Letter
of December 2, 1923

Fellow-labourers in the Divine Vineyard!

Upon my return, after a forced and prolonged absence, to
the Holy Land, it is my first and most ardent wish to renew and
strengthen those ties of brotherly love and fellowship that bind our
hearts together in our common servitude to His Sacred Threshold.

The two years that have elapsed since the passing of our
beloved Master have been for the Cause, as well as for mankind, years
of deep anxiety and strain. The momentous changes that are taking
place in the history of both have proved so swift and far-reaching as
to arouse in certain hearts a strange misgiving as to their stability
and future.

On one hand the remarkable revelations of the Beloved’s
Will and Testament so amazing in all its aspects, so emphatic in its
injunctions, have challenged and perplexed the keenest minds, whilst
the ever-increasing confusion of the world, threatened as never
before with disruptive forces, fierce rivalries, fresh commotions and
grave disorder, have well-nigh overwhelmed the heart and damped the
zeal of even the most enthusiastic believers in the destiny of
mankind.

And yet, how often we seem to forget the clear and
repeated warnings of our beloved Master, who in particular during the
concluding years of his mission on earth, laid stress on the severe
mental tests that would inevitably sweep over his loved ones of the
West … tests that would purge, purify and prepare them for their
noble mission in life.

And as to the world’s evil plight, we need but
recall the writings and sayings of Bahá’u’lláh,
who, more than fifty years ago, declared in terms prophetic the prime
cause of the ills and sufferings of mankind, and set forth their true
and divine remedy. “Should the lamp of Religion be hidden”,
He declared, “chaos and confusion will ensue.” How
admirably fitting and applicable are these words to the present state
of mankind!

Ours then is the duty and privilege to labour, by day,
by night, amidst the storm and stress of these troublous days, that
we may quicken the zeal of our fellow-man, rekindle their hopes,
stimulate their interests, open their eyes to the true Faith of God
and enlist their active support in the carrying out of our common
task for the peace and regeneration of the world.

Let us take heart and be thankful to our beloved
‘Abdu’l-Bahá, as we remember his manifold
blessings and unfailing care and protection, ever since the hour of
his departure from our midst. The flames of sedition, so maliciously
kindled in the past by those who have dared to flout his will, are
gone out for ever, and the fondest hopes of these evil plotters are
now abandoned, doomed never to revive. He has indeed redeemed his
promise!

It seemed not a long time ago that their agitation, so
violently renewed immediately after the passing of our Beloved, would
for a time confuse the Divine Message of Bahá’u’lláh,
obscure His Covenant, retard the progress of His Cause, and shatter
its unity; and yet how well we see them all today, not through our
efforts, but by their own folly, and above all, by the intervention
of the hidden hand of God, reduced to the vilest and most humiliating
position.

And now, with the Cause purified and inwardly
victorious, Its principles vindicated, Its enemies silenced and sunk
in unspeakable misery, may we not, henceforth, direct all our efforts
to collective action and constructive achievement; and in utter
disregard of the flickerings of their fast-fading light, arise to
carry out those urgent measures that will secure the outward and
complete triumph of the Cause?

I for my part, as I look back to the unfortunate
circumstances of ill-health and physical exhaustion that have
attended the opening years of my career of service to the Cause, feel
hardly gratified, and would be truly despondent but for the
sustaining memory and inspiring example of the diligent and ceaseless
efforts which my fellow-workers the world over have displayed during
these two trying years in the service of the Cause.

I cherish the hope that, from now on the Beloved may
bestow upon me all the strength and vigour that will enable me to
pursue over a long and unbroken period of strenuous labour the
supreme task of achieving, in collaboration with the friends in every
land, the speedy triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh.
This is the prayer I earnestly request all my fellow brethren and
sisters in the Faith to offer on my behalf.

Let us pray to God that in these days of world
encircling gloom, when the dark forces of nature, of hate, rebellion,
anarchy and reaction are threatening the very stability of human
society, when the most precious fruits of civilization are undergoing
severe and unparalleled tests, we may all realize, more profoundly
than ever, that though but a mere handful amidst the seething masses
of the world, are in this day the chosen instruments of God’s
Grace, that our Mission is most urgent and vital to the fate of
humanity and, fortified by these sentiments, arise to achieve God’s
holy purpose for mankind.

Your brother in His service
Shoghi
for my
beloved brethren and sisters in Australia and New Zealand—Shoghi.

Haifa, Palestine,
December 2, 1923.

Letter of May 15th, 1934

May 15th, 1934

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

The Guardian has deeply appreciated your message dated
April 10th, and he has asked me to convey to you once more his
grateful thanks for the services you are so continually rendering the
Faith in your centre. The gratifying news has just reached him of the
opening of the first Convention of the Bahá’ís of
Australia and New-Zealand, and needless to say how deeply he was
moved by this historic step you have been inspired to take for the
consolidation of the Administration in your country. He feels
confident that through such remarkable evidences of the
self-sacrificing, heroic and united efforts of the Australian and New
Zealand believers an increasing number of hitherto skeptical and
unfriendly people will be gradually attracted to the Faith, and some
of them will eventually join the ranks of the faithful.

Assuring you again of the Guardian’s fervent
prayers for the continued expansion of your Bahá’í
activities, and with his best wishes and greetings to you and to all
the friends in Adelaide,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I rejoice to learn of the momentous step the Bahá’ís
of Australia and New-Zealand have taken. They will surely be
reinforced by the hosts of the Kingdom, and deserve the praise and
admiration of their fellow-believers throughout the world. Constancy,
co-operation, unity and steadfast adherence to the spiritual and
administrative principles of the Faith are essential during these
days when the foundations of the Universal House of Justice are being
laid through your devoted efforts in your own country. I will
continue to pray for you from the depths of my heart.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of July 26th, 1934

July 26th, 1934.

Dear Miss Brooks,

I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter of June 6th, written on behalf on the N.S.A. of the
Bahá’ís of Australia and New-Zealand, and to
convey to you, and to your collaborators on that Assembly his
grateful appreciation of the stupendous efforts you have unanimously
exerted for making your first Convention such a sucessful and
promising meeting. Your collective and continued sacrifices, as well
as the assistance and guidance of Bahá’u’lláh
have surely been responsible for this historic triumph which you have
been able to achieve in the administrative field of the Cause—a
triumph which will inevitably bring about a renewed and deeper
spiritual consciousness to all the believers in these far-off lands.

Shoghi Effendi is praying from the very depths of his
heart for your guidance and assistance, and hopes that as a result
your National Assembly will be soon enabled to take such steps as
would enable it to extend and to further consolidate its national as
well as international activities.

With warm greetings to you and to all the friends in
Adelaide,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

My heart is filled with joy and gratitude as a result of
the perusal of your letter. I long to be in close and constant touch
with your newly-formed national assembly—the first of your
administrative activities and the herald of one of the most fruitful
and stirring periods of the history of the Faith in that promising
continent. I will be so glad to receive copies of the minutes of your
gatherings, and urge you to keep in close touch with your sister
assemblies throughout the Bahá’í world. I will
assuredly pray for you and your dear and devoted collaborators from
the depths of my heart.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of October 17th, 1934

October 17th, 1934

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge the receipt
of your letter dated August 31st with its most interesting
enclosures, all of which he has carefully read and considered. It is
with deep gratification that he follows the progress and extension of
the work of your N.S.A., and he hopes and prays that through the
confirmations of the Almighty it will serve to give an increasing
impetus to the progress of the Faith in your land.

The Guardian has read with particular interest the
minutes of the meetings of your N.S.A. He hopes to receive them
regularly, and thus to be in close and constant touch with your
national activities.

In regard to your question as to whether it is
permissible to substitute the plural pronoun for the singular in
prayers worded in the singular, the Guardian would strongly urge your
N.S.A. to inform the friends to strictly adhere to the text of the
Holy Writings, and not to deviate even a hair-breadth from what has
been revealed by the Holy Pen. Besides, it should be noted that
congregational prayer has been discouraged by Bahá’u’lláh,
and that it is allowed only in the case of the prayer for the dead.

Concerning the Healing Prayer, the Guardian wishes me to
inform you that there is no special ruling for its recital. The
believer is free to recite it as many times and in the way he wishes.
There are also no obligatory prayers for the Fast. But there are some
specific ones revealed by Bahá’u’lláh for
that purpose.

As to the instructions given in the little black covered
Prayer Book, they are by no means complete and are only tentative.
When the Book of Aqdas is published, the believers will have then
full and authoritative prescriptions about the form of prayer, and
other instructions and rulings of a spiritual character.

With loving greetings to you and to the members of the
N.S.A.,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dearly beloved co-worker:

My constant prayers for the extension of the activities
in which you and your dear fellow-labourers are so stenuously engaged
will be offered on your behalf that the splendid era which you have
inaugurated may redound to the glory and honour of the Most Great
Name. I am truly proud of the manner in which my loved friends in
Australia and New-Zealand have arisen to discharge their sacred and
pressing responsibilities. Great triumphs, I feel convinced, are in
store for them if they persevere in their mighty task. May the
Almighty bless their high endeavours and enable them to achieve His
purpose.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of January 16th, 1935

January 16th, 1935.

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

Your welcome letter of the 13th of December, together
with the accompanying message of December 11th addressed to the
Guardian by “The General Purposes and Business Committee”
of the N.S.A. have all been duly received and deeply appreciated by
him.

He has also received and read with great care and
interest the enclosed copy of the minutes of the above-mentioned
committee, and was pleased to realize that, despite the various
impediments standing in the way of your Assembly, that body is
functioning smoothly and with one accord. He hopes that the various
steps taken by your Committee in connection with the publication of
the “Herald of the South” will all materialize and meet
with success.

May I also in closing express the Guardian’s
appreciation of your efforts in connection with the management and
direction of this monthly review, and also with regard to your
activities in the field of teaching.

With his loving greetings to you and to your co-workers
in the “Herald of the South” Committee, and with the
assurance of his prayers for you all.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The repeated evidences of the strenuous efforts exerted
by the believers in Australia and New-Zealand for the spread of the
Cause and the rise and consolidation of its institutions have brought
me intense joy and excited my deepest admiration. I urge them to
persevere, to remain united, not to relax in their determination, and
to strive with all their might to extend the scope of their
meritorious activities. I will continue to pray for them from the
bottom of my heart.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of April 24th, 1935

April 24th, 1935

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

The Guardian has read with great care and interest your
letter of the 24th of March last, and has noted with deep
satisfaction the steady progress which your N.S.A. is making since
its formation last year. He is particularly pleased and encouraged to
realise how wisely and effectively your Assembly is adjusting itself
to the general conditions and specific requirements of the Cause in
Australia and New-Zealand, to such an extent that obstacles which a
year ago seemed to be insurmountable have now, through the sustained
and earnest efforts of the friends, been partially if not completely
removed. Your Assembly has, indeed, truly vindicated its ability and
power to function as a well-organized and united body, and this in
the face of manifold difficulties which the all-conquering spirit of
the Faith could alone overcome. Nothing short of this Divine spirit,
as expressed through the self-sacrificing and confident labours of
the Australian and New-Zealand friends, could have so effectively
subdued those forces which every now and then threatened to undermine
the foundations of your Assembly, and thus overthrow the entire
system of the Administration in your land.

Now that the N.S.A. has successfully emerged out of
these difficulties and trials, the Guardian has every reason to
believe that the progress thus far achieved will continue
undiminished and undeterred by any obstacle, however formidable it
may seem to appear.

In his moments of meditation and prayer at the Holy
Shrines he will specially supplicate for the guidance and assistance
of the N.S.A. and will supplicate Bahá’u’lláh
to inspire its members in all their deliberations.

With his warmest and most loving appreciation and
greetings to them and to all the friends in Adelaide.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I fully approve of the decisions arrived at by your
assembly regarding the various issues referred to in your letter, and
feel gratified to learn of the zeal, the constancy, the loyalty and
the determination with which the national representatives of the
believers in Australia and New-Zealand are prosecuting the noble work
entrusted to them by the Almighty. I would urge you to take the
necessary steps for the incorporation of your national assembly as
soon as you adopt your Declaration of Trust and By-Laws, and I pray
that the almighty hand of Bahá’u’lláh may
guide and sustain you in your high and historic endeavours.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of June 19th, 1935

June 19th, 1935

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

The Guardian has received your letter dated May 8th, and
has carefully read and considered its contents. He wishes me to thank
you for it, and specially to convey to you, as well as to the other
members of your N.S.A., his hearty congratulations over the success
that has attended your national elections this year. He hopes and
prays that as years go by your Assembly will increasingly grow in
unity and strength, and will demonstrate its capacity to cope with
the manifold problems and difficulties with which it will be
inevitably confronted as it forges ahead in its slow though steady
progress towards the firmer establishment of Bahá’u’lláh’s
World Order throughout Australia and New-Zealand.

With regard to your question as to the advisability of
disclosing to an individual believer the contents of the N.S.A.’s
correspondence. The Guardian thinks that although this cannot be
considered as constituting an obligation which a believer can impose
upon the national body, yet, it would seem highly advisable that the
N.S.A. should give a sympathetic consideration to any such request
made to it by a believer. This, he feels, would avoid giving the
impression that the assembly is working in an atmosphere of complete
secrecy, and that it is motivated by dictatorial motives. The final
decision in such matters; however, is entirely left to the discretion
of the N.S.A. The basic principle that should always be remembered is
that the N.S.A. cannot be required to reveal to any outsider all the
details concerning its work. It may choose to do so if it wishes, but
nobody has the right to enforce upon it any such action: This is, of
course the purely legal side of the question. But a purely legalistic
attitude in matters affecting the Cause, particularly now that the
Faith is still in a state of infancy, is not only inadequate but
fraught with unforeseen dangers and difficulties. The individuals and
assemblies must learn to cooperate and to cooperate intelligently, if
they desire to adequately discharge their duties and obligations
towards the Faith. And no such cooperation is possible without mutual
confidence and trust.

With loving greetings from the Guardian to you and to
the members of the N.S.A. and with the assurance of his prayers on
behalf of you all,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I cannot refrain from expressing in person my deep sense
of gratitude and indebtedness to the beloved co-workers in that land
for their splendid achievements in both the teaching and
administrative spheres of Bahá’í activity. I feel
truly proud of your accomplishments. I will continue to supplicate
for every one of you the Beloved’s imperishable blessings.

Rest assured and persevere.
Shoghi.

Letter of September 26th, 1935

September 26th, 1935.

Beloved Bahá’í co-worker,

On behalf of the Guardian I wish to acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 8th of July last, with the enclosed
copy of the minutes of the N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís
of Australia and New-Zealand. I wish, in particular, to express his
gratification at the news of the success of the last meeting of your
N.S.A. held in Sydney. It gives him, indeed, much pleasure and
encouragement to realize that your Assembly meetings are conducted
with such a good deal of order and efficiency, and above all, in such
a perfect spirit of unity and fellowship—the few other
obstacles and difficulties left, he feels confident, will in due time
disappear. The foundation has been now firmly laid down, and the work
is bound to develop and expand. The friends should, therefore, be
confident, and should exert their utmost that the institutions they
have so painstakingly and laboriously established should flourish and
yield their fruit.

In connection with the N.S.A.’s decision regarding
the appointment of Mrs. Axford and Mr. Inman to keep records of
Australian and New-Zealand activities for the “Bahá’í
World”; the Guardian wishes you to assure your fellow-members
in the assembly that he fully endorses their choice. He also wishes
you to impress the newly-appointed correspondents with the vital
importance of their task, and to urge them to acquit themselves of it
with thoroughness, efficiency and vigour.

Regarding dear Mr. Hyde Dunn’s health; Shoghi
Effendi is grieved beyond words to learn that he is growing so weak
physically. Will you kindly assure him, as well as Mrs. Dunn, of his
supplications for the amelioration of his health and for the complete
restoration of his forces.

In closing will you also convey his love and greetings
to the members of the N.S.A. and assure them once more of his
continued prayers for their welfare, protection and guidance,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

The detailed report of the activities of the national
assembly—the furthermost pillar of the Universal House of
Justice which the high endeavours of the believers of Australia and
New-Zealand have reared—has filled my heart and soul with
immense joy and gratitude. The Beloved is surely watching over and
continually blessing your splendid accomplishments, the plans you
have conceived, the methods you have devised, the efforts you are
exerting, the services which you have rendered. I will continue to
pray for the consolidation and uninterrupted expansion of your
laudable activities in the service of so glorious and mighty a Cause.
Never relax nor despair. The tender plant which your hands have
raised and nurtured shall grow and will ultimately gather beneath its
shadow the whole of that far-off and promising continent.

Persevere and be happy.
Shoghi.

Letter of January 3rd, 1936

January 3rd, 1936.

The N.S.A. of the Bahá’ís of
Australia and New-Zealand

Dear Bahá’í Friends,

Miss Effie Baker is leaving for Australia with the
consent and full approval of the Guardian.

As you know for over ten years she has been devotedly
working for the Cause in Haifa, as keeper of the Western Pilgrim
House and also as the custodian of the International Bahá’í
Archives. During this long period of service she has accomplished
much for our beloved Cause, and she is now in need of some rest after
so many years of strenuous labours. She is going to join her mother,
and will, it is hoped, prove of great help to the friends throughout
Australia and New-Zealand in both their teaching and administrative
activities.

The Guardian hopes, therefore, that the friends will
give her all the opportunity she needs to help in the extension and
consolidation of the Cause throughout Australia and New-Zealand.

He is entrusting Miss Baker with a beautiful and most
precious present for the friends; it is one of the finest photographs
of the Master which, he wishes your N.S.A. to place in your National
Bahá’í Archives. He is, in addition, sending
through her for the believers a bottle of attar of rose extracted by
the friends in Persia.

With loving greetings and all good wishes for a most
happy and prosperous New Year.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

Letter of April 15th, 1936

April 15th, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

On behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with thanks and
appreciation the receipt of your letter of March 12th with enclosure.
He is grateful for the warm assistance extended by your N.S.A. to
Miss Effie Baker, and hopes that she will be of valuable assistance
to you all, specially to the friends in Melbourne. The task of
organizing the believers in that center is no doubt a very
responsible one, and the Guardian trusts that she will be able to
fully acquit herself of it.

Regarding the “Herald of the South”
magazine, Shoghi Effendi very much appreciates the fact that in spite
of the many difficulties that your Assembly had to overcome this
review is being regularly published, and that its standard is
gradually improving. He would call upon all the English-speaking
friends to contribute, as often as they can, such articles for
publication in that magazine as would serve to make it a more direct
and effective teaching medium for the spread of the Cause throughout
Australia and New-Zealand. He is advising the American N.S.A. to
specially ask the cooperation of the American believers for that
purpose, and hopes that the response they will make to this call will
be such as to further encourage you in your splendid efforts for the
publication of this national organ of the Faith in Australia.

The Guardian would appreciate receiving detailed reports
of the activities of the local assemblies, and would be very thankful
if you send these to him as regularly as you can.

In closing may I ask you to convey his loving greetings
to your distinguished fellow-members in the N.S.A. and to assure each
and all of them of his supplications for their welfare and guidance.
He also wishes you to express his best wishes to dear Father and Mrs.
Dunn, and tell them how happy he is to learn that they are keeping in
good health.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I am so glad to have received your letter and to have
realised the progress of your activities. I trust and pray that the
work in which the National Assembly is so energetically and devotedly
engaged may steadily expand and be further consolidated. The teaching
work is the corner-stone of its activities, the sole basis on which
the administrative structure can flourish. A strenuous, systematic
and continuous effort should, both individually and collectively, be
now exerted to attain this supreme objective. With a heart full of
gratitude I will pray for the success of your endeavours.

Shoghi.

Letter of April 26th, 1936

April 26th, 1936

Beloved Bahá’í Sister,

I am directed by the Guardian to thank you for your
letter of the 30th March informing him of the date of Miss Kitty
Carpenter’s arrival in Port-Said. You can be sure that the
friends will be most delighted to meet her, and to render her journey
to Haifa as safe and comfortable as possible.

The Guardian himself is eagerly looking forward to the
pleasure of meeting her, and cherishes the hope that through this
pilgrimage she may receive a renewed stimulus to better work for the
promotion of the Faith upon her return home.

The Guardian has also noted with deep satisfaction the
preparations made by your N.S.A. for this year’s meeting in
Melbourne. He is praying that in spite of the difficulties you have
encountered in carrying out your plans this important gathering of
the Australian and New-Zealand believers may prove another landmark
in the history of the Cause throughout that Continent.

With loving greetings to you and your dear
fellow-members,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[Appended by the Guardian]

May the Almighty bless you and your dearly-loved
co-workers and fellow-members, and enable you all to proclaim far and
wide the essential truths of this glorious Revelation and to lay
unassailable foundations for its institutions.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of June 10th, 1936

June 10th, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to acknowledge
with deepest thanks the receipt of your letter of March 30th written
on behalf of the N.S.A. of Australia and New-Zealand.

He is rejoiced to learn of the projected formation of a
Spiritual Assembly in Perth, and hopes that by the time this letter
reaches you the assembly will have been duly constituted and will be
functioning with the utmost unity, efficiency and vigour.

In this connection he wishes me to bring to your
Assembly’s attention the necessity of their taking the
necessary steps for the incorporation of the N.S.A.. This step, he
feels, is of a vital importance to the further development of your
Assembly, and will no doubt give it more stability and an added
influence, specially in the eyes of the general public.

The Guardian would also advise that the local assemblies
take a similar step, and obtain official recognition from the
authorities. In case the Auckland assembly has been registered in the
government, will you be so kind as to send him photostatic
reproductions of any registration papers or documents that the
Auckland friends may have obtained from the authorities, as he wishes
to have them published in the next “Bahá’í
World”.

As regards the photograph of your N.S.A; the Guardian
wishes me to inform you that in going over the manuscript of the
“Bahá’í World”, which was sent to him
from the States, he found your Assembly’s picture already
incorporated in it. The manuscript has now been sent back to America
and is awaiting publication.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
Yours
in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

The incessant efforts so devotedly exerted by the
members of your distinguished assembly are assets that I greatly
value and of which I am truly proud. I will fervently pray for the
extension of your activities and the fulfilment of your dearest
hopes. Rest assured and persevere.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of September 23rd, 1936

September 23rd, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

Your detailed communication of July 14th written on
behalf of the N.S.A. of Australia and New-Zealand, together with its
enclosures have all duly arrived, and their contents read with
deepest interest and appreciation by our beloved Guardian. Also the
photographs and blocks have duly reached him, as well as the local
Assembly reports sent under separate cover. Please accept his most
sincere and grateful thanks for them all.

Regarding the proposed News Letter to be issued every
three months by your N.S.A; this, the Guardian feels, is a splendid
idea and can render a unique and much-needed help to your Assembly in
its efforts for the establishment of the Administration, and the more
effective functioning of its institutions throughout Australia and
New-Zealand. Not only it has the great advantage of keeping the
friends well-informed about the events and developments in the Cause,
but in addition can help in consolidating the organic unity of the
believers by bringing them within the full orbit of the N.S.A.’s
jurisdiction. It is hoped that this body will do its utmost to
maintain the publication of this bulletin, and will make full use of
this splendid medium for the further widening and consolidation of
the foundations of the local as well as national assemblies.

As regards Mrs. …’s request that you assist her
in her project of uniting the believers through correspondence; this
is of course a task which is quite secondary compared to the duties
and responsibilities you are called upon to discharge as secretary of
the N.S.A. Your secretarial work in that body imposes upon you a
paramount obligation which no other service can equal in importance.
All your other Bahá’í activities should be
subordinated to your work in the N.S.A. which is, undoubtedly, the
most vital and urgent among them all.

Concerning the Greatest Name; this term refers both to
“Alláh-u-Abhá” and to “Yá
Bahá’u’l-Abhá”. The first is a form
of Bahá’í greeting and should be used, while the
other is an invocation, meaning “O Thou Glory of Glories!”
These two words are both referred to as the Greatest Name.

The Guardian, while fully aware of the difficulties,
both financial and otherwise which your N.S.A. is facing in
connection with the publication of the “Herald of the South”,
feels nevertheless the urge to advise you to continue with this
magazine and not to feel in the least discouraged if your efforts for
meeting the expenses incurred for its printing and circulation, and
for raising its literary standard, do not bring the expected results.
He very deeply values the self-sacrificing and sustained efforts
exerted by your Assembly in this connection. May Bahá’u’lláh
richly reward you for all your meritorious endeavours.

With warmest Bahá’í Greetings,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

The work in which your National Assembly is engaged, and
which it is prosecuting with such fidelity, diligence and
perseverance is near and dear to my heart. You are laying an
unassailable foundation for the erection of mighty Bahá’í
institutions which future generations are destined to extend and
perfect. Your pioneer work is arduous and highly meritorious. I feel
proud of your achievements, realizing as I do the circumstances in
which you labour. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is watching over
you and is well-pleased with your services. Persevere and rest
assured.

Affectionately,
Shoghi.

Letter of September 25th, 1936

September 25th, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

Our able and indefatigable co-worker Mr. Siegfried
Schopflocher is on a tour to Australia, India and the Near East, and
by the time this letter reaches you he may be already in your midst.

The Guardian wishes your N.S.A. to arrange for him to
visit all the centers in Australia and if possible in New-Zealand
too, and to make every effort to render his stay amongst you as
abundant in its results as possible.

Mr. Schopflocher is surely known to you and to many
friends in Australia. He is truly one of the most distinguished
believers in the West. He has a deep knowledge of the Cause, and
specially of the Administration, and has contributed a unique share
towards its establishment and consolidation in the States. For many
years a member of the American N.S.A., he revealed such great
qualities of heart and mind as very few of his fellow-members were
able to manifest. He supported valiantly and generously, and through
both moral and financial means, the various institutions of the
Cause, and in particular the institution of the Bahá’í
Fund which, as you can well realize, is the foundation stone of every
phase of Bahá’í activity.

In this connection it should be remembered that it was
mainly due to his unfailing and most generous assistance that the
Temple in Wilmette was built. The friends owe him indeed a great
debt, and can never be too grateful for what he has accomplished, and
is still so splendidly accomplishing, for the Faith in the West.

The Guardian hopes, nay he feels confident, your
Assembly, as well as all the friends will extend a most cordial
welcome to this dear and distinguished Servant of the Cause, and will
fully avail yourselves of this splendid opportunity that has been
offered you to further enrich the field of your experiences in the
Faith.

With warmest greetings,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

Letter of November 17th, 1936

November 17th, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

On behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with deepest
thanks the receipt of your letter of the 17th October, and wish also
to thank your Assembly for forwarding to him the photostatic
reproduction of the registration certificate of the Assembly of
Auckland. He fervently hopes that the formation of the Declaration of
Trust of the N.S.A. will also be completed very soon, and that the
difficulty you have encountered in this connection will be
satisfactorily met and settled. He also trusts that the delay caused
in registering the Sydney local assembly will be overcome, and that
you will immediately proceed with the formation of your National
Declaration of Trust. It is splendid, and a matter of deep
satisfaction to our Beloved Guardian that in all these steps that you
are taking for the administrative development and consolidation of
the Faith in Australia and New-Zealand you are closely and faithfully
following the example of America which, it should be admitted,
occupies a pre-eminent rank among its sister communities in both the
East and the West.

As regards the problem facing the N.S.A. in connection
with the representation of Perth at the next Annual Convention; the
Guardian believes that the fact that a certain assembly or community
is not in a financial position to defray the expenses of its delegate
or delegates does not constitute sufficient justification for
depriving it from its sacred right of participation in the national
elections and other activities of the Convention. Every assembly, no
matter how poor, is entitled to take part in the Convention
proceedings by sending one or more delegates to that meeting. It is
absolutely essential that this principle be clearly understood and
faithfully applied by the friends. Financial considerations can under
no circumstances invalidate it, or allow the least compromise in its
application. It is the duty of every N.S.A. to ensure that it will be
carried out whenever the Convention elections are held.

With loving greetings,

Yours in the Guardian’s Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I would be very pleased to receive two more copies of
the registration form of the Auckland Assembly and three copies of
the form of the Adelaide Assembly some of which I shall place in the
Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí.
Will you also send me three copies of the registration form of every
Assembly which will be incorporated in the future. The foundations
which your National Assembly is now laying with such assiduous care
and exemplary loyalty constitute a service that is truly historic and
is highly meritorious in the sight of God. I feel deeply indebted to
you for such splendid achievements. Persevere and never lose heart.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of December 1st, 1936

December 1st, 1936

Dear Miss Brooks,

The Guardian has just received the first issue of the
newsletter published by the N.S.A. of the Bahá’í’s
of Australia and New-Zealand, and has read it all through with
deepest pleasure and satisfaction. He wishes me to ask you to
transmit to your fellow-members in that body his warmest thanks for
this new step they have taken for the further consolidation of the
Administration in their country, as well as his most hearty
congratulations upon the ever-increasing success that is attending
their labours in this field.

It is his fervent hope that this organ your Assembly has
initiated will fully serve its purpose by intensifying the spirit of
cooperation between the N.S.A. and all local assemblies, groups and
isolated believers throughout Australia and New-Zealand. Such a
medium, if properly utilized, can be of inestimable value to the
believers, by further enriching their knowledge and understanding of
the principles and actual functioning of the Administrative order of
the Faith, and by maintaining alive, nay intensifying in them the
desire to promote and safeguard its interests.

He would, therefore, earnestly appeal to every believer
in Australia and New-Zealand to make full and continued use of this
bulletin, and consider it as a most effective means to closer
fellowship and to a deeper understanding of his duties and
responsibilities as builder of the New World Order of Bahá’u’lláh.

He is ardently praying to the Almighty to ever bless and
guide your Assembly’s endeavours in this connection,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

Letter of February 4th, 1937

February 4th, 1937

Dear Miss Brooks,

I am instructed by the Guardian to inform you of the
receipt of your letter of the 2nd January, and of the enclosed
reports of the Adelaide and Auckland spiritual assemblies, and to
renew to you, and through you to your fellow-members in the N.S.A.,
his grateful appreciation of the warm welcome you have so lovingly
extended to that dear and distinguished servant of the Cause Mr.
Siegfried Schopflocher during his visit to Australia and New-Zealand.
It is his fervent hope that the spirit his visit has released will
long serve to sustain the friends in their heavy task of expanding
the foundations of the Administrative Order throughout that
continent.

Regarding Mr. Bolton’s question as to whether the
Guardian has given any instructions to the friends as to the best way
to make their investments secure during the coming world crisis; I am
instructed to inform you that no such directions have been given
either to any individual believer or to any assembly. The only advice
which the Guardian wishes to give is that whatever investment the
friends make they should do it with the utmost caution, as economic
and financial conditions are at present most unstable and even
precarious.

Shoghi Effendi has been very deeply grieved to learn of
Mr. …’s resignation from both the N.S.A. and the Sydney local
Assembly, and of his request to leave altogether the Cause. He wishes
me, however, to assure your Assembly not to feel discouraged at this
truly sad happening, but to confidently strive to bring him back into
the community. Should he persistently refuse to return, the best
thing would be to leave him to himself, and to pray for him that
Bahá’u’lláh may, in His infinite mercy and
love, open again his eyes, and lead him out of the state of spiritual
lethargy into which he has so sadly fallen.

With the assurance of the Guardian’s best wishes,
and of his continual prayers for you, and for your distinguished
fellow-members in the N.S.A.,

Yours Sincerely in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-worker:

I am delighted with the progress of your activities and
with your splendid achievements in both the teaching and
administrative spheres of Bahá’í service. The
National Spiritual Assembly is laying a firm and unassailable
foundation for the administrative Order of the Faith, and I wish to
congratulate all its members and committees on the marvellous
progress thus far achieved. I will continue to pray for them from all
my heart. I will specially supplicate for the success of this coming
Convention. May your hopes be fulfilled in every respect.

Gratefully and affectionately,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 18th, 1937

March 18th, 1937

Dear Miss Brooks,

On behalf of the Guardian I acknowledge with thanks the
receipt of your letter of the 17th February with the enclosed report
of the Sydney local assembly, and wish to express his gratification
at the news of the progress which that community is making in the
teaching work. He has noted with deep satisfaction that two new names
have been added to their membership roll, and hopes that this step
will mark the beginning of a new era of teaching expansion throughout
that center. He wishes you to kindly congratulate the Sydney Assembly
for this splendid success which their teaching efforts have won, and
to urge them to continue in their endeavours for the attraction and
confirmation of New Souls. May the Beloved aid, sustain and ever
bless them in His service.

The Guardian is delighted to learn that the necessary
arrangements for the holding of your next Annual Convention have been
completed, and while he deplores the fact that owing to the long
distances that separate the centers full attendance at this national
gathering would not be feasible, he nevertheless hopes that it will
be a most successful meeting, and will be marked all through by a
perfect spirit of unity and fellowship. He wishes you to assure the
delegates of his prayers for the success of their deliberations, and
to convey to them his warmest greetings and best wishes for a happy
Ridván.

Yours ever in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

P.S. Shoghi Effendi wishes me to express his thanks for
the four reproductions of the Adelaide Assembly registration form and
trust which you had enclosed in your letter, one of which he has
ordered to be placed in Bahá’u’lláh’s
Mansion at Bahjí, and another one he wishes to incorporate in
the manuscript of the next “Bahá’í World”
(vol. VII).

H.R.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I am truly gratified and delighted to receive so many
evidences of the zeal, the loyalty and the devotion with which the
believers in Australia and New-Zealand are extending the range of
their historic activities. I feel deeply grateful to them. I will
most assuredly pray for them that the Beloved may bless their high
endeavours and aid them to establish His Cause and proclaim far and
wide its verities and teachings.

Shoghi.

Letter of August 29th, 1937

August 29th, 1937

Beloved Bahá’í Sister,

Your welcome communication of June 30 written on behalf
of the N.S.A., as well as the accompanying papers and reports have
all been received, and their contents read with keenest interest and
appreciation by our beloved Guardian.

How rejoiced he feels to witness the increasing
evidences of the growing progress of the community of the Australian
and New-Zealand believers. The considerable work that they have
accomplished during the last few years, in both the teaching and the
administrative fields, could not indeed have been carried out without
the wise and effective leadership of your N.S.A. who, ever since its
inception, has been functioning with a loyalty and efficiency that
are truly remarkable.

The success of this year’s Convention, as
evidenced by the report of the proceedings you had sent, marks a
further step in the process of steady consolidation through which the
N.S.A. is passing, and indicates how strong are the loyalty and
attachment which it has awakened among the body of the believers
throughout Australia and New-Zealand.

It is the Guardian’s fervent hope that this
confidence which your Assembly has inspired will be further
strengthened during the course of this year, and that this in turn
will deepen in the members the sense of the heavy responsibility they
have to shoulder for the extension and consolidation of Bahá’í
work throughout that continent.

Now as regards your Assembly’s question concerning
a tie vote; as the point raised is a secondary matter it is left to
the discretion of your N.S.A.

In the case of voting for less than nine individuals; it
is not compulsory that a ballot paper should contain necessarily nine
votes. The individual voter may record less than nine names, if he
chooses to do so.

With renewed greetings and thanks from the Guardian to
you and your fellow-members in the N.S.A.,

Yours ever in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I am delighted with the manifold evidences of the
progress achieved through the concerted efforts of the Australian and
the New-Zealand believers under the able direction of their elected
national representatives. I feel proud of their accomplishments,
highly approve of their plans and projected enterprises, feel
grateful for the spirit that animates them, and cherish bright hopes
for the extension of their activities. May the Beloved guide their
steps, cheer their hearts and enable them to diffuse far and wide the
teachings and spirit of His Cause.

Gratefully and affectionately,
Shoghi.

Letter of August 30th, 1937

August 30th, 1937

Dear Miss Brooks,

Your letter of the 17th July enclosing Miss Ethel Dawe’s
communication requesting permission to visit the Holy Land has been
duly received by our beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to
inform you that, at your suggestion, he has cabled Miss Dawe directly
to London, extending to her a hearty welcome to visit the Holy
Shrines in the next fall.

He hopes that in the meantime nothing will happen to
alter or upset her plans, and that she will be given the privilege
and joy of undertaking this much-desired pilgrimage to Haifa.

Hoping this will find you and all the Adelaide friends
in the best of health, and with loving greetings to you and to them,

Yours ever in the Cause,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Wishing you success from all my heart, and assuring you
of my continued prayers for the realisation of your highest hopes,

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of January 31st, 1938

January 31st, 1938

Dear Miss Brooks,

The Guardian wishes me to express his loving thanks for
your letter of the third instant, enclosing the half-yearly reports
of the Perth and Auckland Spiritual Assemblies, all of which he has
been delighted to read.

He wishes you to write the Auckland Assembly assuring
them of his approval of the request they have made on behalf of Miss
Kitty Carpenter for permission to visit Haifa. He has every hope that
through this pilgrimage she will be greatly refreshed and
strengthened spiritually, and will upon her return home impart to the
friends in New-Zealand some measure of the inspiration she will gain
through close contact with the Holy Shrines.

Before closing the Guardian also wishes me to express
the hope that your N.S.A.’s plan of holding a meeting in
Melbourne during the course of this year may be realized, and that
the occasion may serve to lend a fresh impetus to the growth of the
Cause in that city. He is fervently praying for the success of your
Assembly’s efforts in this connection.

Reciprocating your greetings and with renewed and
warmest thanks,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear co-worker:

The work in which you and your dear fellow-members are
so devotedly, so loyally and diligently engaged, is progressing in a
manner that is highly gratifying and merits the highest praise. I
feel increasingly proud of, and thankful for the achievements that
signalize the rise of the administrative Order of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh in Australia and New-Zealand.
Generations yet unborn will extol those qualities and virtues that
have enabled you all to render such great services to our beloved
Cause. Persevere, be happy and confident.

Shoghi.

Letter of March 30th, 1938

March 30th, 1938

Dear Miss Brooks,

The Guardian was indeed pleased to receive your letter
of the 16th ins. informing him of Miss Dawe’s safe arrival in
Australia, and of the receipt of the precious relic which he had
asked her to present to your N.S.A. for preservation in your National
Archives.

He wishes you to assure your fellow-members of his full
approval of their suggestion to place this sacred relic in a little
miniature frame case, and in such manner as to keep the paper
containing it from becoming soiled and frayed with constant handling.

In connection with the article published in the October
number of the “Herald of the South” entitled “Above
the Mists”; the Guardian wishes the believers to disregard such
subjects as psychic practices and phenomena, for these besides not
being authenticated by the Writings of the Founders of the Faith,
pertain mostly to the domain of conjectures. The magazine of the
“Herald of the South” should be devoted to the study and
presentation of those subjects that reflect the spirit of the
Teachings, and which as such are worthy of consideration by the
believers. As the national organ of the Australian and New-Zealand
friends its main function is to assist in disseminating the knowledge
of the Cause, and thus develop into an effective teaching medium.
This is the goal which the editors should have constantly in mind,
and which they should endeavour to attain through the best possible
means they can devise at present.

The Guardian wishes me in closing to express his thanks
for sending him the reproductions of the Declaration of Trust
certificate of your N.S.A., and for the reports of the Adelaide and
Sydney assemblies, as well as the photograph and report of the
Yerrinbool Summer-School.

With his loving greetings to you and to your
fellow-members in the N.S.A.,

Yours ever in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I am so touched by the repeated and compelling evidences
of the magnificent spirit that animates my dearly-beloved co-workers
in Australia and New-Zealand. The record of their manifold
accomplishments warms my heart and cheers my spirit. The Beloved is
truly pleased with them and the Almighty will surely bless and
reinforce their high endeavours. May their highest and dearest hopes
be fulfilled in His Service.

Shoghi.

Letter of June 22nd, 1938

June 22nd, 1938.

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

I am instructed by our beloved Guardian to express his
thanks for your communication of May 14th, with the enclosed copy of
the resolutions passed by the Australian and New-Zealand N.S.A. in
its April meeting held in Melbourne. He has also noted with deep
satisfaction the program of the public meeting you had arranged on
that occasion, and is very much heartened to know that the response
from the public has been most genuine and quite beyond your
expectations.

The general situation of the Cause in Melbourne,
however, has caused immense grief to his heart, specially as the
believers themselves are losing interest and seem to be drifting
away. The decision taken by your Assembly to hold the next Annual
Convention there, with the view of encouraging and guiding the
friends to re-organise their activities, and also in order to
stimulate the progress of the teaching work in that center is most
splendid. The Guardian would strongly advise that in the meantime
every effort be exerted, through such means as the N.S.A. may find
feasible and effective, to bring back into the Community those
members who have already left, and to take immediate measures to
discourage those who contemplate doing so.

With reference to Miss Martha Root’s projected
teaching trip to your shores; the Guardian highly appreciates the
cordial invitation extended to her by your Assembly, and has every
hope that through her splendid zeal, mature and wide experience in
the teaching field, she will be able to lend an unprecedented impetus
to the expansion and consolidation of the teaching work throughout
Australia and New-Zealand during this coming winter.

In closing I wish to convey through you to the
newly-elected N.S.A. the Guardian’s heartfelt congratulations
and sincere greetings, and to assure them of his prayers, that
throughout their new term of office, they may be assisted in
acquitting themselves befittingly of their task.

Also kindly extend to them his loving thanks for the
expression of deep sympathy which they have conveyed to him on their
behalf, and in the name of the believers in New-Zealand and
Australia, in the passing away of the Holy Mother, Munírih
Khánum.

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I truly admire the manner in which the national
representatives of the believers of Australia and New Zealand are
discharging their responsibilities and fulfilling their vital and
manifold functions. I, moreover, feel eternally thankful for the
spirit which the believers themselves manifest, the support they
extend to them, the vigilance, steadfastness and self-sacrifice that
distinguish the record of their services. The foundations they are
laying will endure and broaden as the days go by, and the
institutions they are erecting will multiply a thousandfold if they
persevere in the path they are now treading. The blessing of the Abhá
Beauty will enable them to achieve still greater victories if they
refuse to hesitate and falter.

Gratefully,
Shoghi.

Letter of November 2nd, 1938

November 2nd, 1938

Dear Miss Brooks,

I am directed by the Guardian to acknowledge with thanks
your Assembly’s communication of October 6th.

Regarding the need you have expressed for a small,
inexpensive prayer book for use by the friends in Australia and New
Zealand; he views with favour this idea, but does not advise the use
of the translations given in the Bahá’í Prayer
Book, as these are mostly incorrect and inadequate renderings. He
wishes you to preferably select from the book “Prayers and
Meditations”, recently published in America, suitable prayers
for a small edition.

The Guardian wishes me to express his gratification at
the news of the enrolment of three new members in the Sydney Bahá’í
group, and of two others in the Auckland community. He will pray that
these new believers may continue deepening in their faith, and in
their understanding of the Teachings, and that each of them may arise
and lend every assistance in his power to the further expansion and
firmer consolidation of the Faith in that far-off continent.

The three reproductions of the Sydney Registration
Certificate which you have mailed under separate cover have been duly
received, and one of them will shortly be placed in the Mansion at
Bahjí.

The projected visit of Miss Martha Root to your shores
next winter, the Guardian hopes, will as on her previous journeys
serve to impart a fresh stimulus to the friends in Australia and
New-Zealand and inspire them with a renewed determination to
re-consecrate themselves to the service of the Cause. Your Assembly
should extend to her a warm welcome and every support she requires
for the success of her mission. May her noble endeavours, seconded by
the energetic and diligent efforts of the believers, result in
inaugurating a new era of teaching expansion throughout the
Australian continent.

With warmest greetings from the Guardian,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The visit of our dear and cherished sister and exemplary
co-worker, Martha, to your shores is approaching and I feel confident
that her collaboration with you will lend an unprecedented impetus to
the advancement of the Faith. Laden with laurels, animated by an
unquenchable spirit, armed with a faith that none can surpass, she
will, I feel sure, contribute magnificently to the magnificent work
her co-workers in Australia and New Zealand have so valiantly
achieved and are so energetically and methodically extending. My
prayers for you and for her will continue to be offered with a heart
filled with pride, joy and gratitude.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of February 15th, 1939

February 15th, 1939.

Dear Miss Brooks:

Your letter of January 17th, enclosing one addressed to
the Guardian by the Sydney Spiritual Assembly, have both duly
arrived, and their contents read by him with deepest satisfaction and
with feelings of unbounded gratitude.

He is writing the Sydney Assembly separately, assuring
them that Miss Davis who is on a world tour, would be most welcome to
visit the Holy Shrines in Haifa and Bahjí, but he himself is
exceedingly sorry not to be able to meet her, as he is at present
away from the Holy Land, and may not be back to Haifa before some
time. He hopes, nevertheless, Miss Davis will benefit from her close
contact with the Sacred Places of the Faith, and will gain such
experiences as will stimulate still further her interest in the
Cause, and lead her gradually to fully and unreservedly embrace its
truth.

Regarding the extensive preparations made by the N.S.A.
in connection with the teaching travels of our indefatigable and
highly-esteemed Bahá’í sister Miss Martha Root
throughout Australia and New-Zealand; the Guardian feels truly
delighted and profoundly grateful to your Assembly for the befitting
welcome you have extended to her, and for the arrangements you have
made for her to broadcast her speeches, and to contact as many
individuals and organisations as her time and health permit. You are
certainly fully availing yourself of the opportunity of her presence
in your midst to further intensify the campaign of teaching
throughout Australia, and you can rest assured that Bahá’u’lláh
will reinforce and bless your endeavours for the accomplishment of so
vital and so sacred a task.

The draft for thirty pounds which you had enclosed in
your letter, representing the contribution of the believers of
Australia and New-Zealand toward the International Fund of the Cause,
has been received with grateful appreciation by our beloved Guardian,
and he wishes your Assembly to kindly convey to all the friends his
deep sense of gratitude, as well as his profound admiration, for the
exemplary devotion and loyal attachment to the Cause that has
prompted them to make such generous donations.

With renewed and heartfelt thanks for your very kind
letter, and reciprocating your greetings,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dearly-beloved co-workers:

I am so glad and grateful for the plans you have
conceived for the reception, and organisation of the work, of Martha
during her visit to your shores. The community of the believers in
Australia and New Zealand is making remarkable progress in every
phase of its activities, and deserves the highest praise in its
magnificent and incessant labours. I am proud of the quality of its
faith and the range of its achievements. May the Beloved infuse into
each one of its members a greater measure of His power and of His
spirit that will enable them to seek nobler heights in their historic
service to His Cause!

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 17th, 1939

March 17th, 1939.

Dear Miss Brooks,

Your communication of February the 12th addressed to our
beloved Guardian, informing him of Martha’s safe arrival in
Australia, has been received, and he was made truly happy to know how
cordially and befittingly she had been welcomed by the friends. The
wide acclamation with which you have greeted her upon her arrival,
and the kind solicitude and warm affection you have displayed towards
her by arranging for dear Dr. Bolton to give her the necessary
treatment soon after her landing in Adelaide—such spontaneous
expressions of your deep set admiration and love for this valiant and
indefatigable star-servant of the Cause must have surely greatly
warmed and touched her heart.

Your N.S.A., no less than the local assemblies of Perth
and Adelaide, has undoubtedly spared no effort to use her presence as
an opportunity for giving the Faith every publicity possible through
both the radio and the press. It is to be hoped that before long the
results of this campaign of publicity will be made apparent, and a
good number of sincere and intelligent inquirers will be led to
investigate and seriously study the Teachings, and enrol later on in
the Community.

While the Guardian wishes the friends to take full
advantage of Martha’s presence and invite her to speak and
teach as frequently as her energies permit, yet he would advise that
they should also take great care lest her health be seriously
impaired through overwork, specially as she is already so frail,
having extensively travelled and tirelessly laboured for a whole year
throughout India. He would further entreat the believers to join him
in ardently supplicating Bahá’u’lláh to
continue bestowing upon our well-beloved and distinguished sister all
the strength and energy that she requires for the continuation and
successful termination of her teaching tour throughout Australia and
New-Zealand.

With reference to Mr. and Mrs. Bolton’s request
for permission to visit Haifa during next October or November, the
Guardian wishes you to assure them that they would be most welcome to
undertake this pilgrimage through which, he hopes, they will get
refreshed spiritually and filled with renewed vigour and added
determination to labour for the further promotion of the Faith upon
their return home.

With the season’s best greetings to you and all
the friends,

Yours ever in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

How deeply I appreciate what you and your dear
collaborators are achieving for the success of Martha’s work
amidst you. My heart brims over with gratitude for the manner in
which you approach your task, discharge your duties and extend the
range of your local and national activities. With your deeds you are
demonstrating in that far-off continent what the power of the
Greatest Name can achieve when it operates through channels that are
pure, and receptive to its outpouring grace. My prayers are being
continually offered for you all. Rest assured and be happy.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of July 12th, 1939

July 12th, 1939.

Dear Miss Brooks,

On behalf of our beloved Guardian I acknowledge with
thanks the receipt of your deeply-appreciated message written on
behalf of our Australian N.S.A., and of various materials, including
Assembly reports and photographs of the Yerrinbool Summer-School,
mailed under separate cover, all of which reached him safely, and for
which kindly convey his heart’s deepest gratitude to your
Assembly.

He has read with great pleasure the account of Miss
Root’s last few weeks in Australia, and feels exceedingly
gratified and thankful at this renewed evidence of the loving
hospitality so spontaneously and generously extended to her by all
the friends in each center she visited, and wishes me, in particular,
to convey to you and to dear Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne his special
thanks for having kindly offered to accompany our precious and
well-beloved sister throughout the last stages of her journey to
Melbourne and Tasmania. May Bahá’u’lláh
richly reward you with His choicest blessings for all the tender care
and affection you lavished upon her all through her teaching
itinerary, and may He sustain, strengthen and guide you in your
endeavours to further enrich and consolidate the notable teaching
results she was able to accomplish in your midst during all these
months.

The Guardian was highly encouraged to hear of the news
of the confirmation of Miss Lamprill’s friend, and earnestly
hopes and prays that through the combined, sustained, and loving
exertions of these two dear believers the Cause will gradually make a
headway in Hobart, and a group of well-confirmed souls will soon be
established in that center. Kindly convey to these friends the
expression of his warmest good wishes for the extension and success
of their labours in service to our beloved Faith, and do urge them
whole-heartedly, joyously and confidently persevere in their task of
promulgating the message in Hobart.

With regard to Mrs. Routh’s request for permission
to visit Haifa; much as the Guardian desires her to undertake such
longed for visit to the Holy Shrines, he feels that owing to the
continued disturbances agitating the Holy Land, and which give no
sign of abating, it would be inadvisable for her to come at such a
dangerous time. He hopes some day when the situation will have
returned to normal in Palestine, she will have an opportunity of
undertaking this pilgrimage.

Assuring you, and your newly-elected fellow-members in
the N.S.A. of his continued prayers and best wishes, and with
affectionate greetings to all the friends,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The recent evidences of your marvellous activities in
the service of our beloved Faith have brought infinite joy to my
heart. The institutions you are so devotedly and laboriously
erecting, multiplying and perfecting, notwithstanding your limited
numbers, the scarcity of Bahá’í teachers and
proper facilities, and despite your limited resources and the varied
obstacles in your way, attest the splendid progress you have achieved
and augur well for the future of your historic work in His service.
The summer-school is but one of those institutions which you have
established with such a rare spirit of devotion, such magnificent
loyalty and such assiduous care. The foundation you have laid is
broad, solid and unassailable. The rising generation who will build
upon it will extol your virtues, ennoble your task, preserve the
record of your acts, and transmit to posterity the great tradition
which you are now so happily and nobly establishing. My heart brims
over with gratitude for all that you are achieving, and is filled
with hopes for all that you will achieve in the near and distant
future. Perseverance, fidelity, redoubled effort, will enable you to
reap a rich harvest and to attain your shining goal.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of November 4th, 1940

November 4th, 1940

Dear Miss Brooks,

Your communications dated April 22nd and August 23rd
written on behalf of the N.S.A. of Australia and New-Zealand with the
enclosed reports have all been safely received, and their contents
noted with feelings of deepest satisfaction and gratitude by our
beloved Guardian.

Also he has received the copy of the Mittagong Star, the
reproduction of registration certificate, the three snaps and the
three photographs which you had mailed under separate cover, for all
of which he wishes you to heartily thank the N.S.A. on his behalf.

He wishes you, in particular, to convey his warmest
greetings and congratulations to the members of the newly-elected
N.S.A., whose names he has been very pleased to note, and to assure
them of his prayers for their guidance and confirmation in the
discharge of their heavy and sacred duties and responsibilites
throughout this year. Despite the sorrow and distress created by the
war, and the heavy sacrifices it is increasingly imposing upon the
community of the faithful throughout Australia and New-Zealand, he
confidently hopes that your Assembly, with the help and support of
all the believers in that land, will continue prosecuting, with the
same devoted zeal, resourcefulness and determination as before, its
twofold task of extending the scope of the teaching work, and of
further consolidating the foundations of the Administration. The
unity and efficiency with which it has been functioning in the past
year, as attested by the rich record of its accomplishments, indeed
augur well for the future of its activities, and it is the Guardian’s
fervent hope that, notwithstanding the delay and dislocation which
the prosecution of the war has inevitably occasioned, it will
continue to advance and prosper, and receive unforseen opportunities
of spreading and of strengthening the foundations of the Cause
throughout that far-off Continent.

In this time of world calamity his thoughts and prayers
are often with our dearly-beloved friends in Australia and New
Zealand, and he is ardently supplicating Bahá’u’lláh,
on their behalf, that He may bestow upon them such measure of His
guidance, protection and strength as would enable them to
courageously and successfully meet the tests and trials of the days
ahead.

Assuring you, in closing, of his special prayers on your
own behalf, and reciprocating your greetings,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear co-worker:

The report of your activities and of those of your
fellow-workers, undertaken at such a time, and despite such
difficulties and with such a courage, devotion, determination,
thoroughness and fidelity, deserves indeed the highest praise and
constitutes a powerful evidence of the unconquerable Spirit and the
ever-extending range, and the ever-deepening influence of the Cause
of Bahá’u’lláh. Your work is surely blessed
by Him, and your fellow-labourers in distant lands derive great
encouragement and inspiration from the incessant and remarkable
efforts you are so devotedly exerting. Persevere and rest assured
that I will, with increasing fervour, pray on your behalf at the Holy
Shrines,

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of January 3rd, 1941

January 3rd, 1941

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 N.S.A. 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
inquirers.

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
regading 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 entirely 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.

[From the Guardian:]

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.

Letter of April 19th, 1941

Haifa, April 19th, 1941

Dear Bahá’í friends:

Shoghi Effendi has instructed me to answer your letter
of March 16th, 1941.

He was very 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 landmark in
the victorious progress of the Faith. He is indeed the spiritual
conqueror of that continent!

The Guardian was very impressed by 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 such a service there is no objection at
all.

The contemplated teaching trip of Miss Brooks, Mrs
Hawthorne and Mrs Moffit 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-Rúz
and Ridván greetings from all the dear friends in Australia
and New Zealand.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The community of the Most Great Name in these far-off
islands have 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 indefatigible
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.

Sh.

Letter of July 30th, 1941

July 30th, 1941

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.

[From the Guardian:]

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.

Letter of December 26th, 1941

Haifa, December 26th, 1941.

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. 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 begun 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”!
“Alláh-u-Abhá” is a greeting which means:
“God the All-Glorious”. 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 13.3.;
Genesis 17.20 refers to the twelve Imams and in the Revelation of St.
John, Chap. 11.; where it mentions two witnesses, it refers to
Muhammad and ‘Alí.

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 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.

[From the Guardian:]

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.

Letter of Feb. 23rd, 1942

Haifa, Feb. 23rd, 1942.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter, with enclosures, of Nov. 8th reached the
Guardian safely, and he has instructed me to answer you on his
behalf.

His thoughts and prayers are very often with the
Australian Bahá’ís in these difficult and
dangerous times. They are now facing a much more acute situation than
hitherto. But whatever of trial and affliction the immediate future
may hold for them, we know that the destiny of mankind is in the firm
grasp of Bahá’u’lláh, and that He will
guide it to its ultimate and highest goal. This assurance is more
precious than life itself, it is our anchor in every difficulty and
trial.

The Guardian was very happy to know that the work in
Brisbane is progressing, and that the Cause is more and more coming
before the public and reaching the attention of prominent people.

He feels the believers must continue to do their utmost
to acquaint their fellow-citizens with the teachings, that they may
at least hear of the Bahá’í ideals, whether they
are ready to accept them yet or not.

The recent meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly
must have been of great benefit to all the members and to the work of
the Cause in general. Their responsibility in these days is greater
than ever, but Shoghi Effendi feels sure they will be guided and
protected and continue to spread and safe-guard the Faith in those
distant lands.

He assures you, and all the N.S.A. members, of his deep
appreciation for your untiring services, and his loving and ardent
prayers. He will beseech for you all blessings and protection in the
Holy Shrines.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

Yours in His service,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

As the diffulties and problems facing the valiant and
high-minded supporters and upholders of the Faith in Australia and
New Zealand multiply, my thoughts and prayers turn increasingly
towards them, in loving admiration for the work they have performed
and will continue to perform in the future. Adversity, in whatever
form, will, I feel confident, now that they have laid an unassailable
basis for the Faith, in their hearts and through their institutions,
serve to heighten the ardour of their devotion, and reinforce the
foundation of their spiritual community life. They should persevere,
redouble their efforts, close their ranks, intensify their individual
as well as collective teaching activities, and defend even more
tenaciously and courageously the tenets, claims and institutions of
their Faith. Measureless blessings will crown their exertions if they
persevere, and face heroically the challenge, the problems, and the
perplexities of the present hour.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of April 18th, 1942

Haifa, April 18th, 1942.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The Guardian has instructed me to answer your two
letters of Jan. 15th and 24th, and to acknowledge the receipt of the
enclosed letter of Mrs. Dunn.

He was delighted to learn that the New Zealand members
were able to make the trip to Australia, and that such a highly
satisfactory N.S.A. meeting was held, in such a spirit of love and
harmony. No doubt this experience will prove of great value, not only
to the National Assembly, but also to the work of the Cause in the
days to come.

Regarding the various matters you refer to in your
letters: The Guardian highly approves of the very kind and helpful
arrangements made by Dr. Bolton, by which his property at Yerrinbool
will pass to the Faith at his death and be used, according to the
requirements of a future date, as dictated by the discretion of the
N.S.A. It is better that the believers, subject to the judgements of
the N.S.A., be left free to select any spot that will prove most
convenient for the majority for their summer-schools.

Regarding the Summer-Schools in general; although there
is no objection to their being under the direct management of a
special Committee elected for that purpose, they must be generally
supervised by the N.S.A. in respect to policy, etc. In other words
they must be considered as a national and not a purely local
institution.

For purposes of convenience the N.S.A. may appoint as
members of such Committees, those who are situated near the
Summer-Schools and are able to pay direct attention to their affairs.

Concerning individual Bahá’ís’
letters to the Guardian and his replies; the friends are free to
write to the Guardian when they feel the urge to do so. However, for
the believers to suppose that the Guardian’s letters to them,
however full of loving encouragement they may be, give them any
special powers or authority to go against or ignore the wishes of
their local or national assembly, is to grossly misinterpret his true
meaning. The Guardian has been at great pains to build up the
administrative order and teach the friends how to use it. How could
he possibly himself act in such a way as to ignore or belittle the
functions of these bodies? He often encourages believers to work, to
teach, to pursue some plan they propose in their letters to him but
this does not mean a veto of the assembly’s rights, or that the
individual thus becomes free to ignore its authority. He trusts this
will make the matter quite plain to the friends.

Regarding the matter of Mother Dunn’s letter; the
N.S.A., will, he feels sure, do all in their power to allay the fears
of Mother Dunn and smooth out any misunderstandings that may arise.
He feels, however, that you should point out to Mother Dunn that if,
at any future date, the believers of Australia and New Zealand should
wish to remove the remains of Father Dunn and herself to a beautiful
site in a Bahá’í cemetery, or any other chosen
spot, they cannot do it without some legal authorization. Just at
present, after an infinite amount of red tape being gotten through,
the Egyptian N.S.A. has at last succeeded in getting arrangements
made for the transfer of Lua Getsinger’s and Mírzá
Abu’l-Fadl’s bodies to the new Bahá’í
Cemetery. It is to ensure success and save trouble in the future,
that your assembly is asking her to delegate certain powers to it in
this matter. He feels sure she will cooperate fully when she
understands the matter.

In view of the criticalness of the times, the great
issues facing the entire human race, and the uncertainty of what
perils and trials may yet remain ahead of us to be endured, the
Guardian feels, that the sooner Father Dunn’s memorial is
erected the better. Mother Dunn may rest assured in her heart that
future believers of Australia will know how to honour and cherish
dear Father Dunn’s grave; for the time being, though, it seems
to him, it would be wise to complete whatever arrangements are under
way as speedily as possible, subject, of course, to her acceptance,
as he does not want her to be distressed or unhappy over this matter.

The Guardian would be very glad to receive as soon as
possible photographs of Father Dunn’s grave upon its
completion, to be placed in the Mansion of Bahá’u’lláh
at Bahjí.

He assures you all that he feels the greatest confidence
in your ability to aid the believers of Australia and New Zealand to
weather all storms during the dark days we are passing through. The
friends of those two countries have amply displayed their deep
loyalty to the Faith, their profound dedication to its Divine
Mission, their adherence to its laws and institutions. He always
thinks of them with a heart at rest and feelings of deep affection.

Rest assured that his loving prayers will continue to be
offered on their behalf, and for you and your fellow members of the
N.S.A., who are serving with such devotion and self-sacrifice the
Holy Faith.

With warm Bahá’í Greetings and love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dearly-beloved friends:

The spirit manifested by the valiant supporters of the
Faith in Australia and New Zealand is most encouraging, highly
meritorious, and truly exemplary. The work they have achieved, the
plans they are devising, the hopes they cherish for the future, fill
me with admiration and evoke my deepest gratitude. The Beloved will
assuredly continue to illumine their path, to sustain their efforts,
and to bless their accomplishments in these days of unprecedented
stress, anxiety, and peril. I will continue to supplicate for them
all His abundant and imperishable blessings.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 19th, 1943

Haifa, March 19th, 1943.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters, written on behalf of the National
Spiritual Assembly, and dated April 21st, 1942 and Nov. 18th, 1942,
reached the Guardian, together with their enclosures, and he has
instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He regrets the delay in replying to them, but he has
been, and still is, engaged on a work which requires a tremendous
amount of his time, and his correspondence has, of necessity,
suffered from it.

The Guardian would prefer sending all cables and moneys
etc., to you direct, but the war regulations, as enforced in this
country, prohibit the use of a postal address in cables or telegrams,
and as he does not have your street address, he has had to do it this
way. Please forward your own address, or the one you care to have
used, and it will simplify matters in the future.

He is delighted to hear that the friends will be able to
hold a Convention in April, and he hopes that, through its
deliberations, and the meetings of the N.S.A. members, far reaching
teaching plans will be set afoot and the Cause in New Zealand and
Australia obtain a new impetus. You already have the nuclei of a
number of Spiritual Assemblies in places where there are a group of
believers, and he hopes that through following the methods, so
successful in such countries as India and the United States, of
having both travelling teachers and pioneers or settlers go out you
will have a number of new Spiritual Assemblies by 1944.

He was very pleased to see the increased interest among
the friends in their various Bahá’í Summer and
Winter Schools, and hopes that these will increasingly attract
students of the Faith, anxious to deepen their knowledge of its
wonderful teachings.

The Australian and New Zealand friends, now feeling the
full weight of the war, its dangers and sorrows, are very often in
his prayers. He feels confident that they will emerge from these dark
years stronger in spirit, more united and consecrated than ever
before. They have a great and precious mission before them of
rearing, albeit in miniature the pattern of a New World Order, divine
in origin, in the midst of their countrymen, who someday are sure to
turn to that pattern as the solution to their problems and the
harbinger of their happiness.

He assures you and all the members of the N.S.A. of his
continued, loving prayers, that you may be guided and aided in all
your services to our beloved Faith.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. The Guardian replied to Mr. Heggie’s letter,
and he is very pleased to hear of the fine work he is doing. He is
also pleased to hear that the work will now go on in connection with
Father Dunn’s Memorial.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The constancy, the zeal, the unity and devotion which
characterize the activities of the dearly-beloved community of
Australia and New Zealand Bahá’ís evoke my
heartfelt admiration, and demonstrate the power of Bahá’u’lláh
and His unfailing guidance. I will pray for them all, will supplicate
for them His richest blessings, and feel confident that if they
persevere in their noble task their mission will be crowned with
glorious success.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 14th, 1944

Haifa, March 14th, 1944

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters dated June 8th, Sep. 12th, Nov. 12th, Jan.
10th and 17th, 1944, together with their enclosures, have all been
received, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his
behalf. He has also received the envelope of photographs you sent of
N.S.A. Members, Father Dunn’s grave and other pictures of
Bahá’í friends, for which he thanks you.

He also wishes to thank you for your manuscript for the
Bahá’í World which was also received safely.

In regard to the recently purchased National Headquaters
in Sydney: He was delighted that you were able to take possession of
a house suitable to the present requirements of the Faith, and he
trusts that by the time this reaches you all the legal steps will
have been completed and the building registered in the name of the
National Spiritual Assembly. It should be called by its proper title
of “Hazíratu’l-Quds”.

The ideal to be followed, of course, is for the
Secretariat, the office of the treasurer, etc., to be in the National
Headquarters. However, this can be brought about gradually, and he
leaves decisions in this matter to the N.S.A.

He trusts that the combined Centenary Celebrations and
annual Convention will not only draw a large group of believers to
Sydney to meet in their new Hazíratu’l-Quds, but will
also be a means of attracting the attention of the public to the
Faith on a wider scale than ever before. The Australian and New
Zealand friends are standing not only on the threshold of the second
Bahá’í Century but also on the threshold of a new
phase of the Cause in that part of the world. Their responsibilities
are therefore greatly increased, and he believes they will meet them
unitedly, with clear vision, and their characteristic devotion to our
beloved Faith.

He assures you and the other members of the N.S.A. of
his loving prayers for the success of your labours and the fulfilment
of your dearest hopes.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. He found the newspaper clippings you forwarded of
great interest, and is pleased to see that the press is being so
friendly and helpful. He has already through a cable stated that the
convention should be held in conjunction with the Centenary
Celebrations which embrace the 23rd of May. The Commemoration
gathering should be held on the 22nd of May exactly at two hours and
eleven minutes after sunset, which is the time at which the Báb
declared His Mission.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The activities of the beloved friends in Australia and
New Zealand during recent troubles have been truly remarkable. Now
that the Hazíratu’l-Quds is to be established in Sydney
I trust and pray that this central administrative headquarters in the
oldest and leading Bahá’í centre in that far-off
continent will act as a powerful magnet and attract the manifold
blessings of the Almighty and lend a tremendous impetus to the
organized activities of the believers in Australia and New Zealand. I
will continue to pray for them from the depths of my heart.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Oct. 17th, 1944

Haifa, Oct. 17th, 1944.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The Guardian has instructed me to acknowledge your
letter dated June 27th and also two previous ones from the former
secretary of the N.S.A. dated Feb. 6th and Aug. 27th, and to answer
them on his behalf.

He deeply appreciates all the work done by dear Miss
Brooks in the past as Secretary of the National Assembly, and hopes
that now that she is relieved of this arduous post she will devote
much of her time to teaching and writing for the Faith.

The sacrifice you and your husband are making by moving
to Sydney in order to attend to the work of the N.S.A. is truly
praiseworthy, and he hopes the way will open for you to do so at an
early date.

In connection with the incorporation of the N.S.A.: the
Guardian feels that whatever form the incorporation takes the name
and seal of the Nat. assembly must not be changed in any way, i.e.
the title “National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of Australia and New Zealand” should be preserved.

The various enclosures you forwarded in your letter were
all received safely by him.

He hopes that now that the National Headquarters has
been established and you are going to take up residence there as
Secretary—thus giving a new permanence and prestige to the
functions of the N.S.A.—the work of the Faith will go ahead by
leaps and bounds. The many groups now functioning should be aided and
strengthened with a view to forming new Spiritual Assemblies as soon
as possible, and the Cause should be given publicity as much as
possible, through the Press, Radio and public meetings.

You may be sure his most loving prayers will be offered
for the success of your labours as N.S.A. secretary, and for your
health and guidance. Also for the confirmation of your dear husband
in the Faith.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The work accomplished by the Australian and New Zealand
believers in recent years, in both the teaching and administrative
spheres of Bahá’í activity, culminating in the
splendid celebrations at the newly established national headquarters
in the capital city of the Australian Commonwealth, is highly
praiseworthy and augurs well for the future. The opening years of the
new century must witness a stupendous effort on the part of the newly
established community in the teaching field—an effort at once
nation-wide, systematic, strenuous and persistent. The multiplication
of Bahá’í centres in towns and villages, a
greater measure of publicity, a higher degree of unity and
consecration to the Faith, a fuller measure of self-sacrifice should
distinguish the labours of the members of this community. I will pray
from the depths of my heart for the removal of every obstacle from
your path and the speedy realization of every hope you cherish for
the promotion of His Faith and the consolidation of its institutions.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Dec. 12th, 1944

Haifa, Dec. 12th, 1944.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write your
National Spiritual Assembly and inform you of his views and wishes in
connection with the Summer School in Australia:

He does not consider it either wise or necessary at the
present time to have more than one Bahá’í Summer
School in Australia, and as Yerrinbool is equipped to accommodate the
friends on Bahá’í property, so to speak, he would
suggest that Yerrinbool continue to be used as the Australian Bahá’í
Summer School.

He pointed out this same principle of not multiplying
the number of Summer Schools some time ago in connection with the
Adelaide Assembly’s purchase of a building and property.

He has also done the same thing in America—limited
the number of Summer Schools—as the friends in their enthusiasm
to inaugurate new institutions wanted to have very many summer
schools which would have not only weakened, instead of strengthening,
the older schools, but also would have dissipated the energy of the
friends.

Assuring you and all the members of your Assembly of his
loving prayers on your behalf and for the success of your work,

Yours in His Service,
R. Rabbani.

Letter of March 13th, 1945

Haifa, March 13th, 1945.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of Feb. 9th has been received (written on
behalf of the N.S.A.), and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to
answer it on his behalf and to also acknowledge receipt of the copy
of the resolutions which you forwarded in it.

The news you conveyed was all very encouraging and
pleased him greatly.

He was particularly happy to hear of the formation of a
new Spiritual Assembly at Caringbah as this marks an important step
forward in the growth of the Cause and its administrative
institutions in Australia. He hopes that the N.S.A. will, through
travelling and visiting teachers, and Bahá’í
settlers and pioneers, be able to speedily ensure the establishment
of further assemblies; wherever the conditions for their development
seem most promising, the efforts should be concentrated.

He was also very glad to hear that the Hazíratu’l-Quds
has been successfully transferred to the name of the National
Assembly. He is looking forward to receiving the photographs of its
opening, and of the Centenary dinner, which you are sending him.
Likewise he was pleased to see it is being put to such active use and
teaching classes, public meetings, etc. being held in it.

He cannot stress too much the vital importance of the
teaching work, and he hopes that all the believers, however
circumscribed their means, however unqualified they may feel
themselves to be, will arise and contribute their share to this
all-important work. The Cause has, all things considered, made
remarkable progress in Australia and New Zealand of late; but the
united efforts of all the friends are required to spread the Divine
Message during these moving and dark times the world is passing
through. They must fix their eyes on the abject misery of humanity
and, forgetful of their own limitations, deliver the Teachings to
their fellow countrymen.

He assures you and your co-workers that he deeply
appreciates your devoted services, and will constantly pray for the
progress of the Faith in those distant and important lands.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. He hopes that the N.S.A. watches over dear Mother
Dunn. She is now advancing in years and deserves the greatest love
and consideration in view of the imperishable services she and Father
Dunn rendered the Cause there.

P.P.S. Your previous letter, dated Aug. 18th as well as
the photostat copies connected with the incorporation of the N.S.A.
reached him. He was delighted at this further evidence of the
efficiency of that body and the manner in which it is consolidating
its foundation.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The teaching responsibilities confronting the Australian
and New Zealand believers are of supreme importance and of extreme
urgency. Now that the basis of the Administrative Order has been
firmly laid, and fully understood, and the national Hazíratu’l-Quds
established in the leading city of the Australian Commonwealth, the
attention of the members of the entire community must be focussed on
the teaching work—the promotion of which is the ultimate object
of the entire machinery of the Administrative Order and its
subsidiary institutions and agencies. The multiplication of Bahá’í
groups, the steady increase in the number of local assemblies, the
dissemination of literature, the dispersal of the believers, no
matter how small their number, to important centers throughout the
continent constitute the vital task of the infant community which
has, despite its limited resources and isolated situation,
demonstrated its capacity to establish on a sound basis the primary
institutions of its Faith, to safeguard its unity and promote its
vital interests. That it may forge ahead and overcome every obstacle
in its path and fulfil its high destiny is my fondest hope and
constant prayer.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of May 13th, 1945

Haifa, May 13th, 1945.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your
letters dated April 12th, 13th (two) and 14th, and to acknowledge
receipt of the enclosures forwarded with them.

Regarding the matter of Mrs. … and the inharmony that
seems to exist among certain of the friends in …: when Bahá’ís
permit the dark forces of the world to enter into their own
relationships within the Faith they gravely jeopardise its progress;
it is the paramount duty of the believers, the local assemblies, and
particularly the N.S.A. to foster harmony, understanding and love
amongst the friends. All should be ready and willing to set aside
every personal sense of grievance—justified or unjustified—for
the good of the Cause, because the people will never embrace it until
they see in its community life mirrored what is so conspicuously
lacking in the world: love and unity.

The Bahá’ís are fully entitled to
address criticisms to their assemblies; they can freely air their
views about policies or individual members of elected bodies to the
assembly, local or national, but then they must whole-heartedly
accept the advice or decision of the assembly, according to the
principles already laid down for such matters in Bahá’í
administration.

Shoghi Effendi has repeatedly stated, to believers in
every part of the world, that the individual Bahá’ís
are entirely free to write to him on any matter they please;
naturally he is equally free to answer in any manner he pleases. At
the present time, when the institutions of the Cause are just
beginning to function, he considers it essential to keep up this
large correspondence, much as it adds to his many other burdens. It
is sometimes the case that the very first intimation he receives of
some important step influencing the interests of the Faith, one way
or another, comes from an individual’s letter instead of from
an assembly; it would naturally be preferable for the information to
come from an administrative body, but whatever the source, the
Guardian is solely concerned with the welfare of the Faith, and when
he deems a certain step detrimental he states his views in his reply.
This he is at entire liberty to do.

Just as the National Assembly has full jurisdiction over
all its local Assemblies, the Guardian has full jurisdiction over all
National Assemblies; he is not required to consult them, if he
believes a certain decision is advisable in the interests of the
Cause. He is the judge of the wisdom and advisability of the
decisions made by these bodies, and not they of the wisdom and
advisability of his decisions. A perusal of the Will and Testament
makes this principle quite clear.

He is the Guardian of the Cause in the very fullness of
that term, and the appointed interpreter of its teachings, and is
guided in his decisions to do that which protects it and fosters its
growth and highest interests.

He always has the right to step in and countermand the
decisions of a national assembly; if he did not possess this right he
would be absolutely impotent to protect the Faith, just as the
N.S.A., if it were divested of the right to countermand the decisions
of a local assembly, would be incapable of watching over and guiding
the national welfare of the Bahá’í Community.

It very seldom happens—but it nevertheless does
happen—that he feels impelled to change a major (as you put it)
decision of an N.S.A.; but he always unhesitatingly does so when
necessary, and the N.S.A. in question should gladly and
unhesitatingly accept this as a measure designed for the good of the
Faith which its elected representatives are so devotedly seeking to
serve.

Regarding the position of Summer Schools in Australia:
much of what you are at present going through has already been
experienced by the American Bahá’í Community, and
he sympathises with your views and problems; however he wishes to
state the following:

Whatever the history of the Yerrinbool School may be,
the fact remains it is now in existence, is owned by believers ready
to have it used as such, and is known as a Bahá’í
Summer School all over the world. The Guardian is not the least
concerned with personalities in this matter, but with principles. He
feels at the present time that one Bahá’í Summer
School is enough for the believers of Australia to maintain. In the
future, as assemblies and groups multiply, the question will
naturally have to be reconsidered.

Bahá’í Summer Schools in the United
States originated in the same informal manner as Yerrinbool; they
were (and some still are) the property of individual believers who
resided on them, but they are administered by Committees appointed by
the N.S.A. and which usually include, out of courtesy and
consideration, the owners. The American friends also desired to have
many more Summer Schools, but the Guardian has so far not permitted
them to add to the number, as it dissipates the energy and funds of
the believers and would at present weaken those already existing.

He feels that the duty of your Assembly is to not give
up Yerrinbool because of any inharmony over it, but to administer and
support it properly and remove the inharmony. You should appoint a
Committee for the School, purchase any extra equipment needed for the
comfort and accommodation of the attendants, and he feels sure the
Boltons will cooperate with you in this matter, as they are eager to
have the property be used by the believers.

Generally speaking he does not encourage the erection of
buildings in memory to individual believers at the present time. But
as those at Yerrinbool serve a useful purpose and that the memory of
dear Father Dunn commemorates the life of the man who brought the
Faith to the Continent of Australia, we may welcome it in the spirit
it was given.

As to what uses should be made of the building purchased
by the S.A. of Adelaide, he leaves the decision to your body and that
Assembly. He hopes that at a future date it can be used as a Summer
School.

It is the duty of the N.S.A. to exercise the greatest
wisdom, forbearance and tact in handling the affairs of the Cause.
Many of the differences which arise between the believers are due to
their immaturity, their extreme zeal and sincerity.

He will pray for you all in the Holy Shrines, that the
Beloved may assist and strengthen you in the discharge of your sacred
duties to the Faith and its adherents in Australia and New Zealand.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Read and approved,

Shoghi.

Letter of Aug. 8th, 1945

Haifa, Aug. 8th, 1945.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your
letters dated June 12th, 15th and 25th, and to acknowledge receipt of
the numerous enclosures you forwarded with them.

As he has already expressed to you in his recent
messages he greatly regretted the tone of certain recent
communications from the N.S.A.

He cannot too strongly point out to you all that any
condition of inharmony places in jeopardy the wonderful achievements
recently made in the spread and consolidation of the Cause in
Australia and New Zealand. The beloved Master pointed out over and
over again that unity and love among the friends promotes harmony and
the rapid spread of the Faith, and that when these are sacrificed and
disputes, anger and violent criticism take their place, the Cause
cannot move forward.

The N.S.A.s the world over, owing to the spiritual
immaturity of the believers, must at the present time exert the
greatest patience in dealing with the friends; otherwise, as seems to
be rapidly becoming the case in Australia, the friends will take
sides, bitterness will increase and what started out as a small
thing, (however unjustified and regrettable a departure from the
Bahá’í spirit) will become a menace to the
progress of the Faith and definitely retard its progress.

He feels that Mrs. … and Miss … , both of whom love
their religion and are devoted to its promotion, should be called
upon to forget and forgive the past, and concentrate on serving the
Faith. These are the ways in which the Bahá’ís
can demonstrate true spiritual nobility and detachment. In such
delicate and complicated cases, the N.S.A. should appeal to the
believers to put the interests of the Cause first, regardless of any
personal sacrifice of feelings this may require.

He assures you he will pray ardently for the speedy and
satisfactory solution of this entire matter.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

It is my fervent hope and prayer that the members of the
Bahá’í communities of Australia and New Zealand,
will, now that the machinery of the Administrative Order of their
Faith has been erected, redouble their efforts to proclaim, with one
voice and in a most effective manner, those vital and healing
principles for which the great mass of their war-weary and much
tested countrymen are hungering. This supreme issue must have
precedence over all other considerations, must be given immediate and
anxious attention, must be faced courageously and continually, and be
regarded by individual believers as well as their elected
representatives as the supreme objective of the manifold
administrative institutions they have reared and are still labouring
to establish. Complete harmony, mutual understanding, unity of
purpose, coordination of efforts, prayerful consideration of, and
mature deliberation on, all the aspects and requirements of this
great and sacred objective can alone ensure its triumphant
consummation during these years of stress and peril through which
mankind is passing. May the national elected representatives of both
communities set a superb example to their fellow-workers throughout
that far-off continent, and enable them to win memorable victories in
the service of their glorious Faith and its God-given institutions.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 25th, 1946

Haifa, March 25th, 1946.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters, written on behalf of the N.S.A. and dated
June 15th, and 16th, July 26th and Sep. 15th, 1945, and Jan. 7th,
1946, together with their enclosures, have been received, and the
beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He is very pleased to see the progress the Cause is
making in Australia and New Zealand and hopes that the N.S.A. will
not only inspire and encourage the believers in their teaching
activities, but will also constantly impress on them the need for the
greatest love and unity to prevail in their midst; the masses will
only really turn to the Faith when they see that in it true religion
is practiced as well as preached!

The recent articles attacking the Cause are a sign that
its influence is sufficiently felt to be feared—a great
compliment to the progress you are making in spreading the message!

Concerning the various points raised in your letters: He
noticed, from your letter of Jan. 7th, that you were planning to hold
the annual Convention in May, and cabled you that it must be held in
the Ridván period—as are all the other National Bahá’í
Conventions the world over,—even though some other date might
be more convenient locally.

He feels that the Yerrinbool Summer School should hold
longer sessions; in this respect the friends cannot do better than to
pattern themselves on the American Summer Schools, some of which now
hold two or three Summer sessions, and even a “Winter Session”.
Although such a large number of sessions may be premature for
Australia at present, the goal should be kept in mind as you seek to
expand your school.

There can be no schism in the Bahá’í
Faith because the Guardianship is established on an unassailable
foundation, supported by a signed, sealed document—the Will.
Schism can only flourish where there is ambiguity or no specific
proof. The New History Society is like a branch that has no roots,
and will soon dry up and wither. It has not caused, nor can it cause,
a breach among the believers.

He was very happy to see you are now establishing
Regional Teaching Com.’s, and hopes you will concentrate all
your resources, and the energy of the friends, on establishing new
Assemblies and groups.

He assures you, one and all, that his loving prayers
will be offered for your guidance and for the success of your
important work.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

P.S. He was very pleased to see the article on the Faith
in “Truth”. The Cause is certainly getting very good
publicity out there!

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The activities initiated by the dearly beloved friends
in Australia and New Zealand, and so diligently promoted by them all
are highly meritorious; and will, no doubt, bear abundant fruit in
the days to come. The utmost effort should be exerted by individuals
as well as local assemblies to increase the number of the active
supporters of the Faith and to enable them to disperse as widely as
possible, to multiply the groups that must sooner or later evolve
into assemblies, to achieve greater publicity for the Faith through
the radio and the press, to extend the range of the activities of the
Bahá’í Faith, to foster the institution of the
summer-school, and to consolidate and enlarge the scope of the
Hazíratu’l-Quds. These are the main objectives that
demand the concentrated attention of the Australian and New Zealand
believers during the months that lie immediately ahead. No sacrifice
is too great to ensure the realisation of these noble aims. All must
arise and unitedly endeavour to carry to a successful conclusion
these vital tasks, with which the immediate destinies of the Faith
are so closely linked. That the Beloved may guide and sustain you in
all your undertakings, that He may crown your assiduous labours with
magnificent success is my dearest wish and ardent prayer.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of May 25th, 1946

Haifa, May 25th, 1946.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter dated April 27th has been received and the
beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf. He
also acknowledges receipt of the enclosures forwarded with it.

He trusts that by the time this letter reaches you the
complications which arose at Convention, about the election, will
have been satisfactorily straightened out; as he already cabled you,
this was a question for the out-going N.S.A. to decide.

He feels that the National Spiritual Assembly during the
coming year should focus both its and the believers’ attention
on the all-important teaching work, and the necessity of increasing
the number of groups and assemblies throughout Australia and New
Zealand. The friends should be urged and encouraged to arise both as
pioneers and travelling teachers, and they should receive, in cases
where they cannot afford it themselves, financial aid from the
National Fund. Such measures are at the present time absolutely
necessary, as the believers are few, the hour very pressing, and most
of them not sufficiently well-off to do such work without assistance.

The Bahá’ís in the United States
have just embarked on their second Seven Year Plan; India is working
hard on a Four and a half Year Plan; England is straining every nerve
to achieve, during the Six Year Plan the friends have chosen for
themselves, 19 assemblies. It is only right and proper that such a
vast and promising territory as Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania
represent, should likewise win for itself new laurels in the Bahá’í
teaching field during the next few years! He therefore suggests you
choose, after surveying your own possibilities and soliciting
suggestions from the friends, certain immediate objectives, and then
work unitedly towards achieving them.

He assures you that he will offer special prayers on
your behalf, that the N.S.A. members and the Bahá’ís
they represent, may speedily forge ahead, and enter into a new era of
development of the Faith in that distant but promising land.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The activities in which you are engaged, are the object
of my fervent and constant prayers. To teach the Faith, to stimulate
the dispersal and settlement of pioneers, to enable the existing
groups to attain assembly status, and to multiply, steadily and
speedily, the number of groups in Australia and New Zealand are the
paramount tasks which demand the constant attention, the prayerful
consideration and the united and vigorous collaboration of the
believers, and particularly of their national elected
representatives. No sacrifice is too great to further these manifold
and noble aims and purposes. Effective measures, unprecedented in
scope, should be carefully and immediately devised, proclaimed to the
believers, and, through sustained and organised effort, carried into
effect. There is no time to lose. The masses, greatly tried by the
calamities of the age, restless, disappointed, and eager to obtain
real and complete relief in their hour of trial, hunger for the
Message of the new Day, and will, if properly approached and appealed
to, embrace the great verities it enshrines. Firm and unassailable
unity among those who profess to be its bearers, unshakeable fidelity
to the principles on which it is founded, generous and unfailing
support of the institutions designed to propagate it, are the vital
prerequisites of their urgent and sacred task. Every consideration,
however profitable and laudable, must for the present be subordinated
to the vital needs of the strenuous task now confronting the
Australian and New Zealand Bahá’í communities.
The administrative machinery designed to provide the necessary agency
for the diffusion of the Message has been sufficiently consolidated
to enable it to perform the glorious task for which it was originally
erected. It should be utilised to the fullest possible extent. Its
scope should simultaneously be enlarged to provide a still wider
basis for the future extension of teaching activities. May the coming
year witness a notable advance in the organized activities of the
community for the furtherance of so glorious and meritorious a
purpose.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of July 16th, 1946

Haifa, July 16th, 1946.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of June 20th has been received, and our
beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer it on his behalf, also
to acknowledge receipt of its enclosures.

He was very glad to see that amongst the actions taken
by the N.S.A. at its recent meeting was to allot sums to the Regional
Teaching Committees for them to carry on active teaching campaigns
and finance travelling teachers and settlers—if possible. He
considers this all very important, and he urges you to appeal to the
Bahá’ís to arise and do pioneer work as their
fellow-believers are doing in England, India, Egypt and America.

He also feels that, if the N.S.A. considers such a
course of action feasible, definite plans should be made for carrying
the Cause to certain goal towns; in other words, a real plan with
fixed objectives and a time limit is now possible for Australia, and
should be speedily set in motion.

Likewise, he feels that the N.S.A. should meet more
often, even if all members cannot always be present. Decisions by
correspondence lack the vitality of those that arise out of active
consultation, and now the Faith is progressing so well there, and has
a sound administrative foundation, more vigorous and systematic
action is required.

You may be sure all the members of the assembly are
remembered in his prayers, and he is supplicating for their guidance
and success in the discharge of their sacred duties.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The ever-expanding activities of the Bahá’í
communities of Australia and New Zealand, so clearly reflected in the
reports and minutes forwarded recently by your Assembly, demonstrate
the character of the Faith which so powerfully animates you, testify
to the loyalty, the vigour and the devotion with which you conduct
the affairs of a continually growing Faith, proclaim the soundness of
the foundation upon which you are rearing its institutions, and augur
well for their future evolution and triumph. The attention of the
believers throughout all centres in both communities should now be
focussed on the steady multiplication and consolidation of these
institutions which constitute the bedrock of the Administrative Order
of which your Assembly is the appointed trustee and chief promoter.
No sacrifice is too great for the promotion of such an urgent and
vital task. A supreme effort, on the part of all, young and old
alike, individuals, assemblies and communities, is absolutely
essential in the course of the present year, and as a prelude to the
initiation of future plans aiming at a still greater development and
further enrichment of the life of both communities. All secondary
matters should be subordinated to the primary requirements of the
present day. The futherance of this noble objective should be made
the object of the anxious and sustained deliberations of your
Assembly. The resources of both communities should be devoted to such
a purpose. Nothing should be allowed to deflect them from this
course. If they persevere the blessings of the Almighty will enable
them to achieve exploits far exceeding their fondest expectations.
That they may be graciously aided, in their labours, by Bahá’u’lláh
is my fervent hope and prayer. I feel confident that they will
respond to my plea, and arise unitedly to achieve their immediate
goal.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of July 31st, 1946

Haifa, July 31st, 1946

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter—with check enclosed—dated 15th
of July was received and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to
answer it on his behalf.

He is very sorry that from here he is unable owing to
existing regulations, to forward this loving contribution made by
both the believers and the N.S.A. to Persia for the Relief Fund. He
suggests you try to send it direct to Tehran to the treasurer of this
Fund, Mr. Varga. If you are able to do so, and will arrange to send
the money to Mr. Daoud Toeq, he will see it reaches Mr. Varga in
Tehran.

Please assure the members of the N.S.A., and all the
friends, of his deep appreciation of this gift to their sorely tried
brethren in other lands.

You may be sure he often prays for the success of your
work and that of all the N.S.A. members.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for the success of
your efforts in the service of our beloved Faith and of its divinely
appointed insitutions,

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 14th, 1947

March 14th, 1947.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer your
letters dated Sep. 2nd and 16th, and Oct. 22nd and 25th, 1946, and to
acknowledge receipt of enclosures sent in some of them, and also
material forwarded under separate cover. He regrets very much the
delay in replying to these N.S.A. communications, but he has been
very preoccupied with various pressing matters the last few months,
and his mail has consequently had to wait.

In regard to the various points you raised in your
letters: There is no objection to individual Bahá’ís
sending Naw-Rúz cards if they want to; also the N.S.A. can
send them out occassionally, but it should not become a fixed custom.

He has already cabled you that he approves of increasing
the delegates to the Annual Convention to 19.

He feels that Committees should be left free to elect
their own officers.

Prayers translated by other people may be used and
memorized by the friends; they need not be confined to his
translations.

He considers that the N.S.A. has every right to examine
the ballots if there is some doubt as to the election having been
properly conducted. By “preservation” of the ballots is
meant that they are preserved in the National files.

A Convention delegate should certainly be given an
opportunity to report to the community his or her experiences at
Convention and impressions.

As to the whole matter of the incorporation of
assemblies: he cannot go into the details of such things, as this is
the work of the N.S.A. What he wants is that the spiritual assemblies
in New Zealand and Australia should be legally empowered to hold
property in their own names; how this can be done, the best way of
doing it, are matters for your Assembly and its legal advisers to
decide.

He feels very strongly that the main thing for your
Assembly and all the believers of both Australia and New Zealand to
concentrate on are teaching plans. The United States, India, Persia
and England are all embarked on ambitious and bold teaching
campaigns, and it is a great pity that Australasia, where the Cause
is now firmly established and boasts an active National Assembly,
should not have a definite plan, with fixed goals, of its own.

When the believers are embarked on a definite teaching
schedule there will be less time for them to constantly occupy
themselves with purely secondary administrative points of procedure.
Teaching is their need, and the solution to any problems they may
feel they have.

He was delighted over the report of the work in
Brisbane; this is a step in the right direction, and should be
followed through vigorously. Please convey to those who have
devotedly served there and brought this group into being his warm
thanks and his admiration for their services.

You may be sure he deeply values the loyal and
persevering efforts of your Assembly to promote the Faith in all its
aspects in Australia and New Zealand. His loving prayers are offered
on your behalf and for the success of your labours.

With Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

I wish to appeal, through you, to the members of the
entire community in both Australia and New Zealand, to arise, in
these opening years of the Second Bahá’í century,
and lend, through their concerted, their sustained, and determined
efforts, an unprecedented impetus to the growth of the Faith, the
multiplication of its administrative centers, and the consolidation
of its nascent institutions. The initiation of a Plan, carefully
devised, universally supported, and designed to promote effectively
the vital interests of the Faith, and attain a definite objective
within a specified number of years, would seem, at the present hour,
highly desirable and opportune, and will, as a magnet, attract, to an
unprecedented degree, the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh
on the members of both communities, both individually and
collectively.

Now that the structural basis of the Bahá’í
Administrative Order has been firmly and definitely laid in those
far-away lands, and the National Headquarters of that Order
established, a systematic effort must be exerted to widen the basis
of that Order, by multiplying the Administrative institutions and
forming the necessary nucleii, which, as they develop and are
consolidated, will have to be utilized as the divinely ordained and
most effectual instruments for the proclamation of the Faith to the
masses.

I fully realize how small are your numbers, how
circumscribed are your means, how vast the distances that separate
the centres already established. But I firmly believe that the
initiation of a Plan to remedy the very deficiencies from which the
infant Administrative Order is now suffering, and a firm resolve to
carry out its provisions, as well as a sustained effort to make the
necessary sacrifices for its consummation, will set in motion forces
of such magnitude, and draw upon both communities blessings of such
potency, as shall excite the wonder of the believers themselves, and
cause their Faith to enter an era of unprecedented expansion and
marvellous and fruitful development.

The concluding years of the first Bahá’í
century have witnessed a notable progress in the development and
consolidation of both communities. The first decade of the succeeding
century must synchronize with a no less remarkable extension of that
essential administrative foundation on which the future institutions
of a flourishing Faith must repose, and on which its destinies and
security must ultimately depend.

May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh
guide, sustain and inspire you in the discharge of the noble and
formidable tasks which will face you in the years to come.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of April 7th, 1947

Haifa, April 7th, 1947.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write and ask
you to please forward to him copies of the letters of acknowledgement
written by the Bishops who received copies of “God Passes By”.

He read in the British News Letter that such letters had
been received by your Assembly, and he feels that such material
should always be forwarded (in copy) to Haifa, as it is of more than
mere local importance.

He hopes the N.S.A. is progressing with its teaching
plans, and assures you all of his loving prayers.

With Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

Letter of July 22nd, 1947

Haifa, July 22nd, 1947.

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

The letters from the N.S.A. (some written by the former
Secretary) dated Sep. 2nd, 1946, Feb. 10th, March 9th, April 27th
(two of this date), June 13th and July 10th have been received, as
well as their enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me
to answer them on his behalf.

He is very anxious that your Assembly should devote its
energies and resources to prosecuting the teaching work and
stimulating and encouraging the believers to devote their thoughts
and time to it. This is really the solution to all the small problems
and differences of opinion that arise in Australia. It is the sacred
duty of the believers to teach, and one of the reasons for so
painstakingly building up Assemblies is for them to promulgate the
Cause of God, and not to lose their time in discussing details,
settling disputes which should not have arisen between Bahá’ís,
and generally losing themselves in personalities.

He urges your Assembly to try and create as many local
assemblies as possible; large suburbs, if outside the city limits and
possessing their own administration should—if 9 Bahá’ís
reside in them, form separate assemblies. This may at first seem to
weaken the larger communities; but it will also challenge all
concerned to renew their labours to expand the local communities and
increase their numbers.

Enclosed is a letter to Mr. Featherstone in connection
with his letter sent to the Guardian by your Assembly.

Regarding Mr. …’s appeal: the Guardian feels the
best course of action in this matter is to ask both of the believers
concerned to forgive and forget the entire matter.

He does not want the friends to form the habit of taking
up a kind of Bahá’í litigation against each
other. Their duties to humanity are too sacred and urgent in these
days, when the Cause is struggling to spread and assert its
independence, for them to spend their precious time, and his precious
time, in this way. Ask them, therefore, to unite, forget the past,
and serve as never before.

His loving prayers are offered for you and the other
members of the Assembly, for your guidance and success.

With warm greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The Plan, on which the National elected representatives
of the Bahá’í communities of Australia and New
Zealand have spontaneously embarked marks a turning-point, of great
spiritual significance, in the evolution of the Faith in those
far-off lands, and is an evidence of the truly remarkable spirit that
animates them as well as the communities they represent. I welcome
this mighty step they have taken with joy, pride and gratitude, and
have hastened to transmit to them my contribution as a token of my
keen appreciation of their high endeavours, of my confidence in their
ability, and of my admiration for their zeal and noble determination
in the service of the Faith. The attention of the members of both
communities must henceforth be focused on the Plan, its progress, its
requirements, its significance and immediate objectives. All must
participate without exception without reserve, without delay. The
Administrative Order which they have laboured to establish must
henceforth, through its organs and agencies be utilized for the
promotion of this vital purpose, this supreme end. For no other
purpose was it created. That it may serve this end, that the Plan may
speedily develop and yield its destined fruit and demonstrate through
its consummation the worthiness, the capacity and high-mindedness of
the organized body of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh
in those distant lands are the objects of my fervent and constant
prayers at the Holy Shrines.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of May 11th, 1948

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

Mr. James Heggie, sec.

Haifa, May 11th, 1948.

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Dec. 11th,
1947, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on
his behalf.

The devotion and perseverance of the believers in
seeking to meet the requirements of their Plan pleases and touches
him immensely, and although he fully realizes that the fewness of
their numbers and the great distances involved in such a vast country
as Australia, form serious handicaps in the progress of their
teaching work, he, nevertheless, feels confidant that they can
achieve their goals in time, and raise their heads proudly in the
galaxy of their fellow-pioneers the world over.

We can truly say that this Cause is a cause that enables
people to achieve the impossible! For the Bahá’ís,
everywhere, for the most part, are people with no great
distinguishments of either wealth or fame, and yet once they make the
effort and go forth in the name of Bahá’u’lláh
to spread His Faith, they become, each one, as efficacious as a host!
Witness what Mustafa Raumie accomplished in Burma, and a handful of
pioneers achieved, in a decade, in Latin America! It is the quality
of devotion and self-sacrifice that brings rewards in the service of
this Faith rather than means, ability or financial backing.

This has again, during the last few years, been
demonstrated even more remarkably by the British Bahá’ís,
who have not only had to contend with very limited means and a small
community to draw from, but have also had infinite restrictions and
privations to put up with—and, in spite of this, they are
steadily gaining on the requirements of the Plan they have set for
themselves, and, indeed, are startling and inspiring their
fellow-Bahá’ís everywhere by their spirit and
achievements!

He hopes that now, from “down under”, news
will begin to flow out to the Bahá’í World of the
remarkable accomplishments of the Australians and New Zealanders!

Regarding the question you asked him about the Bahá’í
sacred writings: these should be regarded as the writings of the Báb,
Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
and only these should be read during the purely devotional part of
the Feast.

He wishes to assure you, and all the other members of
the N.S.A., of his most loving and ardent prayers for the success of
your various undertakings and above all, for the success of your
teaching Plan.

With warmest greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The Plan launched by the small yet highly promising
community of devoted believers in Australia and New Zealand
constitutes a landmark of unusual significance in the history of the
evolution of the Faith in that far-off continent. It opens a new
chapter, rich in promise, momentous in the events which it must
record, and destined to be regarded as a prelude to still more
glorious chapters in the annals of the Faith in the Antipodes.

The limited resources at the disposal of the prosecutors
of the Plan, the vastness of the territory in which it must operate,
the fewness of the numbers of those participating in its execution,
offer a mighty challenge which no loyal follower of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh can either ignore or minimize.
Indeed the greater the challenge, the more bountiful the blessings
which will be vouchsafed from on high, and the richer the reward to
be won by its triumphant executors.

The successful termination of this Plan, the first fruit
of the newly established and properly functioning Administrative
Order in those distant lands, will pave the way for the launching of
still greater enterprises, destined to carry the message of
Bahá’u’lláh to the Islands of the Pacific
in the vicinity of that continent. For the mission entrusted to the
care of the adherents of the Faith in Australia and New Zealand is by
no means confined to the mainland of Australia and the islands of New
Zealand, but should embrace, as it unfolds, in the years to come, the
islands of the Antipodes, where the banner of the Faith still remains
to be unfurled and its Message is as yet undelivered.

It is not for them, however, at the present stage of
their evolution, to probe into the future, and seek to evaluate the
range of their future achievements. They must concentrate every ounce
of their energy, and focus their entire attention, on the tasks
immediately ahead, resolved to work unremittingly and unflinchingly
until the goals of the present Plan are achieved.

Whatever the situation that may develop in the years to
come, however great the obstacles by which a nascent community may
yet be faced, no matter how arduous the task now confronting its
members, it must persevere until the historic work is accomplished.

I will, from the depths of my heart, supplicate the
Beloved to reinforce the noble exertions of this community, guide its
steps, clarify its vision, deepen its understanding of the
requirements of the present hour, and aid it to extend continually
the scope of its meritorious achievements.

My heart longs to receive the news of the progress of
this first collective enterprise on which the community has embarked,
and I feel confident that its stalwart members will not allow the
hopes that animate me to be frustrated.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Dec. 30th, 1948

N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand, Secretary, Mrs.
Mariette G. Bolton.

Haifa, Dec. 30th, 1948.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The letter written by our dear Bahá’í
brother, Mr. Jim Heggie, as secretary at that time, and dated May
5th, as well as those written by you, and dated July 17th, Dec. 4th,
6th (two of this date), and 9th, together with their various
enclosures, have been received, and our beloved Guardian has
instructed me to answer your assembly on his behalf.

He was very happy to hear of your meeting held in
Melbourne, as he feels sure this was a great stimulus to the local
community, and he hopes that circumstances will permit the N.S.A. to
meet in other communities and inspire and encourage the friends in
different parts of the country by this personal contact with them and
their work.

In regard to the various matters raised in your letters:
He would be pleased to receive reports of the Teaching Work, the
Annual Convention and Annual Reports, and, of course, the minutes of
your N.S.A. meetings.

He does not feel it advisable to combine more than one
town area in an Assembly, as you have suggested might be done. It is
better for the friends to move, if possible, into one town’s
limits, and form their Assembly that way, or concentrate on their
teaching work and wait until they have the requisite 9 members.

Unfortunately it is not feasible for the believers to
elect or constitute an Assembly and also elect and send delegates to
the Annual Convention of the same year, as both events take place in
the Ridván period.

The Guardian is striving to build up uniformity in
essentials all over the Bahá’í World, and this
frequently involves a small measure of delay in achieving our various
goals set locally. But he considers it sufficiently important to
warrant the sacrifices it sometimes involves:

In this connection he would like to mention your Local
By-Laws: He feels that they should conform much more closely to the
original one of the New York Assembly. What is absolutely essential
was incorporated in those, and all other local assemblies being
incorporated should follow this pattern as closely as local legal
technicalities permit. This again is in order to maintain
international uniformity in essentials. It is not a question here of
whether the By-Laws drawn up by your Legal Committee are not more up
to date and do not represent the last word, undoubtedly they are and
do, but if every country, when drawing up its Local By-Laws, continue
this process of elaboration, in the end uniformity will be lost. The
Eastern Assemblies have adhered to the original By-Laws so carefully
that they have practically translated them word for word and adopted
them. He feels sure Mr. Dive will understand this, and he would like
you to please express to him his deep appreciation of the excellent
work he has done in this connection, truly a labour of love to the
Faith.

There is also another, perhaps even more pertinent
reason, why he does not want anything more added to these New York
By-Laws, and that is that he is everywhere urging the believers—the
Americans included—to not add procedures and rulings to the
Cause. He considers that what he has laid down in Bahá’í
Administration is essential, but that practically everything else is
secondary and he wishes the Assemblies, your own included, to deal
with things with elasticity, as they come up, case by case, and not
by continually passing new rulings to cover all similar cases.

The efforts being made by your Assembly to carry out the
Teaching Plan for Australia and New Zealand, and the ever-increasing
response of the believers in both places to this all-important work,
greatly encourage and cheer him. He feels sure a very great future
lies in store for our beloved Faith in those distant regions, but
much more still remains to be done by the friends in order to
complete this first, historic and vital, organized Plan of theirs. He
feels sure they will see it through to victory; just as their
brothers and sisters in other lands, working also on Plans of their
own, are determined to achieve all their goals at the appointed time,
so must they persevere and ensure a resounding victory for the Faith
there in the Antipodes.

His loving prayers are offered in the Holy Shrines very
often for the success of your work, and that God may bless you and
all the members of the National Assembly in the discharge of your
important duties.

With Bahá’í love,

Yours in His Service,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. I wish to also acknowledge receipt of the letter of
your Assembly’s Treasurer, dated Dec. 23rd, and to thank you,
on behalf of the Guardian, for your loving contribution to the
International Fund here in Haifa. He regrets the delay in getting
this off to you, but has been too busy to attend to it owing to work
in connection with the Shrine here. Kindly give the enclosed receipt
to Mr. Tunks.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

Recent communications and reports from your Assembly
have revealed, in a very striking manner, the magnificent progress
achieved by the alert, the faithful, and truly distinguished
communities of the followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh
in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. The range of their labours,
the rapid consolidation of their swiftly multiplying institutions,
the soundness and solidity of the foundations, on which they are
erecting these institutions, the exemplary loyalty they demonstrate,
the solidarity and self-sacrifice, the courage and confidence they
display in their incessant and manifold activities, prove, beyond the
shadow of a doubt that the Faith they love and serve so nobly and
efficiently has at last been firmly and unassailably established in
the Antipodes, and that its upholders and defenders in those far-away
yet highly promising islands are contributing a notable and
never-to-be-forgotten share to the onward march and unfoldment of its
world Administrative Order.

I desire to offer the members of this high-minded, this
resolute and dearly-beloved community, and particularly its elected
representatives, my heartfelt congratulations on their splendid
achievements which posterity will recognize as deeds that have truly
enriched and adorned the annals of the Faith in the opening years of
the second Bahá’í century.

As the processes impelling a rapidly evolving Order on
the highroad of its destiny multiply and gather momentum, attention
should be increasingly directed to the vital need of ensuring, by
every means possible, the deepening of the Faith, the understanding
and the spiritual life of the individuals who, as the privileged
members of this community, are called upon to participate in this
glorious unfoldment, and are lending their assistance to this
historic evolution. A profound study of the Faith which they have
espoused, its history, its spiritual as well as administrative
principles; a thorough understanding of the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh
and of the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, a deeper
realization of the implications of the claims advanced by the
Founders of the Faith; strict adherence to the laws and principles
which they have established; a greater dedication to the fundamentals
and verities enshrined in their teachings—these constitute, I
feel convinced, the urgent need of the members of this rapidly
expanding community. For upon this spiritual foundation must depend
the solidity of the institutions which they are now so painstakingly
erecting. Every outward thrust into new fields, every multiplication
of Bahá’í institutions, must be paralleled by a
deeper thrust of the roots which sustain the spiritual life of the
community and ensure its sound development. From this vital, this
ever-present need, attention must at no time be diverted; nor must it
be, under any circumstances, neglected, or subordinated to the no
less vital and urgent task of ensuring the outer expansion of Bahá’í
administrative institutions. That this community, so alive, so
devoted, so strikingly and rapidly developing, may maintain a proper
balance between these two essential aspects of its development, and
march forward with rapid strides and along sound lines toward the
goal of the Plan it has adopted, is the ardent hope of my heart and
my constant prayer.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of August 22, 1949

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

August 22, 1949

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letters dated February 23; March 14, 16; April 4,
5, 11; May 2, 13, 27; June 1, 7, 21 (3 of this date), 24; have all
been received, as well as their enclosures, and the material sent
under separate cover, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to
answer you on his behalf.

He has gone over the copy of the By-Laws of a local
assembly which you sent him, and he approves of the slight changes
you have made in the wording, as well as the additions at the very
beginning, providing you consider the addition essential in order to
secure the government recognition you are going to seek in the
future. However, he feels that Article VI is not correct in the form
you have given it, because you state “all persons resident …
who have attained the age of 15 years”. The original New York
By-Laws are more correct, because they differentiate clearly between
all members of the Community and voting members who are 21 years of
age or more. In other words children under 15 are Bahá’ís
according to the New York version, which is correct, but according to
your version only people over 15 years are Bahá’ís
which is not correct. He thinks you should go back to the New York
version. The declaration of faith by children when they reach the age
of 15 in the United States is in order to enable the American Youth
to apply for exemption, under the American laws, from active military
service. It has no other purpose, but in that country is expedient.
It is not necessary to add such a clause to your By-Laws.

Other points which he feels are not necessary and should
be deleted are those heavily underlined portions in Section 5 of
Article XII and Article XIII. In both these cases the New York
By-Laws should be followed and not added to. Likewise he feels that
in Article XIV, under the heading “These By-Laws” (on
page 11) B and C should be deleted as they are not in the New York
original and not necessary. Naturally, all Assemblies are under
N.S.A. jurisdiction, but this need not be included.

He wishes the essentials to be maintained as per the New
York By-Laws, but not amplified and added to, as this will gradually
lead, all over the Bahá’í world, to a steady
addition of unessential rules and restrict the freedom and plasticity
of the Cause. As he has repeatedly told the American and other
National assemblies, it is much better to deal with situations and
new requirements as they arise, and not to have it all down in black
and white and rigid before hand.

He is very happy to see you are steadily working towards
the goal of having local assemblies empowered to hold property
legally and to perform Bahá’í marriages. No doubt
the act of the Canadian Parliament recently passed, and giving the
Canadian N.S.A. legal status will act as an important precedent when
the time is ripe for you to present your own petitions to your
Government.

The news that there is now a spiritual assembly in every
capital city of the various states in Australia pleased him
immensely. This is an historic land-mark in your progress out there,
and must act as a keen incentive to further exploits on the part of
the Australian Bahá’ís.

He was also delighted to see that certain of the Bahá’ís
have received official permission not to work on Bahá’í
Holy Days. He admires the initiative these believers have shown, and
hopes many others will follow their example.

Likewise, he was very pleased to see you are holding
your N.S.A. meetings in various centers, as this will greatly
stimulate the local work, draw the friends closer to your body, and
promote unity and enthusiasm amongst them.

The Act of your Assembly in depriving Mr. … of his
voting rights was wise and correct. Unless he demonstrates an entire
change of character he certainly cannot claim to be a member of any
Bahá’í Community.

He appreciated the Secretary’s forwarding to him
copies of the Bishop’s letters acknowledging receipt of “God
Passes By”—though their answers in no way imply any
spiritual wakefulness on their parts, alas!

He was very happy to see that New Zealand friends were
present at the Convention. In general the work in New Zealand is
certainly progressing, and beginning to show really promising signs
for the immediate future.

The generous donation of land to Yerrinbool School by
Mr. Styles will certainly re-inforce that valuable Bahá’í
property, and the Guardian very much appreciated this act of his.

His confidence in, and admiration for, the Bahá’ís
of Australia and New Zealand is steadily increasing, as he witnesses
the enthusiasm and self-confidence of the believers out there, and
the increased capacity of their National Body to handle wisely and
capably the affairs of the Cause.

He assures you all, and through you the believers, of
his loving prayers for your success and the attainment of all the
goals of your historic Plan.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The notable progress achieved in recent months, in so
many fields and in spite of adverse circumstances, demonstrates
afresh the vitality of the faith and the soundness of the outlook, of
the members of the fast-advancing and steadily consolidating
community of the followers of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. This remarkable process of
expansion and consolidation augurs well for the ultimate success of
the Plan to which the combined resources of this community are
committed. The various reports, both local and national which I have
perused with sustained interest and quickened admiration, attest the
rapid and sound development, of the institutions of a Faith that is
so rich in promise, and whose interests are being promoted with such
devotion, energy, loyalty and consecration by the members of this
community.

What has been achieved, in both the teaching field and
in the administrative sphere of Bahá’í service,
however is but a stepping stone to the still greater victories which
the gradual unfoldment of the Plan must inevitably produce. The
multiplication of the groups and assemblies that constitute the
bedrock of the Faith, must accompany the consolidating process which
must bring in its wake, on the one hand, the incorporation of these
assemblies and their recognition by the civil authorities, and the
establishment, on the other, of Bahá’í local
endowments and the right of these assemblies to execute, officially,
the fundamental laws of the Most Holy Book regarding both marriage
and divorce that constitute the distinguishing feature of this most
holy and august Dispensation.

The task undertaken is immense, fraught with momentous
possibilities, highly delicate in nature, and bound to have
far-reaching repercussions, not only in the West, and particularly in
the continent of Europe, where the institutions of Bahá’u’lláh’s
Administrative Order are emerging with such rapidity and showing such
promise, but on the continent of Asia, where the overwhelming
majority of the followers of the Most Great Name, have endured such
grievous afflictions, and are faced with grave peril, and are
battling so heroically against the forces of darkness with which they
are encompassed.

The nature of the work in which this wide-awake,
untrammelled unprejudiced, freedom-loving community, is so
energetically engaged, cannot, therefore, be regarded as a purely
local and isolated enterprise, but is vitally linked with the
fortunes of a world-encircling Order, functioning mysteriously in
both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres, highly organized in its
administrative machinery, sensitive in its mechanism, far-flung in
its ramifications, challenging in its features, revolutionizing in
its implications, and destined to seek increasingly, as it expands
and develops, the good-will and assistance of the civil authorities
in every continent of the globe.

The number of pioneers, both from among the veterans of
the Faith who have participated in the early establishment of this
infant Order in the Antipodes, and the new believers who have
embraced its Cause, must, if this task is to be successfully carried
out, be substantially increased. The flow of funds to both the local
and national treasuries must correspondingly be augmented and
systematically sustained. The heroism and self-sacrifice of those who
prosecute the Plan, both as administrators and pioneers, must attain
greater heights and engender still more powerful forces in the
spiritual life of this community.

The relationship binding it to the civil authorities of
the Australian Commonwealth, the Dominion of New Zealand and the
Island of Tasmania, must be assiduously fostered. The ties linking it
with the members of the world-wide community of the adherents of the
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, must be rapidly
strengthened and multiplied. The unity and solidarity of its
constituent members must be simultaneously reinforced, its roots
permanently planted in the soil of the Covenants of both Bahá’u’lláh
and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, its branches spread out
irresistibly to the furthest ends of that far-off continent, its
vision clarified, its determination reaffirmed and its consecration
deepened.

Obstacles, varied and numerous, will no doubt arise to
impede the onward march of this community. Reverses may temporarily
dim the radiance of its mission. The forces of religious orthodoxy
may well, at a future date, be leagued against it. The exponents of
theories and doctrines fundamentally opposed to its religious tenets
and social principles may challenge its infant strength with
persistence and severity. The Administrative Order—the Ark
destined to preserve its integrity and carry it to safety—must
without delay, without exception, claim the attention of the members
of this community, its ideals must be continually cherished in their
hearts, its purposes studied and kept constantly before their eyes,
its requirements wholeheartedly met, its laws scrupulously upheld,
its institutions unstintingly supported, its glorious mission noised
abroad, and its spirit made the sole motivating purpose of their
lives.

Then and only then, will this community, so young, so
vibrant with life, so rich in promise, so dedicated to its task, be
in a position to discharge adequately its weighty responsibilities,
to reap the full harvest it has sown, acquire still greater
potentialities for the conduct of subsequent stages in the crusade on
which it has embarked, and contribute, to a degree unsuspected as yet
by its members, its full share to the World-wide establishment of the
Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, the emancipation of
its Oriental followers, the recognition of its independence, the
birth of its World Order and the emergence of that world civilization
which that Order is destined to create.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of 4 September, 1949

N.S.A. of Australia and New Zealand, Mrs. Mariette
Bolton, Secretary.

4 September, 1949.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

This is just a little note to ask you, on behalf of our
beloved Guardian, to please make the following corrections in a
quotation of his words, published in the August number of your Bahá’í
News Bulletin, on page 5: “As the processes impelling”
(not “in filling”); in the sentence lower down, reading:
“the deepening of the faith, understanding and spiritual
life…” both “faith” and “spiritual”
should not be capitalized, but be printed as I have written them
above; after the words “this historic evolution” there
should be a period, as it is the end of the sentence.

Hoping you received the long letter recently mailed you,
and with loving Bahá’í greetings,

Yours,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. He wishes to thank you and dear Mr. Bolton for the
loving gift of Bolton Place to the Bahá’í
Community of Australia. This is an excellent example, and befitting
gesture, for it has many associations with the spread and development
of the Faith in Australia, and has further enriched the record of
your historic services to the Faith.

Letter of June 28, 1950

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

June 28, 1950.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letters of August 9, 19; September 14, 22; November
7, 10, 21; of 1949; January 19; February 28; March 8, 31; April 11;
May 2 (two), 1950, have been received by our beloved Guardian and he
has instructed me to answer them on his behalf. The many enclosures
and material forwarded have, likewise, been safely received.

It has been impossible for our Guardian to keep abreast
of his correspondence and other work this Winter and Spring. It is
only during the last week that he has been able to turn to the
mountain of mail, representing the correspondence of the various
National Assemblies, and commence replying. The reason for this
regrettable delay is that in order to get the arcade of the Shrine of
the Báb finished in time for the centenary of His Martyrdom he
had to undertake extensive excavations into the solid rock of the
mountain behind the Shrine—the new edifice being much larger
than the precious original building it is designed to enshrine and
protect. This work he personally supervised in order to ensure the
Shrine was in no way damaged, and to see the cost was kept within
bounds. You can imagine this was a very exacting and tiring ordeal
for him.

Then, just as he had hoped to take up his overburdening
correspondence, Mr. Maxwell, the architect of the Shrine, at the
beginning of April became desperately ill, and for ten weeks absorbed
the anxious care and attention of us all, as his condition was
seemingly hopeless. Thanks to the Mercy of Bahá’u’lláh
and the determination of the Guardian, he is recovering, and our
lives are getting back to normal routine.

The Guardian regrets very much the conduct of Mr. …;
it seems now fairly clear that he is a former Bahá’í
from India who misconducted himself there over a period of years and
then showed up, under a different name, in Australia. No one who
conducts himself as he has can remain a voting member of the Bahá’í
Community for—in spite of his wide knowledge of the Faith and
his belief in it—his acts are contrary to its teachings and
bring not only confusion into the Community and create inharmony, but
disgrace the Cause in the eyes of non-Bahá’ís.

The Guardian fully realizes that the process of
splitting up large communities into smaller ones, each existing
within its own civil units, has been difficult for the Australian
friends. What they do not seem to fully appreciate is that this has
been done in Canada and the United States as well, and is only in
order to organize the assemblies on a logical basis, and one with a
firmer legal foundation. The fact that this may create more
assemblies in the end, and that it sometimes breaks up existing ones,
is only incidental; the important point is to consolidate the
communities on a sound basis, i.e. every assembly within the limits
of the Municipality its members reside in.

As Mrs Axford requested Mrs Thomas to write about her
Bahá’í life there is every reason to respect her
wishes. This in no way precludes the New Zealand Community from
writing about her services and life and keeping this record in the
National archives. The Guardian feels the Auckland Assembly should be
consulted, as her, (Mrs Axford’s), home community, by Mrs
Thomas. He hopes this In Memoriam article, about so dear and tireless
a servant of the Faith, will produce a spirit of love and
co-operation amongst all concerned.

The gift by Miss Perks of an additional piece of land to
the Yerrinbool School is deeply appreciated. It enriches the
endowments already held by your Assembly. Please thank Miss Perks, on
behalf of the Guardian, for this generous contribution, to the
institutions of the Faith in Australia, and tell her he does not feel
any name should be given the property other that of Yerrinbool
School, of which it will form a part, and that she will always be
remembered as the donor of it.

The acquisition of the site for the New Zealand Summer
School was a great step forward in the progress of the Faith there,
and he was very pleased about it. He was also delighted to hear of
the formation of the Devonport Assembly, and he hopes next year there
will be still more.

I would also like to answer here a question raised in
Mrs Bolton’s letter of March 8: the Guardian feels that no
annual fixed pilgrimage should be made to the grave of Father Dunn.
The friends will naturally always want to go there, when and how they
like, but it must not become a ceremony, otherwise it will contitute
a precedent for similar things in the future.

It is premature, and will weaken the national and local
work, for delegates to be elected by State elections rather than by
assemblies. There is no question involved about believers losing
their voting rights: all the time believers are gaining and losing
their voting rights by becoming members of communities with
assemblies or moving out into places where they are isolated
believers. The friends should not dwell on these minor details, but
concentrate on teaching the Cause and exemplifying the Bahá’í
life. Voting is a purely administrative detail, but teaching and
serving are vital spiritual obligations. Regarding the change of the
By-Laws: the Guardian considers the letter he wrote you about this
subject is final. He is considerably surprised by the fact that of
all the National Bodies in the Bahá’í World,
operating under these By-Laws, it is only the Assembly of Australia
and New Zealand, evidently acting under pressure from their legal
committee, that constantly raises the question of changing them. This
he considers is going too far, and is not necessary. He holds very
bright hopes for the future of your work, and urges you, and through
you all the believers, to concentrate on your glorious teaching tasks
and forge ahead to win new victories for the beloved Faith.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. Your letter of June 9 has been received, and the
Guardian deeply appreciates the contribution you sent. Please find
receipt enclosed. The map you forwarded will be published in the next
volume of “Bahá’í World” as the
progress it shows will be of great interest to all readers.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The remarkable progress achieved by the Bahá’í
communities in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania in promoting the
Plan, designed to further the interests of the Faith in the
Antipodes, is most encouraging, and will, when consummated, mark the
opening of a new and glorious chapter in the history of the Faith in
that continent. The varied and welcome evidences of the steady
extension in the range of the manifold activities of these
communities, the multiplication of Bahá’í
institutions and their rapid consolidation, are particularly
gratifying and merit the highest praise.

The territories in which these communities conduct their
meritorious, strenuous and highly promising activities with such
diligence, resolution, fidelity and devotion, are admittedly vast and
constitute a direct challenge to those who are called upon to diffuse
the light of the Faith, and lay an unassailable foundation for its
rising administrative Order, throughout the length and breadth of
these territories.

The Plan, now operating with increasing momentum in that
far-off continent, is designed to enable its prosecutors to lay the
first foundations of the structure which the members of these
communities must rear in the years to come. As these primary pillars
of a divinely ordained steadily evolving, spiritually propelled order
are successively erected and sufficiently consolidated, and the
agencies designed for the launching of a systematic campaign aiming
at the future proclamation of the Faith to the masses inhabiting
these far-flung territories multiply, a simultaneous effort should be
exerted, and measures should be carefully devised, by the national
elected representatives of these same communities, for the launching
of the initial enterprises destined to carry the Message of the
Faith, beyond the confines of these territories, to the Islands of
the Pacific, lying in their immediate neighbourhood.

For whatever may be the nature of the future successive
crusades which the American and Canadian Bahá’í
communities, may, under the Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
launch in the course of the opening decades of the second Bahá’í
century, and however extensive the range of their operations, and no
matter how far-reaching the future campaigns which the Bahá’í
community, centered in the heart of the British Isles, may undertake
throughout the widely-scattered dependencies of the British Crown,
the responsibility devolving upon the National elected
representatives of the Bahá’ís of the
Australasian continent for the introduction of the Faith and its
initial establishment in the Islands of the Pacific, linking them, on
the one hand, with their sister communities in the American
continents and on the other hand, with the communities in
South-Eastern Asia, remains clear and inescapable.

As the various Bahá’í national
communities, labouring directly as well as indirectly, under the
impulse of a Divine Plan, broaden and consolidate the base of their
operations in their respective homelands, and acquire the
potentialities that will empower them to lend, in an ever-increasing
measure, their share, and participate in the world-wide propagation
of the Faith, the Australian and New Zealand believers must, for
their part, contribute worthily to the overseas teaching activities
and accomplishments of these communities. Already the Bahá’í
community in the Great Republic of the West, the vanguard of the
irresistibly marching army of Bahá’u’lláh,
has launched its twin crusades in Latin America and the continent of
Europe. Its collaborator in the execution of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s
Divine Plan, the Canadian Bahá’í community is
busily engaged in establishing the Faith beyond the Canadian mainland
and further north in the vast territory of Greenland. The Persian and
Iraqi Bahá’í communities are, moreover,
assiduously labouring in the adjacent territories of the Arabian
Peninsula and the Kingdom of Afghanistan, while their
sister-communities in the sub-continent of India are pushing the
frontiers of the Faith as far as Ceylon in the South and Siam and
Indonesia to the North and Southeast of that subcontinent. More
recently the members of the British Bahá’í
community, having brought to a successful conclusion their first
historic Plan, are devising the necessary measures for the launching
of a teaching enterprise in the heart of Africa, supplementing the
work already accomplished by the Egyptian Bahá’í
community in that continent. Shortly, and at its appointed time, yet
another national community, already established in the heart of the
European continent, will, as soon as the present obstacles are
removed, and its internal activities are sufficiently consolidated,
embark on a campaign, beyond the borders of its homeland, that will
carry the light of the Faith to the adjoining Balkan territories, the
Baltic states and, across the eastern frontiers of Europe, into Asia.

In this stupendous and laudable collective enterprise,
world-wide in its range, divinely propelled, world-redemptive in its
purpose, in which National Bahá’í communities,
already sufficiently consolidated from within, are participating,
each in accordance with the provisions of its own specific plan and
constituting, in its proportions and potentialities, the mightiest
spiritual crusade launched since the inception of the Formative Age
of the Faith,—in such an enterprise the Bahá’í
communities of Australia and New Zealand can neither afford to remain
inactive or play a negligible part. The situation they occupy, the
unnumbered virgin territories lying in their neighbourhood, the
vitality and adventurous spirit the members of these communities have
so strikingly manifested—all demand that they arise, as soon as
the process of internal consolidation is sufficiently advanced, to
play their part in this world-encompassing crusade now unfolding
itself in, and constituting the brightest feature of, the opening
years of the second Bahá’í century.

With this glorious vision before them, assured that a
full measure of Divine guidance and sustenance will be vouchsafed to
them when they embark on the second stage of their collective
activities, let them concentrate, in the years immediately ahead, on
the tasks that require their earnest and undivided attention. The
prosecution of the Plan, in all its aspects, is their primary
obligation. Whatever contributes to the broadening and reinforcement
of the Administrative Base, designed to guide, coordinate and extend
the ramifications of their future enterprises overseas, should be
unhesitatingly welcomed and carried out at the present hour and
during the opening phase of their collective unified endeavour in the
service of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.

May they seize every opportunity that presents itself,
surmount every obstacle that may confront them in the future, and
pave the way for a befitting inauguration of the subsequent phase of
their historic and rapidly unfolding mission.

Shoghi.

Letter of 11 September, 1950

11 September, 1950

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Under separate cover the Guardian is mailing to you two
enlargements of the finished Arcade of the Báb’s Shrine.
These are a gift from him to the N.S.A. and believers, and he would
like you to have them circulated as widely as possible, for the
friends to see them, and them hang them in the National Headquarters.

Please cable receipt of these photos, so he will know
they reached you safely.

Also please inform the friends in the News Letter that
copies of one of these views may be purchased through the American
N.S.A., to whom he has sent the original film.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

Letter of Nov. 14, 1950

Nov. 14, 1950

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

I am replying to your letter of September 21 apart from
other N.S.A. correspondence, as the beloved Guardian wishes to assure
the Assembly that the contribution for the Shrine of the Báb
has been received. (A receipt is herewith enclosed.)

He was very touched by the exemplary sense of duty and
devotion to the interests of the Faith which this sum represents.
Please, on his behalf, thank all the donors to the Yerrinbool
Dormitory Fund for their prompt response to his appeal regarding the
Holy Shrine.

Already the contract for the stone-work of the Octagon
has been placed in Italy, and he hopes soon the preliminary
arrangements locally can be made for continuing the work.

With loving Bahá’í greetings to all
the Assembly members from the Guardian,

Yours in His Service,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my deepfelt and abiding appreciation of
the contribution of the Australian and New Zealand believers for so
great and historic an enterprise, and of my loving and ardent prayers
for their spiritual advancement and the steady expansion and
consolidation of the great and historic work in which they are so
devotedly engaged.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Jan. 21, -51

Haifa, Israel,
Jan. 21, -51

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

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to acknowledge on
his behalf the Nov. issue of your Bahá’í News. He
is well pleased with it and commends you.

He would like to call your attention to the statement on
page 3, paragraph 3, under “Anniversaries and Festivals”,
and clarify it.

The Day of the Covenant Nov. 26th, and the Day of the
Ascension, Nov. 28th, anniversaries of the birth and the Ascension of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá must be observed by the friends
coming together, but work is not prohibited. In other words the
friends must regard observance of these two anniversaries as
obligatory—but suspension of work not to be regarded as
obligatory.

He assures you of his deep interest in all your efforts
and offers prayers on your behalf at the Holy Shrines.

With warmest love,

Sincerely yours,
Amelia Collins.

Letter of March 1, 1951

Haifa, Israel,
March 1, 1951

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

C/- Mrs. Mariette G. Bolton, Secretary

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letters addressed to our beloved Guardian, and
dated June 22, August 4 and 22, November 10 and December 5 and 11, of
1950 and January 30 and Feb. 20, 22, 26, of 1951, together with their
enclosures, have been received; and he has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.

In regard to the various matters raised in your letters:

It is indeed a great tragedy that … should have such
an utterly despicable character, and the ability to be a teacher. He
has undoubtedly dealt with the greatest injustice with the friends in
Fiji who wrote to Mr. Blum; and the Guardian was extremely sorry to
hear that this man, attracted to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh,
and evidently a sincere and decent person, should have been duped by
the very man who gave him this glorious Message. It was very wise to
send Mr. Blum out there; and he hopes that your Assembly will keep in
close contact with the friends who were attracted, it would seem
almost miraculously under the circumstances, to the Cause of
Bahá’u’lláh in those distant islands.

It might interest your Assembly to know that since
leaving Fiji, … went to the United States, and himself admitted in
a letter to the Guardian that he had seen Ahmad Sohrab.

The Guardian assures your Assembly, and, through you,
all the believers throughout Australasia, that he has been deeply
touched by the spirit of loyalty which you have all shown at this
difficult time for him, and also the devotion to every work which is
undertaken here at the International Center of the Faith.

The support you have given to the construction of the
Shrine of the Báb has been deeply appreciated; and he hopes
that in the not distant future it will be possible for the doors of
pilgrimage to be opened once more; and then the believers can see
with their own eyes what their sacrificial contributions have helped
to erect, on Mount Carmel. It will interest the friends to hear that
we are at present busy with the preliminary work required prior to
the erection of the second story of the Holy Tomb, in other words,
the octagonal portion, which will be built on top of the roof of the
original Shrine building erected by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Himself. The stones have been ordered from Italy for this next stage
in our undertaking, and soon will be coming to Haifa another 300 tons
of granite, some of it with beautiful carved ornamentation.

The Guardian would like you to please convey to the
Adelaide Spiritual Assembly his deep appreciation of the contribution
they made through your Body to the Shrine Fund here in Haifa, a
contribution which represents the sum of their Property Fund. They
showed in this matter an exemplary spirit, and placed the major issue
in its true perspective, forgetting their local hopes and aspirations
in order that the work on the glorious Shrine of the Báb might
be carried forward more speedily.

In regard to your question concerning the Centenary of
the birth of Bahá’u’lláh’s mission:
The Guardian, at a later date, will give instructions concerning this
commemoration to the entire Bahá’í world.

He has been particularly pleased to note, during the
past year, the increase in pioneer activity going on under your
jurisdiction. As you know, he attaches the greatest importance to
this type of Bahá’í service; and he hopes that
more of the believers will arise and go forth into the field,
establishing new centers and groups, and broadcasting the Message of
Bahá’u’lláh over the face of that vast
continent.

This is at once their greatest duty and privilege, and
one which will attract the blessings of Bahá’u’lláh,
and enrich, not only each individual who arises to serve, but the
entire Community of which he forms a part.

Whenever the friends feel that they are small in number,
and the effort required, truly colossal, they should remember what
the British Bahá’ís accomplished during the Six
Year Plan; and how, after the long and exhaustive years of the war
and all its restrictions, they succeeded, at the point of utter
exhaustion, one might say, in achieving every single goal gloriously.
The Australian and New Zealand friends, who have not been subjected
to such rigors during the last decade, who are a young and fresh
nation, so to speak, can surely accomplish as much, and one would
imagine more, than their British brethren, who labored under such
great handicaps.

He assures you all that he will remember you in his
prayers at the Holy Threshold, and supplicate that your Assembly, and
the Community of believers whom you represent, may achieve great
things during the coming Bahá’í year and arise to
new heights of self-sacrifice and service.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R.
Rabbani.

P.S. I would like to add that the Guardian does not
consider that it is advisable for New Zealand to be separated in the
near future from Australia, and come under the jurisdiction of an
independent National Assembly. He considers that the present
arrangement is the best one until such time as there are more
assemblies flourishing in New Zealand, and he would consider the
basis for a National Assembly strong enough there to support such an
institution.

Regarding the question of Mr. …, the Guardian was
considerably surprised at his temerity in getting in touch with the
Bahá’ís. He belongs to an old family of
Covenant-breakers from the days of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
was later pardoned by the Guardian, and a number of years ago,
flagrantly disobeyed the Guardian, and was put out of our local
Community here. We all know that he has been in constant association
with the Covenant-breakers ever since, and he even admits it in his
own letter! Needless to say, the Bahá’ís should
consider him a Covenant-breaker, and shun him entirely. The harm that
he could do a Community if treated otherwise, would be very great
indeed.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The manifold and ever multiplying activities in which
the Australian, New Zealand and Tasmanian Bahá’í
communities are so devotedly and unitedly engaged are the object of
my constant solicitude, and evoke, as they steadily expand, feelings
of gratitude and admiration in my heart. Though unavoidably prevented
from communicating more frequently with their elected national
representatives, who are directing with exemplary loyalty, unrelaxing
vigilance, inflexible resolve, unsparing devotion and commendable
foresight, the course of these highly meritorious and promising
activities, I follow, through the perusal of the various reports and
news letters I receive from them, every development in the unfoldment
of their work, and surround them as they labour so assiduously for
their Cause, with my fervent prayers, offered on their behalf in the
holy Shrines.

The assistance they have so spontaneously and
enthusiastically extended to the newly established centre in the Fiji
Islands, constituting the opening phase of the crusade destined to be
systematically launched by them in the Pacific Islands—a
territory with which their spiritual destiny is irrevocably
linked—has been particularly gratifying and merits unstinted
praise. To have undertaken this additional task, with such
determination and fervour, while immersed in the labours associated
with the prosecution of their Plan, is surely an evidence of their
youthful vitality, their unbounded devotion to the interests of the
Faith, and their eager desire to emulate the example of their
sister-communities which have initiated, over and above their
prescribed tasks, enterprises beyond the confines of their respective
homelands.

While this historic undertaking is being carried forward
by their elected national representatives, these communities must
concentrate their attention on the pressing and inescapable
requirements of the Plan to which they stand committed. The process
of extending the range of their administrative activities through the
formation of groups and the multiplication of assemblies must
continue unabated until this particular objective of the Plan is
fully achieved. The proper incorporation of the national and local
assemblies, so vital and urgent at the present stage of their
evolution, must be hastened by every means in their power. The
measures required to ensure the recognition of the Faith, of its laws
regarding matters of personal status, as well as its Holy Days, by
the civil authorities, in both Australia and New Zealand, must be
carefully considered, and promptly adopted. The institutions of
summer and winter schools, so vital and beneficial at the present
stage in the development of the Faith must be continually expanded
enriched and consolidated. The national and local Funds, on which the
prosperity and unfoldment of a rising Administrative System must
ultimately depend, should be assured of an ever-increasing measure of
support, whilst the contributions of the believers for the raising of
the superstructure of the Báb’s Holy Sepulchre,
constituting a sacred and added responsibility at this present
critical hour, should be constantly borne in mind and steadily
maintained. The deepening and enrichment of the spiritual life of the
individual believer, his increasing comprehension of the essential
verities underlying this Faith, his training in its administrative
processes, his understanding of the fundamentals of the Covenants
established by its Author and the authorised Interpreter of its
teachings should be made the supreme objectives of the national
representatives responsible for the edification, the progress and
consolidation of these communities.

This two fold task, both at home and abroad, confronting
the members of these communities, labouring so valiantly, and holding
aloft so courageously the banner of the Most Great Name in the
Antipodes, at so crucial a stage in the evolution of the human race
on this planet, can neither be shirked nor be treated lightly for one
moment. The hour is too critical, time is too short, the requirements
of an infant Faith are too pressing, the resources at the disposal of
the few into whose hands its care has been entrusted are too
circumscribed to suffer any time to be lost in procrastination or
through complacency or neglect. The prizes destined for the heroic
warriors, battling for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh
throughout the Southern Hemisphere, and particularly Australasia, are
glorious beyond compare. The assistance to be vouchsafed to them from
on high in their struggle for its establishment to recognition and
triumph is ready to be poured forth in astonishing abundance. Action
immediate and whole-hearted, coupled with unswerving fidelity and
dogged perseverance, will no doubt enable those who participate in
this double crusade, to attract the full measure of these blessings
and to attain these glorious goals.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of March 8th, 1951

Haifa, Israel,
March 8th, 1951

Beloved Friends:

In answer to your letter of Feb. 22nd, the beloved
Guardian has instructed me to assure you that the statement made in
my letter to you Jan. 21st was quite correct.

You quote from page 537 “Bahá’í
World” words written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,—further
down on the same page you will find the following “As a
corollary of this Tablet (above) it follows the anniversaries of the
birth and the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are not to
be regarded as days on which work is prohibited. The celebration of
these two days is however obligatory”.—These are the
words of the Guardian. We really have eleven Holy Days but as stated,
work is only prohibited on the first nine mentioned in the Tablet.

He follows your work with deep interest and assures you
of his loving prayers.

With warmest love,

Faithfully Yours,
Amelia Collins.

Letter of Sept. 7, 1951

Sept. 7, 1951

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of July 19 has been received, as well as the
contribution of the believers to the Shrine, and the beloved Guardian
sends you herewith his receipt.

He wishes to thank all the friends, communities, and
assemblies who have contributed so lovingly to this Holy undertaking.
Surely such gifts, representing both sincere love and often real
sacrifice, will add to the preciousness of a Shrine already so dear
to all Bahá’í hearts.

He wishes you every success in your own devoted services
to the Cause.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success in
the service of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Sept. 29, 1951

Sept. 29, 1951

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of August 12 has been received, and I am
enclosing a receipt from the beloved Guardian for the sum you
forwarded.

He was deeply touched by this further evidence of the
interest shown by the believers in Australia and New Zealand in the
Holy task now going ahead at the World Center. Please thank all the
contributors on his behalf.

He sends you and all the members of the N.S.A. his
loving greetings,

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless and reward all those who have so
devotedly and spontaneously contributed for the promotion of so holy
an enterprise, and aid them to win great and memorable victories in
the service of His glorious Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of Nov. 20, 1951

Dear Bahá’í Friends: Nov. 20, 1951

Your letters to the beloved Guardian, dated April 3rd
(two) 4th and 26th; May 4th and 25th; July 13th; and Oct. 16, with
various enclosures, have been received, and he has instructed me to
answer you on his behalf.

Regarding various matters raised in your letters: The
Guardian feels that as Mr. Audenwood clearly signified his belief in
Bahá’u’lláh before his passing, his name
should by all means be registered in your records as a believer.
Please assure his wife of the Guardian’s prayers for the
progress and happiness of his soul, and for her own services to the
Faith to be richly blessed.

Shoghi Effendi feels it is better not to put the
Greatest Name on Bahá’í graves. It is not
forbidden to do so, but inappropriate.

Regarding Mr. … and Mr. … we all regret exceedingly
the loss he afflicted this believer with. Your Assembly, if you have
not already done so, should write both the Persian and Indian
Assemblies exposing him, and asking if there is no way he can be
reached and made to pay his debt. The last news the Guardian had of
him he was in Cyprus and planned (?) to go on to Iran or India. It is
most extaordinary to see the way this man, who breaks all the laws of
his Faith and disobeys both the Guardian and the Assemblies, has been
able to plant a firm faith in the hearts of sincere souls in Fiji,
who are now devoted believers! Your Assembly should give this small
community every aid and encouragement you can, for its members were
born with a terrific test, enough to shake the belief of old and
tried Bahá’ís.

The Guardian was very pleased to see the Racing
Conference courteously changed the name of that horse which had been
called Bahá’u’lláh.

He is also very glad you are in touch with dear,
faithful Mr. Auskauli. You should keep up this contact and when you
write please assure him of the Guardian’s appreciation of his
steadfastness and of his loving prayers. He advises you to keep for
your library the books sent you.

The Guardian has noted a new spirit of love and unity
amongst the Australian and New Zealand Bahá’ís,
which pleases him very much, as the atmosphere of harmony amongst the
friends will attract the Divine Blessings and enable them to achieve
a great deal more for the Faith.

He strongly feels that the time has come for the
believers of Australia and New Zealand to arise as a conquering army
and ensure the attainment of their goals under their Six Year Plan.
They now constitute one of the strongest bodies of believers in the
world, ranking with such active and well established communities as
those of Canada, Great Britain and India. Their period of adolescence
in the Faith has passed; they are now adults, and they must face the
problems involved in fulfilling their Plan squarely and with
maturity. The pleasant period of youthful irresponsibility, when they
could look on the work of the American and Persian Communities as the
feats of the strong, which they were not called upon to emulate,
being too young, is now passed forever. They must sacrifice,
concentrate on their tasks, plan their actions and carry on their
pioneer work with determination, realizing they will have no one to
blame for any failures, except themselves! The Guardian feels they
are entirely capable of fulfilling their Plan. He is proud of the
progress they have made and confident they can succeed if they really
try.

He assures you all of his loving prayers for your
guidance and for the success of your work, the progress of which he
follows with the keenest interest.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani.

P.S. I am enclosing a receipt herein. I do not think
this sum has been previously acknowledged, but if there is any
duplication, please destroy it.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The Six-Year Plan, formulated by the elected
representatives of the valiant Bahá’í communities
in Australasia, is now entering its final and most critical stage. If
successfully terminated it will mark the conclusion of a memorable
chapter in the evolution of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh
in the Antipodes, and will at the same time herald the opening of the
initial phase in the establishment of the institutions of that Faith,
beyond the borders of that far-off continent, in the numerous
diversified and widely scattered Islands of the South Pacific Ocean.
It will in fact signalize the third stage in the evolution of the
Faith in that newly opened, highly promising, far-flung continent—an
evolution which commenced, during the concluding decade of
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ministry and of the Heroic
Age of the Faith, with the birth and rise of the Bahá’í
Administrative Order, and which was subsequently accelerated through
the formulation during the opening years of the Formative Age of the
Bahá’í Dispensation, of two successive Plans,
designed to broaden and reinforce the foundations of that nascent
Order in Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. The inauguration of the
third and most glorious phase in this historic and momentous
development must now depend on the consummation of the tasks
willingly shouldered by this youthful, this virile and greatly
beloved community, which, despite its physical remoteness from the
heart and world centre of the Faith, the smallness of its size, its
limited resources and the vastness of the field under the
jurisdiction of its elected representatives, has made such great
strides since its inception, has shown such exemplary devotion and
loyalty, and has preserved and reinforced so nobly the solidity of
its foundations.

This Community, which owes its birth to the revelation
of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, must now brace itself, during the
fleeting months that lie ahead, for a supreme, a concerted and
sustained effort to ensure the attainment of the objectives of the
present Plan, and thereby acquire the spiritual potentialities
essential to the launching of a mighty Crusade, in collaboration with
the Trustees of the Plan, conceived by the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s
Covenant, and with its neighbouring sister communities in Latin
America and in the Indian Sub-continent, destined to culminate in the
fullness of time in the Spiritual conquest of the multitudinous
islands of the South Pacific Ocean.

So exalted a mission, so strenuous a task, so weighty a
responsibility call for, while the Present Preparatory Plan speeds to
its end, an unprecedented demonstration on the part of young and old,
or both men and women, whether administrators or teachers, veterans
or neophytes, of solidarity, determination, zeal and constancy, a
still greater display of self-sacrifice, a wider dispersion of
forces, a more energetic discharge of duty, a clearer vision, a
firmer grasp, of the requirements of the present hour, and a more
complete dedication to the purposes of the present-day enterprise.

The steady multiplication of Bahá’í
Administrative institutions; the rapid consolidation of these basic
agencies on which the speedy expansion of the community beyond its
borders must ultimately depend; the early incorporation of all
steadily functioning assemblies as a means of further reinforcing a
newly erected administrative structure; the systematic and vigorous
dissemination of Bahá’í literature, and the
gradual proclamation of the Faith through the Press and Radio; the
initiation of measures designed to forge friendly links between these
newly-fledged assemblies and local civil authorities, and a parallel
effort aimed at the strengthening of the ties binding the Bahá’í
Supreme Administrative Body with both the Federal and State
authorities—above all the constant deepening of the spiritual
life of the individual believers, the enrichment of community life,
the promotion of greater unity, harmony and cooperation among the
rank and file of the followers of the Faith—these are the
essential prerequisites to which special attention should be directed
in preparation for the great campaign destined to be launched in that
remote corner of the globe, by one of the most youthful and promising
Bahá’í national communities, on the morrow of the
world-wide celebrations of the centenary of the birth of
Bahá’u’lláh’s prophetic Mission.

Afire with the vision that now opens before their eyes;
conscious of the substantial share of responsibility they must
assume, in conjunction with the Indian, the Pakistani, the North
American, and the Latin American followers of the Faith of
Bahá’u’lláh, in uplifting the banner of the
Most Great Name amidst the dwellers of these scattered, distant and
in some cases isolated, Islands of the South, and in drawing them
into the orbit of His constantly evolving Administrative Order;
fortified by the magnificent progress they themselves have achieved
in their own homelands; and confident of the irresistible and
mysterious power instilled by the Hand of Providence in every agency
associated with His Most Holy Name, let the members of these rapidly
maturing, fast evolving, soundly established, Bahá’í
communities throughout Australasia arise, as they have never
heretofore done, and during the concluding phase of their present
fate-laden Plan, to seal their high endeavours with total and
complete victory, and thereby open a chapter of undreamt-of glory
that will add an imperishable lustre to the annals of an immortal
Faith.

Just as their first collective enterprise, through its
resounding success, contributed its particular share of tribute to
the memory of the Herald of their Faith, on the occasion of the
centenary of the birth of His Revelation, may their present
collective enterprise, through its consummation, qualify and empower
them to play a distinctive role in the celebration of the Great
Jubilee that will mark the hundredth anniversary of the birth of
Bahá’u’lláh’s Prophetic Mission.

A great opportunity lies before them. Much of their
present mighty task still remains to be achieved. Immense virgin
fields stretch before them, flanked, on the one side, by a sister
community in the South American continent, and on the other by
another sister community in the vast Indian sub-continent, both ready
and eager to extend their help in prosecuting a memorable, a gigantic
and supremely arduous task. May they, when the hour strikes, be found
ready and well equipped to assume the onerous responsibilities that
will fall to their share.

Shoghi.

Letter of December 2, 1951

Haifa, Israel,
December 2, 1951.

Mrs. Dulcie E. Dive, Treasurer.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

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

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of February 24, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
February 24, 1952.

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

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

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

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of April 12, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
April 12, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í greetings, I am

Leroy Ioas,
Assistant Secretary.

Letter of April 30, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
April 30, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

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

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

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

With loving Bahá’í greetings, I am

Leroy Ioas,
Assistant Secretary.

Letter of June 3, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
June 3, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í love,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of June 15, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
June 15, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faithfully yours,
Leroy C. Ioas.
Assistant
Secretary.

Letter of November 29, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
November 29, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

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

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

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

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

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of November 30, 1952

Haifa, Israel,
November 30, 1952

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
Leroy
C. Ioas
Assistant Secretary.

Letter of May 3, 1953

Haifa, Israel,
May 3, 1953

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

Dear Bahá’í Friend:

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

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

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

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

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

With loving greetings, I am
Leroy Ioas
Assistant
Secretary.

Letter of May 7, 1953

May 7, 1953

Dear Bahá’í Friend:

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

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

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

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

Devoted love and thanks

Affectionately,
Jessie E. Revell

Letter of June 14, 1953

Haifa, Israel,
June 14, 1953.

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

Assistant Secretary.

Letter of June 23, 1953

Haifa, Israel,
June 23, 1953

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

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í love,
R.
Rabbani.

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

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoghi.

Letter of January 24, 1954

Haifa, Israel,
January 24, 1954

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

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

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

Your true brother,
Shoghi.

Letter of June 16, 1954

Haifa, Israel,
June 16, 1954

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

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shoghi.

Letter of July 24, 1955

Haifa, Israel,
July 24, 1955

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

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letters of July 27, August 5, and November 16,
1954, and January 21, and July 5, 1955, with enclosures, have been
received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer
you on his behalf.

He is very happy over the progress which has been made
in the area under your Assembly’s jurisdiction during the past
year. The news of the purchase of the Hazíratu’l-Quds in
Auckland was most welcome. The acquisition of this building is really
one of the pre-requisites for the formation of the National Assembly
of New Zealand; he hopes that the impetus this has given to the work
of the Faith there, combined with the devotion of the Bahá’ís
will speed the formation of local Assemblies, which alone constitute
the necessary firm foundation for the National Body, a Body which
will be one of the direct pillars supporting the International House
of Justice. He urges, therefore, your Assembly to give all the
teaching help it can to New Zealand; and to encourage the believers
there to do their utmost to achieve their goals.

The wonderful spirit the pioneers from Australia and New
Zealand have shown is a source of pride to the Guardian. Aleady they
have garnered many rich prizes for the Faith in the form of such
romantic, remote and inaccessible isles as Tonga, the Solomons and
the Society Islands. Their determination, devotion and courage are
exemplary in every way; and he hopes they will persevere, and not
abandon their posts.

It must be made quite clear to the Bahá’ís
that opening a new territory or a new town for that matter,
meritorious as it is, is nevertheless only the first move. The
consolidation of the Bahá’í work undertaken there
is the most important thing of all. Victories are won usually through
a great deal of patience, planning and perseverance, and rarely
accomplished at a single stroke.

He was very glad to see that your Assembly had promptly
gone to the aid of Mr. Blum. Without the support you gave him so
generously and quickly, he might well have been forced to abandon
this important post, which would have indeed been a great defeat to
our work.

He was very happy to receive the Samoan and Tongan
pamphlets. However restricted in size, such pamphlets as these are a
great asset to the literature of the Faith, and enable the teaching
work to progress more rapidly. He hopes that the pioneers will bear
this in mind; and if they find any languages that would be of real
use to their teaching work, and can get a small pamphlet translated
into them, they will endeavour to do so.

As he already cabled you, of the extra 3,000 Dollars
which you had left over in the Hazíratu’l-Quds Fund for
New Zealand, he wishes you to keep half for the teaching activities
carried out under your jurisdiction, and forward the other half to
England for the work there, as they are in need of assistance in
carrying forward the many important tasks allotted to the British
National Spiritual Assembly.

The purchase of the Temple site—reasonable in sum,
reasonable in area, and excellent in position—brought great joy
to his heart.

He is indeed proud of the achievements of the believers
of Australia and New Zealand, and the well-balanced, intelligent and
persevering manner in which they go about their business.

He hopes that the private bill you are planning to have
passed in the Upper House, and which will give the Bahá’ís
legal recognition, will go through successfully. In view of the
precedent of the Canadian Parliament when a special Act was passed,
legalizing the status of the Bahá’ís in that
country, he feels that you should not have much difficulty in
Australia.

He is hoping that, after the Ridván elections,
good news will reach him of the formation of many more new Spiritual
Assemblies in both Australia and New Zealand. The multiplication of
Bahá’í Centers is, at the present stage of the
development of the Cause, of the greatest importance. In the first
place, it means that news of the coming of Bahá’u’lláh
is being made available to a greater number of the population; and in
the second place, it broadens the foundation of the national
institutions which must elect the International House of Justice.
Believers in centres that possess a relatively large voting list
should bear in mind that at this time it is highly important and
acceptable in the sight of God to disperse and carry the Message to
new Centres, both outside the country and within it.

Your Assembly should bear in mind the necessity, in the
future at any rate, of having firmly grounded local Assemblies in all
of the States of Australia and New Zealand; and also the importance
of increasing the representation of the minority races, such as the
Aborigines and the Maoris, within the Bahá’í
Community. Special effort should be made to contact these people and
to teach them; and the Bahá’ís in Australia and
New Zealand should consider that every one of them that can be won to
the Faith is a precious acquisition.

As he surveys the progress being made throughout the
Bahá’í world, he is particularly pleased with
that achieved in the Antipodes. The soundness, healthiness and vigour
of the Bahá’í Community “down under”
is a source of great joy to him, and he feels is an example to the
Bahá’ís in other continents of the globe.

He remembers the members of your Assembly and all the
dear Bahá’í pioneers and those labouring at home
in his prayers in the holy Shrines, and supplicates that you all may
be richly blessed, and render the Faith devoted services.

With warm Bahá’í love.

R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The achievements that have distinguished and enobled the
record of services rendered by the valiant, fast expanding, steadily
consolidating, richly endowed, highly promising Bahá’í
Communities in the Antipodes have brought intense joy to my heart,
and have, no doubt, excited the admiration of the members of their
sister communities throughout the Bahá’í world.
The contribution which, severally and collectively, the organized
followers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in
the Australian continent, in New Zealand and in Tasmania, are making
towards the progress of the Ten-Year Crusade in so many of its
aspects, ever since its inception, is truly exemplary and augurs well
for their future development and triumph under the provisions of this
momentous Ten-Year Plan.

The steady increase in the number of believers, of
isolated centres, groups and assemblies evokes my deep and heartfelt
admiration and gratitude. The purchase of the site of the first
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in the Antipodes is a
service that has greatly enhanced the prestige of the Faith, and
consitutes a historic victory worthy to rank as a distinct milestone
in the history of its progressive unfoldment throughout Australasia.
The purchase of the Hazíratu’l-Quds in Auckland, as the
future headquarters of the New Zealand National Spiritual Assembly,
is another accomplishment that merits the highest praise. The opening
of the virgin territories assigned, under the Ten-Year Plan, to the
elected representatives of these communities has, furthermore,
demonstrated the readiness of the members of these communities to
speedily and worthily achieve the goals of this dynamic Plan in this
particular and vital sphere of collective Bahá’í
endeavour. The assistance extended by these same representatives to
their brethren in the Indian sub-continent in connection with the
translation of Bahá’í literature into the
languages allotted to them, under this same Plan, affords, moreover,
further evidence of their alacrity, their devotion, their
watchfulness in promoting, in every way possible, the manifold
interests of their beloved Faith at this crucial stage in its
development and consolidation.

Laden with such victories, conscious of the future
brightness of their mission, fully relying in the efficacy of that
celestial aid which has at no time failed them in the past, it
behoves them to rededicate themselves, during the opening months of
the last year of the second phase of this world encompassing Crusade,
to the tasks they have so splendidly initiated. The scope of their
activities, now ranging out far into the South Pacific Ocean, must
rapidly widen. Their determination to fulfil their tasks must never
for a moment falter. Their vision of the glorious destiny bound up
with the triumphant accomplishment of their collective enterprise
must remain undimmed. Their willingness to sacrifice unstintingly
until every single objective of the Plan has been achieved must,
under no circumstances, be allowed to weaken. Their unity and
solidarity in the pursuit and attainment of their immediate as well
as distant objectives must, at all times, continue unimpaired. The
prizes they have won, at the expense of so much sacrifice, in the
islands neighbouring the Australian continent, as well as in those
lying further from its shores in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
must not, however strenuous the effort required, be jeopardized. The
opening of the one remaining island as yet unopened among those
alloted to them under the Ten-Year Plan must be speedily undertaken.
The translation of Bahá’í literature into the few
remaining languages which still require the concentrated attention of
their elected representatives must in no wise be neglected. The
process of Bahá’í incorporation, constituting one
of the most vital features of their collective enterprise, must be
accelerated—however formidable the obstacles which stand in
their path. The establishment of Bahá’í
endowments in the Dominion of New Zealand is yet another
responsibility devolving upon their elected national representatives,
a responsibility which should be discharged prior to the emergence of
an independent national assembly in that distant and promising
island.

Whilst these immediate goals are being steadily and
resolutely pursued, attention should, likewise, be particularly
directed to the vital need for the constant multiplication of
isolated centres, groups and local assemblies, as well as to the
necessity of increasing, to an unprecedented degree, the number of
the avowed adherents of the Faith who can directly and effectively
contribute to the broadening of its foundations and the expansion of
its nascent institutions. Particularly in the Dominion of New
Zealand, where a pillar of the future Universal House of Justice will
soon be erected, must a fresh impetus be lent to this vital process
which can alone reinforce the foundations on which this projected
institution must ultimately rest.

The Community of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh
in the Antipodes is approaching a milestone of great significance in
the course of its development through the emergence of this major
institution, destined to play a notable part in the evolution of the
administrative Order of the Faith in the Pacific Area.

Fully aware of their high and inescapable
responsibilities at this crucial stage in the expansion and
consolidation of their institutions, challenged and stimulated by the
tragic and heartrending tidings reaching them from Bahá’u’lláh’s
native land, where a wave of persecution of uncommon severity has
swept over His followers in both the Capital and the provinces;
conscious and appreciative of the blessing of freedom so cruelly
denied their oppressed brethren in the cradle of their Faith; and
determined to offset by their exertions the losses sustained by the
Faith in that land, the members of this privileged, this valiant and
forward marching community must display, in the months immediately
ahead, such a spirit of devotion and of self-sacrifice as will
outshine the brilliance and glory of their past and present
achievements.

Theirs is an opportunity which they can not ignore or
neglect. Theirs is a duty which if worthily performed will no doubt
draw them closer to the throne of Bahá’u’lláh,
and considerably enrich their share of inestimable blessings stored
for them in the Abhá Kingdom. May they by their response to
the call of the present hour prove themselves worthy of the high
mission with which they have been entrusted.

Shoghi.

Letter of Oct. 30th, 1955

Oct. 30th, 1955

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

At the instruction of our beloved Guardian, I am writing
you this letter, the contents of which he wishes your assembly to
regard as strictly confidential for the time being, until such time
as he wishes to make it public.

He is seriously considering the possibility of having a
Bahá’í Temple built in the Antipodes during the
present 10 Year Plan, on the Temple site already purchased in Sydney.
This would ensure a House of Worship in every Continent of the globe
by 1963. Also, in view of the strong recrudescence of persecution and
hatred of the Faith in Persia he feels that to erect Temples in
Africa and Australasia—where it is possible to do so—would
be a great comfort to the Persian believers and a befitting response
to their enemies who may well make it unfeasible to build the Tehran
Temple during this Plan.

In view of this he wishes you to approach qualified
architects and request sketches—preliminary studies—for
this Temple, which you can submit to him as soon as possible and from
which he can indicate the one he feels would be most suitable. He
makes this suggestion of studies first because the recent drawings
submitted in competition in Germany (and forwarded to him) were all
highly modernistic and undignified and a lot of money and time was
spent for nothing. There was only one he considered at all possible,
and this was not chosen by the judges; necessary qualifications: a
building nine sides, surmounted by a dome. Note—circular
building. Seating capacity 500 with possible additional seating in a
balcony at a future date. Height 40 to 45 meters. Note: no assembly
hall is to be included, only auditorium for worship, with no
surrounding rooms, is necessary. Extra rooms for maintenance,
toilets, caretaker, can be in basement.

There is no reason why it should look like the Chicago
Temple; on the other hand, he feels these ultra-modern, often bizarre
structures are not at all in keeping with the dignity of our Faith.
The type of dome on such structures as Mason Remey’s Temple for
Haifa, the Shrine of the Báb and St. Peter’s in Rome he
considers beautiful in proportion and suitable. The style is
naturally a question each architect would evolve for himself. What
interests the Guardian is the symmetry of the ensemble and dignity.

He would urge your Assembly to get preliminary studies
to him at the earliest possible date, and then he can indicate the
one he feels most suitable and the architect can work up full details
later.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

Letter of November 29, 1955

Haifa, Israel,
November 29, 1955

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

This is just a note, written at the instruction of our
beloved Guardian, to answer a question raised in your last letter.

As there is no definite and conclusive statement on
Vivisection in the Bahá’í teachings, this is a
matter which the International House of Justice will have to pass
upon in the future.

With loving Bahá’í greetings to you
all, and the assurance of the beloved Guardian’s prayers for
the success of your labours.

R. Rabbani.

Letter of June 13th, 1956

Haifa, Israel,
June 13th, 1956.

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

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your letters of November 17, and December 12 and 31,
1955, and January 6, February 22, April 24, and May 27, (two), with
enclosures have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has
instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was happy to receive the pamphlets which you have had
translated and forwarded to him, and which is certainly a welcome
addition to the teaching work in the Pacific area.

He was also pleased to see that you have found a
friendly architect, who will cooperate in submitting plans for the
future Temple in Sydney. He is eagerly looking forward to receiving
them. Since writing this, they have been received. He was also glad
to hear that another site had been procured.

Repercussions of the Chicago Temple are felt everywhere,
and the same is becoming increasingly true of the Shrine. One single
edifice, raised to the glory of Bahá’u’lláh,
shines like a beacon and attracts the hearts of the people; no doubt
many seeds are sown just through the act of people visiting these
edifices—seeds which in the future will germinate. It is
because of this that he is very eager to have the Australian one
commenced as soon as circumstances permit.

As regards the question the Auckland Assembly has asked
about vivisection, there is nothing on this subject in the Bahá’í
teachings. At a future date such matters will no doubt be taken up by
the International House of Justice.

He is very anxious to have as many local assemblies
incorporated as possible; and was hence very pleased to hear that
your Assembly is energetically prosecuting this part of the Ten Year
Plan in both Australia and New Zealand.

The visits of the Australian friends to different
centers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as Mr. Featherstone’s
trip to some of the Pacific Islands, have been much appreciated, and
he feels sure that marked results will be forthcoming. Although you
who labour in that distant continent may often feel that your work is
progressing but slowly, the Guardian, from the prospective that he
has here at the World Center, is well pleased with the perseverance,
the devotion and the achievements of the Australian and New Zealand
friends; and he is proud of their spirit, and feels sure that they
will accomplish their goals.

He was very happy to hear that Mr. Marques has obtained
permission to remain in Timor. His background makes him a very
important pioneer for that area; and he is happy that your Assembly
was able to make it possible for him to remain.

The matter of the areas under the jurisdiction of a
local Spiritual Assembly is one which the National Assembly must
study, and apply the principles laid down by the Guardian; namely,
that within a municipal area, where the people resident in the area
pay taxes and vote, the Assembly can be elected, and holds
jurisdiction. Anyone living outside of that area is not a member of
that Community, and cannot enjoy the administrative privileges of
that Community. Although this will affect your Assembly roll, it will
place the work of the Faith on a much sounder basis, and increase the
number of Centers where Bahá’ís reside throughout
Australia, which is an important phase of the work in any case. It
will challenge the friends to work harder to create new Assemblies
and make up for those dissolved; and he feels sure that in the near
future the Bahá’ís will be very proud of the
results they have achieved through this change.

He is delighted to hear that the New Zealand friends are
so eagerly carrying on their work in preparation for their National
Assembly next year. Their coming of age, so to speak, will be a
source of pride to all their fellow National Assemblies, and they
will form a welcome addition to the pillars which must ultimately
sustain the International House of Justice.

Regarding the question of capital punishment, provision
is made for it in the Aqdas, but this is not the time to go into
details. When the Aqdas is promulgated and the House of Justice comes
into being will be the time to go into these matters in greater
detail. For the present they should be given no publicity.

Assuring you all of his loving prayers for the success
of the work you are doing.

With warmest greetings,
R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

My heart overflows with gratitude, and my admiration is
heightened, as I contemplate the range and quality of the
achievements of the devoted and valiant adherents of the Faith in the
Antipodes, who have in recent years so greatly embellished the record
of their services and contributed so remarkably to the progress of
the institutions of a divinely appointed Administrative order in that
far-away continent.

The entire Bahá’í world beholds with
pride and admiration the great victories won by the Australian and
New-Zealand communities, both in their homelands and in so many
islands of the Pacific Ocean, and shares my confidence that their
historic accomplishments, particularly since the inception of the
Ten-Year Plan, are but a prelude to still nobler exploits and still
mightier victories.

Their exemplary loyalty to the Faith they have so
eagerly embraced, their keen enthusiasm, their persistent endeavours,
their willingness to sacrifice, their inflexible resolve to surmount
every obstacle, their unity and solidarity, their optimism and
courage, are assets which I greatly value, and for which I cannot but
feel deeply grateful.

Much indeed has been achieved by these stalwart
defenders and promoters of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh!
To an extent which they themselves cannot estimate their individual
and collective achievements, in both the teaching and administrative
spheres of Bahá’í activity, have compensated for
the enforced inactivity and the disabilities suffered by their sorely
tried brethren in Persia. The first and second phases of the Ten-Year
Plan owe, to a very notable degree, their success to the impetus
which the splendid initiative and remarkable resourcefulness
displayed by the members of these communities has lent to the onward
march of the Faith in that continent. In more than one way these
communities, through their consecrated efforts and the tangible
results they have achieved, have set an inspiring example to their
sister communities in both the East and the West. The Author of the
Divine Plan, Himself, who during the closing years of His ministry,
witnessed the awakening of that vast continent, rejoices over and
applauds the rapidity with which the light of His Father’s
Faith has spread over and enveloped that continent and its
neighbouring islands.

Much, however still remains to be achieved before the
laurels of total and complete victory are claimed.

The precarious situation in some of the newly opened
territories allotted to your assembly must be given first
consideration and should be speedily remedied. Any, and every nucleus
formed in those islands must be vigilantly safeguarded, and, if
possible, constantly enlarged and consolidated.

Special attention, during the opening year of the third
phase of the Plan, must be prayerfully accorded to the extension and
consolidation of the homefront, with particular emphasis on the rapid
increase in the number of the adherents of the Faith, and the
multiplication of isolated centres, groups and assemblies. The
process of incorporation, so long held in abeyance, must be
accelerated by every means possible.

A supreme effort must be made, in the course of the
current year, in conjunction with the Indian National Spiritual
Assembly, to bring to an early and successful conclusion the
translation of Bahá’í literature into the
languages listed in the Plan, thereby assuring the attainment of one
of its vital objectives.

Particular attention should be devoted to the urgent
needs of the New Zealand Bahá’í community,
through the formulation of a plan which will enable it to swell the
number of its administrative institutions, enlarging and reinforcing
thereby the foundations on which its forthcoming National Assembly
must ultimately rest.

The goals which both communities are called upon, at
this crucial hour in the evolution of the Plan, to achieve have been
clearly defined and repeatedly emphasized. The task, however, is vast
and arduous. The effort that must needs be exerted by the rank and
file of the believers is immense. The challenge that must needs be
met is severe. The promise of eventual victory, if the army of
Bahá’u’lláh’s Crusaders persevere in
their mission, is clear and unmistakeable.

The need of the present hour, as these communities enter
upon the third, and, what promises to be, the most brilliant phase of
a World Spiritual Crusade, is a still greater consecration to the
Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in all its aspects,
and a renewed dedication in all the divers fields of Bahá’í
activity.

That the members of the Australian and New Zealand
communities will unanimously rise to the present occasion, that they
will not allow any consideration whatever to deflect them from their
high purpose in the days to come, that they will expend every ounce
of energy for the attainment of these shining goals, is the deepest
longing of my heart and the object of my ardent prayers.

Shoghi.

Letter of October 27, 1956

October 27, 1956

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your Assembly will be receiving five hundred pounds sent
by Mr. Varqa on behalf of the beloved Guardian. This is a
contribution for your National Fund to help in the work you are
doing.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani.

Letter of May 7, 1957

Haifa, Israel,
May 7, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of Australia.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Under separate cover, at the instruction of our beloved
Guardian, I am mailing to you a fragment of the plaster from the Room
the Báb was confined in, in the Fortress of Máh-Kú,
in Persia.

He is sending this precious memento to be placed by
Mother Dunn on his behalf in the foundations of the First
Mashriqu’l-Adhkár which you will shortly
commence building in Sydney.

He feels sure that this precious dust, calling to mind
the sacrifices of the beloved Báb, will be a blessing for the
Temple and an inspiration to the friends.

Please acquaint Mother Dunn with his instructions, and
see that she receives the plaster safely.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R.
Rabbani.

Letter of July 19, 1957

Haifa, Israel,
July 19, 1957

Mr. Noel P. L. Walker, Secretary,
National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia.

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your Assembly’s communications with their
enclosures and material sent under separate cover have all been
safely received by the beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to
answer you on his behalf, and to acknowledge receipt of your letters
dated: August 14, September 6, October 14 and 29, and December 3,
1956, and February 17 and March 24, May 9, June 12 and 19, 1957.

In connection with various matters raised in your
letters:

The photograph of the Shrine on Mt. Carmel was sent to
Dr. Brasch, and we hope that he received it safely.

As regards the “Herald of the South”
magazine, in view of the important work lying ahead of your Assembly,
and the fact that this magazine is a drain on the limited resources
of the Community, he thinks it would be quite all right to suspend
publication until a future date when the financial situation permits
such expenditures to be made with relative ease. He leaves, however,
the final decision to your Assembly.

The Committee responsible for the publication of this
magazine has certainly laboured valiantly throughout the years, and
the publication will be missed by its readers. However, it is some
years since the American Bahá’í Magazine was
abandoned for similar reasons, and the Guardian feels that you can do
so in Australia, and the funds be used to better advantage, at this
time. However, now that you have found a printer in Sydney and
appointed a new committee, he thinks you should continue it and give
the new Plan a try.

The progress your Assembly has been making on the plans
for the Temple, in conjunction with the evidently very able and
cooperative architect whom you have found in Sydney, greatly pleases
and encourages the beloved Guardian. He is particularly happy to know
that Mr. Brogan is pliable in his ideas, and enthusiastic about
getting the Temple constructed, even though the original design is
not his own. Unfortunately, owing to the age of Mr. Remey and his
duties at the International Center, it is impossible for him to carry
out, himself, the execution in detail of his plans or to supervise
the construction; and consequently both the Kampala Temple and the
Sydney Temple have been entrusted to reliable firms.

The influence that this Mother Temple of the whole
Pacific area will exert when constructed, is incalculable and
mysterious. The beloved Master told the American friends that their
Temple would be the greatest silent teacher, and there is no doubt
that this one building has exerted a profound influence on the spread
of the Faith, not only in the United States and the Western
Hemisphere, but throughout the world. We can therefore expect that
the construction of another “Mother Temple” in the heart
of Australasia, and one in the center of Africa, as well as one in
the heart of Europe, will exert a tremendous influence, both locally
and internationally.

He is eagerly waiting to receive pictures of the
inauguration of the work on the Temple site, and has recently mailed
your Assembly under separate cover a piece of the plaster from the
Room in the Fortress at Máh-Kú where the Báb was
confined, as well as a letter requesting that dear Mother Dunn place
this, as his representative, in the foundations of the Temple. He
would like very much to have a good photograph of this ceremony for
reproduction; and he also urges your Assembly to give as much
publicity to this occasion, and to the Temple work in general, as
possible.

The teaching work carried on by the Australian friends
throughout the region of the Pacific under their jurisdiction, has
been very satisfactory, and he is proud of the truly immense progress
which has been made. The publication of literature in so many
additional languages, the School opened by Mrs. Dobbins in the New
Hebrides, the increase in the number of native believers throughout
the islands, are all indications, not only of the great power of this
Faith to touch the hearts of those who are spiritually receptive, but
also of the consecration and devotion of the Australian believers.

As regards various questions you asked in your letter of
February 17th:

It is of the utmost importance to keep the pioneers in
their goals. If, for reasons over which you have no control, they are
forced to leave a certain pioneer area, then he would strongly
recommend that, instead of returning all the way to their home base,
they be routed to another base in the Pacific where they can serve
the Faith. This is both economical, and hastens the attainment of our
goals. Matters of detail as to how these plans are best worked out,
are naturally left to the discretion of the National Body responsible
for the area in question.

In your letter of August 14th, you mention a small
translation of a Timorese language has been secured from Dili. The
Guardian would like to know what the specific name of this language
is, and, if it has been printed, he would like to receive a copy.

He was very sorry to hear that dear Mother Dunn’s
son had died. This, no doubt, in spite of her devotion and fortitude,
must have been a severe blow to her at her age; and he hopes the
friends will do all they can to comfort and take care of this
precious soul—the mother of their Community. Please assure her
that he prays for the progress of the soul of her son in the holy
Shrines.

The successful culmination of the long standing
partnership of the Australian and New Zealand believers thru the
emergence of the New Zealand N.S.A. is a source of great satisfaction
to the Guardian, and no doubt to all the members of both communities.
He feels sure this will mark a turning point in the work in the
Antipodes and the neighbouring islands and give a new lease of life
to the teaching work throughout that area. Both your Assembly and
that of New Zealand have now emerged into your permanent form as
pillars of the future International House of Justice. The bones of
the skeleton of the World Order are growing strong, but only the
teaching work can clothe them with flesh.

You may be sure that he will ardently pray for the
success of your work, and that you may be strengthened and guided to
discharge your important duties and to fulfil your goals under the
Ten Year Plan.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R.
Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The progress achieved in recent years, rapid and
extraordinary as it has been, by the Bahá’í
Communities labouring so patiently, so methodically, and so
faithfully, for the consolidation and expansion of the institutions
of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
in the Antipodes, has been highly gratifying and has served to deepen
my confidence in their ability to achieve their high destiny, and to
evoke sentiments of ever-increasing admiration for the manner in
which they have acquitted themselves of their task in the face of
varied and almost insurmountable obstacles.

Particularly commendable, and indeed exemplary, has been
the share of the Australian believers in enabling the New-Zealand
Bahá’í Community to make such rapid strides, in
recent years, strides that have prepared it for the assumption of its
sacred and vital function as an independent community, and which
culminated in the formation of a body qualified to take its place,
and assume the weighty responsibilities incumbent on it, as a
distinct and separate member of the world-wide family of Bahá’í
national and regional Spiritual Assemblies. The great and signal
honour, conferred upon their homeland through the selection of one of
the most highly advanced, the most populous, and one of the most
progressive of its cities—enjoying already the distinction of
being the first among them to be opened to the Message of Bahá’u’lláh
and to be warmed by the rising Sun of His Revelation—as the
site of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes, and indeed of the whole
Pacific area, moreover, proclaims their right to be considered the
vanguard of His hosts, and the defenders of the stronghold of the
Administrative Order of His Faith, in that vast area of the globe, an
area endowed with unimaginable potentialities, and which, owing to
its strategic position, is bound to feel the impact of world shaking
forces, and to shape to a marked degree through the experience gained
by its peoples in the school of adversity, the destinies of mankind.

The emergence of a new Regional Spiritual Assembly in
the North Pacific Area, with its seat fixed in the capital city of a
country which by reason of its innate capacity and the spiritual
receptivity it has acquired, in consequence of the severe and
prolonged ordeal its entire population has providentially
experienced, is destined to have a preponderating share in awakening
the peoples and races inhabiting the entire Pacific area, to the
Message of Bahá’u’lláh, and to act as the
Vanguard of His hosts in their future spiritual conquest of the main
body of the yellow race on the Chinese mainland—the emergence
of such an assembly may be said to have, at long last, established a
spiritual axis, extending from the Antipodes to the northern islands
of the Pacific Ocean—an axis whose northern and southern poles
will act as powerful magnets, endowed with exceptional spiritual
potency, and towards which other younger and less experienced
communities will tend for some time to gravitate.

A responsibility, at once weighty and inescapable, must
rest on the communities which occupy so privileged a position in so
vast and turbulent an area of the globe. However great the distance
that separates them; however much they differ in race, language,
custom, and religion; however active the political forces which tend
to keep them apart and foster racial and political antagonisms, the
close and continued association of these communities in their common,
their peculiar and paramount task of raising up and of consolidating
the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh in
those regions of the globe, is a matter of vital and urgent
importance, which should receive on the part of the elected
representatives of their communities, a most earnest and prayerful
consideration.

The Plan, which it is the privilege of the Australian
Bahá’í community to energetically prosecute must,
simultaneously, be assured of the unqualified, the systematic and
whole-hearted support of its members.

Theirs indeed is a twofold task which must under no
circumstances be either neglected or underrated. The one aims at the
consolidation, the multiplication and expansion of the institutions
so laboriously erected throughout the length and breadth of the
Australian commonwealth and in the islands beyond its confines, in
strict accordance with the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan, while the
other is designed to forge fresh links with its sister communities,
and particularly those situated in the North, in anticipation of the
Mission which the newly fledged Bahá’í
communities, now rapidly multiplying throughout the length and
breadth of that area, are destined and are collectively called upon
to discharge.

Whilst addressing itself to the meritorious twofold task
with which it is now confronted, this wide-awake, swiftly expanding,
steadily consolidating, highly promising community must lend whatever
assistance is possible to its newly emerged sister community in the
South, and enable her, as her institutions develop and become firmly
grounded, to share in a befitting manner, in the collective
enterprises that must, sooner or later, be launched and carried to a
successful conclusion by the island communities situated in the
Northern and Southern regions as well as in the heart of the Pacific
Ocean.

May this community which, with its sister community in
the North, has had the inestimable privilege of being called into
being in the lifetime of, and through the operation of the dynamic
forces released by the Centre of Bahá’u’lláh’s
Covenant, continue, with undimmed vision, with redoubled vigour, and
unwavering fidelity and constancy, to discharge its manifold and ever
increasing duties and responsibilities, and lend, as the days go by,
an impetus such as it has not lent before, in the course of almost
two score years of its existence, to the propagation of the Faith it
has so whole-heartedly espoused and is now so valiantly serving, and
play a memorable and distinctive part in hastening the establishment,
and in ensuring the gradual efflorescence and ultimate fruition, of
its divinely appointed embryonic World Order.

Shoghi.