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1 January 1954 [Australia]
Bolton care Natbahai, Sydney.
DEEPEST LOVING APPRECIATION
3 January 1954 [Australia]
Bolton care Natbahai Sydney
LOVING APPRECIATION SUPPLICATING ATTENDANTS SCHOOL ABUNDANT BLESSINGS GREAT VICTORIES
17 January 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE WYSS LOVING PRAYERS SHOGHI
21 January 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE DIVE LOVING APPRECIATION
24 January 1954 [Yerrinbool Bahá'í School Committee]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of January 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was very happy that the honoured Hand of the Cause, Mr. Furutan, and Mr. Faizi, could be with you at this session of your Summer School, and he is sure they were the cause of great happiness and deep enkindlement of the friends present.
The Guardian has high hopes for the dear Australian and New Zealand believers, and he urges you, one and all, to persist in your labours, no matter at what cost, until all the goals set before you for the Ten Year Crusade, have been attained.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
May the Almighty bless you and your dear co-workers in your highly meritorious endeavours, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith.
Your true brother, Shoghi.
26 January 1954 [Tonga]
Stanley Bolton Jr. care Natbahai Sydney.
ASSURE YOU DEEPEST APPRECIATION LOVING PRAYERS
11 February 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE DAWE LOVING FERVENT PRAYERS SHOGHI
14 March 1954 [Australia]
C/o Mrs Greta Lake, Secretary, Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Caringbah.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your letter of February 14th, with enclosure, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian was very happy to learn of the opening of your new Center. He hopes this will prove to be a magnet to attract those who are ready for the Faith to your midst; so that your Community may grow in strength and in numbers; so that the Faith may have a solid foundation in Caringbah; and that, from that point, the friends may find ways of finding souls of capacity in nearby localities.
He assures you of his loving prayers in your behalf.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani.
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi
21 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
HEARTFELT CONGRATULATIONS GREAT VICTORY PROUD HISTORIC ACHIEVEMENT SHOGHI
23 March 1954 [Cynthia and Edgar Olson - United States of America]
...If the Bahá'ís arise with the same spirit of dedication and consecration as those who have gone to foreign fields, victories will be won. Those living in large cities should move to the goal cities of the American continent, and all should teach with enthusiasm.
The conditions of the world have prepared numerous souls for the light of divine guidance, and it now remains for the Bahá'ís, through their strenuous efforts, to lead these seeking souls to the bourn of immortality.
...The Beloved Guardian sincerely hopes that you and your husband will be able to devote yourselves to the interests of the Ten Year Crusade. He feels that the most important service anyone can render is to pioneer in one of the virgin areas of the Crusade...If the National Assembly feels that you can accomplish more for the home-front Crusade by moving to the Wilmette area and assisting in the publicity work on a national scale... the Guardian feels that it will be satisfactory.
24 March 1954 [Marie Dunning - Australia]
Dear Bahá'í Sister,
Your letter of March 7th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian has just cabled you to postpone your pilgrimage, and I am sending this word of explanation at his instruction.
He feels that you are quite right in desiring to put the interests of the Faith there before the personal experience of a pilgrimage at this time.
He heartily approves of your plan for the house and a room where the Bahá'ís may meet; and feels sure that, at a future date, when circumstances permit, you will be able to make the pilgrimage so dear to your heart.
At this critical juncture, no sacrifice can be too great to carry on the work of Bahá'u'lláh, and your spirit greatly touches and pleases him. He assures you of his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi.
25 March 1954
National Youth Committee of Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received your loving Naw-RÏz greeting, and has asked me to acknowledge it on his behalf, and to express his appreciation to you.
The Guardian hopes that the Youth of Australia will arise during this year with yet greater resolve to lend their assistance toward the attainment of the important goals which he has set before the believers in your land during the Ten-Year Crusade.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your meritorious endeavours, guide your steps, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
26 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
URGE UTMOST EFFORT ENSURE ENTRY PIONEER COCOS ADMIRALTY LOYALTY BEFORE RIDVAN FOR GREAT VICTORY SHOGHI
28 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly of the United States]
GUARDIAN CABLES URGENCY SETTLEMENT TIMOR BY RIDVAN STOP PRAYING YOUR SUCCESS EXPEDITE PROJECT STOP PLEASE CABLE PROSPECTS HORACE HOLLEY SECY
28 March 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
PLEASE CABLE QUICKLY POSSIBLE RACES TRIBES REPRESENTED ALL AREAS YOUR JURISDICTION INCLUDING VIRGIN PLACES ALSO LANGUAGES PRINTED PAMPHLETS PROCESS PRINTING AND TRANSLATED REGARDS IOAS
April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
DESIRE RACES TRIBES WITHIN FAITH AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND REGARDS IOAS
6 April 1954 [Australia]
To the Hand of the Cause Mrs. Clara Dunn
To all the Hands of the Cause and all National Assemblies of the Bahá'í World. The following telegram sent by the Beloved Guardian from Haifa, Israel, on April 5th, 1954 reached me this morning, and as instructed in the telegram itself I am sending you a copy.
With Bahá'í Greetings,
Ugo Giachary.
HAIL EMERGENCE UNFOLDMENT OPENING YEARS SECOND EPOCH FORMATIVE AGE BAHAI DISPENSATION AUGUST INSTITUTION FORESHADOWED FOUNDER FAITH FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TESTAMENT CENTRE HIS COVENANT CLOSELY ASSOCIATED PROVISIONS SAME WILL INSTITUTION GUARDIANSHIP DESTINED ASSUME FULLNESS TIME UNDER AEGIS GUARDIAN DUAL SACRED RESPONSIBILITY PROTECTION PROPAGATION CAUSE BAHAULLAH STOP DESIRE PAY WARM TRIBUTE SERVICES RENDERED SEVERALLY COLLECTIVELY APPOINTED HANDS WORLD CENTRE FAITH TERRITORIES BEYOND ITS CONFINES STOP GREATLY VALUE SUPPORT ERECTION BABS SEPULCHRE CARMEL REINFORCING TIES NEWLY EMERGED STATE ISRAEL EXTENSION INTERNATIONAL ENDOWMENTS HOLY LAND INITIATION PRELIMINARY MEASURES ESTABLISHMENT BAHAI WORLD ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE AS WELL AS PARTICIPATION FOUR SUCCESSIVE INTERCONTINENTAL TEACHING CONFERENCES EXTENSIVE TRAVELS AFRICAN TERRITORIES NORTH CENTRAL SOUTH AMERICA EUROPEAN ASIATIC AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS STOP NEWLY CONSTITUTED BODY EMBARKED ITS MISSION SUCH AUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES NOW ENTERING SECOND PHASE ITS EVOLUTION SIGNALIZED FORGING TIES NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES BAHAI WORLD PURPOSE LENDING THEM ASSISTANCE ATTAINING OBJECTIVES TEN YEAR PLAN STOP HOUR RIPE FIFTEEN HANDS RESIDING OUTSIDE HOLY LAND PROCEED DURING RIDVAN APPOINTMENT EACH CONTINENT SEPARATELY FROM AMONG RESIDENT BAHAIS THAT CONTINENT AUXILIARY BOARDS WHOSE MEMBERS ACTING DEPUTIES ASSISTANTS ADVISERS HANDS MUST INCREASINGLY LEND ASSISTANCE PROMOTION INTERESTS TEN YEAR CRUSADE STOP
ADVISE HANDS ASIATIC AMERICAN EUROPEAN CONTINENTS CONVENE TEHERAN WILMETTE FRANKFURT RESPECTIVELY PURPOSES CONSULTATION NOMINATION STOP HANDS CAUSE AFRICAN AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS MUST EXERCISE FUNCTIONS KAMPALA SYDNEY RESPECTIVELY STOP AUXILIARY BOARDS AMERICAN EUROPEAN AFRICAN CONTINENTS MUST CONSIST NINE MEMBERS EACH ASIATIC AND AUSTRALIAN CONTINENTS SEVEN TWO RESPECTIVELY STOP ALLOCATION OF AREAS EACH CONTINENT TO MEMBERS AUXILIARY BOARDS AS WELL AS SUBSIDIARY MATTERS REGARDING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES NEWLY APPOINTED BODIES MANNER COLLABORATION NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES RESPECTIVE CONTINENTS LEFT DISCRETION HANDS STOP ALL BOARDS MUST REPORT BE RESPONSIBLE HANDS CHARGED THEIR APPOINTMENT STOP HANDS EACH CONTINENT THEIR TURN MUST KEEP CLOSE TOUCH AND REPORT RESULT OF THE NOMINATIONS PROGRESS ACTIVITIES BOARDS NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES RESPECTIVE CONTINENTS AS WELL AS FOUR HANDS RESIDING THE HOLY LAND DESTINED ACT LIAISON BETWEEN THEMSELVES GUARDIAN FAITH STOP URGE INITIATION FIVE CONTINENTAL BAHAI FUNDS WHICH AS THEY DEVELOP WILL INCREASINGLY FACILITATE DISCHARGE FUNCTIONS ASSIGNED BOARDS STOP TRANSMITTING FIVE THOUSAND POUNDS MY INITIAL CONTRIBUTION BE EQUALLY DIVIDED FIVE CONTINENTS STOP APPEAL TWELVE NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES INDIVIDUALS INSURE STEADY AUGMENTATION FUNDS THROUGH ANNUAL ASSIGNMENT NATIONAL BUDGETS INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTIONS STOP ADVISE TRANSMIT CONTRIBUTIONS VARQA HOLLEY GIACHARY BANANI DUNN ACTING TRUSTEES ASIATIC AMERICAN EUROPEAN AFRICAN AUSTRALIAN FUNDS RESPECTIVELY STOP FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING HOLY THRESHOLD UNPRECEDENTED MEASURE BLESSINGS VITAL INDISPENSABLE ORGAN EMBRYONIC STEADILY UNFOLDING BAHAI ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER PRESAGING EMERGENCE WORLD ORDER BAHAULLAH WHICH MUST PAVE WAY ESTABLISHMENT WORLD CIVILISATION DESTINED ATTAIN MATURITY COURSE SUCCESSIVE DISPENSATIONS FIVE THOUSAND CENTURY BAHAI CYCLE STOP AIRMAIL COPIES ALL HANDS AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLIES SHOGHI
7 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
APPROVE USE SURPLUS TEMPLE FUND PACIFIC TEACHING SHOGHI
14 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
URGE DISPATCH LISBON PIONEER TIMOR DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
17 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia and New Zealand
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
At the instruction of the Guardian, I am forwarding you herewith his Convention Message.
He wishes you to have it read aloud to the assembled delegates, and then published and circulated among the believers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
17 April 1954 [Harold and Florence Fitzner - Australia]
Fitzner 65 Lambert Road Joslin
ADVISE CHAGOS COCOS LOYALTY MARSHALLS MARIANAS ADMIRALTY LOVE
23 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ARRANGING SUM SENT LISBON ASSEMBLY FOR MARQUES AS MY CONTRIBUTION SHOGHI
24 April 1954 [Mariana Islands]
Mr. Robert Powers, Jr.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
The Beloved Guardian is happy to learn that you are stationed in Guam, in the Mariana group of Islands. These are among the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, and it has been impossible up to the present time to establish a pioneer there.
A great opportunity comes to you, to teach the Faith, and establish an outpost in this important area. The Guardian suggests you concentrate your work of teaching, on people who live permanently in Guam, and any natives who may reside there. Thus, should you be transferred to another area, you will leave a definite outpost behind, and the persons permanently residing there, and the natives, can carry on the development and expansion of the Faith after you leave.
The Guardian hopes you will be able to continue your assignment in Guam, until you have been able to confirm some souls in the Divine Faith.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf in this noble task. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
26 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
CABLE IMMEDIATELY NAMES NEW ASSEMBLIES AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND
29 April 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
DEEPLY APPRECIATE CONVENTION MESSAGE STOP APPEAL ASSEMBLED DELEGATES DELIBERATE URGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES ARISE COURSE LAST YEAR 2ND PHASE 10 YEAR PLAN REDOUBLE EFFORTS ATTAINMENT GOALS PARTICULARLY MULTIPLICATION CENTRES ASSEMBLIES EXPEDITE LOCAL INCORPORATION TRANSLATION LITERATURE INTENSIFICATION TEACHING CONSOLIDATION NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES STOP FERVENTLY SUPPLICATING UNPRECEDENTED BLESSINGS MUCH LOVED GREATLY ADMIRED VALIANT COMMUNITIES ANTIPODES SHOGHI
2 May 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
DEEPLY APPRECIATE ASSURANCE DELEGATES SUPPLICATING STILL GREATER VICTORIES SHOGHI
3 May 1954
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Bolton Sr., 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W. Australia
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your letters of October 5th and 18th, 1953 have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He has been made very happy by the pioneering of your dear son, and the fact that he succeeded in getting into Tonga, which looked as though it were a very difficult spot for which to obtain an entry visa.
The Guardian was also delighted to hear that dear Mrs. Bolton is going to strengthen the Faith in one of the weak areas of Australia.
The services of your consecrated and devoted family are very deeply appreciated, and he assures you all that you are most lovingly remembered in his prayers in the Holy Shrine.
With warmest Bahá'í greetings and love, R. Rabbani.
May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide and sustain you always, and enable you to enrich the record of your splendid and meritorious accomplishments,
Your true brother, Shoghi
3 May 1954 [Solomon Islands]
Mr. Alvin J. Blum.
Dear Bahá'í brother:
Your letter of December 7th has been received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. Of course in the meantime you have made your long return journey from Haifa with your dear wife and gone way out to the Solomons; so this is not strictly speaking a reply solely to such an old letter.
The Guardian is delighted that you have been able to proceed to the Solomon Islands, and trusts that your life there will be comfortable and that business opportunities will open up for you.
He feels that this is a wonderful step that you have taken, and you may be sure he is proud of you both, and that his loving prayers are offered for your success in the Holy Shrine.
He urges you to use tact and discretion in your teaching work, so as not to alienate the officials or the missionaries, but to seek out and find those souls who are receptive to the Message, rather than giving any publicity in the beginning, to your activities.
The most important thing for the pioneers to do is to consolidate their position, and arrange if possible to remain permanently in these goal territories. Gradually they can find ways and means of spreading the Message, and building Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.
You are remembered with a great deal of affection, and your services are very highly valued, you may be sure.
With warmest Bahá'í love,
R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your highly meritorious endeavours, guide & sustain you always, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith.
Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi
4 May 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
BE NOT DISCOURAGED PERSEVERE ACHIEVEMENTS COMMUNITY ANTIPODES HIGHLY PRAISEWORTHY DEEPEST LOVE SHOGHI
7 May 1954 [Marie Dunning - England]
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
This is just a short letter to acknowledge yours postmarked November 25, 1953, and addressed to the beloved Guardian, and to assure you that it was received safely.
He is very sorry that it has not been possible for you to make the pilgrimage this time; but no doubt a future opportunity will present itself, and you will let him know when it might be possible for you to come, and he will inform you whether that suits the plans here, and is feasible at the time you suggest.
Your services are deeply appreciated, and he will remember you in his prayers.
With Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement.
Your true brother, Shoghi.
14 May 1954 [Solomon Islands]
Mr. Alvin J. Blum
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Through an oversight, your letter of March 6th I don't think was acknowledge in the recent letter I sent you on behalf of the Beloved Guardian. Please excuse.
All the news you conveyed to him in that letter was most welcome, and he is praying that you may get firmly established there in business. He feels sure that Bahá'u'lláh will protect and assist you.
With loving greetings to you and your dear wife from the Guardian,
Yours in His service, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your splendid labours, remove every obstacle from your path, cheer your heart, guide every step you take, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true & grateful brother, Shoghi
25 May 1954 [Australia]
Fitzner care Natbahai Sydney
ASSURE LOVING PRAYERS
6 June 1954 [Australia]
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Fitzner
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your letter of May 25th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is deeply moved by the spirit of devotion which animates you both in your longing to arise and serve at this time.
We know that the state of the heart of the believer attracts the divine outpourings; and the granting of the visa to Mr. Fitzner to enter Portuguese Timor, after so much effort, is clearly an evidence of the working of this great spiritual law. He hopes that soon Mr. Fitzner will be able to get firmly established in Timor, and that Mrs. Fitzner will be able to go out and join him there.
The most important thing, next to the pioneers going to their posts, is for them to remain on the spot. The difficulties of obtaining visas, transportation, housing and employment are so great, that the friends who have succeeded in reaching these destined goals, should do everything in their power to remain; and, if they cannot get employment, the National Fund should help them, so that the painstaking process will not have to be repeated, and perhaps the second time not meet with as much success as the first.
He will ardently pray for your services to be blessed, and for your speedy reunion. With warmest Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide & sustain you always, reward you for your constant & meritorious activities, & enable you to extend the range of your accomplishments,
Your true brother, Shoghi
8 June 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
The Guardian requests that you inform all the friends that their most important duty at the present time is the fulfilment of the tasks of the Ten-Year Crusade. This calls for the sacrifice of local activities in order that the national and international development of the Faith may go forward uninterruptedly. No local institutions should be started. The National Assembly should see that money is not spent on local centres at this time, and the friends should be encouraged to concentrate on the national and international activities of the Faith.
The beloved Guardian feels that steps should be taken immediately to purchase the Hazíratu'l-Quds in Auckland. He is arranging for the transmission of his initial gift of Five hundred pounds to this important project...
The Guardian calls attention to the fact that the Hazíra cannot be a rented place. It must be the property owned by the Bahá'í community. Until such time as the National Assembly is formed and incorporated, it can be held in the name of the Local Assembly, if it is incorporated: and if not, in the name of an individual.
The Guardian will appreciate advice from you as quickly as possible of the steps being taken to fulfil this important task of the second phase of the Ten-Year Plan. He feels this property should be purchased during the current year.
16 June 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
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 and eventually ousted from their hard-won pioneer posts. On the other hand, they must bear in mind that the primary object of their living there is to teach the native population the Faith. This they must do with tact and discretion, in order not to forfeit their foot-hold in these islands which are often so difficult of access.
Sound judgement, a great deal of patience and forbearance, faith and nobility of conduct, must distinguish the pioneers, and be their helpers in accomplishing the object of their journey to these far places.
He attaches great importance to teaching the aboriginal Australians, and also in converting more Maoris to the Faith, and hopes that the Bahá'ís will devote some attention to contacting both of these minority groups. As he has already informed you, he approves of any surplus moneys in the Temple fund, after having purchased the site, being diverted for the use of the Pacific teaching work. He feels that your Assembly has shown remarkably good judgement in handling this entire matter.
The most important thing of all in connection with the pioneer work, is to ensure that the believers who, at such cost of sacrifice and effort, have at last succeeded in gaining entry to these far-flung and difficult territories, should remain there at all costs.
As regards the question of how to write some of the Oriental words, like Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá in the translations which have Latin script, he feels that at least in parenthesis a phonetical pronunciation should be included after the name when the English transliteration is used. There is no use giving people the Teachings, and not enabling them to pronounce correctly the names that have the deepest association of all with our Faith.
He urges your Body and, through you, all of the dear believers in Australia and New Zealand, and your devoted pioneers serving so far afield, to be of good heart, to persevere, and to rest assured that the Beloved will watch over and protect your labours.
He will pray for all the members of your Assembly in the Holy Shrines, and for the success of your indefatigable labours.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani.
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 Mashriq'l-Adhkar in the Antipodes in the outskirts of a city - the first to receive the light of the Revelation of Bahá'u'lláh in Australasia, and destined to play a predominant role in the evolution of the Administrative Order of His Faith in that vast area - is an achievement which I heartily welcome and for which I feel deeply grateful. This remarkable accomplishment will in conjunction with the establishment a decade ago of the National Hazíratu'l-Quds in that same city, accelerate the progress, and immensely reinforce the foundations, of the administrative institutions inaugurated on the morrow of 'Abdu'l-Bahá'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 Hazírat'ul-Quds of the Bahá'ís of New Zealand, is yet another objective on which attention should be immediately focused - in anticipation of the erection of yet another pillar of the future House of Justice in that remote part of the world.
Whilst these objectives are being steadily pursued by your Assembly, every effort will be exerted in the Holy Land, as a tribute to the superb spirit animating the Australian and New Zealand believers and to their incessant and meritorious labours in the service of the Cause they have championed, to hasten the transfer of a part of the Bahá'í international endowments to the name of the newly constituted Israel Branch of your Assembly - an act that will at once bestow a great spiritual and material benefit on your Assembly and reinforce the ties binding it to the World Centre of the Faith in the Holy Land.
May the members of these valiant communities, whose interests you so conscientiously serve and whom you so ably represent, continue to prosper under your wise and loving leadership, scale loftier heights in their collective enterprise, and win a still greater measure of fame in the service of a Cause to which they have so nobly dedicated their resources, and which they have served, in the past thirty years, with so rare a spirit of consecration and self-sacrifice.
That they may bring to full and early fruition the manifold tasks they have undertaken is the constant prayer of one who has never ceased to love and admire them for their past and present achievements, and for whose future accomplishments he cherishes the brightest hopes. Shoghi.
7 July 1954 [Mariana Islands]
Mrs. Cynthia Olson.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of May 29th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He was most happy to hear of your arrival at Guam, and to know that now there are two devoted believers in the Mariana Islands.
He was delighted to learn that you have been successful in finding a house, and also that you have secured employment, and are becoming established there. He too hopes that soon it will be possible for your dear husband to join you.
The news that you had, on more than one occasion, met with Robert Powers Jr. was also good, as in this way you can reinforce the efforts of each other.
The Guardian urges you, now that you have received this bounty of becoming a pioneer in a foreign land, to, under all circumstances, remain at your post, and never to become discouraged, but to rely on the power of Bahá'u'lláh, which is ready to guide and sustain you constantly in your service to His Faith.
As you know, we have been promised in the Teachings that, if we arise in a befitting manner to teach the Cause of God, we will be assisted by the hosts of the Supreme Concourse. The Guardian will pray that you may be given the necessary strength to carry forward your noble undertaking. His prayers are constantly surrounding the precious pioneers who have left their homes and gone forth with such love, such longing and sacrifice, to raise the banner of the Faith in distant lands.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your noble endeavours, guide & sustain you always, and enable you to enrich the record of your splendid services to His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
11 July 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE HOEHNKE LOVING PRAYERS
28 JULY 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
URGE FITZNER REMAIN TIMOR UNAWARE WHEREABOUTS MARQUES
29 July 1954 [Australia]
Mr Joseph J. Dobbins.
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of June 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
From the facts which you have submitted to him in your letter, it does not appear to the Guardian to be either feasible or wise, or fair to your children, for you to leave your home and join Mrs. Dobbins in the New Hebrides.
He would therefore advise you that you remain in Joslin, and that your dear wife continue her pioneering services alone, until she succeeds in getting the Faith well established in that virgin area.
He will pray for your son and daughter, as well as yourself, that you may be assisted in your teaching efforts.
The Guardian was very happy to learn that, although at first many difficulties were experienced by Mrs. Dobbins in the New Hebrides, yet now there are many who are interested in the Faith. He was particularly rejoiced to know that many among the natives are attracted, as you know it is the native people of each virgin land who must be reached with the Message. Please assure her his loving prayers constantly surround her in her meritorious task.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to overcome all obstacles, and win, in the days to come, great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
3 August 1954 [National Spiritual Assembly]
ASSURE MARQUES APPRECIATION PRAYERS SHOGHI
n.d. [National Spiritual Assembly]
GREATLY APPRECIATE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AUSTRALIAN NEW ZEALAND FRIENDS SHOGHI
n.d. [National Spiritual Assembly]
GRIEVE LOSS DEVOTED CAPABLE PROMOTER FAITH ETHEL DAWE NOTABLE SERVICES UNFORGETTABLE REWARD ASSURED KINGDOM SHOGHI
26 September 1954 [Australia]
Miss Leila V. Clark.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of August 31st has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.
Your contribution to the International Interests of the Faith is deeply appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.
The Guardian is very hopeful that the friends everywhere will arise with renewed effort in order to spread the Faith far and wide, and particularly to bring the Message to more and more people.
The first year of the Ten-Year Crusade was marked with the glorious victory of 100 new countries being opened to the Faith.
May the second year of the Crusade find itself crowned with the glory of the rapid spread of the Faith in all parts of the world, and the establishment of many new Spiritual Assemblies. This of course can be accomplished by the friends in the large centers of Bahá'í population dispersing to new areas, and each and every one trebling their teaching efforts.
The power of the Holy Spirit is descending in torrents, and it only remains for the individual Bahá'ís to arise and serve and teach, in order to receive the confirmations from on High.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas, Assistant Secretary
22 October 1954 [Tonga]
Mr. and Mrs. Dudley Blakely, and Mr. Stanley P. Bolton.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your letter of September 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is happy to know that you have now become established in Tonga, and are engaged in teaching the Faith there.
Regarding contact with the Queen, as the revered Hand of the Cause, Mr. Varqa is in poor health, it would not be possible for him to visit the Tonga Islands. In addition to this, the Guardian believes it is premature at this time to present the Faith to the Queen. He advises you to be very discreet and very unofficial in your teaching work, otherwise you may find that all the work which has been accomplished in Tonga may be jeopardized.
The Guardian is hopeful that Stanley Bolton will make every effort to return to Tonga, and settle there.
It is much more important to reach the native people of Tonga with the Faith, than it is to teach the Europeans residing there.
Your devoted services are deeply appreciated, and the Guardian assures you of his loving prayers.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless your noble and historic efforts, sustain you always, reward you for your exemplary labours, & aid you to win great & memorable victories,
Your true brother, Shoghi
25 November 1954 [New Zealand]
Ethna Archibald care Natbahai Sydney
PERMITTED PILGRIMAGE FOURTH WEEK JANUARY
4 December 1954 [Solomon Islands]
Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Blum.
Dear Bahá'í friends:
Your welcome letter dated October 2nd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The news you conveyed rejoiced his heart. He was particularly happy to see that one of the Island people has become a follower, and has translated a pamphlet into Roviana. He approves of this being printed as soon as possible; and he would like you to express his deep appreciation to this friend for the spirit in which he has rendered this service at the very outset of his becoming a believer.
From the report of Mrs Mildred Mottahedeh he learned of the many hardships you have both endured. He feels that the results in the end will be all the greater for your sacrifice; and that the example you have set will sink deep into the hearts of, not only other pioneers, but the local people.
You should by all means progress very cautiously, so as to not to be shoved off the foothold you have gained with such difficulty.
You may be sure that he remembers you both, and those you are attracting, as well as your problems, in his prayers in the Holy Shrines.
He hopes that you are both in good health, and your little daughter too; and assures you that he remembers your visit here with pleasure, and his loving thoughts and prayers surround you always.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty Whose Cause you are serving with exemplary dedication, determination, love & fidelity, reward you a thousandfold for your historic services, remove all obstacles from your path, & aid you to win great & memorable victories in the days to come,
Your true brother, Shoghi
4 December 1954 [New Hebrides]
Mrs. Bertha Dobbins.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of October 6th, with the interesting photograph you enclosed, reached the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The wonderful services you have been rendering in that distant outpost of the Faith have greatly pleased the Guardian; and he was glad to hear that Mr. Dobbins was able to join you, that his health is improving, and now his mind is more at rest, and, as you say, he will be able to visualize you in the place where you are pioneering.
The Guardian feels that your attitude is correct, and that you cannot be too careful not to antagonize the authorities in any way. By example, and teaching where the occasion arises, and where it can give no offence, and through perseverance, you will no doubt be able to achieve your object of introducing the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh into these regions.
He feels that we should not lay stress, to new Bahá'ís, on the necessity of giving up smoking, especially as this is purely optional, and many of the Bahá'ís still do smoke. There are many things in the Teachings that require a stiff effort on the part of a new believer, and we should not add to the hurdles at the very beginning, so to speak.
He is greatly encouraged over the way the work is going forward in all continents of the globe and the islands throughout the seven seas. It seems unbelievable that in so short a time, so much should have been achieved; and it shows that the days are rapidly approaching when the Cause will go forward by leaps and bounds, and the masses will become attracted.
You may be sure he remembers you, your dear husband and those whom you are teaching, in his prayers in the Holy Shrines; and he urges you to persevere and be of good cheer.
With warm Bahá'í love,
May the Almighty bless your efforts, guide & sustain you, reward you for your labours, & enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
7 December 1954 [New Zealand]
Mr. Bertram M. Dewing
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of November 22nd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
He is happy that your problem regarding your book is becoming adjusted.
Your services in the Faith are deeply appreciated. With the scattering of the friends to other countries, those who must remain are called upon to shoulder ever-increasing responsibilities, and to teach with increasing vigour, so that other new and strong souls may be found who will enlist their services in the Cause and become its ardent supporters.
In his prayers in the Holy Shrines, he will remember you, and supplicate that all your efforts in the path of God may be richly blessed.
With warm Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success & spiritual advancement,
Your true brother, Shoghi
11 December 1954 [Australia]
Eric Bowes Mt. Lofty
POSTPONE PILGRIMAGE
12 December 1954
Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, 40 Clinton Street, Orange. N.S.W., Australia.
Dear Bahá'í Sister:
Your letter of November 22nd has been received by the beloved
Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As regards the question you asked him about Mother Dunn's flat, he feels that this really is, as you yourself suggested, a matter which concerns the National Spiritual Assembly, and should be considered from a business standpoint, rather than a sentimental one.
He was happy to hear that Stanley and his wife are considering returning to Tonga, to which he attaches the greatest importance.
You may be sure that in his visits to the Holy Shrines he will pray for you all, and particularly for your dear husband. He deeply appreciates the tireless services your entire family render the Faith.
With warm Bahá'í love, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to extend the range of your valued activities, and win great victories in the service of His glorious Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
14 December 1954 [Gilbert & Ellice Islands]
Mr. and Mrs. Roy Fernie.
Dear Bahá'í Friends:
Your letter of September 26th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and I have been instructed to answer you on his behalf.
The Guardian is delighted that you now have a new native believer, who seems to be a man of great spiritual capacity.
The Guardian has written a letter of welcome to Mr. Kanare, which he would like you to please deliver to him.
He deeply appreciates your sacrificial services and your devotion, and assures you of his prayers for the abundant success of all your labours in the Faith.
With loving Bahá'í greetings, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty reward you abundantly for your splendid labours, guide every step you take, & fulfil every desire you cherish, for the promotion of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
14 December 1954 [Gilbert & Ellice Islands]
Mr. Peter Kanare
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your letter of September 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
It gives him the greatest joy to welcome you as a co-worker into the service of Bahá'u'lláh. He feels that, as this new World Faith spreads throughout the Islands of the Pacific, it will not only find many worthy souls, receptive and longing to hear of it, but through them it will be carried to the people of the Islands, who have a great tradition behind them, and who will help establish the Order Bahá'u'lláh has created for this Day, bringing their own peculiar abilities and characteristics as a contribution to its service.
He urges you to be very discreet in spreading this Message. We do not wish to become a source of discord, or arouse opposition, as no doubt Mr. and Mrs. Fernie have already told you.
You may be sure that the Guardian will pray for you in the Shrines, and he sends you his loving greetings.
Yours in the service of the Faith, R. Rabbani
May the Almighty bless, guide & sustain you, & enable you to promote the best interests of His Faith,
Your true brother, Shoghi
24 December 1954 [Society Islands]
Jankko Lamprill Park Sevin care Natbahai Sydney
APPRECIATE MESSAGE FROM PAPEETE ASSURE LOVING PRAYERS
31 December 1954 [India]
Mr. Shapoor Sohaili
Dear Bahá'í Brother:
Your loving letter of December 7th has come to hand, outlining the problems confronting your with regard to your place of pioneering service.
The Guardian feels that you may make your choice as to whether to go to New Caledonia in the hope of entering the Loyalty Islands from there; or go to Ethiopia, in the hope of entering British Somaliland. Whichever seems most feasible to you will be satisfactory to the Guardian, and approved by him.
He feels sure you will be divinely guided, and that you will be able to win great victories for the Faith.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings.
Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary.
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