Letter of December 2, 1951

Letter of December 2, 1951Haifa, Israel,December 2, 1951.Mrs. Dulcie E. Dive, Treasurer.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of October 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as the contribution you forwarded, a receipt for which I am enclosing.Will you kindly assure the individuals, groups and assemblies who contributed, of the Guardian’s very deep appreciation of this assistance they are giving to the work of the Shrine here. The building is going ahead rapidly; and he hopes that, within a couple of months, the octagon will be finished, and the drum section which will support the dome, can be commenced without any interruption.With loving Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved abundantly reward and bless all who have contributed for the construction of the Shrine, sustain them in their efforts, and aid them to win great victories in the service of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of February 24, 1952Haifa, Israel,February 24, 1952.Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 29th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contribution made by the Australia and New Zealand believers for the Shrine of the Báb, as well as for the contribution made directly by your National Body.Please thank all the friends concerned in this contribution on his behalf; and assure them the Shrine is growing more beautiful daily as work on it progresses.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty abundantly reward, bless and sustain all those who have contributed towards this holy Enterprise, aid and protect them, and enable them to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of April 12, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 12, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of March 11th, addressed to the beloved Guardian has come to hand, and he has asked me to answer it in his behalf.The kind contribution which you made to the Shrine of the Báb fund has been received, and receipt therefor is enclosed herewith.After checking with our bank here, I find they feel it would be simpler if you made future remittances on the basis of a bank transfer instead of a draft.Answering the specific questions which you propound, the information is as follows:1. The full name and address of the bank is:Bank Leumi le Israel,Haifa, Israel.2. The exact name of our account is:Shoghi Rabbani.The beloved Guardian values very deeply the admirable manner in which the friends in Australia and New Zealand are carrying on their teaching work. He will pray that they will meet with every possible success, and gain new victories for the Faith as their plan progresses.The Guardian likewise wishes you to express to each one who joined in the contribution you sent, his loving appreciation.The work of the Shrine is progressing. The octagon and the pinnacles are now completed, so far as the marble work is concerned. The Guardian is hopeful the entire project may continue uninterruptedly so that it might be completed by Naw-Rúz period next year.With warm Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.Letter of April 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 30, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your gracious letter of April 3rd has come to hand, and the Guardian has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Enclosed is receipt for the contribution which has been made to the Shrine of the Báb.The unity of the friends in Australia and New Zealand is greatly valued by the Guardian; and he appreciates the sacrifices which have been made in sending these contributions to this Holy Undertaking on Mt. Carmel.The Shrine is increasing in beauty from day to day. The marble work on the octagon has been completed; the exquisite pinnacles have been put in place; and work is under way on the extension of some of the Gardens. The Guardian is hopeful the work may continue uninterruptedly, so as to be completed next year.With loving Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.Letter of June 3, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 3, 1952Miss Grette S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:The beloved Guardian has received your letters of December 20 and 21, 1951, February 12 and 26, March 11 and May 2, 1952, with enclosures, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.As regards various matters raised in your letters, Mr. ... is now in Khartoum, Sudan at the following address: Mr. ..., Khartoum. The reason the Guardian knows this is that he has received a contribution from him for the Shrine, which he has asked the Bank to trace back to the sender, so that he can return it to him.The Guardian suggests that you contact Mr. ..., and press him to discharge his debt to the believer in Fiji whom he has so grievously wronged, pointing out to him that surely, if he expects any forgiveness from God, the first pre-requisite is to conduct himself honestly.The Guardian was very happy to hear that as a result of Mrs. Bolton’s trip to New Caledonia, there is now a believer in that far-off island. He was also very happy to hear of the close contact you maintain with the friends in Suva, and considers that this is extremely important, as of course at the New Delhi Conference, plans will have to be made for the unfoldment of the Faith throughout all the Pacific Islands, and the more strong centers we have to begin with, the better.As regards World Religion Day, the Guardian does not attach any importance to what date the meeting is held on. World Religion Day has nothing to do with our Faith as such, but is merely a useful means of getting the public together and bringing the Cause to them.He sees no reason why Mother Dunn should not have a companion in the Hazírá, and hopes that she will settle down there comfortably and happily.The sympathy you have expressed on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr. Maxwell was much appreciated by the Guardian. Although Mr. Maxwell is naturally missed very much here, the services God in His bounty enabled him to accomplish for the Faith preclude any feelings of sadness, when we think of the blessings showered upon him.He urges your Assembly to constantly stimulate the believers to achieve their goals. It would be a great pity if, after the success of their First Plan, their Second historic Plan did not likewise culminate in victory, more particularly in view of the fact that the New Delhi Conference will involve the formation of work to be undertaken by eight National Bodies during a ten year period.Consequently all Assemblies, not only yours, but all National Assemblies all over the world, should, so to speak, clear the decks for action, and wind up their present business, so that they will be free to carry out the much more important work that lies ahead of them.The Guardian feels sure that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís can make and will make sufficient effort to consummate their Plan with success. He is certainly sustaining them with his ardent prayers.He assures you all that your labours are most deeply appreciated.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:Though extremely preoccupied, during recent months, with the constantly expanding activities and manifold problems arising at the World Centre of the Faith, necessitating, to my extreme regret, a considerable delay in acknowledging your assembly’s communications, I have been watching, with close interest and ever deepening admiration, the progressive unfoldment of the task which the community of the believers in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are so valiantly shouldering. I have noted, with particular gratification, the simultaneous advance made in the extension of the teaching activities of the steadfast and self-sacrificing members of this forward-looking highly promising community, as well as in the consolidation of the institutions which they are laboriously establishing throughout that far-away continent and its neighbouring islands. I rejoice at the remarkable vitality, courage and determination which they are increasingly demonstrating in enlarging the limits of the Faith and in implanting its banner beyond the confines of that continent, over and above the task assigned to them in accordance with the provisions of their Plan, and in territories where they are destined to exert a notable influence through their collective efforts and achievements in the years immediately ahead.As the Plan, to which they stand committed, enters upon the last stage in its unfoldment the members of this community, however remarkable their accomplishments have been in the past, must steel themselves and through a supreme effort, endeavour to rise to still greater heights of dedication, display in the pioneering field a still more compelling degree of consecration, evince a still nobler spirit of self-abnegation, and a greater awareness of the gravity of the issues at stake and of the inestimable value of the prizes within their reach. That they may be qualified to undertake a still greater mission, assume weightier responsibilities and embark upon mightier enterprises, the adequate discharge of their present duties and the fulfilment of their sacred obligations is no doubt essential.The multiplication and consolidaion of the administrative institutions of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, as its followers in those regions, must undoubtedly be well aware, constitutes the primary foundation for, and the necessary prelude to, the firm establishment of the institutions of His Administrative Order, beyond the confines and in the neighbourhood of these territories, and amidst the highly diversified tribes and races inhabiting the numerous and widely scattered islands and archipelagos of the South Pacific Ocean.The approaching Holy Year, a period of such unique significance in the history of the Faith; the prospect of the active participation of some of the elected representatives and members of the community holding aloft the torch of the Faith in the Antipodes; in one of the most important Conferences to be held during that year; their formal association with no less than seven other National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the colossal tasks that are to be initiated in South East Asia, in the course of the coming decade; the manifold blessings which must assuredly flow from the assumption of such a sacred function and in the course of the development of so gigantic, so challenging and so meritorious an undertaking, can surely not fail to galvanize the privileged members of this community, constituting a vital outpost of the Faith, and occupying such a spiritually strategic position in the world crusade soon to be launched by itself and its sister communities in both the East and the West, into action, at once so swift and decisive, as to add fresh lustre to the annals of the Faith.This community, now standing on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion, and gazing towards the glorious future that awaits it, must seize the priceless opportunities which these fast-fleeting months offer it, and must not allow for a moment its vision to be dimmed, its resolution to flag, its attention to be distracted or its faith in its ultimate destiny to waver.With a heart full of hope, and with an affection and fervour which every forward step in the progress of its strenous labours serves to intensify, I will supplicate at the threshold of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh to enable His stalward followers championing His Cause in those far-away lands to achieve a resounding success in the task they have pledged themselves to fulfil.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of June 15, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 15, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in his behalf, to request that the information relating to Australia and New Zealand and their activities, contained in the booklet “The Bahá’í Faith”, ‘Information Statistical and Comparative’ be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952, and sent to him here by first possible air mail post.One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance of this imnportant book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast approaching, the Guardian wishes the information as quickly as possible.Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide, brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, in Australia and New Zealand. Bahá’í Centers in Australia and New Zealand, showing if possible the division between Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.Any information not immediately available, should be handled by telegraph, but such information as is available should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian at a very early date.The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National Assembly and its devoted members.Faithfully yours,Leroy C. Ioas.Assistant Secretary.Letter of November 29, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 29, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of September 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.The generous contribution which Mrs. ... made towards the Shrine of the Báb has already been acknowledged direct to her, because she mentioned it in a recent letter.It was indeed most kind of this dedicated believer to support this work of the Shrine here to this extent, and was much appreciated.The Guardian assures you your devoted labors for the Faith are much appreciated. He will remember you in his prayers in the Shrine.With loving greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of November 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 30, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand,Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of September 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The Guardian will greatly appreciate your thanking each one of the contributors to this fund.He is very appreciative of the outstanding services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels they are bringing renown to the Faith, and laying a firm foundation for the great Crusade ahead.The Guardian will pray for the success of all the activities of the friends, and for the guidance and confirmation of the National Assembly.The funds representing the proceeds of sale of the shares, given by Mrs. ... have come to hand, amounting to 346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs. ... for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb.The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.With warm Bahá’í greetings,Leroy C. IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of May 3, 1953Haifa, Israel,May 3, 1953Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friend:The beloved Guardian has received your letter of April 14th, and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The contribution which has been made by the friends in Australia and New Zealand for the construction work on the Shrine of the Báb, is very deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.Will you please extend to all the Assemblies, Groups and individual believers who have joined in this contribution, the Guardian’s heartfelt appreciation.Shoghi Effendi was delighted to learn that the Six Year Teaching Plan was successfully concluded. Word coming into Haifa from all over the world indicates the great success of the teaching plans in every country. He is therefore encouraged to feel that the heavy tasks of the Ten Year Plan will be easily accomplished.You will be happy to know that the work on the dome of the Shrine is progressing very rapidly. As the Guardian has cabled, the shutterings and the scaffolding for the dome have been completed, and some of the golden tiles placed on lower sections of the dome. The building achieves greater majesty as each new height is reached.With loving greetings, I amLeroy IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of May 7, 1953May 7, 1953Dear Bahá’í Friend:The Beloved Guardian has instructed me to write to you and ask you to please send me the name and address of the Bahá’í in Samoa, also the name and address of the Bahá’í in New Caledonia. And, will you please advise if a spiritual assembly was formed in Suva on April 21st. This news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.The news of the 2nd International Bahá’í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.Devoted love and thanksAffectionately,Jessie E. RevellLetter of June 14, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 14, 1953.To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í World of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan. He is convinced that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them, takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith.In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they have continuously “scattered” to various parts to spread the Divine Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin areas.There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee working out the details for the NSA.3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas, the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with Bahá’ís, and therefore, one Bahá’í will fulfill the initial task.The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are: a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá’í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portugese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated “Roll of Honor”, on which will be inscribed the names of the “Knights of Bahá’u’lláh” who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This “Roll of Honor” will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of The Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.Now is the time for the Bahá’ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.Faithfully yours,Leroy IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of June 23, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 23, 1953Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letters of June 18, July 29, October 7, 21 and 24 (2), November 10 and 18, 1952, and February 19, May 18 and 21, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The various enclosures as well as material forwarded under separate cover were also received.Owing to extreme pressure of work here, which is getting worse all the time, he has not been able to answer any N.S.A. letters from any country for almost a year. He regrets this but unfortunately it was unavoidable. As you can see, all your communications reached him, but he was too busy to reply.He appreciated your Assembly’s gift of books gotten out by the Child Education Committee, and assures you that the four copies of the bulletin “Herald of the South”, “Bahá’í Youth Journal” and other material which you sent, are quite satisfactory.The thing that is most difficult for the Guardian is to have to read through a sheaf of material in order to extract the salient information on such vital subjects as pioneer activities, important decisions of the National Assembly or the Teaching Committee etc. Two words in the text of your letter might convey important items in a succinct and summarized manner.He was delighted to hear that as many as thirty of the Australian believers are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, and that a large number of N.S.A. members, if not all, will be present. In a way, the New Delhi Conference is one of the most important of all four conferences to be held during the Holy Year, because at it, eight National Assemblies must be represented and their joint teaching endeavor covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfill your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come![From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá’í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities—a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Island of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands—an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission.Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your assembly—an undertaking to which Bahá’í National Assemblies, as well as I myself, will contribute—of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá’í Centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your assembly.These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.The valiant and youthful Bahá’í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all local assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.Shoghi.Letter of January 24, 1954Haifa, Israel,January 24, 1954Mrs. Greta Lake, Secretary,Yerrinbool Bahá’í School.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy that the honored Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement to the friends present.The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of June 16, 1954Haifa, Israel,June 16, 1954Mr. James Heggie, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Brother:The letters from your Assembly dated July 6, September 14, November 9 and December 18, 1953, and January 7 (2), February 28, and March 22 and 31, 1954, with enclosures, also the material sent separately, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Regarding the various matters you have raised, he does not know how the galleys of the Tahitian pamphlet and letters of Louise Bosch happened to be sent to you. He had nothing to do with it, and is perfectly satisfied that they should remain in the hands of your Assembly.He has been delighted over the marked progress made by your Assembly in carrying out its own portion of the Ten-Year Crusade. The number of members of the National Body who have gone forth as pioneers to virgin territories which you have succeeded in opening during the first year of the Plan, the purchase of the Temple site in Sydney—all attest the vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes. He is very proud of their spirit and their achievements, and believes that they will go very far in their service to the Faith on an international scale. The initiative shown through the holding of a South Pacific School pleased him immensely. In view of the work to be done, the number of languages into which the literature is to be translated, the tremendous area throughout which the Australian goals are scattered, schools and institutes of this nature are really essential.He is also very happy to note the increase in Bahá’í membership, a sure sign of the virility of the faith of the believers.He feels sure that the visit of the dear Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Faizi, did a tremendous amount of good. Mr. Furutan has since made the pilgrimage to Haifa, and spoke very highly to the Guardian of the believers in that part of the world, whom he grew to love and admire very much during his visit.He was very happy to see that Mrs. Dunn was able to attend the New Zealand Bahá’í Summer School. For a woman of her age, this was surely a remarkable achievement, and must have been a great inspiration to the New Zealand friends, coming as she did so freshly from the last Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi.Now that so many of the goals abroad have been settled, and active plans have been laid to settle the remaining ones, he feels that your Assembly should pay particular attention, during the coming year, to the work on the home front. The multiplication of Local Assemblies, the incorporation of Local Assemblies and the increase in centers throughout Australia and New Zealand are all-important and pressing, and will require a great deal of work. The sooner the friends “get on with it” the better!In connection with the teaching work throughout the Pacific area, he fully believes that in many cases the white society is difficult to interest in anything but its own superficial activities. The Bahá’ís must identify themselves on the one hand, as much as they reasonably can, with the life of the white people, so as not to become ostracized, criticized and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.Sound judgment, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá’ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups.As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgment in handling this entire matter.The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The manifold evidences of the remarkable progress, achieved in almost every field, by the Australian and New-Zealand Bahá’í Communities since the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, have truly rejoiced my heart, and served to heighten my feelings of admiration for the sterling qualities which the members of these Communities have increasingly displayed in recent years.There is no doubt whatever—and I truly feel proud to place it on record—that the community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh labouring for His Cause in the Antipodes now occupies, by virtue of the quality of the faith of its members, the soundness of their judgement, the clearness of their vision, the scope of their accomplishments, and their exemplary loyalty, courage and self-sacrifice, a foremost position among its sister communities in all the continents of the globe.Far from stagnating or declining in number or in influence it has in recent years displayed a vitality which can well excite the admiration and envy of them all, and has demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a fidelity to the principles of our Faith, whether a spiritual or administrative, and a capacity for service which all may well emulate.Though all the goals, in the virgin areas of the globe, assigned to the elected national representatives of these two communities have not as yet been attained, owing solely to circumstances beyond their control, yet the spirit evinced by the pioneers belonging to these communities, who have so gloriously initiated this major task, constituting the foremost objective of the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade, has been such as to amply compensate for the inability of their national elected representatives to consummate, ere the close of the first year of the Ten-Year Plan, this initial enterprise marking the inauguration of their Mission in foreign fields. Particularly gratifying and indeed inspiring has been the response of the members of your assembly to the Call for pioneers—a response that has surpassed that of any other National Body throughout the Bahá’í World.The selection and subsequent purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city—the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area—is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will, in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and which are destined to yield their fairest fruit in the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.The second phase of this spiritual Crusade upon which these two greatly blessed, fast unfolding, firmly established, intensely alive communities have now entered must witness the opening, at whatever cost, of the remaining virgin territories allocated to their national elected representatives. The preservation of the prizes already won in the newly opened territories is, moreover, a task they cannot afford to neglect under any circumstances. The multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centres, groups and local assemblies, in both Australia and New-Zealand—a process that has been steadily and rapidly developing since the inauguration of the Ten-Year Plan, is likewise of paramount importance in the years immediately ahead. The development of these institutions, particularly in New-Zealand, will no doubt hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that territory, and will lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of the Faith in those regions.The assistance which your Assembly must increasingly extend to its sister assembly in the Indian sub-continent, in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá’í Literature in the languages allocated under the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another task which, in the coming months, must be boldly tackled and consistently carried on. The incorporation of local assemblies moreover, is a matter of great urgency and should in no wise be postponed or neglected. The consolidation work to be undertaken, according to the provisions of this same Plan, is, likewise, urgent and of the utmost importance, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the prestige of your assembly and enrich the record of your far-reaching accomplishments. The purchase of a building in Auckland destined to serve as the National Hazíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of New-Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused—in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá’í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly—an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes.Shoghi.

Letter of December 2, 1951Haifa, Israel,December 2, 1951.Mrs. Dulcie E. Dive, Treasurer.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of October 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as the contribution you forwarded, a receipt for which I am enclosing.Will you kindly assure the individuals, groups and assemblies who contributed, of the Guardian’s very deep appreciation of this assistance they are giving to the work of the Shrine here. The building is going ahead rapidly; and he hopes that, within a couple of months, the octagon will be finished, and the drum section which will support the dome, can be commenced without any interruption.With loving Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved abundantly reward and bless all who have contributed for the construction of the Shrine, sustain them in their efforts, and aid them to win great victories in the service of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of February 24, 1952Haifa, Israel,February 24, 1952.Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 29th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contribution made by the Australia and New Zealand believers for the Shrine of the Báb, as well as for the contribution made directly by your National Body.Please thank all the friends concerned in this contribution on his behalf; and assure them the Shrine is growing more beautiful daily as work on it progresses.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty abundantly reward, bless and sustain all those who have contributed towards this holy Enterprise, aid and protect them, and enable them to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of April 12, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 12, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of March 11th, addressed to the beloved Guardian has come to hand, and he has asked me to answer it in his behalf.The kind contribution which you made to the Shrine of the Báb fund has been received, and receipt therefor is enclosed herewith.After checking with our bank here, I find they feel it would be simpler if you made future remittances on the basis of a bank transfer instead of a draft.Answering the specific questions which you propound, the information is as follows:1. The full name and address of the bank is:Bank Leumi le Israel,Haifa, Israel.2. The exact name of our account is:Shoghi Rabbani.The beloved Guardian values very deeply the admirable manner in which the friends in Australia and New Zealand are carrying on their teaching work. He will pray that they will meet with every possible success, and gain new victories for the Faith as their plan progresses.The Guardian likewise wishes you to express to each one who joined in the contribution you sent, his loving appreciation.The work of the Shrine is progressing. The octagon and the pinnacles are now completed, so far as the marble work is concerned. The Guardian is hopeful the entire project may continue uninterruptedly so that it might be completed by Naw-Rúz period next year.With warm Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.Letter of April 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 30, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your gracious letter of April 3rd has come to hand, and the Guardian has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Enclosed is receipt for the contribution which has been made to the Shrine of the Báb.The unity of the friends in Australia and New Zealand is greatly valued by the Guardian; and he appreciates the sacrifices which have been made in sending these contributions to this Holy Undertaking on Mt. Carmel.The Shrine is increasing in beauty from day to day. The marble work on the octagon has been completed; the exquisite pinnacles have been put in place; and work is under way on the extension of some of the Gardens. The Guardian is hopeful the work may continue uninterruptedly, so as to be completed next year.With loving Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.Letter of June 3, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 3, 1952Miss Grette S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:The beloved Guardian has received your letters of December 20 and 21, 1951, February 12 and 26, March 11 and May 2, 1952, with enclosures, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.As regards various matters raised in your letters, Mr. ... is now in Khartoum, Sudan at the following address: Mr. ..., Khartoum. The reason the Guardian knows this is that he has received a contribution from him for the Shrine, which he has asked the Bank to trace back to the sender, so that he can return it to him.The Guardian suggests that you contact Mr. ..., and press him to discharge his debt to the believer in Fiji whom he has so grievously wronged, pointing out to him that surely, if he expects any forgiveness from God, the first pre-requisite is to conduct himself honestly.The Guardian was very happy to hear that as a result of Mrs. Bolton’s trip to New Caledonia, there is now a believer in that far-off island. He was also very happy to hear of the close contact you maintain with the friends in Suva, and considers that this is extremely important, as of course at the New Delhi Conference, plans will have to be made for the unfoldment of the Faith throughout all the Pacific Islands, and the more strong centers we have to begin with, the better.As regards World Religion Day, the Guardian does not attach any importance to what date the meeting is held on. World Religion Day has nothing to do with our Faith as such, but is merely a useful means of getting the public together and bringing the Cause to them.He sees no reason why Mother Dunn should not have a companion in the Hazírá, and hopes that she will settle down there comfortably and happily.The sympathy you have expressed on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr. Maxwell was much appreciated by the Guardian. Although Mr. Maxwell is naturally missed very much here, the services God in His bounty enabled him to accomplish for the Faith preclude any feelings of sadness, when we think of the blessings showered upon him.He urges your Assembly to constantly stimulate the believers to achieve their goals. It would be a great pity if, after the success of their First Plan, their Second historic Plan did not likewise culminate in victory, more particularly in view of the fact that the New Delhi Conference will involve the formation of work to be undertaken by eight National Bodies during a ten year period.Consequently all Assemblies, not only yours, but all National Assemblies all over the world, should, so to speak, clear the decks for action, and wind up their present business, so that they will be free to carry out the much more important work that lies ahead of them.The Guardian feels sure that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís can make and will make sufficient effort to consummate their Plan with success. He is certainly sustaining them with his ardent prayers.He assures you all that your labours are most deeply appreciated.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:Though extremely preoccupied, during recent months, with the constantly expanding activities and manifold problems arising at the World Centre of the Faith, necessitating, to my extreme regret, a considerable delay in acknowledging your assembly’s communications, I have been watching, with close interest and ever deepening admiration, the progressive unfoldment of the task which the community of the believers in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are so valiantly shouldering. I have noted, with particular gratification, the simultaneous advance made in the extension of the teaching activities of the steadfast and self-sacrificing members of this forward-looking highly promising community, as well as in the consolidation of the institutions which they are laboriously establishing throughout that far-away continent and its neighbouring islands. I rejoice at the remarkable vitality, courage and determination which they are increasingly demonstrating in enlarging the limits of the Faith and in implanting its banner beyond the confines of that continent, over and above the task assigned to them in accordance with the provisions of their Plan, and in territories where they are destined to exert a notable influence through their collective efforts and achievements in the years immediately ahead.As the Plan, to which they stand committed, enters upon the last stage in its unfoldment the members of this community, however remarkable their accomplishments have been in the past, must steel themselves and through a supreme effort, endeavour to rise to still greater heights of dedication, display in the pioneering field a still more compelling degree of consecration, evince a still nobler spirit of self-abnegation, and a greater awareness of the gravity of the issues at stake and of the inestimable value of the prizes within their reach. That they may be qualified to undertake a still greater mission, assume weightier responsibilities and embark upon mightier enterprises, the adequate discharge of their present duties and the fulfilment of their sacred obligations is no doubt essential.The multiplication and consolidaion of the administrative institutions of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, as its followers in those regions, must undoubtedly be well aware, constitutes the primary foundation for, and the necessary prelude to, the firm establishment of the institutions of His Administrative Order, beyond the confines and in the neighbourhood of these territories, and amidst the highly diversified tribes and races inhabiting the numerous and widely scattered islands and archipelagos of the South Pacific Ocean.The approaching Holy Year, a period of such unique significance in the history of the Faith; the prospect of the active participation of some of the elected representatives and members of the community holding aloft the torch of the Faith in the Antipodes; in one of the most important Conferences to be held during that year; their formal association with no less than seven other National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the colossal tasks that are to be initiated in South East Asia, in the course of the coming decade; the manifold blessings which must assuredly flow from the assumption of such a sacred function and in the course of the development of so gigantic, so challenging and so meritorious an undertaking, can surely not fail to galvanize the privileged members of this community, constituting a vital outpost of the Faith, and occupying such a spiritually strategic position in the world crusade soon to be launched by itself and its sister communities in both the East and the West, into action, at once so swift and decisive, as to add fresh lustre to the annals of the Faith.This community, now standing on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion, and gazing towards the glorious future that awaits it, must seize the priceless opportunities which these fast-fleeting months offer it, and must not allow for a moment its vision to be dimmed, its resolution to flag, its attention to be distracted or its faith in its ultimate destiny to waver.With a heart full of hope, and with an affection and fervour which every forward step in the progress of its strenous labours serves to intensify, I will supplicate at the threshold of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh to enable His stalward followers championing His Cause in those far-away lands to achieve a resounding success in the task they have pledged themselves to fulfil.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of June 15, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 15, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in his behalf, to request that the information relating to Australia and New Zealand and their activities, contained in the booklet “The Bahá’í Faith”, ‘Information Statistical and Comparative’ be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952, and sent to him here by first possible air mail post.One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance of this imnportant book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast approaching, the Guardian wishes the information as quickly as possible.Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide, brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, in Australia and New Zealand. Bahá’í Centers in Australia and New Zealand, showing if possible the division between Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.Any information not immediately available, should be handled by telegraph, but such information as is available should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian at a very early date.The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National Assembly and its devoted members.Faithfully yours,Leroy C. Ioas.Assistant Secretary.Letter of November 29, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 29, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of September 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.The generous contribution which Mrs. ... made towards the Shrine of the Báb has already been acknowledged direct to her, because she mentioned it in a recent letter.It was indeed most kind of this dedicated believer to support this work of the Shrine here to this extent, and was much appreciated.The Guardian assures you your devoted labors for the Faith are much appreciated. He will remember you in his prayers in the Shrine.With loving greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of November 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 30, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand,Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of September 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The Guardian will greatly appreciate your thanking each one of the contributors to this fund.He is very appreciative of the outstanding services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels they are bringing renown to the Faith, and laying a firm foundation for the great Crusade ahead.The Guardian will pray for the success of all the activities of the friends, and for the guidance and confirmation of the National Assembly.The funds representing the proceeds of sale of the shares, given by Mrs. ... have come to hand, amounting to 346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs. ... for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb.The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.With warm Bahá’í greetings,Leroy C. IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of May 3, 1953Haifa, Israel,May 3, 1953Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friend:The beloved Guardian has received your letter of April 14th, and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The contribution which has been made by the friends in Australia and New Zealand for the construction work on the Shrine of the Báb, is very deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.Will you please extend to all the Assemblies, Groups and individual believers who have joined in this contribution, the Guardian’s heartfelt appreciation.Shoghi Effendi was delighted to learn that the Six Year Teaching Plan was successfully concluded. Word coming into Haifa from all over the world indicates the great success of the teaching plans in every country. He is therefore encouraged to feel that the heavy tasks of the Ten Year Plan will be easily accomplished.You will be happy to know that the work on the dome of the Shrine is progressing very rapidly. As the Guardian has cabled, the shutterings and the scaffolding for the dome have been completed, and some of the golden tiles placed on lower sections of the dome. The building achieves greater majesty as each new height is reached.With loving greetings, I amLeroy IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of May 7, 1953May 7, 1953Dear Bahá’í Friend:The Beloved Guardian has instructed me to write to you and ask you to please send me the name and address of the Bahá’í in Samoa, also the name and address of the Bahá’í in New Caledonia. And, will you please advise if a spiritual assembly was formed in Suva on April 21st. This news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.The news of the 2nd International Bahá’í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.Devoted love and thanksAffectionately,Jessie E. RevellLetter of June 14, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 14, 1953.To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í World of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan. He is convinced that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them, takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith.In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they have continuously “scattered” to various parts to spread the Divine Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin areas.There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee working out the details for the NSA.3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas, the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with Bahá’ís, and therefore, one Bahá’í will fulfill the initial task.The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are: a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá’í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portugese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated “Roll of Honor”, on which will be inscribed the names of the “Knights of Bahá’u’lláh” who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This “Roll of Honor” will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of The Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.Now is the time for the Bahá’ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.Faithfully yours,Leroy IoasAssistant Secretary.Letter of June 23, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 23, 1953Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letters of June 18, July 29, October 7, 21 and 24 (2), November 10 and 18, 1952, and February 19, May 18 and 21, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The various enclosures as well as material forwarded under separate cover were also received.Owing to extreme pressure of work here, which is getting worse all the time, he has not been able to answer any N.S.A. letters from any country for almost a year. He regrets this but unfortunately it was unavoidable. As you can see, all your communications reached him, but he was too busy to reply.He appreciated your Assembly’s gift of books gotten out by the Child Education Committee, and assures you that the four copies of the bulletin “Herald of the South”, “Bahá’í Youth Journal” and other material which you sent, are quite satisfactory.The thing that is most difficult for the Guardian is to have to read through a sheaf of material in order to extract the salient information on such vital subjects as pioneer activities, important decisions of the National Assembly or the Teaching Committee etc. Two words in the text of your letter might convey important items in a succinct and summarized manner.He was delighted to hear that as many as thirty of the Australian believers are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, and that a large number of N.S.A. members, if not all, will be present. In a way, the New Delhi Conference is one of the most important of all four conferences to be held during the Holy Year, because at it, eight National Assemblies must be represented and their joint teaching endeavor covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfill your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come![From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá’í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities—a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Island of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands—an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission.Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your assembly—an undertaking to which Bahá’í National Assemblies, as well as I myself, will contribute—of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá’í Centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your assembly.These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.The valiant and youthful Bahá’í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all local assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.Shoghi.Letter of January 24, 1954Haifa, Israel,January 24, 1954Mrs. Greta Lake, Secretary,Yerrinbool Bahá’í School.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy that the honored Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement to the friends present.The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.Letter of June 16, 1954Haifa, Israel,June 16, 1954Mr. James Heggie, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Brother:The letters from your Assembly dated July 6, September 14, November 9 and December 18, 1953, and January 7 (2), February 28, and March 22 and 31, 1954, with enclosures, also the material sent separately, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Regarding the various matters you have raised, he does not know how the galleys of the Tahitian pamphlet and letters of Louise Bosch happened to be sent to you. He had nothing to do with it, and is perfectly satisfied that they should remain in the hands of your Assembly.He has been delighted over the marked progress made by your Assembly in carrying out its own portion of the Ten-Year Crusade. The number of members of the National Body who have gone forth as pioneers to virgin territories which you have succeeded in opening during the first year of the Plan, the purchase of the Temple site in Sydney—all attest the vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes. He is very proud of their spirit and their achievements, and believes that they will go very far in their service to the Faith on an international scale. The initiative shown through the holding of a South Pacific School pleased him immensely. In view of the work to be done, the number of languages into which the literature is to be translated, the tremendous area throughout which the Australian goals are scattered, schools and institutes of this nature are really essential.He is also very happy to note the increase in Bahá’í membership, a sure sign of the virility of the faith of the believers.He feels sure that the visit of the dear Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Faizi, did a tremendous amount of good. Mr. Furutan has since made the pilgrimage to Haifa, and spoke very highly to the Guardian of the believers in that part of the world, whom he grew to love and admire very much during his visit.He was very happy to see that Mrs. Dunn was able to attend the New Zealand Bahá’í Summer School. For a woman of her age, this was surely a remarkable achievement, and must have been a great inspiration to the New Zealand friends, coming as she did so freshly from the last Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi.Now that so many of the goals abroad have been settled, and active plans have been laid to settle the remaining ones, he feels that your Assembly should pay particular attention, during the coming year, to the work on the home front. The multiplication of Local Assemblies, the incorporation of Local Assemblies and the increase in centers throughout Australia and New Zealand are all-important and pressing, and will require a great deal of work. The sooner the friends “get on with it” the better!In connection with the teaching work throughout the Pacific area, he fully believes that in many cases the white society is difficult to interest in anything but its own superficial activities. The Bahá’ís must identify themselves on the one hand, as much as they reasonably can, with the life of the white people, so as not to become ostracized, criticized and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.Sound judgment, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá’ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups.As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgment in handling this entire matter.The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The manifold evidences of the remarkable progress, achieved in almost every field, by the Australian and New-Zealand Bahá’í Communities since the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, have truly rejoiced my heart, and served to heighten my feelings of admiration for the sterling qualities which the members of these Communities have increasingly displayed in recent years.There is no doubt whatever—and I truly feel proud to place it on record—that the community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh labouring for His Cause in the Antipodes now occupies, by virtue of the quality of the faith of its members, the soundness of their judgement, the clearness of their vision, the scope of their accomplishments, and their exemplary loyalty, courage and self-sacrifice, a foremost position among its sister communities in all the continents of the globe.Far from stagnating or declining in number or in influence it has in recent years displayed a vitality which can well excite the admiration and envy of them all, and has demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a fidelity to the principles of our Faith, whether a spiritual or administrative, and a capacity for service which all may well emulate.Though all the goals, in the virgin areas of the globe, assigned to the elected national representatives of these two communities have not as yet been attained, owing solely to circumstances beyond their control, yet the spirit evinced by the pioneers belonging to these communities, who have so gloriously initiated this major task, constituting the foremost objective of the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade, has been such as to amply compensate for the inability of their national elected representatives to consummate, ere the close of the first year of the Ten-Year Plan, this initial enterprise marking the inauguration of their Mission in foreign fields. Particularly gratifying and indeed inspiring has been the response of the members of your assembly to the Call for pioneers—a response that has surpassed that of any other National Body throughout the Bahá’í World.The selection and subsequent purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city—the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area—is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will, in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and which are destined to yield their fairest fruit in the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.The second phase of this spiritual Crusade upon which these two greatly blessed, fast unfolding, firmly established, intensely alive communities have now entered must witness the opening, at whatever cost, of the remaining virgin territories allocated to their national elected representatives. The preservation of the prizes already won in the newly opened territories is, moreover, a task they cannot afford to neglect under any circumstances. The multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centres, groups and local assemblies, in both Australia and New-Zealand—a process that has been steadily and rapidly developing since the inauguration of the Ten-Year Plan, is likewise of paramount importance in the years immediately ahead. The development of these institutions, particularly in New-Zealand, will no doubt hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that territory, and will lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of the Faith in those regions.The assistance which your Assembly must increasingly extend to its sister assembly in the Indian sub-continent, in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá’í Literature in the languages allocated under the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another task which, in the coming months, must be boldly tackled and consistently carried on. The incorporation of local assemblies moreover, is a matter of great urgency and should in no wise be postponed or neglected. The consolidation work to be undertaken, according to the provisions of this same Plan, is, likewise, urgent and of the utmost importance, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the prestige of your assembly and enrich the record of your far-reaching accomplishments. The purchase of a building in Auckland destined to serve as the National Hazíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of New-Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused—in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá’í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly—an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes.Shoghi.

Letter of December 2, 1951Haifa, Israel,December 2, 1951.Mrs. Dulcie E. Dive, Treasurer.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of October 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as the contribution you forwarded, a receipt for which I am enclosing.Will you kindly assure the individuals, groups and assemblies who contributed, of the Guardian’s very deep appreciation of this assistance they are giving to the work of the Shrine here. The building is going ahead rapidly; and he hopes that, within a couple of months, the octagon will be finished, and the drum section which will support the dome, can be commenced without any interruption.With loving Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Beloved abundantly reward and bless all who have contributed for the construction of the Shrine, sustain them in their efforts, and aid them to win great victories in the service of our beloved Faith,Your true brother,Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,December 2, 1951.

Mrs. Dulcie E. Dive, Treasurer.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of October 17th has been received by the beloved Guardian, as well as the contribution you forwarded, a receipt for which I am enclosing.

Will you kindly assure the individuals, groups and assemblies who contributed, of the Guardian’s very deep appreciation of this assistance they are giving to the work of the Shrine here. The building is going ahead rapidly; and he hopes that, within a couple of months, the octagon will be finished, and the drum section which will support the dome, can be commenced without any interruption.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved abundantly reward and bless all who have contributed for the construction of the Shrine, sustain them in their efforts, and aid them to win great victories in the service of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother,Shoghi.

Letter of February 24, 1952Haifa, Israel,February 24, 1952.Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 29th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contribution made by the Australia and New Zealand believers for the Shrine of the Báb, as well as for the contribution made directly by your National Body.Please thank all the friends concerned in this contribution on his behalf; and assure them the Shrine is growing more beautiful daily as work on it progresses.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty abundantly reward, bless and sustain all those who have contributed towards this holy Enterprise, aid and protect them, and enable them to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,February 24, 1952.

Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of January 29th has been received; and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to forward to you the enclosed receipt for the loving contribution made by the Australia and New Zealand believers for the Shrine of the Báb, as well as for the contribution made directly by your National Body.

Please thank all the friends concerned in this contribution on his behalf; and assure them the Shrine is growing more beautiful daily as work on it progresses.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty abundantly reward, bless and sustain all those who have contributed towards this holy Enterprise, aid and protect them, and enable them to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.

Your true brother,Shoghi.

Letter of April 12, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 12, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of March 11th, addressed to the beloved Guardian has come to hand, and he has asked me to answer it in his behalf.The kind contribution which you made to the Shrine of the Báb fund has been received, and receipt therefor is enclosed herewith.After checking with our bank here, I find they feel it would be simpler if you made future remittances on the basis of a bank transfer instead of a draft.Answering the specific questions which you propound, the information is as follows:1. The full name and address of the bank is:Bank Leumi le Israel,Haifa, Israel.2. The exact name of our account is:Shoghi Rabbani.The beloved Guardian values very deeply the admirable manner in which the friends in Australia and New Zealand are carrying on their teaching work. He will pray that they will meet with every possible success, and gain new victories for the Faith as their plan progresses.The Guardian likewise wishes you to express to each one who joined in the contribution you sent, his loving appreciation.The work of the Shrine is progressing. The octagon and the pinnacles are now completed, so far as the marble work is concerned. The Guardian is hopeful the entire project may continue uninterruptedly so that it might be completed by Naw-Rúz period next year.With warm Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,April 12, 1952

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of March 11th, addressed to the beloved Guardian has come to hand, and he has asked me to answer it in his behalf.

The kind contribution which you made to the Shrine of the Báb fund has been received, and receipt therefor is enclosed herewith.

After checking with our bank here, I find they feel it would be simpler if you made future remittances on the basis of a bank transfer instead of a draft.

Answering the specific questions which you propound, the information is as follows:

1. The full name and address of the bank is:Bank Leumi le Israel,Haifa, Israel.

2. The exact name of our account is:Shoghi Rabbani.

The beloved Guardian values very deeply the admirable manner in which the friends in Australia and New Zealand are carrying on their teaching work. He will pray that they will meet with every possible success, and gain new victories for the Faith as their plan progresses.

The Guardian likewise wishes you to express to each one who joined in the contribution you sent, his loving appreciation.

The work of the Shrine is progressing. The octagon and the pinnacles are now completed, so far as the marble work is concerned. The Guardian is hopeful the entire project may continue uninterruptedly so that it might be completed by Naw-Rúz period next year.

With warm Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.

Letter of April 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,April 30, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your gracious letter of April 3rd has come to hand, and the Guardian has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Enclosed is receipt for the contribution which has been made to the Shrine of the Báb.The unity of the friends in Australia and New Zealand is greatly valued by the Guardian; and he appreciates the sacrifices which have been made in sending these contributions to this Holy Undertaking on Mt. Carmel.The Shrine is increasing in beauty from day to day. The marble work on the octagon has been completed; the exquisite pinnacles have been put in place; and work is under way on the extension of some of the Gardens. The Guardian is hopeful the work may continue uninterruptedly, so as to be completed next year.With loving Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,April 30, 1952

Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your gracious letter of April 3rd has come to hand, and the Guardian has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Enclosed is receipt for the contribution which has been made to the Shrine of the Báb.

The unity of the friends in Australia and New Zealand is greatly valued by the Guardian; and he appreciates the sacrifices which have been made in sending these contributions to this Holy Undertaking on Mt. Carmel.

The Shrine is increasing in beauty from day to day. The marble work on the octagon has been completed; the exquisite pinnacles have been put in place; and work is under way on the extension of some of the Gardens. The Guardian is hopeful the work may continue uninterruptedly, so as to be completed next year.

With loving Bahá’í greetings, I amLeroy Ioas,Assistant Secretary.

Letter of June 3, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 3, 1952Miss Grette S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Sister:The beloved Guardian has received your letters of December 20 and 21, 1951, February 12 and 26, March 11 and May 2, 1952, with enclosures, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.As regards various matters raised in your letters, Mr. ... is now in Khartoum, Sudan at the following address: Mr. ..., Khartoum. The reason the Guardian knows this is that he has received a contribution from him for the Shrine, which he has asked the Bank to trace back to the sender, so that he can return it to him.The Guardian suggests that you contact Mr. ..., and press him to discharge his debt to the believer in Fiji whom he has so grievously wronged, pointing out to him that surely, if he expects any forgiveness from God, the first pre-requisite is to conduct himself honestly.The Guardian was very happy to hear that as a result of Mrs. Bolton’s trip to New Caledonia, there is now a believer in that far-off island. He was also very happy to hear of the close contact you maintain with the friends in Suva, and considers that this is extremely important, as of course at the New Delhi Conference, plans will have to be made for the unfoldment of the Faith throughout all the Pacific Islands, and the more strong centers we have to begin with, the better.As regards World Religion Day, the Guardian does not attach any importance to what date the meeting is held on. World Religion Day has nothing to do with our Faith as such, but is merely a useful means of getting the public together and bringing the Cause to them.He sees no reason why Mother Dunn should not have a companion in the Hazírá, and hopes that she will settle down there comfortably and happily.The sympathy you have expressed on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr. Maxwell was much appreciated by the Guardian. Although Mr. Maxwell is naturally missed very much here, the services God in His bounty enabled him to accomplish for the Faith preclude any feelings of sadness, when we think of the blessings showered upon him.He urges your Assembly to constantly stimulate the believers to achieve their goals. It would be a great pity if, after the success of their First Plan, their Second historic Plan did not likewise culminate in victory, more particularly in view of the fact that the New Delhi Conference will involve the formation of work to be undertaken by eight National Bodies during a ten year period.Consequently all Assemblies, not only yours, but all National Assemblies all over the world, should, so to speak, clear the decks for action, and wind up their present business, so that they will be free to carry out the much more important work that lies ahead of them.The Guardian feels sure that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís can make and will make sufficient effort to consummate their Plan with success. He is certainly sustaining them with his ardent prayers.He assures you all that your labours are most deeply appreciated.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:Though extremely preoccupied, during recent months, with the constantly expanding activities and manifold problems arising at the World Centre of the Faith, necessitating, to my extreme regret, a considerable delay in acknowledging your assembly’s communications, I have been watching, with close interest and ever deepening admiration, the progressive unfoldment of the task which the community of the believers in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are so valiantly shouldering. I have noted, with particular gratification, the simultaneous advance made in the extension of the teaching activities of the steadfast and self-sacrificing members of this forward-looking highly promising community, as well as in the consolidation of the institutions which they are laboriously establishing throughout that far-away continent and its neighbouring islands. I rejoice at the remarkable vitality, courage and determination which they are increasingly demonstrating in enlarging the limits of the Faith and in implanting its banner beyond the confines of that continent, over and above the task assigned to them in accordance with the provisions of their Plan, and in territories where they are destined to exert a notable influence through their collective efforts and achievements in the years immediately ahead.As the Plan, to which they stand committed, enters upon the last stage in its unfoldment the members of this community, however remarkable their accomplishments have been in the past, must steel themselves and through a supreme effort, endeavour to rise to still greater heights of dedication, display in the pioneering field a still more compelling degree of consecration, evince a still nobler spirit of self-abnegation, and a greater awareness of the gravity of the issues at stake and of the inestimable value of the prizes within their reach. That they may be qualified to undertake a still greater mission, assume weightier responsibilities and embark upon mightier enterprises, the adequate discharge of their present duties and the fulfilment of their sacred obligations is no doubt essential.The multiplication and consolidaion of the administrative institutions of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, as its followers in those regions, must undoubtedly be well aware, constitutes the primary foundation for, and the necessary prelude to, the firm establishment of the institutions of His Administrative Order, beyond the confines and in the neighbourhood of these territories, and amidst the highly diversified tribes and races inhabiting the numerous and widely scattered islands and archipelagos of the South Pacific Ocean.The approaching Holy Year, a period of such unique significance in the history of the Faith; the prospect of the active participation of some of the elected representatives and members of the community holding aloft the torch of the Faith in the Antipodes; in one of the most important Conferences to be held during that year; their formal association with no less than seven other National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the colossal tasks that are to be initiated in South East Asia, in the course of the coming decade; the manifold blessings which must assuredly flow from the assumption of such a sacred function and in the course of the development of so gigantic, so challenging and so meritorious an undertaking, can surely not fail to galvanize the privileged members of this community, constituting a vital outpost of the Faith, and occupying such a spiritually strategic position in the world crusade soon to be launched by itself and its sister communities in both the East and the West, into action, at once so swift and decisive, as to add fresh lustre to the annals of the Faith.This community, now standing on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion, and gazing towards the glorious future that awaits it, must seize the priceless opportunities which these fast-fleeting months offer it, and must not allow for a moment its vision to be dimmed, its resolution to flag, its attention to be distracted or its faith in its ultimate destiny to waver.With a heart full of hope, and with an affection and fervour which every forward step in the progress of its strenous labours serves to intensify, I will supplicate at the threshold of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh to enable His stalward followers championing His Cause in those far-away lands to achieve a resounding success in the task they have pledged themselves to fulfil.Your true brother,Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,June 3, 1952

Miss Grette S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The beloved Guardian has received your letters of December 20 and 21, 1951, February 12 and 26, March 11 and May 2, 1952, with enclosures, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

As regards various matters raised in your letters, Mr. ... is now in Khartoum, Sudan at the following address: Mr. ..., Khartoum. The reason the Guardian knows this is that he has received a contribution from him for the Shrine, which he has asked the Bank to trace back to the sender, so that he can return it to him.

The Guardian suggests that you contact Mr. ..., and press him to discharge his debt to the believer in Fiji whom he has so grievously wronged, pointing out to him that surely, if he expects any forgiveness from God, the first pre-requisite is to conduct himself honestly.

The Guardian was very happy to hear that as a result of Mrs. Bolton’s trip to New Caledonia, there is now a believer in that far-off island. He was also very happy to hear of the close contact you maintain with the friends in Suva, and considers that this is extremely important, as of course at the New Delhi Conference, plans will have to be made for the unfoldment of the Faith throughout all the Pacific Islands, and the more strong centers we have to begin with, the better.

As regards World Religion Day, the Guardian does not attach any importance to what date the meeting is held on. World Religion Day has nothing to do with our Faith as such, but is merely a useful means of getting the public together and bringing the Cause to them.

He sees no reason why Mother Dunn should not have a companion in the Hazírá, and hopes that she will settle down there comfortably and happily.

The sympathy you have expressed on the occasion of the passing of dear Mr. Maxwell was much appreciated by the Guardian. Although Mr. Maxwell is naturally missed very much here, the services God in His bounty enabled him to accomplish for the Faith preclude any feelings of sadness, when we think of the blessings showered upon him.

He urges your Assembly to constantly stimulate the believers to achieve their goals. It would be a great pity if, after the success of their First Plan, their Second historic Plan did not likewise culminate in victory, more particularly in view of the fact that the New Delhi Conference will involve the formation of work to be undertaken by eight National Bodies during a ten year period.

Consequently all Assemblies, not only yours, but all National Assemblies all over the world, should, so to speak, clear the decks for action, and wind up their present business, so that they will be free to carry out the much more important work that lies ahead of them.

The Guardian feels sure that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís can make and will make sufficient effort to consummate their Plan with success. He is certainly sustaining them with his ardent prayers.

He assures you all that your labours are most deeply appreciated.

With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

Though extremely preoccupied, during recent months, with the constantly expanding activities and manifold problems arising at the World Centre of the Faith, necessitating, to my extreme regret, a considerable delay in acknowledging your assembly’s communications, I have been watching, with close interest and ever deepening admiration, the progressive unfoldment of the task which the community of the believers in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania are so valiantly shouldering. I have noted, with particular gratification, the simultaneous advance made in the extension of the teaching activities of the steadfast and self-sacrificing members of this forward-looking highly promising community, as well as in the consolidation of the institutions which they are laboriously establishing throughout that far-away continent and its neighbouring islands. I rejoice at the remarkable vitality, courage and determination which they are increasingly demonstrating in enlarging the limits of the Faith and in implanting its banner beyond the confines of that continent, over and above the task assigned to them in accordance with the provisions of their Plan, and in territories where they are destined to exert a notable influence through their collective efforts and achievements in the years immediately ahead.

As the Plan, to which they stand committed, enters upon the last stage in its unfoldment the members of this community, however remarkable their accomplishments have been in the past, must steel themselves and through a supreme effort, endeavour to rise to still greater heights of dedication, display in the pioneering field a still more compelling degree of consecration, evince a still nobler spirit of self-abnegation, and a greater awareness of the gravity of the issues at stake and of the inestimable value of the prizes within their reach. That they may be qualified to undertake a still greater mission, assume weightier responsibilities and embark upon mightier enterprises, the adequate discharge of their present duties and the fulfilment of their sacred obligations is no doubt essential.

The multiplication and consolidaion of the administrative institutions of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh throughout Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, as its followers in those regions, must undoubtedly be well aware, constitutes the primary foundation for, and the necessary prelude to, the firm establishment of the institutions of His Administrative Order, beyond the confines and in the neighbourhood of these territories, and amidst the highly diversified tribes and races inhabiting the numerous and widely scattered islands and archipelagos of the South Pacific Ocean.

The approaching Holy Year, a period of such unique significance in the history of the Faith; the prospect of the active participation of some of the elected representatives and members of the community holding aloft the torch of the Faith in the Antipodes; in one of the most important Conferences to be held during that year; their formal association with no less than seven other National Spiritual Assemblies in the prosecution of the colossal tasks that are to be initiated in South East Asia, in the course of the coming decade; the manifold blessings which must assuredly flow from the assumption of such a sacred function and in the course of the development of so gigantic, so challenging and so meritorious an undertaking, can surely not fail to galvanize the privileged members of this community, constituting a vital outpost of the Faith, and occupying such a spiritually strategic position in the world crusade soon to be launched by itself and its sister communities in both the East and the West, into action, at once so swift and decisive, as to add fresh lustre to the annals of the Faith.

This community, now standing on the threshold of an era of unprecedented expansion, and gazing towards the glorious future that awaits it, must seize the priceless opportunities which these fast-fleeting months offer it, and must not allow for a moment its vision to be dimmed, its resolution to flag, its attention to be distracted or its faith in its ultimate destiny to waver.

With a heart full of hope, and with an affection and fervour which every forward step in the progress of its strenous labours serves to intensify, I will supplicate at the threshold of the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh to enable His stalward followers championing His Cause in those far-away lands to achieve a resounding success in the task they have pledged themselves to fulfil.

Your true brother,Shoghi.

Letter of June 15, 1952Haifa, Israel,June 15, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in his behalf, to request that the information relating to Australia and New Zealand and their activities, contained in the booklet “The Bahá’í Faith”, ‘Information Statistical and Comparative’ be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952, and sent to him here by first possible air mail post.One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance of this imnportant book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast approaching, the Guardian wishes the information as quickly as possible.Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide, brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, in Australia and New Zealand. Bahá’í Centers in Australia and New Zealand, showing if possible the division between Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.Any information not immediately available, should be handled by telegraph, but such information as is available should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian at a very early date.The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National Assembly and its devoted members.Faithfully yours,Leroy C. Ioas.Assistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,June 15, 1952

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in his behalf, to request that the information relating to Australia and New Zealand and their activities, contained in the booklet “The Bahá’í Faith”, ‘Information Statistical and Comparative’ be brought up to date as of May 1, 1952, and sent to him here by first possible air mail post.

One of the features of the Holy Year will be the re-issuance of this imnportant book; inasmuch as the Holy Year is fast approaching, the Guardian wishes the information as quickly as possible.

Briefly, the information which your NSA is to provide, brought up to date of May 1, 1952, is as follows:

Incorporated Local Spiritual Assemblies, in Australia and New Zealand. Bahá’í Centers in Australia and New Zealand, showing if possible the division between Local Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers.

Any information not immediately available, should be handled by telegraph, but such information as is available should not be delayed for any one or two delinquents. You can appreciate that if the booklet is to be published early in the Holy Year, the information should reach the Guardian at a very early date.

The Guardian sends his loving greetings to the National Assembly and its devoted members.

Faithfully yours,Leroy C. Ioas.Assistant Secretary.

Letter of November 29, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 29, 1952Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of September 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.The generous contribution which Mrs. ... made towards the Shrine of the Báb has already been acknowledged direct to her, because she mentioned it in a recent letter.It was indeed most kind of this dedicated believer to support this work of the Shrine here to this extent, and was much appreciated.The Guardian assures you your devoted labors for the Faith are much appreciated. He will remember you in his prayers in the Shrine.With loving greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,Your true brother,Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,November 29, 1952

Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of September 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The generous contribution which Mrs. ... made towards the Shrine of the Báb has already been acknowledged direct to her, because she mentioned it in a recent letter.

It was indeed most kind of this dedicated believer to support this work of the Shrine here to this extent, and was much appreciated.

The Guardian assures you your devoted labors for the Faith are much appreciated. He will remember you in his prayers in the Shrine.

With loving greetings,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,

Your true brother,Shoghi.

Letter of November 30, 1952Haifa, Israel,November 30, 1952National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand,Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,Dear Bahá’í Friends:Your loving letter of September 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The Guardian will greatly appreciate your thanking each one of the contributors to this fund.He is very appreciative of the outstanding services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels they are bringing renown to the Faith, and laying a firm foundation for the great Crusade ahead.The Guardian will pray for the success of all the activities of the friends, and for the guidance and confirmation of the National Assembly.The funds representing the proceeds of sale of the shares, given by Mrs. ... have come to hand, amounting to 346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs. ... for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb.The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.With warm Bahá’í greetings,Leroy C. IoasAssistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,November 30, 1952

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand,Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of September 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The Guardian will greatly appreciate your thanking each one of the contributors to this fund.

He is very appreciative of the outstanding services and sacrifices of the friends in Australia and New Zealand. He feels they are bringing renown to the Faith, and laying a firm foundation for the great Crusade ahead.

The Guardian will pray for the success of all the activities of the friends, and for the guidance and confirmation of the National Assembly.

The funds representing the proceeds of sale of the shares, given by Mrs. ... have come to hand, amounting to 346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs. ... for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Báb.

The construction work on the drum of the Shrine is going forward quite rapidly. The tall columns between the windows are rapidly nearing completion, adding to the beauty of this glorious structure. The Guardian is hopeful that this work can continue until the building is completely finished.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,Leroy C. IoasAssistant Secretary.

Letter of May 3, 1953Haifa, Israel,May 3, 1953Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friend:The beloved Guardian has received your letter of April 14th, and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.The contribution which has been made by the friends in Australia and New Zealand for the construction work on the Shrine of the Báb, is very deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.Will you please extend to all the Assemblies, Groups and individual believers who have joined in this contribution, the Guardian’s heartfelt appreciation.Shoghi Effendi was delighted to learn that the Six Year Teaching Plan was successfully concluded. Word coming into Haifa from all over the world indicates the great success of the teaching plans in every country. He is therefore encouraged to feel that the heavy tasks of the Ten Year Plan will be easily accomplished.You will be happy to know that the work on the dome of the Shrine is progressing very rapidly. As the Guardian has cabled, the shutterings and the scaffolding for the dome have been completed, and some of the golden tiles placed on lower sections of the dome. The building achieves greater majesty as each new height is reached.With loving greetings, I amLeroy IoasAssistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,May 3, 1953

Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Friend:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of April 14th, and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The contribution which has been made by the friends in Australia and New Zealand for the construction work on the Shrine of the Báb, is very deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

Will you please extend to all the Assemblies, Groups and individual believers who have joined in this contribution, the Guardian’s heartfelt appreciation.

Shoghi Effendi was delighted to learn that the Six Year Teaching Plan was successfully concluded. Word coming into Haifa from all over the world indicates the great success of the teaching plans in every country. He is therefore encouraged to feel that the heavy tasks of the Ten Year Plan will be easily accomplished.

You will be happy to know that the work on the dome of the Shrine is progressing very rapidly. As the Guardian has cabled, the shutterings and the scaffolding for the dome have been completed, and some of the golden tiles placed on lower sections of the dome. The building achieves greater majesty as each new height is reached.

With loving greetings, I amLeroy IoasAssistant Secretary.

Letter of May 7, 1953May 7, 1953Dear Bahá’í Friend:The Beloved Guardian has instructed me to write to you and ask you to please send me the name and address of the Bahá’í in Samoa, also the name and address of the Bahá’í in New Caledonia. And, will you please advise if a spiritual assembly was formed in Suva on April 21st. This news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.The news of the 2nd International Bahá’í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.Devoted love and thanksAffectionately,Jessie E. Revell

May 7, 1953

Dear Bahá’í Friend:

The Beloved Guardian has instructed me to write to you and ask you to please send me the name and address of the Bahá’í in Samoa, also the name and address of the Bahá’í in New Caledonia. And, will you please advise if a spiritual assembly was formed in Suva on April 21st. This news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.

The news of the 2nd International Bahá’í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.

If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.

The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.

Devoted love and thanks

Affectionately,Jessie E. Revell

Letter of June 14, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 14, 1953.To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Friends:Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í World of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan. He is convinced that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them, takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith.In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they have continuously “scattered” to various parts to spread the Divine Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin areas.There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee working out the details for the NSA.3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas, the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with Bahá’ís, and therefore, one Bahá’í will fulfill the initial task.The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are: a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá’í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portugese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated “Roll of Honor”, on which will be inscribed the names of the “Knights of Bahá’u’lláh” who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This “Roll of Honor” will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of The Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.Now is the time for the Bahá’ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.Faithfully yours,Leroy IoasAssistant Secretary.

Haifa, Israel,June 14, 1953.

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í World of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.

They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan. He is convinced that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.

The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them, takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith.

In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Guardian has informed the United States National Assembly, that because of their being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for teaching throughout the World, their pioneers may be sent to any virgin area in the world, regardless to which NSA it may be assigned. If any of their pioneers wish to settle in any of the areas assigned to your Assembly, they will communicate with you.

The Friends in Australia and New Zealand have displayed such outstanding devotion and consecration to the Faith, that despite all obstacles they have continuously “scattered” to various parts to spread the Divine Teachings. The Beloved Guardian is sure they will do likewise in connection with this great Crusade and will settle promptly many virgin areas.

There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below:

1. Every individual who offers to pioneer, should be encouraged and assisted in every way possible by the National Assembly.

2. Every application for pioneering must be expedited, and not allowed to drag in any way, either in the handling of the NSA, or any Committee working out the details for the NSA.

3. The National Assembly must make the settlement of their virgin areas, the first order of their business. In other words, nothing is more important at this time, than settlement in the 131 virgin areas.

4. More than two pioneers should not be sent to any one place; unless, of course, they are members of one family. In fact, what is wanted is to settle each area with Bahá’ís, and therefore, one Bahá’í will fulfill the initial task.

The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are: a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.

b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.

c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá’í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.

d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portugese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.

As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated “Roll of Honor”, on which will be inscribed the names of the “Knights of Bahá’u’lláh” who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This “Roll of Honor” will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of The Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.

From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.

Now is the time for the Bahá’ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.

He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.

Faithfully yours,Leroy Ioas

Assistant Secretary.

Letter of June 23, 1953Haifa, Israel,June 23, 1953Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New ZealandDear Bahá’í Sister:Your letters of June 18, July 29, October 7, 21 and 24 (2), November 10 and 18, 1952, and February 19, May 18 and 21, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The various enclosures as well as material forwarded under separate cover were also received.Owing to extreme pressure of work here, which is getting worse all the time, he has not been able to answer any N.S.A. letters from any country for almost a year. He regrets this but unfortunately it was unavoidable. As you can see, all your communications reached him, but he was too busy to reply.He appreciated your Assembly’s gift of books gotten out by the Child Education Committee, and assures you that the four copies of the bulletin “Herald of the South”, “Bahá’í Youth Journal” and other material which you sent, are quite satisfactory.The thing that is most difficult for the Guardian is to have to read through a sheaf of material in order to extract the salient information on such vital subjects as pioneer activities, important decisions of the National Assembly or the Teaching Committee etc. Two words in the text of your letter might convey important items in a succinct and summarized manner.He was delighted to hear that as many as thirty of the Australian believers are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, and that a large number of N.S.A. members, if not all, will be present. In a way, the New Delhi Conference is one of the most important of all four conferences to be held during the Holy Year, because at it, eight National Assemblies must be represented and their joint teaching endeavor covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfill your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come![From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá’í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities—a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Island of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands—an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission.Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your assembly—an undertaking to which Bahá’í National Assemblies, as well as I myself, will contribute—of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá’í Centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your assembly.These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.The valiant and youthful Bahá’í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all local assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,June 23, 1953

Miss Gretta S. Lamprill, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters of June 18, July 29, October 7, 21 and 24 (2), November 10 and 18, 1952, and February 19, May 18 and 21, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. The various enclosures as well as material forwarded under separate cover were also received.

Owing to extreme pressure of work here, which is getting worse all the time, he has not been able to answer any N.S.A. letters from any country for almost a year. He regrets this but unfortunately it was unavoidable. As you can see, all your communications reached him, but he was too busy to reply.

He appreciated your Assembly’s gift of books gotten out by the Child Education Committee, and assures you that the four copies of the bulletin “Herald of the South”, “Bahá’í Youth Journal” and other material which you sent, are quite satisfactory.

The thing that is most difficult for the Guardian is to have to read through a sheaf of material in order to extract the salient information on such vital subjects as pioneer activities, important decisions of the National Assembly or the Teaching Committee etc. Two words in the text of your letter might convey important items in a succinct and summarized manner.

He was delighted to hear that as many as thirty of the Australian believers are planning to attend the New Delhi Conference, and that a large number of N.S.A. members, if not all, will be present. In a way, the New Delhi Conference is one of the most important of all four conferences to be held during the Holy Year, because at it, eight National Assemblies must be represented and their joint teaching endeavor covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá’u’lláh.

He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.

He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.

The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfill your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.

Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.

With warm Bahá’í love,R. Rabbani.

P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come!

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá’í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.

This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities—a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Island of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.

A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.

The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands—an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission.

Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your assembly—an undertaking to which Bahá’í National Assemblies, as well as I myself, will contribute—of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá’í Centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your assembly.

These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.

The valiant and youthful Bahá’í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all local assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.

May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.

Shoghi.

Letter of January 24, 1954Haifa, Israel,January 24, 1954Mrs. Greta Lake, Secretary,Yerrinbool Bahá’í School.Dear Bahá’í Sister:Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.He was very happy that the honored Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement to the friends present.The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.Your true brother,Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,January 24, 1954

Mrs. Greta Lake, Secretary,Yerrinbool Bahá’í School.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very happy that the honored Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement to the friends present.

The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.

Your true brother,Shoghi.

Letter of June 16, 1954Haifa, Israel,June 16, 1954Mr. James Heggie, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.Dear Bahá’í Brother:The letters from your Assembly dated July 6, September 14, November 9 and December 18, 1953, and January 7 (2), February 28, and March 22 and 31, 1954, with enclosures, also the material sent separately, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.Regarding the various matters you have raised, he does not know how the galleys of the Tahitian pamphlet and letters of Louise Bosch happened to be sent to you. He had nothing to do with it, and is perfectly satisfied that they should remain in the hands of your Assembly.He has been delighted over the marked progress made by your Assembly in carrying out its own portion of the Ten-Year Crusade. The number of members of the National Body who have gone forth as pioneers to virgin territories which you have succeeded in opening during the first year of the Plan, the purchase of the Temple site in Sydney—all attest the vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes. He is very proud of their spirit and their achievements, and believes that they will go very far in their service to the Faith on an international scale. The initiative shown through the holding of a South Pacific School pleased him immensely. In view of the work to be done, the number of languages into which the literature is to be translated, the tremendous area throughout which the Australian goals are scattered, schools and institutes of this nature are really essential.He is also very happy to note the increase in Bahá’í membership, a sure sign of the virility of the faith of the believers.He feels sure that the visit of the dear Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Faizi, did a tremendous amount of good. Mr. Furutan has since made the pilgrimage to Haifa, and spoke very highly to the Guardian of the believers in that part of the world, whom he grew to love and admire very much during his visit.He was very happy to see that Mrs. Dunn was able to attend the New Zealand Bahá’í Summer School. For a woman of her age, this was surely a remarkable achievement, and must have been a great inspiration to the New Zealand friends, coming as she did so freshly from the last Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi.Now that so many of the goals abroad have been settled, and active plans have been laid to settle the remaining ones, he feels that your Assembly should pay particular attention, during the coming year, to the work on the home front. The multiplication of Local Assemblies, the incorporation of Local Assemblies and the increase in centers throughout Australia and New Zealand are all-important and pressing, and will require a great deal of work. The sooner the friends “get on with it” the better!In connection with the teaching work throughout the Pacific area, he fully believes that in many cases the white society is difficult to interest in anything but its own superficial activities. The Bahá’ís must identify themselves on the one hand, as much as they reasonably can, with the life of the white people, so as not to become ostracized, criticized and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.Sound judgment, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá’ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups.As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgment in handling this entire matter.The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.[From the Guardian:]Dear and valued co-workers:The manifold evidences of the remarkable progress, achieved in almost every field, by the Australian and New-Zealand Bahá’í Communities since the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, have truly rejoiced my heart, and served to heighten my feelings of admiration for the sterling qualities which the members of these Communities have increasingly displayed in recent years.There is no doubt whatever—and I truly feel proud to place it on record—that the community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh labouring for His Cause in the Antipodes now occupies, by virtue of the quality of the faith of its members, the soundness of their judgement, the clearness of their vision, the scope of their accomplishments, and their exemplary loyalty, courage and self-sacrifice, a foremost position among its sister communities in all the continents of the globe.Far from stagnating or declining in number or in influence it has in recent years displayed a vitality which can well excite the admiration and envy of them all, and has demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a fidelity to the principles of our Faith, whether a spiritual or administrative, and a capacity for service which all may well emulate.Though all the goals, in the virgin areas of the globe, assigned to the elected national representatives of these two communities have not as yet been attained, owing solely to circumstances beyond their control, yet the spirit evinced by the pioneers belonging to these communities, who have so gloriously initiated this major task, constituting the foremost objective of the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade, has been such as to amply compensate for the inability of their national elected representatives to consummate, ere the close of the first year of the Ten-Year Plan, this initial enterprise marking the inauguration of their Mission in foreign fields. Particularly gratifying and indeed inspiring has been the response of the members of your assembly to the Call for pioneers—a response that has surpassed that of any other National Body throughout the Bahá’í World.The selection and subsequent purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city—the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area—is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will, in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and which are destined to yield their fairest fruit in the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.The second phase of this spiritual Crusade upon which these two greatly blessed, fast unfolding, firmly established, intensely alive communities have now entered must witness the opening, at whatever cost, of the remaining virgin territories allocated to their national elected representatives. The preservation of the prizes already won in the newly opened territories is, moreover, a task they cannot afford to neglect under any circumstances. The multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centres, groups and local assemblies, in both Australia and New-Zealand—a process that has been steadily and rapidly developing since the inauguration of the Ten-Year Plan, is likewise of paramount importance in the years immediately ahead. The development of these institutions, particularly in New-Zealand, will no doubt hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that territory, and will lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of the Faith in those regions.The assistance which your Assembly must increasingly extend to its sister assembly in the Indian sub-continent, in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá’í Literature in the languages allocated under the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another task which, in the coming months, must be boldly tackled and consistently carried on. The incorporation of local assemblies moreover, is a matter of great urgency and should in no wise be postponed or neglected. The consolidation work to be undertaken, according to the provisions of this same Plan, is, likewise, urgent and of the utmost importance, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the prestige of your assembly and enrich the record of your far-reaching accomplishments. The purchase of a building in Auckland destined to serve as the National Hazíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of New-Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused—in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá’í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly—an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes.Shoghi.

Haifa, Israel,June 16, 1954

Mr. James Heggie, Secretary,National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

The letters from your Assembly dated July 6, September 14, November 9 and December 18, 1953, and January 7 (2), February 28, and March 22 and 31, 1954, with enclosures, also the material sent separately, have all been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Regarding the various matters you have raised, he does not know how the galleys of the Tahitian pamphlet and letters of Louise Bosch happened to be sent to you. He had nothing to do with it, and is perfectly satisfied that they should remain in the hands of your Assembly.

He has been delighted over the marked progress made by your Assembly in carrying out its own portion of the Ten-Year Crusade. The number of members of the National Body who have gone forth as pioneers to virgin territories which you have succeeded in opening during the first year of the Plan, the purchase of the Temple site in Sydney—all attest the vitality of the faith of the believers in the Antipodes. He is very proud of their spirit and their achievements, and believes that they will go very far in their service to the Faith on an international scale. The initiative shown through the holding of a South Pacific School pleased him immensely. In view of the work to be done, the number of languages into which the literature is to be translated, the tremendous area throughout which the Australian goals are scattered, schools and institutes of this nature are really essential.

He is also very happy to note the increase in Bahá’í membership, a sure sign of the virility of the faith of the believers.

He feels sure that the visit of the dear Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, accompanied by Mr. Faizi, did a tremendous amount of good. Mr. Furutan has since made the pilgrimage to Haifa, and spoke very highly to the Guardian of the believers in that part of the world, whom he grew to love and admire very much during his visit.

He was very happy to see that Mrs. Dunn was able to attend the New Zealand Bahá’í Summer School. For a woman of her age, this was surely a remarkable achievement, and must have been a great inspiration to the New Zealand friends, coming as she did so freshly from the last Intercontinental Teaching Conference held in New Delhi.

Now that so many of the goals abroad have been settled, and active plans have been laid to settle the remaining ones, he feels that your Assembly should pay particular attention, during the coming year, to the work on the home front. The multiplication of Local Assemblies, the incorporation of Local Assemblies and the increase in centers throughout Australia and New Zealand are all-important and pressing, and will require a great deal of work. The sooner the friends “get on with it” the better!

In connection with the teaching work throughout the Pacific area, he fully believes that in many cases the white society is difficult to interest in anything but its own superficial activities. The Bahá’ís must identify themselves on the one hand, as much as they reasonably can, with the life of the white people, so as not to become ostracized, criticized and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.

Sound judgment, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.

He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá’ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups.

As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgment in handling this entire matter.

The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.

As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.

He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.

He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The manifold evidences of the remarkable progress, achieved in almost every field, by the Australian and New-Zealand Bahá’í Communities since the launching of the Ten-Year Plan, have truly rejoiced my heart, and served to heighten my feelings of admiration for the sterling qualities which the members of these Communities have increasingly displayed in recent years.

There is no doubt whatever—and I truly feel proud to place it on record—that the community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh labouring for His Cause in the Antipodes now occupies, by virtue of the quality of the faith of its members, the soundness of their judgement, the clearness of their vision, the scope of their accomplishments, and their exemplary loyalty, courage and self-sacrifice, a foremost position among its sister communities in all the continents of the globe.

Far from stagnating or declining in number or in influence it has in recent years displayed a vitality which can well excite the admiration and envy of them all, and has demonstrated, beyond the shadow of a doubt, a fidelity to the principles of our Faith, whether a spiritual or administrative, and a capacity for service which all may well emulate.

Though all the goals, in the virgin areas of the globe, assigned to the elected national representatives of these two communities have not as yet been attained, owing solely to circumstances beyond their control, yet the spirit evinced by the pioneers belonging to these communities, who have so gloriously initiated this major task, constituting the foremost objective of the opening phase of this Ten-Year Crusade, has been such as to amply compensate for the inability of their national elected representatives to consummate, ere the close of the first year of the Ten-Year Plan, this initial enterprise marking the inauguration of their Mission in foreign fields. Particularly gratifying and indeed inspiring has been the response of the members of your assembly to the Call for pioneers—a response that has surpassed that of any other National Body throughout the Bahá’í World.

The selection and subsequent purchase of the site of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city—the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area—is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will, in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu’l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, and which are destined to yield their fairest fruit in the Golden Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

The second phase of this spiritual Crusade upon which these two greatly blessed, fast unfolding, firmly established, intensely alive communities have now entered must witness the opening, at whatever cost, of the remaining virgin territories allocated to their national elected representatives. The preservation of the prizes already won in the newly opened territories is, moreover, a task they cannot afford to neglect under any circumstances. The multiplication of Bahá’í isolated centres, groups and local assemblies, in both Australia and New-Zealand—a process that has been steadily and rapidly developing since the inauguration of the Ten-Year Plan, is likewise of paramount importance in the years immediately ahead. The development of these institutions, particularly in New-Zealand, will no doubt hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in that territory, and will lend a tremendous impetus to the onward march of the Faith in those regions.

The assistance which your Assembly must increasingly extend to its sister assembly in the Indian sub-continent, in connection with the translation and publication of Bahá’í Literature in the languages allocated under the Ten-Year Plan, is yet another task which, in the coming months, must be boldly tackled and consistently carried on. The incorporation of local assemblies moreover, is a matter of great urgency and should in no wise be postponed or neglected. The consolidation work to be undertaken, according to the provisions of this same Plan, is, likewise, urgent and of the utmost importance, and will undoubtedly serve to enhance the prestige of your assembly and enrich the record of your far-reaching accomplishments. The purchase of a building in Auckland destined to serve as the National Hazíratu’l-Quds of the Bahá’ís of New-Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused—in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.

Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá’í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly—an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.

May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.

That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes.

Shoghi.

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