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3 January 1941 [National Assembly]
Dear Miss Brooks,
At the Guardian's direction I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of December 17th just arrived, together with the copy of the resolutions passed by the NSA of Australia and New Zealand in its August meeting, as well as the copy of the statement on the "Bahá'í Attitude to War" recently issued by your Assembly. He found that statement most satisfactory both in its form and in its clear and comprehensive presentation of the underlying principles governing the collective attitude of the believers in this vital issue of the hour.
The friends should indeed make a careful study of this statement, so as to be able to intelligently and correctly answer any questions put to them either by the authorities or individual enquirers.
The Guardian has been particularly pleased to note that the response of the Prime Minister, and of the Premier of Victoria and other ministers to whom you had submitted a copy of the above statement has been so cordial, and he feels relieved to know that through this action of your Assembly any doubts or misapprehensions regarding the attitude of the Bahá'ís to war have been dispelled, and that the authorities feel, as a result, much more favourable towards the Cause, now that they know for themselves that it is certainly non-political in character and that it enjoins absolute loyalty and obedience to the Government
This opportunity your Assembly has had of establishing direct contact with the authorities is indeed a step of vital significance to the Cause in Australia and New Zealand, and is bound to pave the way for its ultimate recognition as an independent religious Faith, entitled to the same rights and privileges which other religious bodies and institutions
enjoy in that land.
The Guardian wishes me in closing to express his deepfelt appreciation of your teaching services in Melbourne and Hobart, in which cities you seem to have accomplished such splendid work, both in introducing the Cause to the general public and by assisting the friends in better conducting their teaching and administrative activities.
May the Beloved ever bless and guide your efforts, and may He also strengthen and confirm your fellow-members in the N.S.A., in the discharge of their arduous duties and responsibilities. To you and to them all he sends his warmest greetings,
Yours in His Service, H. Rabbani
Dear co-workers:
The manner and spirit in which the dearly-beloved friends in Australia and New Zealand are discharging their multifarious and sacred responsibilities, in these days of strife and peril, augur well for the future of their mission in that far-off continent. The sound lines along which the administration of the Faith is evolving, the courage and fidelity with which they defend the integrity and assert the claims, and proclaim the verities of their beloved Cause are evidences of their onward march and the potentialities with which they are endowed. I rejoice and am thankful. I will continue to pray and seek for them still greater blessings.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
17 January 1941 [James Heggie]
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Enclosed is the receipt for the loving contribution which you insisted on making to the Fund of the Faith here at its World Center.
The Guardian was deeply touched by the motives which prompted you to do this, and he therefore accepts it and will expend it for the Cause here.
He was very happy that you were again able to visit the Shrines here,
and he assures you that his loving prayers will accompany you, wherever you may be.
With warm Bahá'í Greetings,
Yours in His service, R.Rabbani
17 February 1941 [National Assembly]
INEXPRESSIBLY GRIEVED LOSS HEROIC PIONEER WHOSE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS EXEMPLARY SPIRIT SHED IMPERISHABLE LUSTRE ANNALS FORMATIVE PERIOD FAITH BAHAULLAH STOP CONCOURSE ON HIGH EXTOL HIS VIRTUES MAGNIFY HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS WELCOME HIS ADMISSION THEIR RANKS. ADVISE HOLD BEFITTING MEMORIAL GATHERINGS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND ASSURE MOTHER DUNN FRIENDS PROFOUND SYMPATHY SPECIAL FERVENT PRAYERS SHOGHI RABBANI
24 February 1941 [National Assembly]
CABLING FIFTY POUNDS MY CONTRIBUTION CONSTRUCTION TOMB FATHER DUNN CABLE WHETHER MY CABLE CONDOLENCE REACHED YOU LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
16 March 1941
Dear Ethel Dawe:
Shoghi Effendi has asked me to answer your letter to him concerning the friend of your brother, Mr. Reginald Bridgland.
You may rest assured he, as well as the son of Mr. Motteram, will
be most welcome any time they find it possible to call on the Guardian.
The wonderful spirit of intelligent devotion and steadfastness which animates the Australian, as well as the New Zealand, Bahá'ís in these difficult days, is of great comfort to Shoghi Effendi and a source of pride and satisfaction to him in his ceaseless labours for the Faith.
He was grieved at the news of the passing of beloved Father Dunn - a man whose name and deeds will never be forgotten. He, as well as Mother Dunn, are like abundant bearing trees. They have given spiritual life to a whole continent, and now one of them has gone to reap his rich reward in the Abhá Kingdom. He feels sure that the Bahá'ís are doing everything in their power to comfort and take care of Mother Dunn, so that she will not feel her loss too unbearable. For indeed to these two souls the friends owe the greatest gift in the world - the knowledge of the Promise of all Ages!
Kindly convey the Guardian's loving greetings to all the dear friends in those parts, as well as the assurance of his prayers for their well-being.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, yours in His service always, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:
I was very pleased to hear from you, & I cherish bright hopes for your future in the service of our beloved Faith. I will specially pray that you may be enabled to hold aloft the torch transmitted to the friends by that great and immortal soul Mr. Dunn, whose work will inspire the rising generation to arise & follow his glorious example. May the Beloved guide every step you take in His service.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
12 April 1941
Dearest Mother Dunn:
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter to him of March 25th.
He was most deeply touched by your truly wonderful spirit of love and dedication - so typical of that of your dear husband.
The loss of Father Dunn was felt deeply by the Guardian. He loved, trusted, and admired him greatly. But that noble and exemplary soul has now gone to reap his everlasting reward in the presence of our Lord Bahá'u'lláh. Behind him he has left a truly wonderful harvest, the fruit of your united and untiring service.
Through your and Father Dunn's efforts the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand have grown to be, not only a devoted community of souls, but believers outstanding in their devotion and the soundness of their views which, Shoghi Effendi greatly admires. You have indeed every reason to rejoice that in this life you two were so united and, at such a time in history, could dedicate your lives to such a glorious Cause.
The Guardian feels that the thing for you to do is to remain amongst the believers, who so deeply love you, and to carry on the work of dear Father Dunn. He was most touched by your readiness to enter new teaching fields, but feels that the place where you can best serve the Faith is in Australia, where you can go on aiding the growth of what you have already established.
Shoghi Effendi heartily approves of your thought in connection with Father Dunn's grave, and hopes it will become possible to have the little park around it which would truly be in accordance with his spirit of love for all - especially children.
With the assurance of our Guardian's loving prayers for you, Father Dunn and all your spiritual children, I remain with Bahá'í love,
Yours truly, R. Rabbani
Dear and prized co-worker,
With feelings of overwhelming sorrow I learned of the loss of that
great-hearted, that high-minded, that exemplary disciple of Abdu'l-Baha, Hyde Dunn, but I rejoice at his elevation to so exalted a seat among the immortals in the Abhá Kingdom, & his reunion with a Master whom he served so lovingly & valiantly, so effectively & so long. He, the spiritual conqueror of the continent of Australasia, will, by his spirit, his example & accomplishments, continue to inspire the rising generation in that far-off continent & indeed throughout the Bahá'í World. The memory of his deeds will shed imperishable lustre on the annals of the first century of the Bahá'í era. Rejoice therefore & be assured of my deepest loving sympathy. Shoghi
18 April 1941
Mrs Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your welcome letter of Jan. 31st. was received and Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer it.
He was so happy to receive all your good news concerning the progress of the Cause in Sydney as well as Yerrinbool. The unity evident amongst the friends of far-off Australia and New Zealand, the soundness of their grounding in the teaching, their untiring devotion to the Cause of God, all greatly cheer his heart.
He greatly appreciates you and Doctor Bolton's teaching work both in the classes you are holding in Sydney and the ones in Yerrinbool itself. You may be sure he will often remember you and your dear children in his prayers at the Holy Shrines and he will also pray for those you are teaching.
Shoghi Effendi has never accepted the requests of the friends that he should give them or their children names. This is a custom which he feels is sacred to the memory of the dear Master, and he has never felt he should do it himself. However you may rest assured of his loving prayers for this little son of yours whom you have so generously taken into your home and hearts.
If it should prove feasible to hold a "winter school" at Yerrinbool, as well as the present summer school, Shoghi Effendi feels it would be very useful to the friends and a reinforcement of the many activities already undertaken by the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís.
He read with interest Miss Lamprill's letter which so clearly shows the influence of the Summer-School on the friends.
Assuring you of the Guardian's deep appreciation of your devoted services,
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.
Dear and valued co-worker:
The report of your splendid activities has greatly cheered and heartened me in my arduous task, and I feel truly proud of the work you are accomplishing. I will specially pray for the fulfilment of every wish and hope you cherish in the service of the Faith. May the Beloved sustain, inspire and bless you at all times and under all conditions,
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
19 April 1941 [National Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Friends,
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter of March 16th, 1941.
He was pleased to learn that Mother Dunn has accepted in such a noble and exemplary Bahá'í spirit the loss of dear Father Dunn, and that the friends of Sydney are preparing a full description of his death and the funeral. The Guardian would like very much to receive all such histories and reports for the next vol. of "Bahá'í World". He would also like you to send him three good photographs of Father Dunn and some of his grave and tombstone - whenever the latter are available.
The truly remarkable services of Hyde Dunn will never be forgotten. They have added a golden page to the history of the Formative period of our Faith. The whole-hearted response to 'Abdu'l-Bahá's call, raised more than twenty years ago, which he and Mother Dunn made; their quiet and unassuming sacrifices for the Cause; the wisdom and permanence with which he laid the foundations of the work in Australia and New Zealand; and the faithful love with which both of these noble souls tended the growing institutions of the Faith - all constitute a land mark in the victorious progress of the Faith. He is indeed the spiritual conqueror of that continent!
The Guardian was very interested in your Assembly's recent statement published in the January issue of "Bahá'í Quarterly". So much so that he felt impelled to have the American N.S.A. publish it in "Bahá'í News" and also have it read at the annual Convention. He feels that in excellent form you have presented the very essence of the Bahá'í attitude on these matters. This has further strengthened his conviction that the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand display a remarkable soundness in their views on all matters concerning the Faith, a characteristic which greatly pleases him.
Concerning your question whether a Bahá'í Burial Service can be conducted for non-Bahá'ís if requested by them; if non-Bahá'ís desire that the believers should conduct a service there is no objection at all.
The contemplated teaching trip of Miss Brooks, Mrs Hawthorne and Mrs Moffitt to Queensland, meets with the Guardian's whole-hearted
approval. He will pray in the Holy Shrines that its outcome will be richly blessed and fruitful.
He was very sorry to learn that Miss Stevenson has passed on. He will pray for her joy and advancement in the Worlds beyond. She had the great honour and blessing of being the first New Zealand believer and her reward must be great.
With the assurance of Shoghi Effendi's most loving prayers for you all and with Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
P.S: He wishes me also to thank you for the Naw-RÏz and Ridván greetings from all the dear friends in Australia and New Zealand.
Dear and valued co-workers:
The community of the Most Great Name in those far-off islands has lost a great leader, a stalwart upholder of the New World Order of Bahá'u'lláh. The influence he has exercised will however continue to live, and the example he has set will inspire the rising generation to perform deeds as great and brilliant as those which will ever remain associated with his name. Our dear friend, Mr Hyde Dunn, will, from his exalted station intercede on your behalf, and you should, on your part strive to emulate one whom Bahá'í historians will recognise and acclaim as Australia's spiritual Conqueror. I will pray for his dear spiritual children from the depths of my heart.
Your true brother, Shoghi
The passing of yet another staunch and indefatigable worker, Miss Stevenson, constitutes yet another loss to the believers in that continent. The work which that exemplary pioneer has achieved however is imperishable. Kindly assure her relatives of my deepfelt sympathy. Shoghi
19 April 1941 [National Assembly]
THRILLED EXEMPLARY ATTITUDE REFLECTED, NOBLY CONCEIVED, UNQUESTIONABLY INSPIRED STATEMENT IN JANUARY BAHAI QUARTERLY ARRANGING ITS PUBLICATION AMERICAN BAHAI NEWS AND PERSIAN ENGLISH HAIFA NEWSLETTERS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS SHOGHI
11 May 1941 [National Assembly]
CONGRATULATE AXFORD PRAYING WORK BRISBANE LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
30 July 1941 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The Guardian has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of June 20th, with all its good news.
The response your teaching work met with in Brisbane is truly most encouraging and shows a remarkable receptivity on the part of the people of Australia to the Divine Message. Shoghi Effendi hopes that you will be able to undertake many such trips in furtherance of the teaching work and that an increasing number of the friends will do likewise.
Indeed all the news that comes from the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand bears witness to the soundness of their understanding of the teachings, their loyalty and devotion to the Cause and its laws, and the excellence of their faith itself.
The Guardian has recently written a long general letter to the Bahá'ís of the West. Owing to its length and the difficulty of sending a large number of manuscripts abroad at such a time, he has requested the N.S.A. of America to forward it to the other National Spiritual Assemblies. He
trusts it will soon reach you.
The news received of the Winter session of the Yerrinbool school was very encouraging.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that many of these points of community contact, such as school sessions, teaching conferences - whatever form of activity is most feasible - will be increasingly inaugurated, as they are of vital importance in fostering the work of the Cause.
He most deeply appreciates your own untiring services in promotion of the Faith in all its branches. You may rest assured that he will often pray for you, and he will also pray for the confirmation of those souls whom you and Mrs. Hawthorne attracted during your recent trip.
With Bahá'í love, Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani.
P.S. The Guardian has not yet received the record of Martha's voice nor photographs of Father Dunn. Will you kindly send one copy of each to him as soon as convenient. R.R.
Dear and valued co-workers:
It is indeed thrilling to note the rapidity and soundness with which the flourishing Bahá'í community in that far-off land is establishing the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, is fearlessly proclaiming its truths, upholding its verities and standards, multiplying its institutions, defending its interests, disseminating its literature, and exemplifying its invincible power and spirit. I rejoice, feel proud and am eternally grateful. I cannot but pray, with redoubled fervour, to Him Who so manifestly guides and sustains you, to increase your numbers, to remove every barrier that obstructs your path, to safeguard your unity, to bless your undertakings and to enable you to demonstrate, afresh and with still greater force, the reality of the faith that animates you in the discharge of your sacred duties. Be assured and persevere. Shoghi
30 July 1941
Mrs. Mariette Bolton, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Shoghi Effendi has asked me to answer your welcome letter to him of June 28th.
He was delighted to hear of the increased work of the Yerrinbool School and that you have inaugurated a winter session successfully. This no doubt greatly strengthens the Cause in Australia and is a big step towards its fulfilment of the ideal state for all these Bahá'í schools, which, is of course, to become gradually regular Bahá'í educational institutes, open a large part of the year.
He was also most happy to learn that, through the spirit disseminated by the school, a group of souls in Yerrinbool have joined the Faith. No better testimony to the value of these institutions could be asked for! He hopes that the Adelaide Winter School Session will prove also a great success, and that believers in other centers of Australia and New Zealand will find it possible to inaugurate some similar activity, as the distances are so great in those countries that not many of the Bahá'ís can afford at present to gather in one spot.
He is so grateful for the noble services which you and Dr. Bolton are so ceaselessly rendering the Faith, and he hopes, and will pray, that your dear children will grow up to follow in your footsteps and add their share of lustre to the annals of the progress of the Faith in those parts.
Assuring you and your family of his most loving prayers, and with Bahá'í love,
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-worker:
Your welcome letter has cheered my heart and greatly encouraged me in the discharge of my arduous duties. When I recall your magnificent services, and specially when I remember the spirit which animates you in your task, I feel grateful to Bahá'u'lláh for having raised you up in that far-away continent, and inspired you to promote and establish His Faith. He will surely watch over you both and bless the splendid work you are achieving. Persevere, be happy and rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
1 August 1941 [Silver Jackman]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The Guardian has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of July 8th.
He was delighted to hear of the progress of the work in your center, as well as your additional report of the fine teaching trip which Miss Hilda Brooks, Mrs. Moffitt and Mrs. Routh undertook in Brisbane. A detailed account of the work of Miss Brooks was received from her a short time ago.
Shoghi Effendi also wishes to express his appreciation for the generous support the N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand is giving the International Fund. Enclosed is a receipt for the sum you sent.
He will be most interested to receive pictures of Father Dunn's completed grave, whenever circumstances have enabled the friends to complete it, for use in the next "Bahá'í World".
The Cause in Australia and New Zealand seems, from all reports received, to be going ahead by leaps and bounds. The people also appear to be more receptive to the teachings than before. This greatly heartens Shoghi Effendi, as he has the brightest hopes for the future part the Bahá'ís of that continent will play in the ordering of world-wide Bahá'í affairs. They have displayed a soundness of understanding of the Teachings, a devotion, balance, and sanity that he greatly admires. His ardent prayers are often with them and their wonderful work.
He deeply appreciates your own untiring efforts to promote the Faith, and hopes you will write and inform him of the success of the new "Winter School", an undertaking which he hopes will thrive and spread to other centers.
Assuring you of his most loving prayers,
Yours, in service to our beloved Faith, R. Rabbani
Dear co-worker:
The news conveyed by your letter has cheered me, & served to remind me of the constancy, the exemplary activities, the marvellous spirit, evinced by the dear friends in that far-off continent. I will continue to pray from the depths of my heart that the Beloved may watch over you & your valiant collaborators, deepen your understanding of the essentials and requirements of His Faith, extend His assistance to you, & aid you to fulfil your great & splendid mission.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
3 August 1941
Mrs E Axford
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter to him of May 10th, which just came.
He was, as already expressed in the cable he sent you, greatly impressed by the statement in the Quarterly on the true Bahá'í attitude at the present time. It displayed a correctness of viewpoint, a courage, and a loyalty to Bahá'u'lláh which has led him to disseminate it far and wide: in the American Newsletter, in the two Haifa Newsletters, English and Persian, etc. It was indeed a timely and most noble contribution to the Faith.
The friends in both Australia and New Zealand seem to have developed a most outstanding soundness in their relation to the teachings. This leads Shoghi Effendi to believe that they will make great contributions to the unfoldment of the world-wide aspects of the Faith.
His prayers are always with you, and he most deeply appreciates the splendid services you are rendering the Cause, and will pray that the way will open for you to do ever greater work and in an ever widening field.
Please assure all the dear friends of Auckland of his loving remembrance and his prayers for their work.
With Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
Dear & valued co-worker:
I cannot refrain from adding a few words in person to assure you of my lively appreciation of your constancy & of the distinctive services you are so ably & devotedly rendering our beloved Faith. That you may be able to extend their range is my fervent & constant prayer. Persevere, and be confidant and happy. Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
24 September 1941
Drs. S.W. & M.G. Bolton, Somerset House, 9 Martin Place, Sydney, N.S.W. Australia.
Dear Bahá'í friends:
The Guardian just received your letter of Sep.5th which he has instructed me to answer.
He was delighted to hear that you are both going to teach the Cause in Hobart, Tasmania and aid the local Bahá'ís there.
In such a vast country as Australia he fully realizes the difficulties which teaching over a wide area presents, and he considers that these very handicaps have proved the zeal and devotion of the friends of that continent in the service of the Faith.
You already know with what feelings of pride, gratitude and love, the Guardian contemplates the rapidly expanding activities of the Australian and New Zealand friends. He has every reason to hope and believe that they will go on from victory to victory, continually enriching their already noble record of service.
He most deeply appreciates the many and fine services which you both are rendering the Faith, and you may rest assured his loving and ardent prayers accompany you on your present teaching trip. With warm Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
Dear and valued co-workers:
I greatly appreciate, nay increasingly admire, your varied and notable services, and particularly the spirit that prompts you to render them. You are certainly lending a tremendous impetus to the spread of our beloved Faith, and I will pray that you may both be enabled to enrich, in the days to come, the record of your fine accomplishments.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
14 October 1941 [Alice Beaumont]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The Guardian has instructed me to answer your kind letter of August 5th, just received.
He was very pleased to witness your great devotion to our beloved Cause, and to learn that you are so active in spreading it among your fellow-countrymen. The people of Australia have shown remarkable qualities as Bahá'ís - qualities of intelligent understanding and spirituality, combined, as well as great faith in and devotion to the Cause, once they accept it. These characteristics have greatly endeared them to Shoghi Effendi, and he has great hopes for the future of the Cause in that country.
You should indeed feel yourself privileged to have known both Keith Ransom-Kehler and Father Dunn - two very unique and noble souls who served the Faith with fiery zeal till the very last moments of their lives. They offer us all a wonderful example.
The Guardian was very pleased to hear of the Adelaide "Winter-school", which, from all reports, was indeed very successful. He hopes the friends will be able to hold many such get-togethers as they
are of great help and inspiration.
The way in which you were led to the Faith shows very clearly that God bestowed this great blessing on you. The Guardian hopes that in your turn He will now aid you to confirm many new souls in His Faith. Indeed in these dark days the Cause is the only hope we can hold out to suffering humanity, and it is wonderful to realize that we can give them hope and point the way to their happiness and ultimate salvation.
He will pray that you, and Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins, may be able to greatly aid the Cause in your district and establish a new group of souls. With Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty aid you to lend a fresh impetus to the growth & consolidation of the new-born institutions of His Faith, & enable you to reflect powerfully the spirit that animates you,
Your true brother, Shoghi
14 October 1941
Bertha and Joe Dobbins
Dear Bahá'í friends,
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your welcome letter to him of August 6th, 1941, just received.
He is delighted at the excellent report you give of the progress of the Faith in your city, the holding of the Winter-School, the visit of dear Mr. and Mrs. Bolton, and above all the number of people you have been enabled to lead into the Faith.
The friends must never mistake the Bahá'í administration for an end in itself. It is merely the instrument of the spirit of the Faith. This Cause is a Cause which God has revealed to humanity as a whole. It is designed to benefit the entire human race, and the only way it can do this is to re-form the Community life of mankind, as well as seeking to regenerate the individual. The Bahá'í Administration is only the first shaping of
what in future will come to be the social life and laws of community living. As yet the believers are only just beginning to grasp and practice it properly. So we must have patience if at times it seems a little self-conscious and rigid in its working. It is because we are learning something very difficult but very wonderful - how to live together as a community of Bahá'ís, according to the glorious teachings.
He is very pleased that you have told him about the work of dear Miss Dawe. He had not known of her serious illness, and regrets it very much. Please convey to her the assurance of his most loving prayers for her recovery, and encourage her to, by all means, share with her fellow-Bahá'ís, whether in Australia or abroad, any teaching methods or teaching material she has found meets with response from the public. This interchange of data and ideas amongst the believers is most stimulating and helpful.
Concerning your statements in your speech, delivered at the Winter-School, that 25 people claimed to be the Promised One in Baghdad, Shoghi Effendi says this is correct. You probably got the information from pilgrim's notes, as he has mentioned it to the pilgrims. He is pleased to see that you are now giving lectures on the Cause.
In closing he wishes to assure you both of his most loving prayers for yourselves and your children as well as those you have been teaching and confirming in the Faith.
Yours in His Service, R. Rabbani
May the Spirit that pervades the Faith be your guide, protector, & succour in these days of world-wide stress & turmoil, & aid you in close collaboration with your devoted and active co-workers, to reinforce the foundations of the structure which you are so marvellously exerting yourselves to establish. I will continue to pray for you all from the depths of my heart. Persevere & rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
13 November 1941 [National Spiritual Assembly]
RUHI AFNANS SISTER MARRIED COVENANT BREAKER HER FAMILY SUPPORT HER ACTION EXCOMMUNICATION UNAVOIDABLE
14 November 1941 [Ethel Dawe]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your brother, Mr. Vernon Dawe, called a short time ago on the Guardian, bringing your kind letter to Shoghi Effendi with him.
Owing to the absence of the Guardian from Haifa he was unable to meet your brother personally, which he regretted very much. He hopes, however, that your brother will be able to call again before he leaves the Near East, and then have the opportunity of becoming personally acquainted with each other.
Mr. Dawe visited the Gardens, the Shrines, and the Sacred Tomb at Bahjí as well as the Mansion and various archives - so you see he was kept very busy the few hours he had at his disposal!
He has been told by those who went with your brother that he showed much interest in the various things he saw, and Shoghi Effendi hopes that this, combined with your own devoted efforts, will serve to arouse in him a love for our beloved Faith.
He assures you he will pray for your brother as well as your dear self.
He has heard from some of the Australian friends of both your excellent work for the Cause and your modesty and devotion. He trusts that you will ever-increasingly be able to serve the Cause in a wide field and attract many of your country-men to its enlightened teachings.
With Bahá'í Love, R. Rabbani
Dear & precious co-worker:
I deeply regret that when your brother called I was away & unable to accord him a hearty welcome. He has visited the Shrines, however, which is the essential thing. You are often in my thoughts & prayers, & I trust you will be able to enrich the record of your past & deeply appreciated services,
your true brother, Shoghi.
18 November 1941 [National Assembly]
DEEPLY APPRECIATE SPIRIT PROMPTING RESPONSE DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI RABBANI
25 December 1941
To the Tasmanian Bahá'ís c/o Miss Gretta Lamprill
Dear Bahá'í friends:
Your letter of Dec. 6th has just been received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer it.
He was delighted with the excellent news you gave him of the progress of the work in Tasmania. In fact previous to receiving your letter he had heard glowing reports, from some of the Australian friends, of the progress the Cause is making there, and thus feels already somewhat familiar with your work.
You did quite right to write him, and he hopes from time to time you will inform him of the progress of your activities in which he takes the keenest interest.
It is impossible for the friends like yourselves, labouring to establish
the Faith in a new and distant territory, to grasp the significance of your achievements. But those who come after you, and find the foundation laid, the pioneering done, and the harvest ready to be reaped, will know how to befittingly value your labours and appreciate your devotion.
The Guardian was delighted to hear of your youth group. The children who are trained in the world-embracing teachings of Bahá'u'lláh cannot but grow up to be a truly new race of men. He hopes these young people will prepare themselves for the great task which will face them in the future, that of helping to re-build the world with the aid and inspiration of the Bahá'í teachings.
He assures you all that he will ardently pray in the Holy Shrines for the progress of your work, and that you may speedily establish a Spiritual Assembly there.
The wonderful help Dr. and Mrs Bolton have given you, he greatly appreciates. They are truly exemplary servants of their fellow-men.
Assuring you of his most loving thoughts and wishes for your welfare and protection.
Ever yours in service to the Faith. R. Rabbani
Dear & valued co-workers:
I was overjoyed to receive your most welcome letter. I wish to assure you of my special and fervent prayers for you, of my admiration & gratitude for the spirit that animates you, & of my eagerness to receive regularly your reports. May the Beloved protect, sustain, and inspire you in these days of storm & trial, increase your numbers, deepen your understanding, fulfil your dearest hopes, & aid you to reflect powerfully in your lives the beauty & glory of His Revelation.
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
25 December 1941 [James Heggie]
Dear Bahá'í brother:
Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to write and thank you for your
very kind and generous donation to the Bahá'í Fund here in Haifa. I am enclosing herewith your receipt.
He was very happy indeed to meet you, and feels that if you are an example of the Bahá'í youth of Australia, they will render the Cause many valuable services.
He wishes to assure you that as long as you happen to be in this part of the world you must consider that you have a home here in Haifa, and anytime you can come and visit here you will be most welcome. Also please feel quite free to write him if there is anything he can do for you.
Rest assured he will often pray for your protection, and that you may be blessed and guided by God in all things.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
26 December 1941 [National Assembly]
Dear Bahá'í Sister,
The Guardian has instructed me to answer your letters dated Sep. 23rd. and Oct. 1st, and to acknowledge the receipt of the manuscript you sent for "Bahá'í World" vol IX, also the photographs of Father Dunn's home and his own picture.
Regarding the questions you asked in your letter...
No.1. Confucius was not a Prophet, so it is quite correct to say he is the founder of a moral system and a great reformer.
No.2. The Buddha was a Manifestation of God, like Christ, but his followers do not possess his authentic writings.
No.3. Zoroaster was not Abraham; the Muslims, some of them, contend that they were the same, but we believe they were two distinct Prophets. There is a misunderstanding in the reference in "Bahá'í Proofs" to this matter.
No.4. There are no Prophets, so far, in the same category as Bahá'u'lláh, as He culminates a great cycle with Adam.
No.5. The Greatest Name is the Name of Bahá'u'lláh. "Yá Bahá'u'l-Abhá" is an invocation meaning "O Thou Glory of Glories"!
Both refer to Bahá'u'lláh. By Greatest Name is meant that Bahá'u'lláh has appeared in God's Greatest Name, in other words, that He is the supreme manifestation of God.
No.6. Revelations 3:12, refers to the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh.
No.7. References in the Bible to "Mt Paran" and "Paraclete" refer to Muhammad's Revelation. Deuteronomy 33:2; Genesis 21:21; Numbers 12:16; Numbers 13:13; Genesis 17:20 refer to the twelve Imams and in the Revelation of St John Ch.II, where it mentions two witnesses, it refers to Muhammad and Ali.
No.8. The statement in the "Gleanings", p.64-65, "who out of utter nothingness..." etc., should be taken in a symbolic and not literal sense. It is only to demonstrate the power and greatness of God.
No.9. The Guardian considers that the gist of what Mrs Hanford Ford reported can be considered quite correct.
No.10. The figures 1290 date from the declaration of Muhammad, ten years before His flight to Medina.
No.11. The intercalary days are specially set aside for hospitality, the giving of gifts, etc. Bahá'u'lláh Himself specified that they be used in this way, but gave no explanation for it.
No.12. The Bahá'í Summer Schools were originated in America to meet the requirements of the friends. They have been adopted by other Bahá'í communities the world-over, but there is no reason why they should be called "Summer Schools". There is nothing rigid about the term, it is purely descriptive. The Guardian feels that although you can have the immediate affairs of your Summer-Schools managed by a convenient Local Assembly, they should remain under the direct supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly as they are national in character and not purely local.
A few days ago Mr Jim Heggie came to see the Guardian. He was able to visit all the Shrines and archives as well. Shoghi Effendi was delighted with him; he found him devoted, full of faith and zeal, and very well read in the teachings. He feels that if this is a sample of the Bahá'í youth of Australia, there is, indeed, a wonderful future ahead of that country!
He will be very pleased to receive the picture of Father Dunn's grave as soon as it is available.
The Guardian assures you and the members of the National Spiritual Assembly that his prayers are constantly being offered on your behalf. He is so very pleased with the good news he receives of your activities and the spread of the Cause in those distant lands.
Only yesterday he was reading a most heartening and enthusiastic report of the work in Tasmania, which greatly cheered him.
Dark as these days are he feels confident that the Australian and New Zealand Bahá'ís will continue with unabated devotion to carry on their excellent and exemplary services to the Faith.
His prayers are with them all, and his loving gratitude goes out to you who lead and co-ordinate their activities.
With warm Bahá'í greetings,
Yours in the service of the beloved Faith, R. Rabbani.
Dearly-beloved co-workers:
In these days when perils are increasingly threatening that far-off continent, the most distant outpost of our beloved Faith, my thoughts turn with deepening anxiety, solicitude, and love to those who are so valiantly holding aloft the banner of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh. I appeal to every one of them, and particularly to the members of the Assemblies who safeguard their interests, not to allow any disturbance, suffering, or anxiety to dim the splendour of their faith, to deflect them from their high purpose, to cause any division in their ranks, to interfere with the steady consolidation and expansion of their activities and institutions. I will specially pray that the work they have magnificently initiated, and so marvellously and soundly developed may suffer no setback, but rather continue to develop and yield its destined fruit. Persevere and rest assured.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi.
27 December 1941 [National Assembly]
Hilda Brooks, Bahá'í, Kembla Buildings, Sydney.
GENERAL SUPERVISION BY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SUFFICIENT PRAYING SUCCESS DELIBERATIONS MEETING AND SUMMER SCHOOL DEEPEST LOVE
29 December 1941 [National Assembly]
SISTER MEHRANGIZ FOLLOWED EXAMPLE AFNANS SISTER JUSTICE PROMPTS ME INFLICT SIMILAR PUNISHMENT SHOGHI RABBANI
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