERTY LOVING APPRECIATION
11 December 1943 [National Spiritual Assembly]ADVISE PURCHASE IMMEDIATELY PROPERTY THREE MILES DISTANT CITY STOP REGISTER PROPERTY NAME NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MAIL THREE PHOTOGRAPHS LOVING APPRECIATION
1944HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS CABLE PURCHASE PRICE LOVE
22 January 1944Mrs. Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letters dated Oct. 25 and Dec. 4th, as well as the reports you forwarded, have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was truly delighted to see the way the Cause is spreading, and he is deeply appreciative of the tireless endeavours of Mr. Bolton and yourself in serving our beloved Faith.
The people of Australia hold great promise of becoming attracted in large numbers to the Cause, and the Guardian hopes that the establishment in Sydney of the Nat. Bahá'í Headquarters and the Summer School at Yerrinbool and other activities on a national scale will be the means of bringing the Faith to the attention of the public in a big way during the remaining months of this closing year of our first Century.
So much lies ahead in the second Century! The Bahá'ís have every reason to feel courageous, proud and enthusiastic, however, as they face the future. If so much has been accomplished by so few in the midst of such a war, what can not be done under more favourable circumstances?
Assuring you of his loving prayers for the success of your manifold teaching activities and for the members of your dear family.
Yours, with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI was delighted to receive your letter and reports, and I am deeply grateful to you for your exemplary efforts and achievements. I will pray from the depths of my heart for your success, your spiritual advancement, and the fulfilment of every hope you cherish for the progress of our beloved Faith. May the Beloved bless continually your noble exertions, and reward you for your splendid accomplishments,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter, dated Oct. 26th, has been received together with the snapshots you forwarded, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He deeply regrets the intense suffering you must be passing through due to the uncertainty surrounding your son's condition. He will certainly pray ardently for his protection, and that this period of trial may be safely passed and leave him spiritually more mature and ready for our beloved Faith to sink into his heart. He will also pray for you and your dear daughter, that Bahá'u'lláh may graciously aid you to solve your problems and improve the state of affairs in her family.
He hopes that by the time this reaches you the National Bahá'í Headquarters will have been established in Sydney.
This is an institution of great importance - the fore-runner of many future Bahá'í institutions in that vast continent.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your devoted efforts, guide every step you take in His service, remove all obstacles from your path, & fulfil every desire you cherish for the furtherance of the interests of His Faith.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters dated Nov 18th and Oct. 2nd and Dec. 29th have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He very deeply appreciates all the trouble you personally have gone to in order to find a suitable building for the National Bahá'í Headquarters and the efforts of other devoted friends.
The most important thing of all has been successfully accomplished: you have succeeded in purchasing, within city limits, a suitable building and well in time for it to be furnished and in use before the centenary celebrations next May.
In regard to the question you raise about a secretary: this is, of course, a matter to be decided by the N.S.A. but in most countries where the work of the N.S.A. has become sufficiently involved to necessitate it, the secretary of the N.S.A. has assistant secretaries. If Miss Brooks is unable, for family reasons, to take up her residence in Sydney, an assistant secretary could do so. Of course the actual secretary of the N.S.A. must be a member of it; the assistant need not be.
It is a source of great happiness to the Guardian that now all the countries possessing an N.S.A. have also a Nat. Ad. Headquarters of their own, and will be able to meet the requirements of the new century ahead of us better equipped to handle the ever increasing work of the Faith.
He assures you and all the other dear friends who cooperated in finding a headquarters of his loving appreciation and his prayers for the progress of your manifold activities in our beloved Cause.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. The Guardian wishes to stress the necessity of referring henceforth in all Bahá'í publications to the National Bahá'í Headquarters as the "Hazíratu'l-Quds". It should be known by this designation.
Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to assure you in person of my deep appreciation of your strenuous & devoted efforts in the service of the Faith, and I rejoice to learn of the progress the Faith is making & of the spirit that animates its upholders in that distant continent. I will pray for them from the depths of my heart, & I feel sure that the Beloved will crown with signal success their high endeavours.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiURGE HOLD CONVENTION IN MAY DURING WEEK IN WHICH CENTENARY CELEBRATED ALL Bahá'í CONVENTIONS WILL BE HELD THIS YEAR IN MAY SHOGHI RABBANI
14 March 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letters dated June 8th, Sept 12th, Nov 12th, Jan 10th and 17th, 1944, together with their enclosures have all been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf. He has also received the envelope of photographs you sent of N.S.A. members, Father Dunn's grave and other pictures of Bahá'í friends, for which he thanks you. He also wishes to thank you for your manuscript for the Bahá'í World which was also received safely.
In regard to the recently purchased National Headquarters in Sydney: He was delighted that you were able to take possession of a house suitable to the present requirements of the Faith, and he trusts that by the time this reaches you all the legal steps will have been completed and the building registered in the name of the National Spiritual Assembly. It should be called by its proper title of "Hazíratu'l-Quds".
The ideal to be followed, of course, is for the secretariat, the office of the treasurer, etc., to be in the National Headquarters. However, this can be brought about gradually, and he leaves decisions in this matter to the N.S.A.
He trusts that the combined Centenary Celebrations and annual convention will not only draw a large group of believers to Sydney to meet in their new Hazíratu'l-Quds, but will also be a means of attracting the attention of the public to the Faith on a wider scale than ever before. The Australian and New Zealand friends are standing not only on the threshold of the second Bahá'í century but also on the threshold of a new phase of the Cause in that part of the world. Their responsibilities are therefore greatly increased, and he believes they will meet them unitedly, with clear vision, and their characteristic devotion to our beloved Faith.
He assures you and the other members of the N.S.A. of his loving prayers for the success of your labours and the fulfilment of your dearest hopes,
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. He found the newspaper clippings you forwarded of great interest, and is pleased to see that the press is being so friendly and helpful. He has already through a cable stated that the convention should be held in conjunction with the Centenary Celebrations which embrace the 23rd of May. The Commemoration gathering should be held on the 22nd of May exactly at two hours and eleven minutes after sunset, which is the time at which the Báb declared His mission.
Dear and valued co-workers,The activities of the beloved friends in Australia and New Zealand during recent months have been truly remarkable. Now that the Hazíratu'l-Quds is to be established in Sydney I trust and pray that this central administrative headquarters in the oldest and leading Bahá'í centre in that far-off continent will act as a powerful magnet and attract the manifold blessings of the Almighty and lend a tremendous impetus to the organised activities of the believers in Australia and New Zealand. I will continue to pray for them from the depths of my heart.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiDELIGHTED NEWS LOVING REMEMBRANCE HISTORIC NAWRUZ STOP CABLING THREE HUNDRED POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AND BANQUET MY BEHALF FOR DELEGATES FRIENDS GATHERED COMMEMORATE HISTORIC OCCASION MAY 23RD DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
12 April 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]WILL CABLE MESSAGE CELEBRATIONS PRAYING SUCCESS LOVE
12 May 1944 [Auckland Assembly]Your letters dated March 1st, 25th and March 21st - Bahá'í Naw-Rúz greeting - have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He was very pleased indeed to hear that the Cause in New Zealand is not only steadily progressing but that it is winning such good friends as Rev. Chandler. Also the preparations you are making for the Centenary should serve to not only publicise the Faith but bring the believers closer to liberal-minded fellow-citizens.
He himself is at present frightfully busy with local preparations for the Centenary and with cables and correspondence - but he wishes you all to know that his thoughts will be with you on this glorious day of the 100th anniversary of the Báb's declaration, and he will pray for all the New Zealand Bahá'ís in the Holy Shrine.
With most loving greetings and best wishes from the Guardian for the success of all your plans.
Yours, with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, sustain you in your devoted endeavours, & enable you to promote effectively the best interests of His Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiASSURE FRIENDS DELEGATES GATHERED CONVENTION CELEBRATE GLORIOUS CENTENARY FOUNDING BELOVED FAITH LOVING REMEMBRANCE HOLY SHRINES REJOICE GRATEFUL CEASELESS MAGNIFICENT SERVICES RENDERED BY VALIANT FAITHFUL COMMUNITY AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND BELIEVERS FERVENTLY PRAYING BRILLIANT VICTORIES OPENING YEARS SECOND Bahá'í CENTURY TEACHING FIELD AND FURTHER EXTENSION CONSOLIDATION Bahá'í ADMINISTRATIVE INSTITUTIONS SHOGHI RABBANI
22 May 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY APPRECIATE GREETINGS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND DELEGATES HEARTS UNITED GLORIOUS OCCASION PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSING HIGH MINDED STOUT HEARTED DEARLY BELOVED AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND BELIEVERS SHOGHI RABBANI
23 May 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]ANNOUNCE FRIENDS JOYFUL TIDINGS HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY DECLARATION MISSION MARTYRED HERALD FAITH SIGNALISED BY HISTORIC DECISION COMPLETE HIS SEPULCHRE ERECTED BY ABDULBahá ON SITE CHOSEN BY BAHAULLAH RECENTLY DESIGNED MODEL DOME UNVEILED PRESENCE ASSEMBLED BELIEVERS PRAYING EARLY REMOVAL OBSTACLES CONSUMMATION STUPENDOUS PLAN CONCEIVED BY FOUNDER FAITH AND HOPES CHERISHED BY CENTRE HIS COVENANT SHOGHI RABBANI
15 June 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]MAIL ME IMMEDIATELY THREE PHOTOGRAPHS NATIONAL Bahá'í HEADQUARTERS FOR Bahá'í WORLD78
23 June 1944 [Silver Jackman]I am instructed by the beloved Guardian to answer your letter of April 20th, and to forward to you the receipt for the loving contribution you enclosed on behalf of the New Zealand and Australian Bahá'ís.
He is very eager to receive the reports of the Convention and Centenary celebrations held in Sydney. The friends are rapidly expanding their activities and institutions in those distant lands, and he feels sure that a very bright future indeed is opening before them during these first decades of our second Bahá'í century which lies before us.
Please convey to all the members of the N.S.A. the assurance of his loving prayers on their behalf and for the success of the work they are undertaking in these challenging days the world is passing through at present.
He will remember you in the Shrines and pray for the success of your services.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps & fulfil your dearest wish in the service of our beloved Faith.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiMrs. Mariette Bolton, "Bolton Place", Yerrinbool, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter dated April 18th has been received, with reports and clipping you enclosed, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
Although, as you know, he is very pressed for time and over-worked, yet he is always glad to get news of the progress of the Faith, as this is his source of joy and comfort during a period of many anxieties and heavy burdens to bear. He has such bright hopes for the spread of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand, and is very grateful to you for the unsparing manner in which you give your time and energy to the work there.
Regarding your question of "Basic English's" usefulness as an international language. He is not very familiar with it, as he is too preoccupied with the tremendous amount of work he has to do here. But what little he has read about it makes him doubt whether it would ever be adequate to meet the requirements of an auxiliary tongue.
He will pray for the guidance and protection of your dear family and for yourself, as well as for the rapid advancement of the groups you are teaching and which you mention in your reports. He will also remember Mrs. Thomson in his prayers and supplicate for her happiness in the world beyond, where she has gone to meet her reward.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved, whose Cause you are diligently serving, reward you a thousandfold for your invaluable services, guide every step you take, fulfil every desire you cherish, and remove every obstacle from your path.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiPREPARE CONDENSED REPORT NOT EXCEEDING THIRTY PAGES REGARDING ACTIVITIES ACHIEVEMENTS Bahá'í FAITH DURING PAST FOUR YEARS STOP MAIL ONE COPY AMERICA ANOTHER HAIFA PROMPT ACTION NECESSARY
17 October 1944 [National Spiritual Assembly]The Guardian has instructed me to acknowledge your letter dated June 27th and also two previous ones from the former Secretary of the N.S.A. dated Feb 6th and Aug 27th, and to answer them on his behalf.
He deeply appreciates all the work done by dear Miss Brooks in the past as Secretary of the National Assembly, and hopes that now that she is relieved of this arduous post she will devote much of her time to teaching and writing for the Faith.
The sacrifice you and your husband are making by moving to Sydney in order to attend to the work of the N.S.A. is truly praiseworthy, and he hopes the way will open up for you to do so at an early date.
In connection with the incorporation of the N.S.A. the Guardian feels that whatever form the incorporation takes the name and seal of the National Assembly must not be changed in any way, i.e. the title "National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand" must be preserved.
The various enclosures you forwarded in your letter were all received safely by him.
He hopes that now that the National Headquarters has been established and you are going to take up residence there as Secretary - thus giving a new permanence and prestige to the functions of the N.S.A. - - the work of the Faith will go ahead by leaps and bounds. The many groups now functioning should be aided and strengthened with a view to forming new Spiritual Assemblies as soon as possible, and the Cause should be given publicity as much as possible through the Press, Radio, and public meetings.
You may be sure his most loving prayers will be offered for the success of your labours as N.S.A. secretary, and for your health and guidance. Also for the confirmation of your husband in the Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniThe work accomplished by the Australian and New Zealand believers in recent years, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, culminating in the splendid celebrations at the newly established national headquarters in the capital city of the Australian Commonwealth, is highly praiseworthy and augurs well for the future. The opening years of the new century must witness a stupendous effort on the part of the newly established community in the teaching field - an effort at once nation-wide, systematic, strenuous and persistent. The multiplication of Bahá'í centres in towns and villages, a greater measure of publicity, a higher degree of unity and consecration to the Faith, a fuller measure of self-sacrifice should distinguish the labours of the members of this community. I will pray from the depths of my heart for the removal of every obstacle from your path and the speedy realization of every hope you cherish for the promotion of His Faith and the consolidation of its institutions.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter of Aug. 20th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
First let me assure you he is very happy to hear the Port Adelaide work is progressing, and he hopes you will be able, with the help of other dear friends, to establish an Assembly there soon.
The Guardian feels that there seems to be some lack of clarity on the matter of his receiving and answering letters from individual believers. Any Bahá'í is free to write their Guardian. He almost invariably encourages the friends in their work for the Cause. But sometimes the impression has arisen (many times in the U.S.A. and other countries) that an instruction to teach or serve in some way, which an individual receives from him, places him beyond the jurisdiction of the Assembly; this, of course, is not so as he could never encourage the friends to break regulations he has himself for years been at great pains to see maintained for the good of the Cause.
So many misunderstandings arise from the passionate attachment of the friends to the Faith and also their immaturity. We must therefore be very patient and loving with each other and try to establish unity in the Bahá'í family. The differences - very unfortunate - which you describe in your letter he feels are caused by the above and not by enmity to the Faith or insincerity.
He urges you to do your utmost to create a greater love and harmony in the community, and to persevere in teaching the Holy Faith. He will pray for you, your dear husband and the Appletons to whom he sends loving greetings.
Yours ever, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved of our hearts bless, richly & continually, your work, resolve your problems, guide every step you take in the path of service, & enable you to proclaim far and wide the truths underlying His glorious Revelation,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs E. McMiles,80 444 Port Hacking Rd., CaringBahá N.S.W. Aust.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of Aug. 22nd has been received and the Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is very happy to have this opportunity of welcoming you into the World-wide Community of Bahá'u'lláh's followers. The privilege of serving these days is very great, and the need of humanity to hear that the Divine Remedy has been provided for its ills, desperate indeed.
He will pray for the progress and development of the group there, and that you may be enabled to pass on to many others the light you have yourself received.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide every step you take in the path of service & fulfil every hope you cherish for the promotion of His Cause,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe Guardian has received your loving message of greeting, expressing your devotion to the Cause and your desire to serve it, and he wishes to himself welcome you into its fold.
There is no service more meritorious in these dark days the world is passing through than to spread the teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, for they provide the sovereign remedy for the ills of mankind.
He assures you of his loving prayers for your labours in the Faith and for the success of the work being carried out in CaringBahá With warm greetings, Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved of our hearts bless, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to promote, effectively and at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs K.A.G. Muller,82 349 Willarong Rd., CaringBahá N.S.W. Aust.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:The Guardian has received your letter of July 25th and instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is very pleased to have this opportunity of welcoming you into the World-wide Community of Bahá'u'lláh's followers. The privilege of serving these days is very great, and the need of humanity to hear that the Divine Remedy has been provided for its ills, desperate indeed.
He will pray for the progress and development of the group there, and that you may be enabled to pass on to many others the light you have yourself received.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide every step you take in the path of service & fulfil every hope you cherish for the promotion of His Cause,
Your true brother, ShoghiMrs M.G. Bolton, "Bolton Place", Yerrinbool. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated June 8th, 21st. and Aug4th., and to thank you for the reports of your work enclosed.
He recently received very warm letters from the members of the Caringbah group, and he was very happy to see that a new Assembly is well on the way to being formed and that you have so actively aided in the teaching work there. He hopes that the other centers where you have been teaching will also soon rise to Assembly status and thus enrich the number of administrative units in that vast country.
He was also very pleased to see that the sessions of the Yerrinbool School had been so successful and that two such enlightened youth as Lilian and Frank Wyss had expressed their intention of joining the Faith. Please extend to these two young people a hearty welcome into the Cause on behalf of Shoghi Effendi.
He was likewise very glad to see that Effie Baker was able to be present and mingle with the friends.
During your trip to the United States he would suggest you get in touch with the Nat. Teaching Com. (Mr. Leroy Ioas of San Francisco is Chairman) and offer to do any lecturing or teaching which could fit in with both your plans and theirs. It always stimulates the work to have a believer from a distant land visit the friends and give them news.
The Guardian does not feel that two Summer Schools in such close proximity are advisable. In fact he considers Yerrinbool sufficient for the present needs of the Cause in Australia.
You may be sure he will pray for you and your dear children and husband and for the success of all your Bahá'í services. With warm greetings, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:I wish to assure you in person of my keen and abiding appreciation of your manifold services to our beloved Faith, and of the spirit that animates you in your high endeavours for its promotion. Persevere in your labours, and be assured that my prayers will continue to be offered on your behalf,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has instructed me to write your National Spiritual Assembly and inform you of his views and wishes in connection with the Summer School in Australia:
He does not consider it either wise or necessary at the present time to have more than one Bahá'í Summer School in Australia, and as Yerrinbool is equipped to accommodate the friends on Bahá'í property, so to speak, he would suggest that Yerrinbool continue to be used as the Australian Bahá'í Summer School.
He pointed out this same principle of not multiplying the number of Summer Schools some time ago in connection with the Adelaide Assembly's purchase of a building and property.
He has also done the same thing in America-limited the number of Summer Schools-as the friends in their enthusiasm to inaugurate new institutions wanted to have very many Summer Schools which would have not only weakened, instead of strengthening, the older schools, but also would have dissipated the energy of the friends.
Assuring you and all the members of your Assembly of his loving prayers on your behalf and for the success of your work,
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani.Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter of Feb.7th. has been received, together with the interesting clippings you so thoughtfully enclosed and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He also read your copy of your letter to the N.S.A. suggesting Mrs. Dunn should take up residence in the Hazíra. This loving suggestion of yours is naturally a matter for that Body to decide. The friends should always show Mrs. Dunn the greatest affection, for she and her husband have rendered that country an imperishable service!
He hopes your visit to America, as he mentioned in his last letter, will be an occasion for you to see the friends there in many cities, and if possible aid them in their teaching work.
His loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the guidance and development of your dear children.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.Assuring you of my keen and abiding appreciation of your constant and meritorious services and accomplishments in the teaching field, and of my loving and fervent prayers for the extension of your notable activities and the consolidation of your splendid achievements,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiP.S. Your letter of Dec 29th just arrived and the Guardian was delighted to see that an Assembly can now be formed in CaringBahá this is an important step forward and he feels you should rejoice in having had so large a part in it. He was also pleased to see from the report you enclosed that progress is being made in the other groups as well, and that the papers accept and print so much Bahá'í material and news.
13 March 1945 [National Assembly]Your letter of Feb. 9th has been received (written on behalf of the N.S.A.), and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf and to also acknowledge receipt of the copy of the resolutions which you forwarded in it.
The news you conveyed was all very encouraging and pleased him greatly.
He was particularly happy to hear of the formation of a new Spiritual Assembly at Caringbah as this marks an important step forward in the growth of the Cause and its administrative institutions in Australia. He hopes that the N.S.A. will, through travelling and visiting teachers, and Bahá'í settlers and pioneers, be able to speedily ensure the establishment of further Assemblies; wherever the conditions for their development seem most promising, the efforts should be concentrated.
He was also very glad to hear that the Hazíratu'l-Quds has been successfully transferred to the name of the National Assembly. He is looking forward to receiving the photographs of its opening, and of the Centenary dinner, which you are sending him. Likewise he was pleased to see it is being put to such active use and teaching classes, public meetings, etc, being held in it.
He cannot stress too much the vital importance of the teaching work, and he hopes that all the believers, however circumscribed their means, however unqualified they may feel themselves to be, will arise and contribute their share to this all-important work. The Cause has, all things considered, made remarkable progress in Australia and New Zealand of late; but the united efforts of all the friends are required to spread the Divine Message during these moving and dark times the world is passing through. They must fix their eyes on the abject misery of humanity and, forgetful of their own limitations, deliver the Teachings to their fellow countrymen.
He assures you and your co-workers that he deeply appreciates your devoted services, and will constantly pray for the progress of the Faith in those distant and important lands.
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. He hopes that the NSA watches over dear Mother Dunn. She is now advancing in years and deserves the greatest love and consideration in view of the imperishable services she and Father Dunn rendered the Cause there.
P.P.S. Your previous letter, dated Aug. 18th, as well as the photostat copies connected with the incorporation of the NSA reached him. He was delighted at this further evidence of the efficiency of that body and the manner in which it is consolidating its foundation.
Dear and valued co-workers:The teaching responsibilities confronting the Australian and New Zealand believers are of supreme importance and of extreme urgency. Now that the basis of the Administrative Order has been firmly laid, and fully understood, and the National Hazíratu'l-Quds established in the leading city of the Australian Commonwealth, the attention of the members of the entire community must be focussed on the teaching work - the promotion of which is the ultimate object of the entire machinery of the Administrative Order and its subsidiary institutions and agencies. The multiplication of Bahá'í groups, the steady increase in the number of Local Assemblies, the dissemination of literature, the dispersal of the believers, no matter how small their number, to important centres throughout the continent constitute the vital task of the infant community which has, despite its limited resources and isolated situation, demonstrated its capacity to establish on a sound basis the primary institutions of the Faith to safeguard its unity and promote its vital interests. That it may forge ahead and overcome every obstacle in its path and fulfil its high destiny is my fondest hope and constant prayer.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiI am enclosing the receipt for the contribution from the NSA which I forgot to enclose in my previous letter. I am so sorry. The Guardian deeply appreciated the love and devotion which inspired this gift.
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the sum of thirty pounds from the National Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand, to be expended for the promotion of the International interests of the Bahá'í Faith. Shoghi
21 March 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]DEEPLY APPRECIATE GREETINGS BELIEVERS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND PRAYING UNPRECEDENTED VICTORIES
7 April 1945 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Sydney and the friends there.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:The beloved guardian received your Naw-Rúz greeting, and he was very touched that your thoughts should have sped Haifa-ward at the Bahá'í New Year.
He wishes me to assure you all that he often thinks of the Australian friends, and is very encouraged over the progress the Faith is making there. He hopes your Community and Assembly will be able to build up many new Assemblies in the neighbourhood of Sydney and that amongst you pioneers will arise to go forth in the footsteps of dear Father Dunn. Large Communities in America - such as Chicago and New York, - have supplied many pioneer teachers the last eight years, and it has been shown that the vital and strong foundations of old Bahá'í Communities enables them to undertake tasks too difficult for younger groups. He feels Sydney, as the first place to receive the Faith in Australasia, has special responsibilities in the teaching field, and he will pray for your guidance and the success of your devoted labours.
With Bahá'í greetings. R. RabbaniDELIGHTED MULTIPLICATION Bahá'í CENTRES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND URGE UNITED REDOUBLED EFFORTS FURTHER EXTENSION CONSOLIDATION CABLING FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS FOR EXTENSION TEACHING ACTIVITIES FORMATION GROUPS ESTABLISHMENT ASSEMBLIES PRAYING FERVENTLY SUCCESS PERSEVERE
8 May 1945 [Clara Dunn]Your very welcome letter of April 19th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was rejoiced to see that you are able to do so much teaching work, and thus carry on the glorious tradition you and Father Dunn established in Australia. No doubt your dear husband's spirit, likewise, rejoices to see you carrying on the work so dear to him!
There seems to be some misapprehension about the term "official teacher"; we have no such thing as official teachers; all can and should teach the Cause. The term cannot be applied to anyone. Sometimes a believer is sent out on a teaching trip and receive help from the National Fund - but even then they are not "official" in any particular way.
He hopes that you will be able to attract and confirm new souls in Port Adelaide, and assist in establishing an Assembly there. Give his loving greetings to all the dear friends whom you meet, and urge them to actively spread the Faith during these days when men's hearts are turned to peace after the suffering of the war.
He will pray for the success of your labours and for your health in the Holy Shrines. He will also pray for Miss Perks,83 the dear Appletons and the other friends you mentioned in your letter.
With warm Bahá'í loveI was so glad to receive your letter and to learn that you are still active in the service of our beloved Faith. The services which you in close collaboration with your immortal husband, have rendered are indeed historic & highly meritorious in the sight of God. Future generations will gratefully extol them. Persevere, rest assured and be happy.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiI am enclosing a copy of the Guardian's message to all the believers, East and West, upon the cessation of hostilities in Europe.
Please share it with all the dear Australian and New Zealand believers.
Also please acknowledge its receipt by air mail.Let us hope that the blessing of peace will soon come to the Pacific region too!
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniFOLLOWERS BAHAULLAH THROUGHOUT FIVE CONTINENTS UNANIMOUSLY REJOICE PARTIAL EMERGENCE WAR TORN HUMANITY FROM TITANIC UPHEAVAL UNERRINGLY PREDICTED SEVENTY YEARS AGO BY PEN AUTHOR THEIR FAITH STOP CESSATION HOSTILITIES EUROPEAN CONTINENT SIGNALIZES CLOSING YET ANOTHER CHAPTER TRAGIC TALE FIERY TRIALS PROVIDENTIALLY DECREED BY INSCRUTABLE WISDOM DESIGNED ULTIMATELY WELD MUTUALLY ANTAGONISTIC ELEMENTS HUMAN SOCIETY INTO SINGLE ORGANICALLY UNITED UNSHATTERABLE WORLD COMMONWEALTH GRATEFULLY ACCLAIM SIGNAL EVIDENCE INTERPOSITION DIVINE PROVIDENCE WHICH DURING SUCH PERILOUS YEARS ENABLED WORLD CENTER FAITH ESCAPE WHAT POSTERITY WILL RECOGNISE AS ONE OF GRAVEST DANGERS EVER CONFRONTED NERVE CENTER ITS INSTITUTIONS STOP PROFOUNDLY AWARE BOUNTIFUL GRACE VOUCHSAFED BY SAME PROVIDENCE ENSURING UNLIKE PREVIOUS WORLD CONFLICT UNINTERRUPTED INTERCOURSE BETWEEN SPIRITUAL CENTER AND VAST MAJORITY COMMUNITIES FUNCTIONING WITHIN ORBIT FLUNG FAITH IMMEASURABLY THANKFUL MIRACULOUS PRESERVATION INDIAN PERSIAN EGYPTIAN BRITISH IRAQI COMMUNITIES LONG THREATENED DIRE PERIL OWING PROXIMITY THEATRE MILITARY OPERATIONS STOP DEEPLY CONSCIOUS PROGRESS ACHIEVED DESPITE SIX TEMPESTUOUS YEARS IN BOTH EASTERN WESTERN HEMISPHERES THROUGH COLLECTIVE ENTERPRISES LAUNCHED BY THESE COMMUNITIES OUTSHINES SUM TOTAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS SINCE INCEPTION FORMATIVE AGE FAITH STOP SEVEN YEAR PLAN INAUGURATED AMERICAN Bahá'í COMMUNITY UNDER LOWERING CLOUDS APPROACHING CONFLICT VICTORIOUSLY COMPLETED EXTERIOR ORNAMENTATION MOTHER TEMPLE WEST ESTABLISHED STRUCTURAL BASIS FAITH EVERY STATE PROVINCE NORTH AMERICAN CONTINENT AND HOISTED ITS BANNER EVERY REPUBLIC LATIN AMERICA STOP INDIAN BELIEVERS SIX YEAR PLAN LAUNCHED EVE HOSTILITIES MORE THAN QUADRUPLED CENTERS FUNCTIONING WITHIN PALE ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER STOP EDIFICES CONSECRATED ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS EVER ADVANCING CAUSE INVOLVING EXPENDITURE OVER HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ERECTED PURCHASED OR COMPLETED CAPITAL CITIES INDIA IRAQ EGYPT AS WELL AS SYDNEY AUSTRALIA STOP ACQUISITION NUMEROUS PROPERTIES BAHAULLAHS NATIVE LAND MT CARMEL AND JORDAN VALLEY AS WELL AS PURCHASE SEVERAL IMPORTANT HISTORIC SITES ASSOCIATED LIVES BOTH HERALD AND AUTHOR FAITH SWELLED UNPRECEDENTED DEGREE Bahá'í ENDOWMENTS STOP PRELIMINARY STEPS COMPLETION BábS SEPULCHRE AND ESTABLISHMENT WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER THROUGH REMOVAL REMAINS BROTHER MOTHER ABDULBahá UNDERTAKEN STOP TERMINATION FIRST CENTURY Bahá'í ERA SYNCHRONISING CLIMAX RAGING STORM PUBLICLY BEFITTINGLY CELEBRATED DESPITE MULTIPLICATIONS RESTRICTIONS STOP ABOVE ALL UNITY INTEGRITY INCORRUPTIBLE WORLD COMMUNITY CONSISTENTLY SAFEGUARDED IN FACE INSIDIOUS OPPOSITION AVOWED ENEMIES WITHOUT AND COVENANT BREAKERS WITHIN STOP SUCH SPLENDID VICTORIES OVER SO VAST FIELD AMIDST SUCH TRIBULATIONS DURING SO PROLONGED ORDEAL AUGUR WELL COLOSSAL TASKS DESTINED BE ACCOMPLISHED COURSE PEACEFUL YEARS AHEAD BY BUILDERS EMBRYONIC WORLD ORDER BAHAULLAH AMIDST WRECKAGE DISTRACTED DISRUPTED DISILLUSIONED SOCIETY SHOGHI
13 May 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated April 12th, 13th (two) and 14th, and to acknowledge receipt of the enclosures forwarded with them.
Regarding the matter of Mrs Dobbins and the inharmony that seems to exist among certain of the friends in Adelaide: when Bahá'ís permit the dark forces of the world to enter into their own relationships within the Faith they gravely jeopardise its progress; it is the paramount duty of the believers, the Local Assemblies, and particularly the N.S.A. to foster harmony, understanding and love amongst the friends. All should be ready and willing to set aside every personal sense of grievance - justified or unjustified - for the good of the Cause, because the people will never embrace it until they see in its community life mirrored what is so conspicuously lacking in the world: love and unity.
The Bahá'ís are fully entitled to address criticisms to their Assemblies; they can freely air their views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the Assembly, local or national, but then they must whole-heartedly accept the advice or decision of the Assembly, according to the principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá'í administration.
Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated, to believers in every part of the world, that the individual Bahá'ís are entirely free to write to him on any matter they please; naturally he is equally free to answer them in any manner he pleases. At the present time, when the institutions of the Cause are just beginning to function, he considers it essential to keep up this large correspondence, much as it adds to his many other burdens. It is sometimes the case that the very first intimation he receives of some important step influencing the interests of the Faith, one way or another, comes from an individual's letter instead of from an Assembly; it would naturally be preferable for the information to come from an administrative body, but whatever the source, the Guardian is solely concerned with the welfare of the Faith, and when he deems a certain step detrimental he states his views in his reply. This he is at entire liberty to do.
Just as the National Assembly has full jurisdiction over all its Local Assemblies, the Guardian has full jurisdiction over all National Assemblies; he is not required to consult them, if he believes a certain decision is advisable in the interests of the Cause. He is the judge of the wisdom and advisability of the decisions made by these bodies, and not they of the wisdom and advisability of his decisions. A perusal of the Will and Testament makes this principle quite clear.
He is the Guardian of the Cause in the very fullness of that term, and the appointed interpreter of its teachings, and is guided in his decisions to do that which protects it and fosters its growth and highest interests.
He always has the right to step in and countermand the decisions of a National Assembly; if he did not possess this right he would be absolutely impotent to protect the Faith, just as the N.S.A., if it were divested of the right to countermand the decisions of a Local Assembly, would be incapable of watching over and guiding the national welfare of the Bahá'í community.
It very seldom happens - but it nevertheless does happen - that he feels impelled to change a major (as you put it) decision of an N.S.A.; but he always unhesitatingly does so when necessary, and the N.S.A. in question should gladly and unhesitatingly accept this as a measure designed for the good of the Faith which its elected representatives are so devotedly seeking to serve.
Regarding the position of Summer Schools in Australia: much of what you are at present going through has already been experienced by the American Bahá'í community, and he sympathises with your views and problems; however, he wishes to state the following:
Whatever the history of the Yerrinbool School may be, the fact remains it is now in existence, is owned by believers ready to have it used as such, and is known as a Bahá'í Summer School all over the world. The Guardian is not the least concerned with personalities in this matter, but with principles. He feels at the present time that one Bahá'í Summer School is enough for the believers of Australia to maintain. In the future, as Assemblies and groups multiply, the question will naturally have to be reconsidered.
Bahá'í Summer Schools in the United States originated in the same informal manner as Yerrinbool; they were (and some still are) the property of individual believers who resided on them, but they are administered by Committees appointed by the N.S.A. and which usually include, out of courtesy and consideration, the owners. The American friends also desired to have many more Summer Schools, but the Guardian has so far not permitted them to add to the number, as it dissipates the energy and funds of the believers and would at present weaken those already existing.
He feels that the duty of your Assembly is to not give up Yerrinbool because of any inharmony over it, but to administer and support it properly and remove the inharmony. You should appoint a Committee for the School, purchase any extra equipment needed for the comfort and accommodation of the attendants, and he feels sure the Boltons will cooperate with you in this matter, as they are eager to have the property be used by the believers.
Generally speaking he does not encourage the erection of buildings in memory to individual believers at the present time. But as those at Yerrinbool serve a useful purpose and that the memory of dear Father Dunn commemorates the life of the man who brought the Faith to the continent of Australia, we may welcome it in the spirit it was given.
As to what uses should be made of the building purchased by the S.A. of Adelaide, he leaves the decision to your body and that Assembly. He hopes that at a future date it can be used as a Summer School.
It is the duty of the N.S.A. to exercise the greatest wisdom, forbearance and tact in handling the affairs of the Cause. Many of the differences which arise between the believers are due to their immaturity, their extreme zeal and sincerity.
He will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines, that the Beloved may assist and strengthen you in the discharge of your sacred duties to the Faith and its adherents in Australia and New Zealand. With Bahá'í Love, R. Rabbani.
Read and approved, ShoghiMrs. Stanley Bolton, "Bolton Place," Yerrinbool. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letters of Jan.10th. and May 15th. have been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf and thank you for the reports and photographs you enclosed.
He was very happy to learn of the formation of an Assembly in CaringBahá and hopes you will now concentrate on the next largest group, so that a new one can be soon added to the roll in Australia.
He was also very pleased to see that new souls are joining the Cause; the teaching work is, of course, of paramount importance, and the friends should devote as much of their time, energies, and resources to it as is possible. One of the signs of the perfection of our teachings is the way young people accept them, and the many valuable services they are rendering the Faith all over the world.
He will continue to pray for the success of your devoted labours and for the spiritual development and progress of your dear children. With Bahá'í love and greetings, R. Rabbani.
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, enable you to extend the range of your services, and attract new souls to the Faith and consolidate its God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiDulcie Dive, 2 Land Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
DISAPPROVE TONE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES RECENT COMMUNICATIONS STOP DEPRECATE VIOLENT ACTION URGE CONCILIATION HARMONY OTHERWISE CONSEQUENCES GRAVE APPEAL CONCENTRATE CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION AIMED EXTENSION CONSOLIDATION ACHIEVEMENTS BELIEVERS
10 July 1945 [National Spiritual Assembly]Dulcie Dive, 2 Land Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
APPRECIATE SENTIMENTS PRAYING GUIDANCE OVERCOME OBSTACLES ACHIEVE COMPLETE UNITY
17 July 1945Your letter of April 16th has been received a few days ago, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He wishes to thank you for your photographs of the Bahá'í group of Port Adelaide; they seem to be a very nice group of people, and he hopes they will soon have a sufficient number to form an Assembly.
He was also pleased to hear dear Mother Dunn is going to be able to help them in their activities, and he wishes you to kindly give her his loving greetings.
You may be sure he will pray for this group of devoted new Bahá'ís and that they may be a firm, united, loving and active body of believers.
He will also pray for you and Mr Dobbins, that your services may be blessed and fruitful.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & aid you to promote the best interests of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated June 12th, 15th and 25th, and to acknowledge receipt of the numerous enclosures you forwarded with them.
As he has already expressed to you in his recent messages he greatly regretted the tone of certain communications from the NSA. He cannot too strongly point out to you all that any condition of inharmony places in jeopardy the wonderful achievements recently made in the spread and consolidation of the Cause in Australia and New Zealand. The beloved Master pointed out over and over again that unity and love among the friends promotes harmony and the rapid spread of the Faith, and that when these are sacrificed and disputes, anger and violent criticism take their place the Cause cannot move forward.
The N.S.A.s the world over, owing to the spiritual immaturity of the believers, must at the present time exert the greatest patience in dealing with the friends; otherwise, as seems to be rapidly becoming the case in Australia, the friends will take sides, bitterness will increase and what started out as a small thing (however unjustified and regrettable a departure from the Bahá'í spirit) will become a menace to the progress of the Faith and definitely retard its progress.
He feels that Mrs Dobbins and Miss Brooks, both of whom love their religion and are devoted to its promotion, should be called upon to forget and forgive the past, and concentrate on serving the Faith. These are the ways in which the Bahá'ís can demonstrate true spiritual nobility and detachment. In such delicate and complicated cases, the N.S.A. should appeal to the believers to put the interests of the Cause first, regardless of any personal sacrifice of feelings this may require.
He assures you he will pray ardently for the speedy and satisfactory solution of this entire matter.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniIt is my fervent hope and prayer that the members of the Bahá'í communities of Australia and New Zealand, will, now that the machinery of the Administrative Order of their Faith has been erected, redouble their efforts to proclaim, with one voice and in a most effective manner, those vital and healing principles for which the great mass of their war-weary and much tested countrymen are hungering. This supreme issue must have precedence over all other considerations, must be given immediate and anxious attention, must be faced courageously and continually, and be regarded by individual believers as well as their elected representatives as the supreme objective of the manifold administrative institutions they have reared and are still labouring to establish. Complete harmony, mutual understanding, unity of purpose, coordination of efforts, prayerful consideration of, and mature deliberation on, all the aspects and requirements of this great and sacred objective can alone ensure its triumphant consummation during these years of stress and peril through which mankind is passing. May the national elected representatives of both communities set a superb example to their fellow-workers throughout that far-off continent, and enable them to win memorable victories in the service of their glorious Faith and its God-given institutions.
Your true brother, ShoghiThe beloved Guardian was very happy to hear from you, in your letter of Aug. 27th, and he wishes to welcome you and your dear husband and children into the service of our glorious Faith.
You young people have a great opportunity now of helping to build up the Adelaide Community, and strengthen its activities. The Guardian is continually urging the Bahá'ís the world-over to remember that the thing which will most rapidly attract the hearts of bewildered humanity to this life-giving Faith is a demonstration of the love and unity which animates the Bahá'í Community; everything else is dependent on this. Our teachings are the perfect remedy for the ills of the world, but men will not feel ready to accept them unless they see in our Community life that harmony and love of God for which the world is starving.
You young people have a great opportunity before you to serve the Cause, and he hopes that you will in everyway endeavour to be exemplary believers, by your deeds, through following the administration, and by obtaining a profound knowledge of the teachings.
There have been a number of Bahá'í books prepared for children in America, and he suggests you get in touch with the Bahá'í Publishing Committee, Mrs Clara Wood, 110 Linden Ave, Wilmette, Illinois. She can advise you as to what is available at present.
You may be sure that the Guardian will pray for you, your husband, and your children, that you may be guided and protected, and enabled to serve in many fields this Cause you love so deeply. With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you in the service of His glorious Faith, & graciously assist you to promote, at all times & under all conditions, the vital interests of its new-born institutions.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of Aug. 27th took some time to reach the beloved Guardian, but he was very happy to hear from you, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf, and to welcome you into our beloved Cause, which you and your dear wife have embraced with so much devotion and sincere conviction.
Regarding the questions you have asked: the general principle laid down by the Guardian is that there should be one Spiritual Assembly in each civic area. For instance, New York City, with its immense population and wide-spread boroughs only has one S.A. in accordance with this obviously logical principle. How this should be applied in detail is a matter for the various Nat. Spiritual Assemblies to decide, and your N.S.A. must of course apply this rule to Australia and New Zealand. However, fireside teaching classes can be held, and should be held, by as many of the believers as possible in order to reach people with the teachings.
As to your other questions:No 1. The Maxwell notes have the same status as other pilgrims notes;
they are of value, but are not the verbatim report of the Guardian's words.
No 2. In "God Passes By" you will find reference to the "son of the wolf" and who he was.
No 3. We cannot say more about the Seventh Angel than what the Master has stated in "Some Answered Questions".
No 4. The Chosen Highway has the same status as pilgrims' notes; it is a very interesting book but some of the statements must be taken as hearsay only.
No5-6. These are questions for scholars to decide; the Guardian always recommends that we refer to experts in such matters.
No 7. Mrs Kehler's statements are obviously hearsay, and the Guardian cannot corroborate them. Islam, like Christianity, however, has been split up into many sects.
No 8. As I just mentioned above, not every statement in Lady Blomfield's book can be considered absolutely accurate.
No 9. There is no objection to the Adelaide S.A. keeping a record of the names of contributors, and sums received; but no pressure must ever be brought on the Bahá'ís to contribute, it must be voluntary, and should be considered confidential, unless the friends themselves wish to mention it openly.
No10. The Guardian suggests you try and procure ring stones from the Indian Bahá'ís, as they are usually made in the East.
No11. There is no direct reference to atomic bombs in the teachings, but many references to the powers latent within the universe; atomic force is obviously one of these powers.
No12. The darkening of the sun, moon and stars is purely symbolic, and refers to the advent of the Manifestation of God, which has already taken place.
No13. The best answer is that we do not believe in taking such a statement literally, but that great destruction is one of the signs of the times.
The Guardian hopes you, your wife, and the other young people who are so active in the Cause in your neighbourhood will render it many services, promote unity and love in the Community, strengthen the administrative foundations of the Faith, and attract many new souls to it. His loving prayers will be offered on your behalf, you may be sure.
With warm greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh bless & reinforce your efforts, & may He aid you to obtain a clearer understanding of the essentials of His Faith, & to advance its best interests, & contribute to the consolidation of its God-given institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter, dated June 16th, with the enclosures you forwarded in it, was received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Since you have turned to him for guidance, he will very frankly give you his opinion.
He feels that the present inharmony prevailing amongst you, Miss Brooks, and some other members of the Faith there, is very detrimental to the advancement of the Cause, and can only lead to disruption and the chilling of the interest of new believers. You, Miss Brooks, and all the other believers there should forget about your personal grievances, and unite for the protection of the Faith which he well knows you are all loyally devoted to and ready to sacrifice for.
Perhaps the greatest test Bahá'ís are ever subjected to is from each other; but for the sake of the Master they should be ever ready to overlook each others' mistakes, apologize for harsh words they have uttered, forgive and forget. He strongly recommends to you this course of action.
Also he feels that you and Mr. Dobbins should not remain away from the meetings and Feasts in Adelaide; you have now got an enthusiastic group of young Bahá'ís in Port Adelaide, and you should show them a strong example of Bahá'í discipline and the unity which can and must prevail amongst the community of the Most Great Name.
The civic area in which S.A.s can be formed is an administrative matter for the N.S.A. to decide.
Please assure dear Mother Dunn of his loving prayers on her behalf, and his appreciation of her devoted services.
He will ardently pray that this whole matter may be speedily settled and forgotten.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, yours in our Sacred Faith, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless your efforts for the establishment of harmony & understanding among the friends, & enable you to achieve, in this field, great & enduring victories,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of Dec. 13th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He deeply appreciates the valuable services you have rendered the Cause in both New Zealand and the Philippines, and hopes you will impress on the American friends the need of helping the Bahá'ís in Solano to get their scattered forces together again.
It is truly wonderful the way the Faith there has not only survived but spread; he was very happy to hear there is now, thanks to your efforts, a Bahá'í in Manila who is active. He was also delighted to hear there are American Bahá'ís stationed there and helping with the work.
He approves of your plan to return to Australasia and help the believers there. They need the stimulation of outside teachers being so very far away from other countries where the friends are active.
You may be sure he will pray that you and your dear wife may have a very happy life together and render the Cause you are both so devoted to many memorable services.
With Bahá'í love, R.RabbaniMay the Almighty abundantly reward you for your manifold services, bless your efforts in the days to come, & enable you to win, in distant fields, memorable victories for our glorious Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiMrs. Mariette Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letters, with their enclosures, and dated July 14th, and Aug. 9th, 1945, have been received, and the beloved Guardian would have answered you before only he has been too busy to do so.
He is very pleased to hear you are now teaching a new group in Wollongong, and hopes your efforts will soon lead to the establishment of an Assembly there.
Regarding your question about group members being allowed to cast votes for delegates: This is only necessary and practicable where there are large numbers of Bahá'ís scattered widely over states and Provinces, as there are now in America, Canada and Persia. Other Bahá'í Countries follow the same procedure as you do in Australia, namely that only Communities having Assemblies cast votes for, and have, a delegate. Whenever he sees that the Cause has grown sufficiently to change the basis of election he will let the friends know - and he hopes they will redouble their teaching efforts so as to increase sufficiently to necessitate a change!
Assuring you of his loving prayers for the success of your teaching work and for your dear family,
Yours, with Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty continually bless your efforts, guide every step you take in the path of service, reward you for your splendid achievements, and enable you to consolidate your meritorious activities,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.Your loving Naw-Rúz greeting has just reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer it by conveying to you his own best wishes for a happy Bahá'í New Year and unprecedented success in your work for the Cause.
He will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines, that Bahá'u'lláh may bless your services and sustain you in your work for His Cause.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniDulcie Dive, 2 Lang Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
LOVING APPRECIATION REMEMBRANCE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY DEAR FRIENDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
25 March 1946 [National Spiritual Assembly]Dulcie Dive, 2 Lang Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
CONVENTION SHOULD BE HELD DURING Ridvan PERIODYour letters, written on behalf of the N.S.A. and dated June 15th 1945, and 16th, July 26th and Sep. 15th, 1945, and Jan. 7th, 1946, together with their enclosures, have been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He is very pleased to see the progress the Cause is making in Australia and New Zealand, and hopes that the N.S.A. will not only inspire and encourage the believers in their teaching activities, but will also constantly impress on them the need for the greatest love and unity to prevail in their midst; the masses will only really turn to the Faith when they see that in it true religion is practiced as well as preached!
The recent articles attacking the Cause are a sign that its influence is sufficiently felt to be feared - a great compliment to the progress you are making in spreading the message!86
Concerning the various points raised in your letters:
He noticed from your letter of January 7th, that you were planning to hold the annual Convention in May, and cabled you, that it must be held in the Ridvan period - as are all the other National Bahá'í conventions the world over, - even though some other date might be more convenient locally.
He feels that the Yerrinbool Summer School should hold longer sessions; in this respect the friends cannot do better than to pattern themselves on the American Summer Schools, some of which now hold two or three summer sessions, and even a "Winter Session". Although such a large number of sessions may be premature for Australia at present, the goal should be kept in mind as you seek to expand your school.
There can be no schism in the Bahá'í Faith because the Guardianship is established on an unassailable foundation, supported by a signed, sealed document - the Will. Schism can only flourish where there is ambiguity or no specific proof. The New History Society is like a branch that has no roots and will soon dry up and wither. It has not caused, nor can it cause a breach among the believers.
He was very happy to see you are now establishing Regional Teaching Committees, and hopes you will concentrate all your resources and the energy of the friends, on establishing new Assemblies and groups.
He assures you, one and all, that his loving prayers will be offered for your guidance and for the success of your important work.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniP.S. He was very pleased to see the article on the Faith in "Truth". The Cause is certainly getting very good publicity out there!
Dear and valued co-workers:The activities initiated by the dearly beloved friends in Australia and New Zealand, and so diligently promoted by them all are highly meritorious, and will, no doubt, bear abundant fruit in the days to come. The utmost effort should be exerted by individuals as well as Local Assemblies to increase the number of the active supporters of the Faith and to enable them to disperse, to multiply the groups that must sooner or later evolve into Assemblies, to achieve greater publicity for the Faith through the radio and the press, to extend the range of the activities of the Bahá'í Faith, to foster the institution of the Summer School, and to consolidate and enlarge the scope of the Hazíratu'l-Quds. These are the main objectives that demand the concentrated attention of the Australian and New Zealand believers during the months that lie immediately ahead. No sacrifice is too great to ensure the realisation of these noble aims. All must arise and unitedly endeavour to carry to a successful conclusion these vital tasks, with which the immediate destinies of the Faith are so closely linked. That the beloved may guide and sustain you in all your undertakings, that He may crown your assiduous labours with magnificent success is my dearest wish and ardent prayer.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiDulcie Dive, 2 Lang Road, Centennial Park, Sydney.
APPROVE ONLY THIS YEARHEARTFELT APPRECIATION MESSAGE CONVENTION PRAYING FERVENTLY BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS URGE MATURE CONSULTATION INITIATION EFFECTIVE MEASURES DESIGNED MULTIPLY Bahá'í CENTRES PROCLAIM TEACHINGS FAITH CONSOLIDATE EXISTING INSTITUTIONS
21 May 1946 [National Spiritual Assembly]MATTER REGARDING ELECTION NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE SETTLED BY OUTGOING ASSEMBLY87
25 May 1946 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter dated April 27th has been received and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf. He also acknowledges receipt of the enclosures forwarded with it.
He trusts that by the time this letter reaches you the complications which arose at Convention, about the election, will have been satisfactorily straightened out; as he already cabled you, this was a question for the out-going N.S.A. to decide.
He feels that the National Spiritual Assembly during the coming year should focus both its and the believers' attention on the all-important teaching work, and the necessity of increasing the number of groups and Assemblies throughout Australia and New Zealand. The friends should be urged and encouraged to arise both as pioneers and travelling teachers, and they should receive, in cases where they cannot afford it themselves, financial aid from the National Fund. Such measures are at the present time absolutely necessary, as the believers are few, the hour very pressing, and most of them not sufficiently well-off to do such work without assistance.
The Bahá'ís in the United States have just embarked on their second Seven Year plan; India is working hard on a Four and a half Year Plan; England is straining every nerve to achieve, during the Six Year Plan the friends have chosen for themselves, 19 Assemblies. It is only right and proper that such a vast and promising territory as Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania represents, should likewise win for itself new laurels in the Bahá'í teaching field during the next few years! He therefore suggests you choose, after surveying your own possibilities and soliciting suggestions from the friends, certain immediate objectives, and then work unitedly towards achieving them.
He assures you that he will offer special prayers on your behalf, that the N.S.A. members and the Bahá'ís they represent, may speedily forge ahead and enter into a new era of development of the Faith in that distant but promising land. With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-workers:The activities in which you are engaged, are the object of my fervent and constant prayers. To teach the Faith, to stimulate the dispersal and settlement of pioneers, to enable the existing groups to attain Assembly status, and to multiply, steadily and speedily, the number of groups in Australia and New Zealand are the paramount tasks which demand the constant attention, the prayerful consideration and united and vigorous collaboration of the believers, and particularly of their national representatives. No sacrifice is too great to further these manifold and noble aims and purposes. Effective measures, unprecedented in scope, should be carefully and immediately devised, proclaimed to the believers, and, through sustained and organised effort, carried into effect. There is no time to lose. The masses, greatly tired by the calamities of the age, restless, disappointed, and eager to obtain real and complete relief in their hour of trial, hunger for the Message of the New Day, and will, if properly approached and appealed to, embrace the great verities it enshrines. Firm and unassailable unity among those who profess to be its bearers, unshakeable fidelity to the principles on which it is founded, generous and unfailing support of the institutions designed to propagate it, are the vital prerequisites of their urgent and sacred task. Every consideration, however profitable and laudable, must for the present be subordinated to the vital needs of the strenuous task now confronting the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'í communities. The administrative machinery designed to provide the necessary agency for the diffusion of the Message has been sufficiently consolidated to enable it to perform the glorious task for which it was originally erected. It should be utilised to the fullest possible extent. Its scope should simultaneously be enlarged to provide a still wider basis for the future extension of teaching activities. May the coming year witness a notable advance in the organized activities of the community for the furtherance of so glorious and meritorious a purpose.
Your true brother, ShoghiURGE NEW ASSEMBLY DEVISE EFFECTIVE MEASURES DESIGNED STIMULATE TEACHING ACTIVITY SETTLEMENT PIONEERS INCREASE GROUPS ASSEMBLIES PRAYING SUCCESS PARAMOUNT TASK SHOGHI
7 June 1946 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your interesting letter of May 16th has been received and Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and to assure you that he much appreciates your warm friendship with the Bahá'ís and the co-operative spirit in which you assist them in their activities.
As regards the various points you have raised in your letter:
We must not take many of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í statements as dogmatic finalities, for there are other points which when added to them round out the picture. For instance, when He calls Aristotle and Plato Philosophers of the East, He is obviously placing them in that category because He believes they belong more correctly to Eastern culture than the Central European and the New World cultures of the West. When He calls the philosophers of the West materialistic this does not for a moment mean He includes all Western philosophers for, as you truly point out, many of them have been very spiritual in their concepts.
When studying at present, in English, the available Bahá'í writings on the subject of body, mind and spirit, one is handicapped by a certain lack of clarity because not all were translated by the same person, and also there are, as you know, still many Bahá'í writings untranslated. But there is no doubt that spirit and soul seem to have been interchanged in meaning sometimes; soul and mind have, likewise, been interchanged in meaning, no doubt due to difficulties arising from different translations. What the Bahá'ís do believe though is that we have three aspects of our humanness, so to speak, a body, a mind and an immortal identity - soul or spirit. We believe the mind forms a link between the soul and the body, and the two interact on each other.
Historians cannot be sure Socrates did not visit the Holy Land. But believing as we do that 'Abdu'l-Bahá had an intuitive knowledge quite different from our own, we accept His authority on this matter.
We cannot prove man was always man for this is a fundamental doctrine, but it is based on the assertion that nothing can exceed its own potentialities, that everything, a stone, a tree, an animal and a human being existed in plan, potentially, from the very "beginning" of creation. We don't believe man has always had the form of man, but rather that from the outset he was going to evolve into the human form and species and not be a haphazard branch of the ape family.
You see our whole approach to each matter is based on the belief that God sends us divinely inspired Educators; what they tell us is fundamentally true, what science tells us today is true; tomorrow may be entirely changed to better explain a new set of facts.
When 'Abdu'l-Bahá says man breaks the laws of nature, He means we shape nature to meet our own ends, as no animal does. Animals adapt themselves to better fit in with and benefit from their environment. But men both surmount and change environment. Likewise when he says nature is devoid of memory he means memory as we have it, not the strange memory of inherited habits which animals so strikingly possess.
These various statements must be taken in conjunction with all the Bahá'í teachings; we cannot get a correct picture by concentrating on just one phrase.
The Guardian hopes this will better enable you to understand our wonderful Faith - for a living religion it is, and not merely a philosophy!
He wishes you every success in your labours to promote the unity and enlightenment of mankind, so sorely needed these days, and he will pray for your happiness and spiritual advancement.
With cordial greetings, R. RabbaniYour letter of June 20th has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf, also to acknowledge receipt of its enclosures.
He was very glad to see that amongst the actions taken by the N.S.A. at its recent meeting was to allot sums to the Regional Teaching Committees for teaching campaigns and finance travelling teachers and settlers - if possible. He considers this all very important, and he urges you to appeal to the Bahá'ís to arise and do pioneer work as their fellow believers are doing in England, India, Egypt, and America.
He also feels that, if the NSA considers such a course of action feasible, definite plans should be made for carrying the Cause to certain goal towns; in other words, a real plan with fixed objectives and a time limit is now possible for Australia, and should be speedily set in motion.
Likewise, he feels that the N.S.A. should meet more often, even if all members cannot always be present. Decisions by correspondence lack the vitality of those that arise out of active consultation, and now the Faith is progressing so well there, and has a sound administrative foundation, more vigorous and systematic action is required.
You may be sure all the members of the Assembly are remembered in his prayers, and he is supplicating for their guidance and success in the discharge of their sacred duties.
With loving greetings, R. RabbaniThe ever expanding activities of the Bahá'í communities of Australia and New Zealand, so clearly reflected in the reports and minutes forwarded recently by your Assembly demonstrate the character of the Faith which so powerfully animates you, testify to the loyalty, the vigour and the devotion with which you conduct the affairs of a continually growing Faith, proclaim the soundness of the foundation upon which you are rearing its institutions, and augur well for their future evolution and triumph. The attention of the believers throughout all centres in both communities should now be focussed on the steady multiplication and consolidation of these institutions which constitute the bedrock of the Administrative Order of which your Assembly is the appointed trustee and chief promoter. No sacrifice is too great for the promotion of such an urgent and vital task. A supreme effort, on the part of all, young and old alike, individuals, Assemblies and committees, is absolutely essential in the course of the present year, and as a prelude to the initiation of future plans aiming at a still greater development and further enrichment of the life of both communities. All secondary matters should be subordinated to the primary requirements of the present day. The furtherance of this noble objective should be made the object of the anxious and sustained deliberations of your Assembly. The resources of both communities should be devoted to such a purpose. Nothing should be allowed to deflect them from this course. If they persevere the blessings of the Almighty will enable them to achieve exploits far exceeding their fondest expectations. That they may be graciously aided, in their labours, by Bahá'u'lláh is my fervent hope and prayer. I feel confident that they will respond to my plea, and arise unitedly to achieve their immediate goal.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter-with check enclosed-dated 15th of July was received and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is very sorry that from here he is unable owing to existing regulations, to forward this loving contribution made by both the believers and the N.S.A. to Persia for the Relief Fund. He suggests you try to send it direct to Tehran to the treasurer of this Fund, Mr. Varga. If you are able to do so, and will arrange to send the money to Mr. Daoud Toeq, he will see it reaches Mr. Varga in Tehran.
Please assure the members of the N.S.A., and all the friends, of his deep appreciation of this gift to their sorely tried brethren in other lands.
You may be sure he often prays for the success of your work and that of all the N.S.A. members. With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
Assuring you of my loving prayers for the success of your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith and of its divinely appointed institutions.
Your true brother, Shoghi.The beloved Guardian was very happy to receive news of your activities through your letter of Aug. 4th, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was particularly glad to hear you are able to give the Message to many people of importance, as this is a valuable and necessary form of teaching work. The fact that you are known as a Bahá'í in itself must attract the attention of many people you meet to the Cause, and he hopes that you will ever-increasingly find ways and means of carrying on your direct Bahá'í work.
He was also very pleased to hear you were able to visit Hobart, and help the friends there, and also visit many other Bahá'í Centers.
He wishes to thank you in advance for the kind gift you and your dear brother are sending him of photos taken in Bahjí, which he will be very happy to have.
You may be sure he will pray for you and for the success of your work, and that you may reach many people with the Cause during the conferences you mentioned would be taking place.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI wish to assure you in person of my loving appreciation of your constant services to the Faith, & of my fervent prayers for your success in every effort you exert for its promotion. Persevere in your noble efforts, & rest assured that the Beloved will bless richly your high endeavours.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.He hopes the way will again open for you to visit Haifa. Present conditions in the country have necessitated the suspension of all pilgrimages at present. We can only hope the situation will improve soon.
1947Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated Sep. 2nd and 16th, and Oct.22nd and 25th, 1946, and to acknowledge receipt of enclosures sent in some of them, and also material forwarded under separate cover. He regrets very much the delay in replying to these N.S.A. communications, but he has been very pre-occupied with various pressing matters the last few months, and his mail has consequently had to wait.
In regard to the various points you raised in your letters:
There is no objection to individual Bahá'ís sending Naw-Rúz cards if they want to; also the NSA can send them out occasionally, but it should not become a fixed custom.
He has already cabled you that he approved of increasing the delegates to the Annual Convention to 19.
He feels that Committees should be left free to elect their own officers.
Prayers translated by other people may be used and memorised by the friends; they need not be confined to his translations.
He considers that the N.S.A. has every right to examine the ballots if there is some doubt as to the election having been properly conducted. By "preservation" of the ballots is meant that they are preserved in the National files.
A Convention delegate should certainly be given an opportunity to report to the community his or her experiences at Convention and impressions.
As to the whole matter of the incorporation of Assemblies: he cannot go into the details of such things, as this is the work of the N.S.A. What he wants is that the spiritual Assemblies in New Zealand and Australia should be legally empowered to hold property in their own names; how this can be done, the best way of doing it, are matters for your Assembly and its legal advisers to decide.
He feels very strongly that the main thing for your Assembly and all the believers of both Australia and New Zealand to concentrate on are teaching plans. The United States, India, Persia and England are all embarked on ambitious and bold teaching campaigns, and it is a great pity that Australia, where the Cause is now firmly established and boasts an active National Assembly, should not have a definite plan, with fixed goals, of its own.
When the believers are embarked on a definite teaching schedule there will be less time for them to constantly occupy themselves with purely secondary administrative points of procedure. Teaching is their need, and the solution to any problems they may feel they have.
He was delighted over the report of the work in Brisbane; this is a step in the right direction, and should be followed through vigorously. Please convey to those who have devotedly served there and brought this group into being his warm thanks and his admiration for their services.
You may be sure he deeply values the loyal and persevering efforts of your Assembly to promote the Faith in all its aspects in Australia and New Zealand. His loving prayers are offered on your behalf and for the success of your labours.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniI wish to appeal, through you, to the members of the entire community in both Australia and New Zealand, to arise, in these opening years of the Second Bahá'í century, and lend, through their concerted, their sustained, and determined efforts, an unprecedented impetus to the growth of the Faith, the multiplication of its administrative centers, and the consolidation of its nascent institutions. The initiation of a Plan, carefully devised, universally supported, and designed to promote effectively the vital interests of the Faith, and attain a definite objective within a specified number of years, would seem, at the present hour, highly desirable and opportune, and will, as a magnet, attract, to an unprecedented degree, the blessings of Bahá'u'lláh on the members of both communities, both individually and collectively.
Now that the structural basis of the Bahá'í Administrative Order has been firmly and definitely laid in these far-away lands, and the National Headquarters of that Order established, a systematic effort must be exerted to widen the basis of that Order, by multiplying the Administrative institutions and forming the necessary nuclei, which, as they develop and are consolidated, will have to be utilized as the divinely ordained and most effectual instruments for the proclamation of the Faith to the masses.
I fully realize how small are your numbers, how circumscribed are your means, how vast the distances that separate the centres already established. But I firmly believe that the initiation of a Plan to remedy the very deficiencies from which the infant Administrative Order is now suffering, and a firm resolve to carry out its provisions, as well as a sustained effort to make the necessary sacrifices for its consummation, will set in motion forces of such magnitude, and draw upon both communities blessings of such potency, as shall excite the wonder of the believers themselves, and cause their Faith to enter an era of unprecedented expansion and marvellous and fruitful development.
The concluding years of the first Bahá'í century have witnessed a notable progress in the development and consolidation of both communities. The first decade of the succeeding century must synchronize with a no less remarkable extension of that essential administrative foundation on which the future institutions of a flourishing Faith must repose, and on which its destinies and security must ultimately depend.
May the spirit of Bahá'u'lláh guide, sustain and inspire you in the discharge of the noble and formidable tasks which will face you in the years to come.
Your true and grateful brother,Your welcome letter dated Nov 18th, 1946, reached our beloved Guardian and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is very glad to hear Miss Perks has embraced the Faith; please assure her of his loving prayers on her behalf, and tell her that he hopes in the future the way will open for her to visit here. At the present time no pilgrims are permitted owing to the state of the country.
He was very happy to hear you find the friends progressing spiritually there. This is the true progress and on it, to a great extent depends the outward advancement of the Faith.
Your devoted and untiring services are, you may be sure, deeply appreciated by him, and his loving prayers are offered for you in the Holy Shrines.
He is urging the N.S.A. to make definite teaching plans, with a time limit and specified objectives, and he hopes your health will permit you to do some teaching work in new centres.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved protect, bless, & sustain you, enable you to enrich still further the record of your past splendid services to His Cause, & aid you to fulfil whatever desire you cherish for the promotion of the interests of its God-given institutions.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiOur beloved Guardian has instructed me to write and ask you to please forward to him copies of the letters of acknowledgment written by the Bishops who received copies of "God Passes By".
He read in the British News Letter that such letters had been received by your Assembly, and he feels that such material should always be forwarded (in copy) to Haifa, as it is of more than mere local importance.
He hopes the N.S.A. is progressing with its teaching plans, and assures you all of his loving prayers.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.Your letter of Feb. 2nd was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you a little line of appreciation for the lovely and encouraging description you gave him of Yerrinbool School. As he is so very busy these days he finds it hard to keep up with his mail.
He hopes that all the Australian friends will unite as one soul in pursuing their teaching plans and in constructing new groups and Assemblies.
Your devoted labours for the Faith of God are much appreciated, and he prays for your success in confirming new souls.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith & its God-given institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiMr. & Mrs. Stanley Bolton, "Bolton Place", Yerrinbool. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends;Your Naw-Rúz greeting was received, as well as Mrs. Bolton's letter dated Feb. 18th. by our beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to write and thank you for it and also for the poems written by Stanley Bolton Jr.
He hopes the school will go on being a source of inspiration to the friends and a rally-point for the youth, and that from it many souls may go forth, fired with a keener determination to teach and serve our glorious Faith.
You may be sure his loving prayers are with you and your work for the Cause.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Beloved bless your constant and meritorious efforts for the promotion of our glorious Faith, and enable you to win great victories in its service,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.P.S. He cannot at present grant anyone permission to visit Haifa owing to the very disturbed conditions within the country. He hopes, however, that in the future your children will have this privilege and blessing. He will pray for their success and spiritual progress in the Holy Shrines.
20 April 1947HOPING CONVENTION NEXT YEAR ASSURE YOU LOVING PRAYERS
20 June 1947 [Alvin & Gertrude Blum]Your letter to our beloved Guardian dated March 9th was received and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf, and also to thank you for the photograph of your little girl, taken with her mother. He is very happy to hear of your going out to settle in New Zealand. Your presence there, he feels sure, will be of great help in stimulating and assisting the friends there to establish new centers and build up new Spiritual Assemblies.
He urges you, if it is feasible, to settle in some town where you can build up a Local Assembly, and thus hasten the day when New Zealand will have a representative number of Assemblies.
You may be sure his loving prayers will accompany you, and be offered for your success and protection as you settle down in your new home.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you and aid you to promote, at all times and under all conditions, the vital interests of His faith, and its God-given institutions.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiACCLAIM NEW PLAN CONCEIVED AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND Bahá'í COMMUNITY STOP ADVISE REDUCE PERIOD TO SIX YEARS IN ORDER TERMINATION COINCIDE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY BIRTH BAHAULLAHS PROPHETIC MISSION STOP APPEAL BOTH COMMUNITIES ARISE UNITEDLY DETERMINEDLY ENSURE SUCCESS PLAN MARKING OPENING NEW EPIC DEVELOPMENT FAITH BAHAULLAH ANTIPODES STOP PRAYING ARDENTLY CONSUMMATION DEAREST HOPES STOP CABLING FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION PROMOTION PLAN DEEPEST LOVING GRATITUDE SHOGHI
28 June 1947Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, Bolton Place, Yerrinbool. N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:Your letter to our beloved Guardian with its enclosures, dated June 16th, was received, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is delighted to hear the visit to America has so stimulated your dear children and that they are all eagerness to serve the Cause in Australia on their return. You may be sure he will certainly pray for them in the Holy Shrines, and for the other young people you mention in your letter.
It cheered his heart to hear there is now a Bahá'í in Glen Innes, and he will pray that a group may be soon formed there. He will also pray for the constant success of your much appreciated labours,
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Spirit of Bahá'u'lláh sustain, bless and guide you and enable you and the members of your dear family to promote effectively the best interests of His Faith and of its nascent institutions in that far-off and promising country.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.I am just sending you this little note to assure you that your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated July 10th, 1946, was received, but by an oversight was not acknowledged in the recent letter I wrote you on his behalf!
His loving prayers go with you in your new life, and he feels your presence in New Zealand will be of great service to the Cause there.
With loving greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe letters from the N.S.A. (some written by the former Secretary) dated Sep. 2nd, 1946, Feb. 10th, March 9th, April 27th (two of this date), June 13th and July 10th have been received, as well as their enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.
He is very anxious that your Assembly should devote its energies and resources to prosecuting the teaching work and stimulating and encouraging the believers to devote their thoughts and time to it. This is really the solution to all the small problems and differences of opinion that arise in Australia. It is the sacred duty of the believers to teach, and one of the reasons for so painstakingly building up Assemblies is for them to promulgate the Cause of God, and not to lose their time in discussing details, settling disputes which should not have arisen between Bahá'ís, and generally losing themselves in personalities.
He urges your Assembly to try and create as many Local Assemblies as possible; large suburbs, if outside the city limits and possessing their own administration should - if 9 Bahá'ís reside in them, form separate assemblies. This may at first seem to weaken the larger communities; but it will also challenge all concerned to renew their labours to expand the local communities and increase their numbers.
Enclosed is a letter to Mr. Featherstone in connection with his letter sent to the Guardian by your Assembly.
Regarding Mr Dive's appeal; the Guardian feels the best course of action in this matter is to ask both the believers concerned to forgive and forget the entire matter.
He does not want the friends to form the habit of taking up a kind of Bahá'í litigation against each other. Their duties to humanity are too sacred and urgent in these days, when the Cause is struggling to spread and assert its independence, for them to spend their precious time, and his precious time, in this way. Ask them, therefore, to unite, forget the past, and serve as never before.
His loving prayers are offered for you and the other members of the Assembly, for your guidance and success.
With warm greetings, R. Rabbani.The Plan, on which the National elected representatives of the Bahá'í communities of Australia and New Zealand have spontaneously embarked marks a turning-point, of great spiritual significance, in the evolution of the Faith in those far-off lands, and is an evidence of the truly remarkable spirit that animates them as well as the communities they represent. I welcome this mighty step they have taken with joy, pride and gratitude, and have hastened to transmit to them my contribution as a token of my keen appreciation of their high endeavours, of my confidence in their ability, and of my admiration for their zeal and noble determination in the service of the Faith. The attention of the members of both communities must henceforth be focused on the Plan, its progress, its requirements, its significance and immediate objectives. All must participate without exception without reserve, without delay. The Administrative Order which they have laboured to establish must henceforth, through its organs and agencies be utilized for the promotion of this vital purpose, this supreme end. For no other purpose was it created. That it may serve this end, that the Plan may speedily develop and yield its destined fruit and demonstrate through its consummation the worthiness, the capacity and high-mindedness of the organized body of the followers of Bahá'u'lláh in those distant lands are the objects of my fervent and constant prayers at the Holy Shrines.
Your true and grateful brother,Mr. Featherstone, 1 Nana Terrace, Albert Park, S. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated 12th Dec. 1946, with its enclosures, was duly forwarded to him by the N.S.A. and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Such cases where the decision of the Local Assembly is challenged by some of the believers (or one of them,) should be referred by the Assembly to the N.S.A. for decision.
He has already informed the N.S.A. that he feels it is the right and duty of delegates to report back to the community on the Convention.
He hopes all the friends, your dear self included, will concentrate all their time and energies on carrying out the teaching plans, as the success of these, through enlarging the Faith, will gradually do away with many of the problems that arise at present.
He assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf, and his appreciation of your devotion to the Cause of God.
With warm greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, sustain & guide you, at all times & under all conditions, & enable you to promote effectively the vital interests of our glorious Faith, & its God-given institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiOVERJOYED GLORIOUS NEWS MAGNIFICENT PLAN ALL IMPORTANT TEACHING WORK DEEPEST ADMIRATION EXEMPLARY SPIRIT CABLING FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION REALISATION NOBLE PURPOSE ARDENTLY PRAYING SUCCESS DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
19 December 1947 [Bertram Dewing]Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Dec. 12th has been received, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf. The previous letter you mention cannot have reached him; as he always replies to letters from the friends.
Your book touches on a very important subject, and he regrets that he cannot read it himself. His work is so pressing and multiplying so fast that he invariably refuses to go over the manuscripts the friends send him, as he simply cannot attend to such things as well as all his other work. You should send it to the Reviewing Com. in the U.S.A. and ask their advice. Perhaps an outside publisher would be interested in it? The Bahá'í funds have such heavy demands made on them at present that even essential literature must often wait to be published, unfortunately.
He fully appreciates the fact that the believers locally, in different parts of the world, often feel that their political party is in many ways striving to accomplish ideals akin to our Bahá'í aims - but the fact remains that the only way for the Bahá'ís to preserve their international character, their unity and integrity, is for them individually to sacrifice these desired political affiliations for the universal good and protection of the Faith. There is no political party in existence with whose platform we wholly agree, and we must abstain from membership in such parties. Likewise people who join the Faith must have the courage and conviction to leave their political affiliations behind.
There is no reason why this should cause enmity as they are not joining another party, but a universal Faith striving for the advancement of the entire human race. He thinks there is very little possibility of any politician joining the Faith. The sacrifice of such individuals' personal ambitions is too great a one for them to make!
The condition of the world today is such that it is obvious no political solution to its problems is going to be found. We Bahá'ís must therefore concentrate on Bahá'u'lláh's World Order - the true solution.
He assures you he will pray your teaching labours may be very successful. He will also pray for your dear mother's welfare.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your welfare & success in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiASSURE ATTENDANTS SUMMER SCHOOL LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS ACTIVITIES CONSOLIDATION EXPANSION INSTITUTION SHOGHI
4 February 1948 [Ethel Dawe]Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 12th, has been received, and he has instructed me to write to you on his behalf.
He was very pleased to hear of the valuable service you have been able to render the Cause through your visits to the Bahá'ís in Perth. What they seem to need is a settler there who will actively stimulate the work and form an Assembly, and he hopes that the Nat. Assembly will find someone for this post.
He trusts that by now you have entirely recovered from the effects of your operation and are able to continue your many Bahá'í activities.
Please inform dear Mother Dunn that he has no objection to Thelma Perks writing him, although he is, indeed, very busy these days. Also tell her he remembers her in his prayers, and hopes she is well.
You may be sure that he will pray that you may be guided to do that which is for your highest good and the good of the Cause.
With loving greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Beloved bless, sustain & guide you in your meritorious labours, reward you for your splendid accomplishments, aid you to extend continually the range of your activities, & win notable victories for His Faith & its institutions.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb. 15th. has been received, and he is very happy to have this opportunity of writing you and personally welcoming you into the service of our glorious Faith.
The main thing is that now you are a believer, and he hopes your services will be such as to make up for the years you feel you have lost.
He sees no objection at all to sending Miss Shampson's book on Mary Magdalene to Mr. Rank.
Please give his loving greetings to dear Mother Dunn, and assure her she is often in his thoughts and prayers.
He will certainly pray for you and that your services to the Faith may be richly blessed.
With loving greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of a most hearty welcome into the Bahá'í Faith, & of my loving prayers for your spiritual advancement & success in the service of our beloved Faith & its God-given institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiKINDLY AIR MAIL AFTER APRIL ELECTIONS SEPARATE UP TO DATE ALPHABETICAL LISTS ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED BELIEVERS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA
15 March 1948Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Feb.25th, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is very happy indeed to hear you now will have your own Spiritual Assembly in Woodville. This is an important addition to the Faith in Australia, and enhances its prestige and influence. He was also delighted to hear of your other teaching activities carried on in neighbouring towns.
As regards the questions you asked:1. There is no significance, as far as our teachings are concerned, to "40".
2. The "Risen Christ" is the consciousness that came to His disciples, grieving over His death, of His living reality; it was not a physical thing but a spiritual realization.
3. Bahá'u'lláh was not aware of His own station prior to His experience in the Siyáh-Chál of Tiherán. He himself says so by implication in His Tablet to the Sháh.
4. In general the administrative order as laid down in America should be followed every where. But secondary decisions are left to the judgement of each National Assembly, and the American pattern, as elaborated in "Bahá'í Procedure" need not be followed universally.
He wishes you and all the dear friends there, every success in your labours for the Faith, and assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf.
Please tell dear Miss Carpenter he was very pleased to hear she is serving there.
With warm Naw-Rúz greetings, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, ShoghiASSURE DELEGATES LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS FULFILMENT HOPES URGE PERSEVERANCE ENSURE VICTORIOUS CONCLUSION PLAN SHOGHI
11 May 1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Dec.11th, 1947, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The devotion and perseverance of the believers in seeking to meet the requirements of their Plan pleases and touches him immensely, and although he fully realizes that the fewness of their numbers and the great distances involved in such a vast country as Australia, form serious handicaps in the progress of their teaching work, he, nevertheless, feels confidant that they can achieve their goals in time, and raise their heads proudly in the galaxy of their fellow-pioneers the world over.
We can truly say that this Cause is a cause that enables people to achieve the impossible! For the Bahá'ís, everywhere, for the most part, are people with no great distinguishments of either wealth or fame, and yet once they make the effort and go forth in the name of Bahá'u'lláh to spread His Faith, they become, each one, as efficacious as a host! Witness what Mustafa Raumie accomplished in Burma, and a handful of pioneers achieved, in a decade, in Latin America! It is the quality of devotion and self-sacrifice that brings rewards in the service of this Faith rather than means, ability or financial backing.
This has again, during the last few years, been demonstrated even more remarkably by the British Bahá'ís, who have not only had to contend with very limited means and a small community to draw from, but have also had infinite restrictions and privations to put up with - and, in spite of this, they are steadily gaining on the requirements of the Plan they have set for themselves, and, indeed, are startling and inspiring their fellow-Bahá'ís everywhere by their spirit and achievements!
He hopes that now, from "down under", news will begin to flow out to the Bahá'í World of the remarkable accomplishments of the Australians and New Zealanders!
Regarding the question you asked him about the Bahá'í sacred writings: these should be regarded as the writings of the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá and only these should be read during the purely devotional part of the Feast.
He wishes to assure you, and all the other members of the N.S.A., of his most loving and ardent prayers for the success of your various undertakings and above all, for the success of your teaching plan.
With warmest greetings, R. Rabbani.The Plan launched by the small yet highly promising community of devoted believers in Australia and New Zealand constitutes a landmark of unusual significance in the history of the evolution of the Faith in that far-off continent. It opens a new chapter, rich in promise, momentous in the events which it must record, and destined to be regarded as a prelude to still more glorious chapters in the annals of the Faith in the Antipodes.
The limited resources at the disposal of the prosecutors of the Plan, the vastness of the territory in which it must operate, the fewness of the numbers of those participating in its execution, offer a mighty challenge which no loyal follower of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh can either ignore or minimize. Indeed the greater the challenge, the more bountiful the blessings which will be vouchsafed from on high, and the richer the reward to be won by its triumphant executors.
The successful termination of this Plan, the first fruit of the newly established and properly functioning Administrative Order in those distant lands, will pave the way for the launching of still greater enterprises, destined to carry the message of Bahá'u'lláh to the Islands of the Pacific in the vicinity of that continent. For the mission entrusted to the care of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand is by no means confined to the mainland of Australia and the islands of New Zealand, but should embrace, as it unfolds, in the years to come, the islands of the Antipodes, where the banner of the Faith still remains to be unfurled and its Message is as yet undelivered.
It is not for them, however, at the present stage of their evolution, to probe into the future, and seek to evaluate the range of their future achievements. They must concentrate every ounce of their energy, and focus their entire attention, on the tasks immediately ahead, resolved to work unremittingly and unflinchingly until the goals of the present Plan are achieved.
Whatever the situation that may develop in the years to come, however great the obstacles by which a nascent community may yet be faced, no matter how arduous the task now confronting its members, it must persevere until the historic work is accomplished.
I will, from the depths of my heart, supplicate the Beloved to reinforce the noble exertions of this community, guide its steps, clarify its vision, deepen its understanding of the requirements of the present hour, and aid it to extend continually the scope of its meritorious achievements.
My heart longs to receive the news of the progress of this first collective enterprise on which the community has embarked, and I feel confident that its stalwart members will not allow the hopes that animate me to be frustrated.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.DEEPLY APPRECIATE INCOMING ASSEMBLYS NOBLE DETERMINATION PRAYING SIGNAL VICTORIES MOMENTOUS PLAN DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
29 JULY 1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]PRAYING SUCCESS CONFERENCE CABLE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS PROGRESS TEACHING PLAN ADVISE HOLD MAIL TILL WAY OPENS DEEPEST APPRECIATION HIGH MERITORIOUS EFFORTS LOVING ADMIRATION PERSEVERANCE SHOGHI
13 August 1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]DELIGHTED PROGRESS ACHIEVE URGE CONCENTRATE IMMEDIATE EFFORTS FORMATION ASSEMBLIES BRISBANE PERTH ALL SAFE LOVING APPRECIATION SHOGHI
19 August 1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]ASSURE NEW ZEALAND FRIENDS HEARTY APPROVAL PRAYING SUCCESS MERITORIOUS ENTERPRISE SHOGHI
1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]FERVENTLY PRAYING SUCCESS SCHOOL SESSION DELIBERATIONS ASSEMBLY VICTORIES TEACHING FIELD SHOGHI
16 October 1948Your letter of May 31st took a very long time to reach our beloved Guardian - as you can see - but it arrived at last, and he was delighted with the news it contained.
The fact that there are now isolated Bahá'ís and little groups forming in different parts of New Zealand shows that at last the Faith there has really settled down to grow, and is in the stage of definite expansion at last.
He was very happy to hear Mr Blum had visited Australia. This association with the Australian believers will serve to bring closer the two communities working under one NSA and stimulate the work in both places.
As long as Mr Blum is so satisfactorily settled in business, a business which enables him to travel so widely and help the friends in various cities, he sees no urgent need for you to move away from Auckland. But he hopes in the future the way will open for you to do pioneer work in Wellington.
The assistance you are giving our beloved Faith in the Antipodes is very greatly appreciated, and his loving prayers surround you both in your devoted services there.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniYour splendid services, so far afield, under such difficult circumstances, and with so few helpers, are indeed highly praiseworthy in the estimation of our Beloved, and will be regarded as an example worthy to emulate by the pioneers in the days to come. You are, I assure you, often in my thoughts and prayers, and I will continue to supplicate on your behalf the richest blessings of the Almighty. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
18 October 1948 [National Youth Committee]MAY THE ALMIGHTY BLESS YOUR EFFORTS GUIDE YOUR STEPS AID YOU TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVELY THE MANIFOLD INTERESTS OF THE FAITH WHICH YOU LOVE SO DEARLY AND SERVE WITH SUCH DEVOTION AND ENABLE YOU TO REALIZE THE DEAREST WISH OF YOUR HEART IN ITS SERVICE YOUR TRUE AND GRATEFUL BROTHER SHOGHI
22 November 1948 [National Spiritual Assembly]DELIGHTED MAGNIFICENT PROGRESS FERVENT PRAYERS OFFERED SHRINES SUCCESS ASSEMBLIES DELIBERATIONS DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
26 December 1948Your letter to our beloved guardian, dated Dec. 8th. has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you both on his behalf.
He is delighted to hear the work is going forward in Perth, and that Mr. Perdu90 was able to give you so much enthusiastic support. He hopes now, with this new impetus, that you will be able to enlarge your activities and establish a thriving Bahá'í Community there.
Regarding your question about re-incarnation: we Bahá'ís do not believe that one individual soul keeps returning to this earthly life in different bodies. This is a very ancient belief, and based on a great truth - namely that the soul does go on developing and unfolding and returning towards its Creator. But the concept of its returning to this physical world is erroneous, and an outgrowth of man-made doctrines which have grown up about the fundamental concept of the progress of the soul. It would be like putting the child over and over again back into the world of the womb. It is unnecessary: but from state to state spiritually, after death. the soul does go on and go higher, so to speak.
He assures you both of his loving prayers for the success of your Bahá'í labours.
With cordial greetings, R. Rabbani.May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your path, & enable you to further the vital interests of His Faith & its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiThe letter written by our dear Bahá'í brother, Mr. Jim Heggie, as secretary at that time, and dated May 5th, as well as those written by you, and dated July 17th, Dec. 4th, 6th (two of this date), and 9th, together with their various enclosures, have been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your Assembly on his behalf.
He was very happy to hear of your meeting held in Melbourne, as he feels sure this was a great stimulus to the local community, and he hopes that circumstances will permit the N.S.A. to meet in other communities and inspire and encourage the friends in different parts of the country by this personal contact with them and their work.
In regard to the various matters raised in your letters:
He would be pleased to receive reports of the Teaching Work, the Annual Convention and Annual Reports, and, of course, the minutes of your N.S.A. meetings.
He does not feel it advisable to combine more than one town area in an Assembly, as you have suggested might be done. It is better for the friends to move, if possible, into one town's limits, and form their Assembly that way, or concentrate on their teaching work and wait until they have the requisite 9 members.
Unfortunately it is not feasible for the believers to elect or constitute an Assembly and also elect and send delegates to the Annual Convention of the same year, as both events take place in the Ridvan period.
The Guardian is striving to build up uniformity in essentials all over the Bahá'í World, and this frequently involves a small measure of delay in achieving our various goals set locally. But he considers it sufficiently important to warrant the sacrifices it sometimes involves:
In this connection he would like to mention your Local By-Laws: He feels that they should conform much more closely to the original one of the New York Assembly. What isabsolutely essential was incorporated in those, and all other Local Assemblies being incorporated should follow this pattern as closely as local legal technicalities permit. This again is in order to maintain international uniformity in essentials. It is not a question here of whether the By-Laws drawn up by your Legal Committee are not more up to date and do not represent the last word, undoubtedly they are and do, but if every country, when drawing up its Local By-Laws, continues this process of elaboration, in the end uniformity will be lost. The Eastern Assemblies have adhered to the original By-Laws so carefully that they have practically translated them word for word and adopted them. He feels sure Mr. Dive will understand this, and he would like you to please express to him his deep appreciation of the excellent work he has done in this connection, truly a labour of love to the Faith.
There is also another, perhaps even more pertinent reason, why he does not want anything more added to these New York By-Laws, and that is that he is everywhere urging the believers - the Americans included - to not add procedures and rulings to the Cause. He considers that what he has laid down in Bahá'í Administration is essential, but that practically everything else is secondary and he wishes the Assemblies, your own included, to deal with things with elasticity, as they come up, case by case, and not by continually passing new rulings to cover all similar cases.
The efforts being made by your Assembly to carry out the Teaching Plan for Australia and New Zealand, and the ever-increasing response of the believers in both places to this all-important work, greatly encourage and cheer him. He feels sure a very great future lies in store for our beloved Faith in those distant regions, but much more still remains to be done by the friends in order to complete this first, historic and vital, organized Plan of theirs. He feels sure they will see it through to victory; just as their brothers and sisters in other lands, working also on Plans of their own, are determined to achieve all their goals at the appointed time, so must they persevere and ensure a resounding victory for the Faith there in the Antipodes.
His loving prayers are offered in the Holy Shrines very often for the success of your work, and that God may bless you and all the members of the National Assembly in the discharge of your important duties.
With Bahá'í love, Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani.
P.S. I wish to also acknowledge receipt of the letter of your Assembly's Treasurer, dated Dec. 23rd, and to thank you, on behalf of the Guardian, for your loving contribution to the International Fund here in Haifa. He regrets the delay in getting this off to you, but has been too busy to attend to it owing to work in connection with the Shrine here. Kindly give the enclosed receipt to Mr. Tunks.
Dear and valued co-workers:Recent communications and reports from your Assembly have revealed, in a very striking manner, the magnificent progress achieved by the alert, the faithful, and truly distinguished communities of the followers of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. The range of their labours, the rapid consolidation of their swiftly multiplying institutions, the soundness and solidity of the foundations, on which they are erecting these institutions, the exemplary loyalty they demonstrate, the solidarity and self-sacrifice, the courage and confidence they display in their incessant and manifold activities, prove, beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Faith they love and serve so nobly and efficiently has at last been firmly and unassailably established in the Antipodes, and that its upholders and defenders in those far-away yet highly promising islands are contributing a notable and never-to-be-forgotten share to the onward march and unfoldment of its world Administrative Order.
I desire to offer the members of this high-minded, this resolute and dearly-beloved community, and particularly its elected representatives, my heartfelt congratulations on their splendid achievements which posterity will recognize as deeds that have truly enriched and adorned the annals of the Faith in the opening years of the second Bahá'í century.
As the processes impelling a rapidly evolving Order on the highroad of its destiny multiply and gather momentum, attention should be increasingly directed to the vital need of ensuring, by every means possible, the deepening of the Faith, the understanding and the spiritual life of the individuals who, as the privileged members of this community, are called upon to participate in this glorious unfoldment, and are lending their assistance to this historic evolution. A profound study of the Faith which they have espoused, its history, its spiritual as well as administrative principles; a thorough understanding of the Covenant of Bahá'u'lláh and of the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, a deeper realization of the implications of the claims advanced by the Founders of the Faith; strict adherence to the laws and principles which they have established; a greater dedication to the fundamentals and verities enshrined in their teachings - these constitute, I feel convinced, the urgent need of the members of this rapidly expanding community. For upon this spiritual foundation must depend the solidity of the institutions which they are now so painstakingly erecting. Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication of Bahá'í institutions, must be paralleled by a deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the community and ensure its sound development. From this vital, this ever-present need, attention must at no time be diverted; nor must it be, under any circumstances, neglected, or subordinated to the no less vital and urgent task of ensuring the outer expansion of Bahá'í administrative institutions. That this community, so alive, so devoted, so strikingly and rapidly developing, may maintain a proper balance between these two essential aspects of its development, and march forward with rapid strides and along sound lines toward the goal of the Plan it has adopted, is the ardent hope of my heart and my constant prayer.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.DELIGHTED ASSURE ATTENDANTS NEWLY ENROLLED FAMILY LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS MAY SCHOOL SESSIONS PROVE LANDMARK PROGRESS FAITH LEND TREMENDOUS IMPETUS UNFOLDMENT PLAN DEEPEST LOVE
2 January 1949This is just a little note, from our beloved Guardian, to tell you your letter of December 4 was received, and he is very happy to hear of the new believers.
The Cause's spread there in New Zealand is at last beginning to gain impetus, and he feels sure this is, in no small measure due to your presence.
He is delighted to hear of your plans for a summer school there, and also of the study class conducted in your home, and the response in South Island to advertisements about the Cause.
Again he assures you his loving prayers are offered for the success of your devoted services,
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my keen and abiding heartfelt appreciation of your splendid services to our beloved Faith, of my ardent and continued prayers for your success and for the realisation of your hearts desire in the service of its new born God-given institutions,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi12 January 1949 Jean Alicia Hutchinsonsmith care Bahá'í London
LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES SHOGHI RABBANIDELIGHTED GRATEFUL NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT PRAYING INCREASE FERVOUR STILL GREATER EXTENSION HIGHLY MERITORIOUS LABOUR SHOGHI RABBANI
21 January 1949 [National Spiritual Assembly]ADVISE REGARD ASSEMBLY BASIS CIVIL LIMITS LETTER EXPLAINING MATTER MAILED
21 January 1949LOVING PRAYERS ACCOMPANYING YOU STOP ADVISE EXTEND UTMOST ASSISTANT BRITISH BELIEVERS PROMOTION PLAN
21 January 1949Summer School, care Bahá'í Assembly, Post Box 1906 Auckland.
ASSURE ATTENDANTS HEARTFELT LOVING PRAYERS SUCCESS SESSION REALIZATION DEAREST HOPES DEEPEST APPRECIATION
28 February 1949 [National Spiritual Assembly]ASSEMBLY MEMBERS LOVINGLY GRATEFULLY REMEMBERED SHRINES PRAYING FERVENTLY UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS TEACHING ACTIVITIES SHOGHI RABBANI
8 March 1949 [Ethel Dawe]Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 1st, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very pleased over the prospect of your being able, during this year's "rest" to render very valuable and much needed services in the teaching field. As he already stated in his answer to your cable, which he hopes reached you via Australia, he is anxious for you to help the British Teaching Plan all you can.
In addition to this he feels that your attendance, at the next European Teaching Conference, would be of great inspiration to you, and also enable you to visit some of the continental centers and help the new Assemblies and pioneers.
On your way home - if, as you say, your ambitious and highly meritorious plan works out! - he would be particularly pleased if you could see the Sofia Bahá'ís and those in Turkey. Beloved Marion Jack would be so grateful for even a glimpse of a believer from outside, after all these heroic years alone there, (she is now about 80!) and the friends in Turkey are now active and longing for help. Enclosed you will find their addresses.
He wishes you every success and great happiness in this service you are about to undertake, and his loving prayers support you, you may be sure.
With warm love, R. Rabbani.P.S. He, too, is very sorry circumstances do not permit at present of pilgrims coming here. We would all be delighted to see you again.
May the Almighty bless your highly valued & indefatigable services, aid you to reinforce the work being now accomplished by the British Bahá'í Community, & lend a great impetus, on your return, to the splendid progress achieved in your homeland by the dearly-beloved believers.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiAPPRECIATE GREETINGS ASSEMBLY AND DEARLY BELOVED BELIEVERS REMEMBERED SHRINES SUPPLICATING BLESSINGS SHOGHI RABBANI
22 March 1949Heggie, 47 Ross Street, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
LOVING APPRECIATION ARDENTLY PRAYING FORMATION BRISBANE ASSEMBLY
1 April 1949 [National Spiritual Assembly]CABLE NUMBER ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED BELIEVERS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ALSO NUMBER EXPECTED ASSEMBLIES COMING Ridvan - SHOGHI RABBANI
22 April 1949 Brisbane Bahá'ís, care Natbahai, Sydney.
APPRECIATE GREETINGS REJOICE ELECTION ASSEMBLY LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES
22 April 1949 Perth Bahá'ís, 88 Thomas Street, West Perth.
DELIGHTED ASSURE YOU PRAYERS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS
30 April 1949 [National Convention]ASSURE DELEGATES FRIENDS DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION NOBLE SENTIMENTS STOP ARDENTLY PRAYING BEFITTING DISCHARGE SACRED RESPONSIBILITIES STEADY EXTENSION CONTINUED CONSOLIDATION MAGNIFICENT LABOURS AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND Bahá'í COMMUNITIES STOP DEEPLY GRATEFUL HISTORIC SERVICES ALREADY RENDERED FAITH BAHAULLAH SHOGHI
30 May 1949 [National Youth Committee]Your letter of April 30th has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He was delighted to hear of your holding the first National Youth Conference, and feels this is the beginning of a new period of development in the youth work out there, and that it will now go on to build up many youth groups and attract many fine, eager young people to the Faith.
Your work is one to which he attaches great importance. In America, Europe and England a large percentage of the pioneers have been young people, and the services they have rendered have been of great value in forwarding the work of the various Plans. He feels sure that in New Zealand and Australia the same must prove true, and that the Bahá'í youth must and will come forward to share in the all-important pioneer activities.
He urges you to persevere with confident hearts. With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
Dear and Valued co-workers:Your most welcome message brought great joy to my heart, and evoked my deep feelings of admiration for the spirit that animates you in the service of our beloved Faith. I rejoice to learn of the work you have accomplished, and of your zeal and determination to promote the Six Year Plan. I will ardently beseech our Beloved to crown your high endeavours with success, and enable you to achieve the desire of your hearts in His service,
your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letters dated February 23; March 14, 16; April 4,5,11; May 2, 13, 27, June 1, 7, 21 (3 of this date), 24; have all been received, as well as their enclosures, and the material sent under separate cover, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has gone over the copy of the By-Laws of a Local Assembly which you sent him, and he approves of the slight changes you have made in the wording, as well as the additions at the very beginning, providing you consider the addition essential in order to secure the government recognition you are going to seek in the future. However, he feels that Article VI is not correct in the form you have given it, because you state "all persons resident...who have attained the age of 15 years". The original New York By-Laws are more correct, because they differentiate clearly between all members of the community and voting members who are 21 years of age or more. In other words children under 15 years are Bahá'ís according to the New York version, which is correct, but according to your version only people over 15 years are Bahá'ís which is not correct. He thinks you should go back to the New York version. The declaration of faith by children when they reach the age of 15 in the United States is in order to enable the American Youth to apply for exemption, under the American laws, from active military service. It has no other purpose, but in that country is expedient. It is not necessary to add such a clause to your By-Laws.
Other points which he feels are not necessary and should be deleted are those heavily underlined portions in Section 5 of Article XII and Article XIII. In both these cases the New York By-Laws should be followed and not added to. Likewise he feels that in Article XIV, under the heading "These By-Laws (on page 11) B and C should be deleted as they are not in the New York original and not necessary. Naturally, all Assemblies are under N.S.A. jurisdiction, but this need not be included.
He wishes the essentials to be maintained as per the New York By-Laws, but not amplified and added to, as this will gradually lead, all over the Bahá'í world, to a steady addition of unessential rules and restrict the freedom and plasticity of the Cause. As he has repeatedly told the American and other National Assemblies, it is much better to deal with situations and new requirements as they arise, and not to have it all down in black and white and rigid before hand.
He is very happy to see you are steadily working towards the goal of having Local Assemblies empowered to hold property legally and to perform Bahá'í marriages. No doubt the act of the Canadian Parliament recently passed, and giving the Canadian N.S.A. legal status will act as an important precedent when the time is ripe for you to present your own petitions to your Government.
The news that there is now a Spiritual Assembly in every capital city of the various states in Australia pleased him immensely. This is an historic land-mark in your progress out there, and must act as a keen incentive to further exploits on the part of the Australian Bahá'ís.
He was also delighted to see that certain of the Bahá'ís have received official permission not to work on Bahá'í Holy Days. He admires the initiative these believers have shown, and hopes many others will follow their example.
Likewise, he was very pleased to see you are holding your N.S.A. meetings in various centres, as this will greatly stimulate the local work, draw the friends closer to your body, and promote unity and enthusiasm amongst them.
The Act of your Assembly of depriving Mr. Austin of his voting rights was wise and correct. Unless he demonstrates an entire change of character he certainly cannot claim to be a member of any Bahá'í Community.
He appreciated the Secretary's forwarding to him copies of the Bishop's letters acknowledging receipt of "God Passes By" - though their answers in no way imply any spiritual wakefulness on their parts, alas!
He was very happy to see that New Zealand friends were present at the Convention. In general the work in New Zealand is certainly progressing, and beginning to show really promising signs for the immediate future.
The generous donation of land to Yerrinbool School by Mr. Styles91 will certainly re-enforce that valuable Bahá'í property, and the Guardian very much appreciated this act of his.
His confidence in, and admiration for, the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand is steadily increasing, as he witnesses the enthusiasm and self-confidence of the believers out there, and the increased capacity of their National Body to handle wisely and capably the affairs of the Cause.
He assures you all, and through you the believers, of his loving prayers for your success and the attainment of all the goals of your historic Plan.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.The notable progress achieved in recent months, in so many fields and in spite of adverse circumstances, demonstrates afresh the vitality of the faith and the soundness of the outlook, of the members of the fast-advancing and steadily consolidating community of the followers of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. This remarkable process of expansion and consolidation augurs well for the ultimate success of the Plan to which the combined resources of this community are committed. The various reports, both local and national which I have perused with sustained interest and quickened admiration, attest the rapid and sound development, of the institutions of a Faith that is so rich in promise, and whose interests are being promoted with such devotion, energy, loyalty and consecration by the members of this community.
What has been achieved, in both the teaching field and in the administrative sphere of Bahá'í service, however is but a stepping stone to the still greater victories which the gradual unfoldment of the Plan must inevitably produce. The multiplication of the groups and Assemblies that constitute the bedrock of the Faith, must accompany the consolidating process which must bring in its wake, on the one hand, the incorporation of these Assemblies and their recognition by the civil authorities, and the establishment, on the other, of Bahá'í local endowments and the right of these Assemblies to execute, officially, the fundamental laws of the Most Holy Book regarding both marriage and divorce that constitute the distinguishing feature of this most holy and august Dispensation.
The task undertaken is immense, fraught with momentous possibilities, highly delicate in nature, and bound to have far-reaching repercussions, not only in the West, and particularly in the continent of Europe, where the institutions of Bahá'u'lláh's Administrative Order are emerging with such rapidity and showing such promise, but on the continent of Asia, where the overwhelming majority of the followers of the Most Great Name, have endured such grievous afflictions, and are faced with grave peril, and are battling so heroically against the forces of darkness with which they are encompassed.
The nature of the work in which this wide-awake, untrammelled unprejudiced, freedom-loving community, is so energetically engaged, cannot, therefore, be regarded as a purely local and isolated enterprise, but is vitally linked with the fortunes of a world-encircling Order, functioning mysteriously in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, highly organized in its administrative machinery, sensitive in its features, revolutionizing in its implications, and destined to seek increasingly, as it expands and develops, the good-will and assistance of the civil authorities in every continent of the globe.
The number of pioneers, both from among the veterans of the Faith who have participated in the early establishment of this infant Order in the Antipodes, and the new believers who have embraced its Cause, must, if this task is to be successfully carried out, be substantially increased. The flow of funds to both the local and national treasuries must correspondingly be augmented and systematically sustained. The heroism and self-sacrifice of those who prosecute the Plan, both as administrators and pioneers, must attain greater heights and engender still more powerful forces in the spiritual life of this community.
The relationship binding it to the civil authorities of the Australian Commonwealth, the Dominion of New Zealand and the Island of Tasmania, must be assiduously fostered. The ties linking it with the members of the world-wide community of the adherents of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, must be rapidly strengthened and multiplied. The unity and solidarity of its constituent members must be simultaneously reinforced, its roots permanently planted in the soil of the Covenants of both Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, its branches spread out irresistibly to the furthest ends of that far-off continent, its vision clarified, its determination reaffirmed and its consecration deepened.
Obstacles, varied and numerous, will no doubt arise to impede the onward march of this community. Reverses may temporarily dim the radiance of its mission. The forces of religious orthodoxy may well, at a future date, be leagued against it. The exponents of theories and doctrines fundamentally opposed to its religious tenets and social principles may challenge its infant strength with persistence and severity. The Administrative Order - the Ark destined to preserve its integrity and carry it to safety - must without delay, without exception, claim the attention of the members of this community, its ideals must be continually cherished in their hearts, its purposes studied and kept constantly before their eyes, its requirements wholeheartedly met, its laws scrupulously upheld, its institutions unstintingly supported, its glorious mission noised abroad, and its spirit made the sole motivating purpose of their lives.
Then and only then, will this community, so young, so vibrant with life, so rich in promise, so dedicated to its task, be in a position to discharge adequately its weighty responsibilities, to reap the full harvest it has sown, acquire still greater potentialities for the conduct of subsequent stages in the crusade on which it has embarked, and contribute, to a degree unsuspected as yet by its members, its full share to the World-wide establishment of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, the emancipation of its Oriental followers, the recognition of its independence, the birth of its World Order and the emergence of that world civilisation which that Order is destined to create.
Your true brother, Shoghi.22 August 1949 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Adelaide, Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter, dated June 3, with attached correspondence, was received by the beloved Guardian, forwarded by the N.S.A., and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has written to the National Assembly about the whole matter of the local By-Laws and approved of some of their changes of the original New York By-Laws and instructed them not to change other portions; so he feels now the whole matter is clarified and the N.S.A. can go ahead on the instructions they have received from him.
Naturally, we all realize that all Local Assemblies are under the jurisdiction of their National Assembly, just as at present all National Assemblies are watched over and instructed by the Guardian. The Local Assembly cannot disregard its National Body, but has the right to appeal, as you have done, and to carry the matter to Shoghi Effendi himself.
The general principle has always been to encourage Local Assemblies to incorporate, but they do this with the knowledge of their N.S.A. so as to ensure uniformity, and also so that weak Assemblies will not prematurely incorporate & perhaps later be forced to dissolve. So your Assembly, by incorporating was certainly following the Guardian's advice.
Now, however, that he has given full instructions to the N.S.A., he feels you must co-operate in every way with that Body, in order to hasten the day when the Government will grant incorporation nationally and locally.
He urges you all to concentrate on the teaching work, and assures you of his prayers. He deeply values your loyal and devoted services to the Cause.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniP.S. The Guardian says there is no objection to the placing of a framed copy of the Enrolment Certificate on the wall of the meeting room of the Assembly, or Bahá'í Hall.
Dear co-workers:I deeply appreciate the spirit that animates you in your meritorious services to our beloved Faith. I cherish great hopes for your future work, and will fervently supplicated our Beloved to guide and sustain you in your incessant labours, aid you to extend continually the range of your beneficent activities, & win memorable victories for His Faith & its institutions in that far-away continent,
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiThis is just a little note to ask you, on behalf of our beloved Guardian, to please make the following corrections in a quotation of his words, published in the August number of your Bahá'í New Bulletin, on page 5: "As the processes impelling" (not "in filling"); in the sentence lower down, reading:"the deepening of the faith, understanding and spiritual life..." both "faith" and "spiritual" should not be capitalized, but be printed as I have written them above; above the words "this historic evolution" there should be a period, as it is the end of the sentence.
Hoping you received the long letter recently mailed you, and with loving Bahá'í greetings,
Yours, R. Rabbani.P.S. He wishes to thank you and dear Mr. Bolton for the loving gift of Bolton Place to the Bahá'í Community of Australia. This is an excellent example, and befitting gesture, for it has many associations with the spread and development of the Faith in Australia, and has further enriched the record of your historic services to the Faith.
20 October 1949Your letter of September 4 reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He appreciates your devotion, and your ceaseless service to the Cause of God, very much and feels that, in spite of the temporary set-backs in the work there in Hobart, the friends will succeed in holding the advantages they have gained after so many years of patient labour.
The work throughout Australia and New Zealand is now progressing at a much faster rate, and the foundations laid so faithfully and permanently by the dear Dunns are proving their strength and capacity to uphold the Administrative edifice now erected upon them. With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:The services you have rendered, & are rendering, our beloved Faith, deserve indeed the highest praise, & I feel deeply grateful to you, & admire the spirit that so powerfully animates you. Persevere in your noble endeavours, & rest assured that our beloved Master, whose Cause you serve, with such devotion, will watch over you & reward you for your labours.
Your true and grateful brother, ShoghiYour letter dated September 23 has been received, with its enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He is sorry to hear you resigned from your Local Assembly as he feels that in spite of how much an individual may suffer over conditions he feels are not as they should be, he should nevertheless stick it out for the sake of serving the Cause, and showing a firm example of endurance and willingness to serve to the newer believers. He knows this requires courage and self-sacrifice, but he feels you are capable of both.
The Guardian was not satisfied with some of the changes made in the By-Laws, and he wrote (recently) the N.S.A. and in detail pointed out what could be changed and what was too great a departure from the original model. He feels, therefore, that you and other friends who were justifiably disturbed about this matter, can now rest assured that the matter is clarified and the necessary action has been taken.
The difficulties, and the evidences of immaturity, which you mention in your letter are not confined to Australia. They seem to be an inevitable phase in the growth of our Administration, which is so much more perfect than the believers called upon to create it! There are bound to be many misunderstandings, and some small abuses, in erecting a system which is so different from the ways men are used to. But we must not attach undue importance to these things, but look upon them as a mother looks upon the mistakes of her children, realizing that with maturity will come the capacity to handle situations better and with more sound judgement.
The Guardian has encouraged the breaking up of large communities, wherever possible, in order to form more Assemblies. This process produces at first a weakening effect, naturally, on the larger communities; but it is essential and the results will soon be seen to offset the disadvantages.
He urges you to continue your devoted services to the Cause, with a mind at rest, confidant that those conditions which distress you so much are only a phase and will soon pass away.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI wish to appeal to you in person not to feel discouraged nor to relax in your efforts for the promotion of the interests of the Faith & a better understanding of the administrative principles by the believers in that land. The Beloved will surely bless your efforts & remove all obstacles from your path if you persevere, & will enable you to fulfil your heart's desire. I will pray ardently for your welfare & success. Rest assured & persevere,
Your true & grateful brother. ShoghiRegret visit still inadvisable deeply appreciated services love Shoghi
23 November 1949Your letter of October 28 has been received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
First, let me say how very deeply he appreciates the services you have been rendering our glorious Faith in Australia, and particularly Perth, during the past two years. Your trip has been of real assistance to the teaching work, and it pleased him greatly.
Regarding Mr. Perdu: it was with the approval of the Guardian that his name was removed from the voting list. It is very bad for the Cause to have a member of the Community,actively, in the public eye, teaching the Faith, and at the same time showing dishonest characteristics. We cannot possibly say that because a person also has many virtues, faults as grave as lying and dishonourable conduct regarding money, can be overlooked! This means that we tolerate as representatives of our Faith people who flagrantly disobey its laws and fundamental teachings. This does not mean there is no hope for Mr. Perdu; let him change his conduct, if he really loves the Cause, and then a way will be opened for him to again be active. But the change must be real and obvious; mere protestations will serve no purpose.
He urges you to continue your services in the teaching field in New Zealand, and also to write to the friends in Australia who are disturbed about Mr. Perdu, and strengthen their faith and determination.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty, Whose Cause you serve with such zeal & devotion, reward you for your labours, & graciously assist you to win great victories for His Faith & its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiHEARTILY CONGRATULATE NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY PURCHASE PROPERTY SCHOOL ADVISE NAME HYDE DUNN PERPETUATE MEMORY SPIRITUAL CONQUEROR AUSTRALASIA SHOGHI
30 November 1949Kirsten Sanderson Perdu, 14 Morley Street, Toowong, Queensland.
ASSURE WRIGHT PRAYERS18 December 1949 The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Auckland, N.Z.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of October 25 was received, and our Guardian was delighted to hear the details of this property you have purchased, and which he trusts will grow to be a very important Bahá'í endowment. He will be pleased to receive the pictures of it.
He felt that no name could be more befitting than that of dear father Dunn. May the spirit this wonderful soul exemplified stream forth from your school and quicken those Islands.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless bountifully your meritorious labours, guide & sustain you, at all times & under all circumstances, aid you to overcome every obstacle that confronts you, & enable you to lend a tremendous impetus, in the days to come, to the progress of your historic work in that promising & far-away Island.
Your true & grateful brother, ShoghiP.S. Since writing this letter yours of Nov.29, has been received. He will certainly pray for the success of your Summer School sessions, so soon to begin, and for the speedy development of the new school property you have just purchased.
18 December 1949Your letter of November 1st. was received, and, although our beloved Guardian is so busy at present on the Shrine work here that his mail is piling up alarmingly, he does want to send you a word of appreciation for your fine, constructive spirit and the services you are rendering the Faith.
Vicious criticism is indeed a calamity. But its root is lack of faith in the system of Bahá'u'lláh, (i.e. the administrative order), and lack of obedience to Him - for He has it! If the Bahá'ís would follow the Bahá'í laws in voting, in electing, in serving, and in abiding by Assembly decisions, all this waste of strength thru criticising others could be diverted into cooperation and achieving the Plan. Keep on trying to point this out to them!
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving prayers for the success of every effort you exert for the promotion of our beloved Faith, & the realization of every desire you cherish for its progress,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi28 December 1949 Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Adelaide.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:Your letter of December 14 has been received, as well as its enclosures, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.
He sympathises with you in your feeling of distress about the immediate consequences which will follow upon carrying out the instructions of your N.S.A. regarding the formation of groups in the various municipalities about Adelaide proper. However, he feels that your feelings are largely caused by a certain degree of confusion in your minds about the administration.
In the United States this principle has already been put into effect some years ago, namely that a Spiritual Assembly should be constituted by voting believers resident within the civic limits of any given place. At first this change-over caused difficulties and confusion in many centres, particularly large and old ones, like your own there in Adelaide, but it greatly strengthened the Cause, put the administration on a firm and logical foundation from a legal point of view as well as an administrative one, increased not only the number of Assemblies but also the number of groups, and gave more believers a chance to function actively.
The time has now come when the same thing can and must be done in Australia. Your Assembly and Community should look upon this as a challenge and an opportunity to assist the Faith to expand, not only locally but nationally.
The Guardian does not consider that local difficulties, such as tram lines, etc, can be allowed to stand in the way of a national policy, which is what this change is - a new national policy given your N.S.A. by the Guardian himself.
Because of the national character of the change involved there was no necessity for your N.S.A. to consult any Local Assembly. It is the right and duty of the N.S.A. to manage the national affairs of the community at large.
Likewise, he does not feel that any of your community members should feel they are having their vote taken from them. If they moved away and became isolated believers, under normal circumstances, they would lose their vote. In future, when your country passes through this transitional period, and you have believers spread more evenly over your states, the state will be the unit, not the Assembly (which is now the case in America), and then every Bahá'í isolated or otherwise, will have a vote.
It will be seen, therefore, that the sooner Adelaide puts into operation the plan outlined for them by their N.S.A., the sooner will this period of transition be passed. Also, it will hasten the day when all Local Assemblies can be incorporated and received recognised status, along with their N.S.A., from the government.
Judging from the many letters he has received from Australia dealing with administrative details, he feels the friends there are attaching too much importance to it. Administration is to facilitate teaching work primarily. It is not something to be over-elaborated and become a source of dissension amongst the believers.
He hopes, now that he has frankly pointed out to you what must be done, you will do it not only with minds at rest as to the wisdom of the N.S.A.'s plan, but also with hearts thrilled by the challenge of this opportunity - for it is an opportunity - to build up new Assemblies, new groups, and give more of your Adelaide members a chance to become active in both the teaching work and on the future Assemblies.
With warmest greetings, R. Rabbani.P.S. He feels he should call your attention to the fact that this separation does not mean none of the believers residing in greater Adelaide cannot hold, for instance, joint anniversaries or Holy Days together, or Feasts, or public meetings. It is the general principle of an Assembly within a civil area which is involved.
May the Almighty bless continually your efforts, guide and sustain you in your constant & meritorious activities, remove every obstacle that hinders the progress of your beneficent work in the service of His Faith, & assist you to win memorable victories for its newly-born divinely appointed institutions,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.GRIEVED PASSING PRECIOUS PIONEER PROMOTER FAITH MRS AXFORD PRAYING FERVENTLY SHRINES PROGRESS SOUL Abhá Kingdom HER SERVICES UNFORGETTABLE SHOGHI
29 December 1949 [National Spiritual Assembly]DO NOT SEND ANY PAPERS REPLIED ADELAIDE LETTER ALREADY SHOGHI
29 December 1949Summer School, care Auckland Assembly, Box 1906, Auckland.
ASSURE ATTENDANTS SUPPLICATING RICHEST BLESSINGS DELIBERATION
1950Your cabled message to our beloved Guardian reached him, and he has instructed me to answer it by airmail on his behalf, as what he would like to say is better expressed this way than in a cablegram.
He thinks you should by all means write the biography of our dear Bahá'í sister, Mrs Axford, who was such an old, loyal and devoted believer. Such histories will mean a great deal more in the future than we can appreciate at present, and you should, therefore, devote yourself to compiling and presenting the facts as thoroughly and authentically as possible.
He wishes you every success in this service you are rendering to one of the earliest and dearest of those believers associated with the development of the Faith in New Zealand, and he will pray that you may be guided and assisted in this work and in all you do for the Cause of God.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniYour letter of December 22, with enclosures, was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He knew there was an Australian Bahá'í in Switzerland, and is now most happy to have this contact with you, and on such an auspicious occasion as your offering to do pioneer service in Europe!
He fully approves of your offering your services to the European Teaching Committee as a pioneer. There can certainly be no reason for a non-American Bahá'í to serve in this capacity! In the British Isles many pioneers are Persian or Egyptian or of some other nationality than British, and they are ardently working to achieve the goals of the British believers' Plan. Likewise, as you know many of those serving in Switzerland are Oriental Bahá'ís.
He will pray that your family may accept this with a good spirit, and that you may fulfil your heart's desire.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless your high endeavours, guide you in your pioneer services, aid you to overcome every obstacle, & win memorable victories for His Faith & its nascent institutions.
Your true brother,Your letter of January 20 has been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Your wonderful trip, so full of enriching experiences, has no doubt fitted you to be much more active in the teaching field in Australia and the Guardian hopes you will accomplish great things in this all-important branch of service.
Distressing to you as many things have been in the Bahá'í administrative work there, he does not feel that the "growing pains" are any more grave than many he has seen in other countries! Unfortunately, the friends are all, for the most part, spiritually immature; if it is not one problem it is another, invariably, which springs up to test and try one's patience and steadfastness!
He does not feel that a person away from home for a prolonged trip can continue to vote in the home elections.
The Guardian urges you to persevere in your services and your efforts to unite the friends in love and devotion. Time will overcome many of the difficulties, and greater vision will help, too!
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniI wish to assure you of my loving and deepfelt appreciation of your
constant and manifold services to our beloved Faith. I will supplicate the Beloved to bless continually your high endeavours, to remove every obstacle from your path, & enable you to win great victories for its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of December 12 was received, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf. He would have replied sooner had he not been so frightfully busy this winter, and had he not, just about the time your letter came, been writing to Adelaide anyway.
He hopes that by now the whole thing has been settled. So many troubles in the Cause are caused by lack of a sound knowledge of the Administration; and, like a great deal of knowledge, the only way to get it to sink deep is by the painful process of trial and error! The friends must be patient not only with each other but also with themselves. They must also really make an effort to put aside the habit of such bitter attacks on their N.S.A., their Local S.A., or on individuals. These only harm the Faith and veil those who make them from the light of guidance.
The Guardian is praying that the situation in Adelaide may improve and that the friends may concentrate on the essential work of increasing their numbers and forget about such a secondary question as whether they are divided into a series of groups in various local municipalities or form one huge community in greater Adelaide.
With warmest greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Beloved bless, sustain & guide you in your constant & deeply appreciated endeavours for the promotion of His Faith, & may He enable you to win great victories for its institutions,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letters, dated 18 and 20 October, 1949 were received by our beloved Guardian, as well as the manuscript you forwarded him separately.
He invariably refuses to go over any manuscripts sent him by the friends, as he has no time to do so at all. He regrets this necessity to refuse your request, but feels sure you will understand it is in no way personal. It was very nice of you to send the dedication to him; he appreciated this very much.
He will now give you his sincere advice regarding Theosophy: this teaching has done much for you and you owe it much; you might have never been receptive to the Bahá'í Faith if Theosophy had not stirred up your mind to thinking along new lines. But when a child is born, out of mistaken loyalty it must not seek to cling to the womb. The new life is fuller and better. It can be grateful to the womb. So you, now born into the fuller Light of Bahá'u'lláh's teachings, should not cling to Theosophy any longer. You are, naturally, entirely free in this matter. But before deciding for yourself what course you wish to pursue - to be a Bahá'í or a theosophist - he advises you to pray about the matters troubling you and meditate on them. What the Master says about re-incarnation we Bahá'ís must accept as true; the proofs and evidence to the contrary are subject to other interpretations than that of re-incarnation.
The Guardian will pray for your guidance and your progress in understanding.
With Bahá'í love,Assuring you of my loving prayers for your spiritual advancement and the success of your efforts for the promotion of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi26 March 1950 Mr H. Fitzner,95 sec. Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Adelaide.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:This is just a little note to acknowledge the receipt of your letter (with enclosures) dated 22.12.49
By now the Guardian's reply to your previous letter has no doubt reached you, and he trusts the Adelaide believers are feeling more reassured about matters, and are actively working towards the establishment of more and stronger Assemblies in that area.
With Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty bless your efforts, guide & sustain you & enable you to contribute effectively to the multiplication & consolidation of the institutions of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiBecause our beloved Guardian has delayed so long in answering your letters (dated May 18, July 17, and November 8, 1949, and January 2, 1950) you must not think he did not appreciate receiving them. On the contrary, he was delighted to hear of all you could accomplish on the Continent and with the British Plan, and as he was in cable communication with you, he let your letters wait while he attended to more urgent ones. He is often forced to do this, but feels sure the friends understand the reason for delay.
Your extended visit has been of great help to the friends in many places. It was much more important for you to do what you did than to go back via Persia and India, and have so little time en route to see the Bahá'ís.
It seems as if temporarily at least we must resign ourselves to the fact that people of real prominence in the world are too ambitious, too timid or too spiritually weak, to embrace the Faith and stand up for it. However, contacts such as that you made with Countess Gowrie are very worth while. They serve to make us known in higher circles and to create a favourable opinion of us.
The Guardian is sorry you should have been so near - in the Suez Canal - and yet not able to come here. But as he has not made any exceptions he did not feel it would be fair to let you come when others, who have never seen Haifa, have been refused. No doubt in the future the way will open.
He will particularly pray that your health may improve, and deeply values your devoted services and your love for the Cause.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.May the Beloved abundantly reward you for your recent notable international services to His Faith, guide, protect & sustain you always, remove every obstacle in your path, & graciously assist you to enrich the splendid record of your services to His Faith & its institutions.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi.PROMPTLY PREPARE MAP SHOWING ASSEMBLIES GROUPS ISOLATED CENTRES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA AIRMAIL HAIFA SHOGHI
29 April 1950 [National Convention]ASSURE DELEGATES CONVENTION LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING ALMIGHTY BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS MAY REDEDICATION PARTICIPANTS YIELD RICHEST FRUIT AND UNPRECEDENTED IMPETUS EXPANSION FAITH CONSOLIDATION MULTIPLICATION ITS INSTITUTIONS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA SHOGHI
1 May 1950WELCOME PLANS SUPPLICATING DIVINE BLESSINGS DELIBERATIONS SUCCESS HIGH ENDEAVOURS REALIZATION DEAREST HOPES
28 June 1950 [National Spiritual Assembly]Your letters of August 9, 19; September 14, 22; November 7, 10, 21; of 1949; January 19; February 28; March 8, 31; April 11; May 2 (two), 1950, have been received by our beloved Guardian and he has instructed me to answer them on his behalf. The many enclosures and material forwarded have, likewise, been safely received.
It has been impossible for our Guardian to keep abreast of his correspondence and other work this Winter and Spring. It is only during the last week that he has been able to turn to the mountain of mail, representing the correspondence of the various National Assemblies, and commence replying. The reason for this regrettable delay is that in order to get the arcade of the Shrine of the Báb finished in time for the centenary of His Martyrdom he had to undertake extensive excavations into the solid rock of the mountain behind the Shrine - the new edifice being much larger than the precious original building it is designed to enshrine and protect. This work he personally supervised in order to ensure the Shrine was in no way damaged, and to see the cost was kept within bounds. You can imagine this was a very exacting and tiring ordeal for him.
Then, just as he had hoped to take up his overburdening correspondence, Mr. Maxwell, the architect of the Shrine, at the beginning of April became desperately ill, and for ten weeks absorbed the anxious care and attention of us all, as his condition was seemingly hopeless. Thanks to the Mercy of Bahá'u'lláh and the determination of the Guardian, he is recovering and our lives are getting back to normal routine.
The Guardian regrets very much the conduct of Mr Perdu; it seems now fairly clear that he is a former Bahá'í from India who misconducted himself there over a period of years and then showed up, under a different name, in Australia. No one who conducts himself as he has can remain a voting member of the Bahá'í Community for - in spite of his wide knowledge of the Faith and his belief in it - his acts are contrary to its teachings and bring not only confusion into the Community and create inharmony, but disgrace the Cause in the eyes of non-Bahá'ís.
The Guardian fully realizes that the process of splitting up large communities into smaller ones, each existing within its own civil units, has been difficult for the Australian friends. What they do not seem to fully appreciate is that this has been done in Canada and the United States as well, and is only in order to organize the Assemblies on a logical basis, and one with a firmer legal foundation. The fact that this may create more Assemblies in the end, and that it sometimes breaks up existing ones, is only incidental; the important point is to consolidate the communities on a sound basis, i.e. every Assembly within the limits of the Municipality its members reside in.
As Mrs Axford requested Mrs Thomas to write about her Bahá'í life there is every reason to respect her wishes. This in no way precludes the New Zealand Community from writing about her services and life and keeping this record in the National archives. The Guardian feels the Auckland Assembly should be consulted, as her, (Mrs Axford's), home community, by Mrs Thomas. He hopes this In Memoriam article, about so dear and tireless a servant of the Faith, will produce a spirit of love and co-operation amongst all concerned.
The gift by Miss Perks of an additional piece of land to the Yerrinbool School is deeply appreciated. It enriches the endowments already held by your Assembly. Please thank Miss Perks, on behalf of the Guardian, for this generous contribution, to the institutions of the Faith in Australia, and tell her he does not feel any name should be given the property other than of Yerrinbool School, of which it will form a part, and that she will always be remembered as the donor of it.
The acquisition of the site for the New Zealand Summer School was a great step forward in the progress of the Faith there, and he was very pleased about it. He was also delighted to hear of the formation of the Devonport Assembly, and he hopes next year there will be still more.
I would also like to answer here a question raised in Mrs Bolton's letter of March 8: the Guardian feels that no annual fixed pilgrimage should be made to the grave of Father Dunn. The friends will naturally always want to go there, when and how they like, but it must not become a ceremony, otherwise it will constitute a precedent for similar things in the future.
It is premature, and will weaken the national and local work, for delegates to be elected by State elections rather than by Assemblies. There is no question involved about believers losing their voting rights: all the time believers are gaining and losing their voting rights by becoming members of communities with Assemblies or moving out into places where they are isolated believers. The friends should not dwell on these minor details, but concentrate on teaching the Cause and exemplifying the Bahá'í life. Voting is a purely administrative detail, but teaching and serving are vital spiritual obligations. Regarding the change of the By-Laws: the Guardian considers the letter he wrote you about this subject is final. He is considerably surprised by the fact that of all the National Bodies in the Bahá'í World, operating under these By-Laws, it is only the Assembly of Australia and New Zealand, evidently acting under pressure from their legal committee, that constantly raises the question of changing them. This he considers is going too far, and is not necessary. He holds very bright hopes for the future of your work, and urges you, and through you all the believers, to concentrate on your glorious teaching tasks and forge ahead to win new victories for the beloved Faith.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.P.S. Your letter of June 9 has been received, and the Guardian deeply appreciates the contribution you sent. Please find receipt enclosed. The map you forwarded will be published in the next volume of "Bahá'í World" as the progress it shows will be of great interest to all readers.96
Dear and valued co-workers:The remarkable progress achieved by the Bahá'í communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania in promoting the Plan, designed to further the interests of the Faith in the Antipodes, is most encouraging, and will, when consummated, mark the opening of a new and glorious chapter in the history of the Faith in that continent. The varied and welcome evidences of the steady extension in the range of the manifold activities of these communities, the multiplication of Bahá'í institutions and their rapid consolidation, are particularly gratifying and merit the highest praise.
The territories in which these communities conduct their meritorious, strenuous and highly promising activities with such diligence, resolution, fidelity and devotion, are admittedly vast and constitute a direct challenge to those who are called upon to diffuse the light of the Faith, and lay an unassailable foundation for its rising Administrative Order, throughout the length and breadth of these territories.
The Plan, now operating with increasing momentum in that far-off continent, is designed to enable its prosecutors to lay the first foundations of the structure which the members of these communities must rear in the years to come. As these primary pillars of a divinely ordained steadily evolving, spiritually propelled order are successively erected and sufficiently consolidated, and the agencies designed for the launching of a systematic campaign aiming at the future proclamation of the Faith to the masses inhabiting these far-flung territories multiply, a simultaneous effort should be exerted, and measures should be carefully devised, by the national elected representatives of these same communities, for the launching of the initial enterprises destined to carry the Message of the Faith, beyond the confines of these territories, to the Islands of the Pacific, lying in their immediate neighbourhood.
For whatever may be the nature of the future successive crusades which the American and Canadian Bahá'í communities, may, under the Divine Plan of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, launch in the course of the opening decades of the second Bahá'í century, and however extensive the range of their operations, and no matter how far-reaching the future campaigns which the Bahá'í community, centred in the heart of the British Isles, may undertake throughout the widely-scattered dependencies of the British Crown, the responsibility devolving upon the National elected representatives of the Bahá'ís of the Australasian continent for the introduction of the Faith and its initial establishment in the Islands of the Pacific, linking them, on the one hand, with their sister communities in the American continents and on the other hand, with the communities in South-Eastern Asia, remains clear and inescapable.
As the various Bahá'í national communities, labouring directly as well as indirectly, under the impulse of a Divine Plan, broaden and consolidate the base of their operations in their respective homelands, and acquire the potentialities that will empower them to lend, in an ever-increasing measure, their share, and participate in the world-wide propagation of the Faith, the Australian and New Zealand believers must, for their part, contribute worthily to the overseas teaching activities and accomplishments of these communities. Already the Bahá'í community in the Great Republic of the West, the vanguard of the irresistibly marching army of Bahá'u'lláh, has launched its twin crusades in Latin America and the continent of Europe. Its collaborator in the execution of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'í Divine Plan, the Canadian Bahá'í community is busily engaged in establishing the Faith beyond the Canadian mainland and further north in the vast territory of Greenland. The Persian and Iraqi Bahá'í communities are, moreover, assiduously labouring in the adjacent territories of the Arabian Peninsula and the Kingdom of Afghanistan, while their sister-communities in the sub-continent of India are pushing the frontiers of the Faith as far as Ceylon in the South and Siam and Indonesia to the North and Southeast of that subcontinent. More recently the members of the British Bahá'í community, having brought to a successful conclusion their first historic Plan, are devising the necessary measures for the launching of a teaching enterprise in the heart of Africa, supplementing the work already accomplished by the Egyptian Bahá'í community in that continent. Shortly, and at its appointed time, yet another national community, already established in the heart of the European continent, will, as soon as the present obstacles are removed, and its internal activities are sufficiently consolidated, embark on a campaign, beyond the borders of its homeland, that will carry the light of the Faith to the adjoining Balkan territories, the Baltic states and, across the eastern frontiers of Europe, into Asia.
In this stupendous and laudable collective enterprise, world-wide in its range, divinely propelled, world-redemptive in its purpose, in which National Bahá'í communities, already sufficiently consolidated from within, are participating, each in accordance with the provisions of its own specific plan and constituting, in its proportions and potentialities, the mightiest spiritual crusade launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Faith, - in such an enterprise the Bahá'í communities of Australia and New Zealand can neither afford to remain inactive or play a negligible part. The situation they occupy, the unnumbered virgin territories lying in their neighbourhood, the vitality and adventurous spirit the members of these communities have so strikingly manifested - all demand that they arise, as soon as the process of internal consolidation is sufficiently advanced, to play their part in this world-encompassing crusade now unfolding itself in, and constituting the brightest feature of, the opening years of the second Bahá'í century.
With this glorious vision before them, assured that a full measure of Divine guidance and sustenance will be vouchsafed to them when they embark on the second stage of their collective activities, let them concentrate, in the years immediately ahead, on the tasks that require their earnest and undivided attention. The prosecution of the Plan, in all its aspects, is their primary obligation. Whatever contributes to the broadening and reinforcement of the Administrative Base, designed to guide, coordinate and extend the ramifications of their future enterprises overseas, should be unhesitatingly welcomed and carried out at the present hour and during the opening phase of their collective unified endeavour in the service of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh.
May they seize every opportunity that presents itself, surmount every obstacle that may confront them in the future, and pave the way for a befitting inauguration of the subsequent phase of their historic and rapidly unfolding mission. Shoghi.
17 July 1950Your letter dated June 25 reached our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He hopes during your visit to England you will visit as many of the Bahá'í centers as possible, and stimulate and assist the friends all you can in their teaching work.
There is always a let-down after a period of intense effort, and the British Bahá'ís have worked very hard - and very successfully - for their Plan. They must now beware not to lose the newly-created Assemblies, and any assistance and inspiration you can give them will be deeply appreciated, he feels sure. He will pray for your success in rendering this service.
With Bahá'í love,May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter to our beloved Guardian, dated May 23, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is very happy to welcome you into this glorious Faith for this day, and hopes you, and your family, will be assisted by God in serving it. You may be sure he will pray for you all.
As you perhaps know, we do not accept, except from recognised Bahá'ís, any money for Bahá'í work, because we feel this is our gift to the world! But as soon as you are a registered believer, if you wish to contribute to the work on the Báb's Shrine, he would be happy to accept it. You can send it to him direct, or through the N.S.A., which ever you like.
With warmest greetings to you, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide, sustain & bless you, enable you to deepen your understanding of the essentials of His Faith, & promote effectively its best interests.
Your true brother, ShoghiYour letter of June 29, and that written by your chairman and dated July 10, have been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf and to thank you for the brooches you sent.
He hopes you will study deeply the Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh, and become Bahá'ís not only in belief but, above all, in your acts. It is to our conduct that the world must look for leadership. Beautiful thoughts and high principles can be found everywhere, but to change our lives and live as God wishes us to is much more difficult.
The standard of Bahá'u'lláh is a standard measured by deeds.
He assures you he will pray for each and every one of you, and he wishes you every success in your Bahá'í work.
With cordial greetings, R. RabbaniMay the Almighty guide & sustain you, aid you to lay a firm foundation for His Faith, & enable you to win great & memorable victories in its service,
Your true brother, ShoghiUnder separate cover the Guardian is mailing to you two enlargements of the finished Arcade of the Báb's Shrine. These are a gift from him to the N.S.A. and believers, and he would like you to have them circulated as widely as possible, for the friends to see them, and hang them in the National Headquarters.
Please cable receipt of these photos, so he will know they reached you safely.
Also please inform the friends in the News Letter that copies of one of these views may be purchased through the American N.S.A., to whom he has sent the original film.
With loving greetings, R. Rabbani.Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Auckland, New Zealand. Mr E.B. Dewing, sec.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:Your letter on behalf of the Assembly, (as well as your personal note) dated July 6, have been received, but due to the pressure of work piled up during the long and serious illness of Mr Maxwell the Guardian's correspondence has piled up unanswered for some time.
He is very pleased to hear the Cause is making progress in New Zealand and the friends unitedly serving, which is the most important thing of all.
He was also pleased to hear the Summer School property will gradually be developed and serve the friends and the Community at large in other ways. He thanks you for the plan of it sent under separate cover.
He sends his loving greetings to all the members of the Assembly, and also would like to wish you success with your book.
With Bahá'í love, R RabbaniMay the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, remove all obstacles from your path, & enable you to win great victories for His Faith & its God-given institutions,
Your true & grateful brother,Your letter dated June 1st was received, together with the reports & clippings you were kind enough to send, and the Guardian would have replied to you sooner had he not been so busy and over worked.
He was very pleased to see you had been able to make such an extensive and useful teaching trip.
It is always most difficult to open people's eyes to their own short-comings, and to pray for them, and encourage other members of the Community to do their share of the work, seems the best way to modify the influence of domineering characters. So often such people are immature and do not mean to do any harm at all.
He was pleased to see you regard not being re-elected to the N.S.A. as a god-sent opportunity to do more teaching. It is very unfortunate, but often the friends consider administrative positions something to be coveted, whereas in reality they are a burdensome responsibility, and teaching is the greatest joy and blessing a believer can have. He hopes you will be able to devote yourself more and more to this field of service.
with Bahá'í love, R. RabbaniAssuring you of my loving & deepfelt appreciation of your constant & strenuous labours in the service of our beloved Faith, & of my ardent prayers for the realization of every hope you cherish for its promotion & consolidation,
Your true brother, ShoghiUnder separate cover the beloved Guardian has mailed you a gift from him of 2 enlargements of the finished arcade of the Báb's Shrine.
He wishes them to be shown as widely as possible to the believers, and then be hung in the National Hazíra.
Please acknowledge receipt of these by cable as soon as they reach you.
The American N.S.A. has negatives of the Shrine from which copies can be ordered if the friends desire to purchase any.
As I fear a previous letter dealing with this subject may have been lost, I am sending this one, to be sure, as a letter to Mr Holley was lost in the same mail.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani