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1 January 1953 [New Zealand Summer School]
"Dunn" School Committee care Natbahai Sydney.
TOUCHED MESSAGE ASSURE ATTENDANTS FERVENT PRAYERS
15 January 1953 [Australia]
Kitty Carpenter, 7 Edgerley Ave, New Market.
APPROVE
18 January 1953 [Australia]
Featherstone, 105 Clark Terrace, Albert Park, S.A.
ADVISE AFTER DELHI CONFERENCE
29 January 1953 [Australia]
Featherstone, 105 Clark Terrace, Albert Park, S.A.
APPROVE
29 January 1953 [Australia]
Ethel Dawe, 196 Stanley St, North Adelaide.
POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
6 February 1953 [New Zealand]
Blums care Natbahai Sydney
LOVING PRAYERS SURROUNDING YOU
16 February 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
FERVENTLY PRAYING ACHIEVEMENT VICTORY APPEAL INDIVIDUALS ASSEMBLIES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT ELEVENTH HOUR HOWEVER GREAT SACRIFICE DISCHARGE NOBLY SACRED URGENT VITAL TASK SHOGHI
23 March 1953 [Australia]
Marie Dunning care NatBahai Sydney
POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
30 March 1953 [Australia]
St. Peters Bahá'í Group.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has received your loving letter of January 29th, enclosing contribution for the construction of the Shrine of the Báb. He has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf. Your contribution is deeply appreciated by him. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
You will be interested to know that the work on the Dome of the Shrine goes forward very satisfactorily. The Brim of the Dome has been finished, and the first row of stones of the rounded portion of the Dome have been put in place. The Shrine takes on added stateliness as each new height is reached. As it nestles in the heart of the Mountain of God, it daily becomes more impressive, as it beacons salvation to the multitudes.
The Guardian will pray for the success of the teaching work of the St. Peters Bahá'ís, so their group may become a strong Assembly, and have a thriving Community.
Teaching is the head cornerstone of the Faith of God, and the source of Divine Confirmations. May you ever be blessed with the gifts of The Holy Spirit. This is dependent on your devotion, consecration and service in the teaching field.
With warm Bahá'í Greetings, I am, Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Asst. Secretary
11 April 1953 [Australia]
Featherstone, care NatBahai Sydney.
APPROVE TAKING COLOUR FILM HOLY PLACES
22 April 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
OVERJOYED HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS GLORIOUS VICTORY SHOGHI
26 April 1953 [New Zealand]
Blums, 186 Upland Road, Remuera, Auckland.
APPROVE TEACHING INDIA
30 April 1953 [National Convention]
Convention care NatBahai, Sydney.
OCCASION ANNUAL CONVENTION FOLLOWERS BAHAULLAH ANTIPODES EXTEND ASSEMBLED DELEGATES LOVING GREETINGS HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS HISTORIC VICTORY CONSUMMATION PLAN STOP HOUR STRUCK OPENING NEW CHAPTER UNFOLDMENT CAUSE AUSTRALASIA STOP TEN YEAR PLAN DESIGNED EXTEND RANGE CONSOLIDATE ACTIVITIES SPLENDIDLY INITIATED AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA CARRY LIGHT FAITH NEIGHBOURING ISLANDS INVOLVES FIRST ESTABLISHMENT INCORPORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY NEW ZEALAND SECOND OPENING FOLLOWING VIRGIN TERRITORIES ADMIRALTY ISLANDS COCOS ISLAND LOYALTY ISLANDS MENTAWAI ISLANDS NEW HEBRIDES ISLANDS PORTUGUESE TIMOR SOCIETY ISLANDS THIRD CONSOLIDATION FAITH NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA BISMARK ARCHIPELAGO FIJI ISLANDS NEW CALEDONIA AUSTRALIAN NEW GUINEA FOURTH PURCHASE LAND SYDNEY ANTICIPATION FIRST MASHRIQULADHKAR AUSTRALASIA STOP FIFTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL HAZIRATULQUDS AUCKLAND STOP SIXTH DOUBLING NUMBER LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES LOCALITIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA SEVENTH INCORPORATION 19 LOCAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND TASMANIA EIGHTH TRANSLATION BAHAI LITERATURE 40 LANGUAGES COLLABORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY INDIA PAKISTAN BURMA NINTH ESTABLISHMENT NATIONAL ENDOWMENTS NEW ZEALAND TENTH FORMATION ISRAEL BRANCH NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY AUSTRALIA ELEVENTH FORMATION ASIAN TEACHING COMMITTEE EMPOWERED ASSIST PROSECUTION TEACHING PHASE PLAN STOP MAY ALMIGHTY ENABLE VALIANT PARTICIPATORS WORLD CRUSADE FULFIL SACRED OBLIGATIONS WORTHILY DISCHARGE RESPONSIBILITIES COURSE COMING DECADE CULMINATING CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATING BAHAULLAHS DECLARATION GARDEN RIDVAN
1 May 1953 [National Convention]
Convention, care NatBahai, Sydney.
DEEPLY APPRECIATE NOBLE SENTIMENTS SUPPLICATING BEHALF AUSTRALASIAN COMMUNITY BOUNTIFUL BLESSINGS SIGNAL VICTORIES LOVING REMEMBRANCE SHRINES
3 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
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 am, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
7 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
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. The news has come indirectly and he very much wants to have it confirmed by the NSA. You may be sure his eager eyes are on these new places and any news about them makes his heart very happy. Please send the name and address of the secretary of Suva.
The news of the 2nd International Bahá'í Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.
If you will please send the information asked for by return AIR MAIL, I will be very deeply grateful to you.
The work on the Shrine is going ahead very wonderfully, a few tiles have already been placed. We hope someday you will all make the pilgrimage and see this most beautiful Shrine in the heart of Mt. Carmel, fulfilment of prophecy.
Devoted love and thanks, Affectionately, Jessie E. Revell
26 May 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Natbahai Sydney.
LOVING APPRECIATION WILL ADVISE ACTION WHENEVER NECESSARY
The following letter was received from Mrs Featherstone after publication
Haifa, Israel
May 31 1953
Mrs. Clara Dunn.
Dear Bah‚ ' Sister:
Your letter of May 16th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian feels, in view of what you have written in your letter, that this is a matter for the National Assembly of Australia and New Zealand to decide upon in the highest interests of the Faith. He feels sure they will know the best step to take. It would be very wonderful if you could be there, in view of your years of service to our beloved Faith in Australia; but the Guardian feels the National Spiritual Assembly knows better their own situation, and knows you will feel quite happy with their decision, whatever it may be.
The Guardian is deeply appreciative of your services and the many sacrifices you have made for the Faith. The friends always remember Father Dunn with such love.
Shoghi Effendi assures you of his loving prayers on your behalf.
With warm Bah‚ ' Greetings
R. Rabbani
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your welfare, for the success of your valiant efforts, & the realization of your heart's desire, in the service of our beloved Faith,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
11 June 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Natbahai Sydney.
ADVISE DUNNING POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
11 June 1953 [Australia]
L Wyss, care NatBahai, Sydney.
DELIGHTED ANY VIRGIN TERRITORY LOVING PRAYERS
14 June 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
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 fulfil the initial task.
The specific suggestions which the Guardian makes, are:
a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, the difficult ones.
b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Beloved Guardian, giving the name, place and any pertinent information.
c. A report should be sent each month by your Assembly to the Secretary General of the International Bahá'í Council, giving the progress of your teaching work in the virgin areas of the Plan, particularly the development of your plans for settling them. This does not mean your Assembly should correspond with the International Council concerning administrative matters; as all administrative matters should be handled in the usual manner, directly with the Guardian. It simply means that reports and data concerning the development of the plan should be sent to the International Council for consolidation with other reports, for the Guardian.
d. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled and he would appreciate your arranging to send pioneers there at the earliest possible date. Portuguese Timor, New Hebrides Islands, Admiralty Islands; and then the other Islands as you can place pioneers on them.
As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian is preparing an illuminated "Roll of Honour", on which will be inscribed the names of the "Knights of Bahá'u'lláh" who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This "Roll of Honour" will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá'u'lláh.
From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá'í World, the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas, and conquer them for God.
Now is the time for the Bahá'ís of the World to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure the spiritual power released with the launching of this Great Ten Year Global Crusade, will carry the consecrated and devoted friends to complete victory.
He will pray for the members of your Assembly, whose sacrificial services he greatly values.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary.
23 June 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
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 endeavour covers vast areas of the globe, areas practically hitherto untouched by the Message of Bahá'u'lláh.
He was glad to hear that the Convention this year and the Pacific School held afterward had been such a success.
He was sorry to learn that after all, it was not possible for Mr. and Mrs. Katzmann to go to New Britain. He hopes that they or others will follow through this project, as it is an extremely important one.
The best photographs available of the Shrine of the Báb at present are to be obtained from the American N.S.A., as films are placed at their disposal, and they can fulfil your requirements. He suggests you get in touch with Mr. Holley.
Shoghi Effendi hopes that at the New Delhi Conference the contribution which the representatives from Australia and New Zealand will make will be vital and will carry the work forward much faster. It will be a truly unique opportunity for the representatives of so many National Assemblies to consult about the vast pioneers regions which will be entrusted to their care, and every advantage should be taken of it, as it may not recur again ever.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.
P.S. The Guardian has been greatly encouraged by the way the believers of Australia and New Zealand succeeded in their Plan carried out the last few years. He hopes for still greater things from them in the days to come!
Dear and valued co-workers:
The victorious conclusion of the Plan formulated by your Assembly, which posterity will recognize as a landmark of the utmost significance in the development of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in the Antipodes, has filled my heart with joy and thanksgiving, has evoked profound admiration in the hearts of the followers of the Faith in both Hemispheres, and fully qualified the Bahá'í Communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania to embark upon their Ten-Year Plan, which constitutes so important and vital a phase of the global Crusade launched by their sister Communities in every continent of the globe.
This new milestone in the history of the Faith in Australasia signalizes the opening of a new chapter in the progressive unfoldment of the Mission of these communities - a Mission that embraces both their homelands as well as the neighbouring Islands of the South Pacific Ocean and where their most brilliant exploits, testifying to their heroism and devotion, must be achieved and their greatest victories won.
A twofold task of far-reaching importance, at once thrilling and arduous, now faces them, involving the steady multiplication and consolidation of the nascent institutions of the Faith in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania and the erection of the Administrative structure of the Faith in the islands and archipelagos beyond the shores of the Australian continent.
The despatch of pioneers to the seven virgin islands assigned to the National Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand is the first and most vital objective of the newly launched Ten-Year Plan, requiring urgent consideration, careful planning, and energetic action, in the course of the current year. Every effort should be exerted and the utmost sacrifice should be made, to ensure, ere the opening year of this great and historic Plan draws to a close, the settlement of at least one pioneer in each of these Islands - an achievement which will seal with success the opening phase of the collective enterprise auspiciously launched by your Assembly on the occasion of the centenary celebrations of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's Mission.
Second in importance and far-reaching in its repercussions is the selection and purchase by your Assembly - an undertaking to which Bahá'í National Assemblies, as well as myself, will contribute - of the site of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkar in the Antipodes, to be situated either within or in the immediate outskirts of, the city of Sydney, the leading and oldest Bahá'í centre in the Australian continent, and which already houses the National Administrative Headquarters of your Assembly.
These two essential obligations, as well as the task of consolidating steadily the prizes already won in the administrative field in that continent, must take precedence over all other obligations assumed by the prosecutors of the Plan, and will, if fulfilled in time, constitute a splendid prelude to its systematic execution and eventual consummation.
The valiant and youthful Bahá'í communities established in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania, which despite their limited resources, the smallness of their numbers, their relative inexperience, and the various obstacles which have confronted them in the past, have proved themselves capable of such memorable feats, in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, will, surely, refuse to hesitate or falter at this crucial and challenging hour in the unfoldment of their destiny, and will never allow themselves to be outdone by their sister-communities who share with them the high and inescapable responsibility of contributing to the final triumph of this, the most gigantic and momentous collective undertaking launched since the inception of the Formative Age of the Bahá'í Dispensation.
I appeal to their elected national representatives to direct, with all the means at their disposal, the operations of the Plan, and encourage constantly the members of the Communities they represent to lend, each according to his or her resources and capabilities, every possible assistance to this common task. I entreat, moreover, all Local Assemblies, groups and isolated believers to support, unstintingly, every measure devised for the effective prosecution of this same task, and to continue in this meritorious endeavour until every single objective of the Plan is attained.
May the followers of the Faith in that far-off continent, who can already boast of such a proud record of stewardship to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, illuminate its annals, in the course of the coming decades by deeds of still greater renown, by acts of still more glorious sacrifice, and prepare themselves to worthily contribute, at the appointed time, to the world-wide celebrations which will commemorate the Centenary of His Declaration.
Shoghi.
24 June 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Natbahai Sydney.
HEARTILY APPROVE
2 July 1953 [Clara Dunn]
Dunn, care NatBahai Sydney.
APPROVE ATTENDANCE
8 July 1953 [Anne Richardson - New Zealand]
Richardson
POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
13 July 1953 [Marie Dunning - Australia]
Dunning
POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
15 July 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
PIONEERING PREFERABLE
19 July 1953 [Australia]
Miss Lilian Wyss.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated June 21, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
Inspite of your activities there in the teaching and administrative fields, he considers pioneer work far more urgent at present. No matter how much the friends wish to go out as pioneers it is not possible for more than a few of them to actually do so, and those who are willing to should arise with no loss of time and go forth - and be inscribed on the roll of honour. He therefore urges you to make your plans to proceed to a virgin post, preferably in the Pacific Islands, as soon as possible.
He will pray that you may be richly blessed in this glorious undertaking.
As regards the questions you asked: All these are within the competence of the National Assembly to answer. Indeed, he is encouraging the N.S.A.s to attend to such secondary questions themselves.
With warm Bahá'í love,
R. Rabbani
May the Beloved enable you to promote, at all times & under all circumstances, the vital interests of His Faith, & of its nascent institutions,
Your true brother, Shoghi
19 July 1953 [Mariana Islands]
Mr Robert B. Powers Jr.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of May 26 was received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He realises how disappointed you were not to be able to attend the historic Conference in Chicago. Unfortunately, your service leaves you no choice at such moments. However, perhaps in that far off region you will be able to render our beloved Faith some service of a higher kind.
He urges you to get in touch with the Australian N.S.A. (address 2 Lang Road Centennial Park, Sydney, N.S.W.) and ask for the addresses of pioneers who may be in Islands in the Pacific and with whom you can correspond. This will both encourage you and them and may lead to contacts who will prove interested in the Cause.
If there is any possibility of your being transferred to a service in one of the Goals for the South Pacific he urges you to follow it up.
You may be sure he will pray that you may find receptive souls to teach.
With Bahá'í love, R.Rabbani
May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
23 July 1953 [Alvin Blum - New Zealand]
ADVISE ANY VIRGIN ISLAND PACIFIC LOVE SHOGHI
25 July 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
INFORM DAWE BOLTON JR WELCOME PILGRIMAGE BEGINNING NOVEMBER SHOGHI
7 August 1953 [Gretta Lamprill - Australia]
HEARTILY APPROVE LOVE SHOGHI
8 August 1953 [Marie Dunning - Australia]
Dear Bahá'í Sister,
Your loving letter of July 16th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
The contribution which you have made to the Shrine of the Báb fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The work on the Shrine is moving forward very rapidly at the present time. We are bending every effort to complete the structure during the Holy Year, as the Guardian has requested.
The building is becoming more exquisite from day to day; and its stateliness and majesty have become a Glorious Crown for the Sepulchre of the Báb who suffered martyrdom. Certainly the seeds of his suffering are now bearing fruit in the Global Crusade, which will carry the light of divine guidance over the entire globe.
The Guardian is delighted with the initial response of the believers throughout the world to the opening of the Ten Year Crusade. He knows this adds great responsibility to each and every believer. He likewise is sure that everyone will seize their opportunity to achieve immortal honor in spreading the Faith rapidly wherever they may be.
The Guardian greatly values your devoted services to the Faith. He will pray that every obstacle may be removed from your path of service.
With warm Bahá'í love, Leroy Ioas. Assistant secretary.
11 August 1953 [Ethel Dawe - Australia]
ADVISE FIFTH
14 August 1953 [India]
Miss Ruhengiz Yaganegi.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
The beloved Guardian has received your letter of June 28th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian very greatly appreciates your kind offer to serve him here. At the present time, however, he feels there are a sufficient number of helpers in Haifa.
However, there is probably a great need for your services as a youth, in India and in adjoining virgin territories. During this great World Crusade recently launched, it will be the task of the National Spiritual Assembly of India, Pakistan and Burma to open up to the Faith many virgin territories in widely-scattered areas of the globe. The plans for the accomplishment of this heavy task will be laid at the Intercontinental Teaching Conference, to be held in New Delhi in October. Therefore, the Guardian would urge you to attend that Conference, as there you will probably get some idea of what part you wish to play in this Ten-Year Crusade.
If you wish to know what would most please the heart of the Guardian, it is that these virgin territories be settled by at least one Bahá'í, quickly. This is the most important of all the goals for any Bahá'í Community, for the opening phase of the Crusade, and the more rapidly it can be accomplished, the better it will be.
He will pray that all your efforts to serve the Faith may be blessed.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
Assuring you of my prayers for your success in the service of our beloved Faith & of its institutions, Shoghi
27 September 1953 [Panama]
Mr. Roy Fernie.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of August 14th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian has already replied to your letter by cable. However, he wishes me to say that he favours your pioneering. However, if you consider that your going to one of the Pacific Islands as a pioneer, will destroy your relationship with your father, then he would suggest that perhaps your wife could go now, and then you can see how things work out for your joining her later.
Shoghi Effendi feels this is a matter on which you two must consult, and concerning which you must reach as decision for yourselves.
The Guardian deeply appreciates the devotion to the Faith of your dear wife and yourself, and sends you his loving greetings.
With warm Bahá'í love, R.Rabbani
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi
10 October 1953 [Marie Dunning - Australia]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
I am writing on behalf of our beloved Guardian to tell you that you will be most welcome to visit Haifa and Acca, in order to make the pilgrimage for which you asked his permission sometime ago, during the first week in May 1954.
If, for any reason, it is not possible for you to come at that time, will you please notify us, so we can make other arrangements for other pilgrims intending to come, or, if you have another date that would be more suitable to you, perhaps you will let us know what it will be.
I send you my warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
P.S. - I think however I should make it quite clear that any change of date might involve postponing your pilgrimage for some time, as our accommodations are limited, and the Guardian has carefully planned a schedule of visitors for months ahead.
12 October 1953 [Jean Sevin - France]
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of September 29th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian considers the opening of Tuamotu to be of far more importance than any service you could render at the present time in France. Therefore, he urges you to make every effort to establish yourself in this virgin area as soon as you can arrange to do so.
The Guardian is ardently praying that you may be guided and assisted in accomplishing this meritorious task, and he assures you his love will encircle you as you go forth on your historic mission.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty guide, bless and sustain you, and enable you to achieve your heart's desire,
Your true brother, Shoghi
13 October 1953 [Panama]
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fernie.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
The beloved Guardian has had in mind your request to visit the Holy Land as pilgrims. However, in view of your imminent departure for a pioneer post, he does not feel it is the time for you to make the pilgrimage now.
After you have gotten settled in your new post, and are again living a normal life there, if you then feel you can come to Haifa, please again ask the Guardian for permission at that time; he will notify you when you may come.
The Guardian very deeply appreciates your pioneering services, and all of your wonderful labours for the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í love, R.Rabbani
20 October 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE DOBBINS LOVING APPRECIATION SHOGHI
2 November 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE LAMPRILL PARKE LOVING APPRECIATION SHOGHI
6 November 1953 [Elena Fernie - Panama]
Dear Elena:
After consulting our beloved Guardian I decided to write instead of cabling you as it is too complicated to put in a cable.
He advises you to be quite sure that this project you and your husband have of buying a ship and going out to the islands is feasible and will pay when you get there; otherwise you will find yourselves in a very distressing position. He does not say give it up, he only wants you to be well advised by those in a position to know what they are talking about. He agrees with you it is better by all means to have some way of earning a living before you go out.
Owing to the plans he has made he cannot receive you here as pilgrims this coming spring and feels the best thing is for you to make every effort to get off to your pioneer post and leave your pilgrimage for a future date when it can be made after you are well established.
You may be sure he will pray for the removal of the obstacles in your path and he wishes you great success.
So do I, and all the friends here,
affectionately, RÏhíyyih
17 December 1953 [Australia]
Miss Leila V. Clark, Secretary, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Payneham.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of November 30th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear of the visit made to the Groups of St. Peters and Stirling and to your own Community by the honoured Hand of the Cause of God, Dr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi. These believers have rendered a great service to the Faith in visiting the various Centers in that land. The Guardian feels assured that your meeting with them has been the cause of great inspiration to all the friends, and is confident that they will arise and assist in accomplishing all the tasks set before them for the period of this historic Ten-Year Crusade, both in their own homeland, and beyond its confines.
He assures you all of his loving prayers. With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Beloved bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote, at all times, the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
27 December 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS RECORD BREAKING ACHIEVEMENT LOVING PRAYERS SHOGHI
29 December 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
DELIGHTED PROGRESS ADVISE THIRTYEIGHT DELEGATES SHOGHI
30 December 1953 [National Spiritual Assembly]
Natbahai Sydney.
NUMBER DELEGATES SHOULD BE 38
30 December 1953 [New Zealand]
New Zealand School care NatBahai Sydney.
LOVING APPRECIATION ASSURANCE FERVENT PRAYERS
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