# Messages to Canada *Exported from [Holy-Writings.com](https://www.holy-writings.com/) on 2026-06-19 — 1 clipping.* --- > Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: Shoghi Effendi, Messages to Canada, Canada Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1965, bahai-library.com. > ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── > > Messages to Canada > > Shoghi Effendi > > Canada Bahá'í Publishing Trust, 1965 > > Browse by page > | > Browse by heading > | > Browse by date > > +P1 > > Click on any of the numbers below to go to a page of > Messages to Canada > (unformatted): > > 1 > > 2 > > 3 > > 4 > > 5 > > 6 > > 7 > > 8 > > 9 > > 10 > > 11 > > 12 > > 13 > > 14 > > 15 > > 16 > > 17 > > 18 > > 19 > > 20 > > 21 > > 22 > > 23 > > 24 > > 25 > > 26 > > 27 > > 28 > > 29 > > 30 > > 31 > > 32 > > 33 > > 34 > > 35 > > 36 > > 37 > > 38 > > 39 > > 40 > > 41 > > 42 > > 43 > > 44 > > 45 > > 46 > > 47 > > 48 > > 49 > > 50 > > 51 > > 52 > > 53 > > 54 > > 55 > > 56 > > 57 > > 58 > > 59 > > 60 > > 61 > > 62 > > 63 > > 64 > > 65 > > 66 > > 67 > > 68 > > 69 > > 70 > > 71 > > 72 > > 73 > > 74 > > THE GUARDIAN' FIRST LETTER TO CANADA. 1923 > > THE BIRTH OF THE INDEPENDENT CANADIAN BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY AND THE FIVE YEAR PLAN. > > ELECTION OF FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF FIVE YEAR PLAN > > AVOID BLANKET RULINGS > > IMPLICATIONS OF PLAN TREMENDOUSLY VAST > > EXECUTION OF THE PLAN > > INCORPORATION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BY PARLIAMENT ACCLAIMED > > FIRST GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE OFFICIAL STATUS > > OPERATION OF THE PLAN GATHERS MOMENTUM > > SETTLEMENT OF PIONEERS IN NEWFOUNDLAND > > TEACHING THE CANADIAN INDIANS > > A GREATER UNANIMITY IN SACRIFICE REQUIRED > > SHRINE OF THE BAB > > CONTACT WITH ARCTIC ESKIMOS > > STIRRING EXAMPLE OF BRITISH PIONEERS > > FUTURE OF CANADA VERY GREAT > > IMPERISHABLE RECORD OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE > > CO-HEIR OF THE TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN > > PIONEER TO GREENLAND > > CRITICAL FINAL PHASE OF FIVE YEAR PLAN > > UNUTTERABLY PRECIOUS OPPORTUNITY > > CHARLOTTETOWN MUST BE MAINTAINED > > LAURENTIAN BAHÁ' SCHOOL > > HAZÍRATU' QUDS TO BE ESTABLISHED > > HAND OF THE CAUSE SUTHERLAND MAXWELL > > CANADA'S PART IN THE TEN YEAR WORLD SPIRITUAL CRUSADE. 1953-57 > > ANNOUNCEMENT OF GOALS OF TEN YEAR CRUSADE > > ACQUISITION OF NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND SHRINE > > INITIAL STAGE OF GLORIOUS MISSION > > TWO PARAMOUNT OBJECTIVES > > FUTURE ROLE CONTINGENT ON ACHIEVEMENTS IN THIS PLAN > > NO PIONEER SHOULD LEAVE HIS POST > > CENTRE ATTENTION ON OBLIGATIONS OF CRUSADE > > HAND OF THE CAUSE SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER > > JURISDICTION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > > CRITERIA FOR TEMPLE SITE > > CONSOLIDATION OF THE HOMEFRONT > > THE TEN YEAR CRUSADE: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT > > NEWLY-ESTABLISHED ISRAEL BRANCH OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > > VIRGIN TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATIVELY SEPARATE > > LAND TITLE TRANSFERRED TO ISRAEL BRANCH > > DEPRIVATION OF VOTING RIGHTS > > DIFFICULTIES IN PURCHASE OF TEMPLE SITE > > TASKS STILL UNACCOMPLISHED > > ÍRÁNIAN PERSECUTIONS MUST ACT AS STIMULUS > > PIONEER REACHES ANTICOSTI > > GRAVE OF MARION JACK > > BAHÁ'Í MARRIAGE LAW > > VASTNESS OF NEW FIELD PRESENTS CONTRAST WITH PAST > > DEEPENING OF NEWLY-ENROLLED BELIEVERS > > TEACHING FRENCH CANADIAN CATHOLICS > > DEAL WITH EACH CASE INDIVIDUALLY > > TEACHING MINORITIES > > DEFINITION OF COVENANT-BREAKING > > IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING THE INDIANS > > MOST URGENT TASKS > > DEADLY INFLUENCE OF MATERIALISTIC CIVILIZATION > > INFERTILE FIELDS EQUALLY VITAL > > VINDICATE INDEPENDENT CHARACTER OF THE FAITH > > THIS COMMUNITY MUST FORGE AHEAD > > REFERENCES > > January 2, 1923 > > April 14, 1948 > > November 4, 1948 > > (Cablegram) May 1949 > > June 19, 1949 > > June 23, 1950 > > January, 1951 > > March 1, 1951 > > October 30, 1951 > > June 8, 1952 > > September 19, 1952 > > (Cablegrams) April 22, 1953 > > May 1, 1953 > > June 20, 1953 > > May 6, 1954 > > June 15, 1954 > > September 5, 1954 > > December 4, 1954 > > March 3, 1955 > > July 16, 1955 > > January 13, 1956 > > March 10, 1956 > > June 26, 1956 > > December 14, 1956 > > December 22, 1956 > > December 27, 1956 > > March 30, 1957 > > October 19, 1957 > > July 18, 1957 > > THE GUARDIAN'S FIRST LETTER > > TO CANADA. 1923 > > The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful throughout Canada. > > Care of the members of the Spiritual Assembly in Montreal > > Dear Friends, > > It is a great pleasure and privilege to me to enter into direct, and I > trust, permanent correspondence with those faithful friends of `Abdu'l-Bahá, > who though few in number and scattered over that vast and flourishing country, > will I trust act as a powerful leaven to the mass of that spiritually-minded > people. > > Though its people be firmly entrenched in their religious sectarianism > and strongly attached to their religious doctrines and traditions, yet who can > doubt that with courage and persistence, kindliness and wisdom, the > all-conquering words of Bahá'u'lláh can fail to break down all these barriers > of prejudice and religious exclusiveness and conquer this longstanding > stronghold of sectarian belief! > > Surely the efficacy of the universal Teachings of Bahá'u'lláh as applied > to the cherished and time-honoured religious traditions of the East, has been > sufficiently demonstrated to justify at present our confident hopes for the > future and speedy re-awakening of that land. > > May the small company of the steadfast followers of `Abdu'l-Bahá in > Canada be filled with the outpourings of the Divine Grace that are being > showered so mightily in these days upon the friends of God the world over, > and may they arise with undiminished fervour to carry out to their fullest > measure the last wishes and instructions of our departed Master for that > great and flourishing Dominion! > > With all good wishes, > > Your brother and co-worker, > > SHOGHI. > > Haifa, Palestine. > > January 2, 1923. > > +P4 > > +P5 > > THE BIRTH OF THE INDEPENDENT > > CANADIAN BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY > > AND THE FIVE YEAR PLAN. 1948-53 > > +P6 > > +P7 > > THE BIRTH OF THE INDEPENDENT > > CANADIAN BAHÁ'Í COMMUNITY > > AND THE FIVE YEAR PLAN. 1948-53 > > April 14, 1948. > > ELECTION OF FIRST NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF > FIVE YEAR PLAN > > To the First Canadian National Convention. > > Hearts uplifted in thanksgiving to Bahá'u'lláh for the epoch-making > event of the coming of age of the dearly beloved Canadian Bahá'í Community, > the formation of the first National Convention in the City of > Montreal and the forthcoming election of Canada's National Assembly > constituting the ninth pillar of the institution of the Universal House of > Justice. I acknowledge with reverent gratitude and deepest joy the marvellous > influence of the operation of the initial stage in `Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine > Plan enabling the northernmost community of the followers of the Faith > on the American continent to pass the stage of infancy and attain the status, > and to assume the functions of, an independent existence within the World > Bahá'í Community. I recall on this auspicious occasion with profound > emotion the heroic services to the mother community of May Maxwell > > +E1 > > whose life and death forged unbreakable links binding the body of the > Canadian believers to the sister communities of the United States and Latin > America. I am moved to appeal to assembled delegates to arise in conjunction > with the first Canadian National Assembly, as a token of gratitude for > the manifold blessings of Divine Providence, to initiate in the hour of the > birth of their national activities a Five Year Plan designed to associate them, > formally and systematically and independently, with their sister community > of the United States, in the common task of the prosecution of their > world-encompassing mission. The fulfillment of this collective task > confronting the rapidly maturing community necessitates the incorporation of > the > > +P8 > > Canadian National Assembly, the establishment of National Bahá'í Endowments, > doubling the number of Local Assemblies throughout the > Dominion and raising to one hundred the total number of localities where > Bahá'ís reside throughout the Provinces, the constitution of a group in > Newfoundland and the formation of a nucleus of the Faith in the Territory > of Greenland, singled out for special mention by the Author of the Divine > Plan, and the participation of Eskimos and Red Indians in membership to > share administrative privileges in local institutions of the Faith in Canada. > I fondly hope and ardently pray that the celebration of the first centenary > of the Birth of Bahá'u'lláh's prophetic mission will witness the triumphant > consummation of the first historic Plan launched by the Canadian Bahá'í > Community in a land whose future greatness and glory, both materially > and spiritually, the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant twice emphatically > proclaimed in His immortal Tablets. > > +E2 > > SHOGHI. > > --------------------- > > November 4, 1948. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated October 6th, has been received, > and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. > > AVOID BLANKET RULINGS > > Our teachings, as outlined in the Advent of Divine Justice, on the subject > of living a chaste life, should be emphasized, but certainly no ruling > what-so-ever should be laid down in this matter. The Bahá'ís have certainly > not yet reached that stage of moral perfection where they are in a position to > too harshly scrutinize the private lives of other souls, and each individual > should be accepted on the basis of his faith, and sincere willingness to try to > live up to the Divine Standards; further than this we cannot go at present. > > Now that your Assembly is formed, and is embarking on its independent > existence as a National Body, he wishes to emphasize a point which he is > constantly stressing to other National Bodies: you must avoid issuing rules > and regulations. The fundamentals laid down in the Bahá'í Administration > must, of course, be adhered to, but there is a tendency for Assemblies to > constantly issue detailed procedures and rules to the friends, and he considers > this hampers the work of the Cause, and is entirely premature. As far > as is possible cases which come up should be dealt with and settled as they > > +P9 > > arise, and not a blanket ruling be laid down to cover all possible similar > cases. This preserves the elasticity of the Administrative Order and prevents > red tape from developing and hampering the work of the Cause. You must > likewise bear in mind that you are now a wholly independent National Body, > and must consider the administration of the affairs of the Faith within your > jurisdiction as your separate problem. There is no more need for you to > follow every single rule laid down by the American N.S.A., than there is for > the British or the Australian and New Zealand N.S.A.s to do this. Uniformity > in fundamentals is essential, but not in every detail. On the contrary, > diversity, the solving of the local situation in the right way, is important. > > He will be very happy to receive reports of the measures you are taking to > carry out your important Five Year Plan. You have the unique distinction of > being the first National Body, yet formed, to be born with a Plan in its mouth! > and you may be sure your fellow Bahá'ís, East and West, are watching your > progress with keen interest, not unmixed with curiosity, to see how well you > fare in your historic work and your newly created independence. > > The Guardian has high hopes for the achievements of the Canadian > Bahá'ís. Their national character, which so fortuitously combines the > progressiveness and initiative of the Americans, and the stability and tenacity > of the British, fits them to make great contributions to the progress of the > Faith, both in Canada and throughout the world. > > He urges you to keep in close touch with him, and assures you that you, > and your labours, are very dear to his heart, and he is ardently praying for > your success in every field of your manifold activities. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > I hail with a joyous heart and confident spirit the truly compelling and > almost simultaneous evidences of the creative, the irresistible power of the > Faith of Bahá'u'lláh as witnessed by the formation of the first Canadian > National Bahá'í Assembly and the inauguration of the Five Year Plan, designed > to orient its members toward and canalize the energies of the entire Canadian > Bahá'í Community in support of the immediate tasks lying before them. So > auspicious a beginning, in the life of a community attaining adulthood under > the influence of the processes set in motion as the result of the progressive > > +P10 > > unfoldment of the Divine Plan, in a territory of such vast dimensions, blessed > through both the mighty utterances, and the personal visit of the One Who > fostered it from the hour of its birth, and Whose Plan enabled it to reach > maturity, may well be regarded as one of the most momentous happenings > immortalizing the opening years of the second Bahá'í century. > > IMPLICATIONS OF PLAN TREMENDOUSLY VAST > > The responsibility shouldered by an institution ranking as one of the > sustaining pillars of the future Universal House of Justice is indeed > staggering. The Plan entrusted to its infant hands is, in both its magnitude > and implications tremendously vast. The anxieties, the strenuous exertions > attendant upon the proper guidance, the effectual development and the sound > consolidation of a community emerging into independent national existence, > are inevitably trying. The numerical strength of that community, the immensity > of the area serving as the field for the operation of its Plan, the meagerness > of the resources now at its disposal, the relative inexperience of its > newly-recruited members, the perils overhanging the territory in which they > reside in the event of a future global conflict, the intensity of opposition > which the unfoldment of its mission may provoke in the strongholds of religious > orthodoxy inimical to the liberalizing influences of the Faith it represents-- > all these offer a challenge at once severe, inescapable and soul uplifting. > > The eyes of its twin-sister community in the North American continent, > which assisted it in achieving its independence, are fixed upon it, eager to > behold, and ready to aid it in its march to glory. Its sister communities in > Latin America, whose coming of age is as yet unattained, watch with mingled > curiosity and envy, its first strides along the steep path which they > themselves are soon to tread. Other sister communities in the European, > African, Asiatic and Australian continents, some of venerable age, others rich > in experience, and resources, still others tried and tested, by the fires of > persecution, observe with keen anticipation in their hearts and benediction on > their lips, the manner in which this youngest recruit to their ranks will > launch upon its career, the resolution with which it will face its problems, > the spirit which will animate it in its battles and the stupendousness of the > efforts required to win its victories. Above and beyond them the Spirit of a > Master Who nursed it in its infancy and to Whose Plan it now has consecrated > its mature energies, overshadows it with that self-same solicitude that > called it into existence, that stimulated His tender care in its infancy, that > inspired His written promises, that prompted His lavish praise, that impelled > Him to > > +P11 > > cast the radiance of His person, in the evening of His life, on its mother > city > > +E3 > , and induced Him, ere His passing, to bequeath to it so rich a legacy > in what may be regarded as one of the mightiest repositories of His last > wishes. No one, of the galaxy of immortal heroes, now gathered to the glory of > Bahá'u'lláh, can contemplate with greater delight the advances, which this > community has made, or intercede with greater efficacy on its behalf, than > she > > +E1 > who has won the peerless title of the Mother of that community, the > initial phase of whose career was signalized by the founding of the mother > community in the European continent, and the conclusion of which was > crowned by a death cementing the spiritual bonds now indissolubly uniting > the North and South American continents. > > EXECUTION OF THE PLAN > > The Five Year Plan, now set in motion, must under no circumstances be > allowed to lag behind its schedule. A befitting start should be made in the > execution of the Plan in all its aspects. The initial steps should be > relentlessly followed by additional measures designed to hasten the > incorporation of your Assembly, to accelerate the multiplication of Local > Assemblies, groups and isolated centres, throughout the Provinces of the > Dominion, to insure the stability of the outpost of the Faith which must be > established in Newfoundland, and to incorporate a steadily growing element, > representative of both the Indian and Eskimo races, into the life of the > community. > > Obstacles, however formidable, will have to be determinedly surmounted. > Any reverses that sooner or later may be suffered should be met > with stoic fortitude, and speedily offset by victories in other fields. The > glorious vision now unveiled to your eyes must never be dimmed. The > illuminating promises enshrined in `Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets should not be > forgotten for a moment. The quality of the success already achieved by so > small a number, over so extensive a field, in so brief a period, at so > precarious an hour in the destinies of mankind, should spur on the elected > representatives of this now fully-fledged community to achieve in as short a > period, over still more extensive an area, and despite a severer crisis than > any as yet encountered, victories more abiding in their merit and more > conspicuous in their brilliance than any as yet won in the service and for the > glory of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh. > > Your true brother, > > SHOGHI. > > +P12 > > (Cablegram) May 1949. > > INCORPORATION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY BY PARLIAMENT ACCLAIMED > > Acclaim magnificent victory > > +E4 > unique (in the) annals (of) East (and) > West. Glorious events foreshadowed by `Abdu'l-Bahá Tablets (of) Divine Plan > (at) long last unfolding. National elected representatives newly fledged > highly promising richly blessed community deserve heartiest congratulations. > Appeal its members arise token gratitude outpouring divine grace bestowed > initial stage its independent development vigorously prosecute plan attain > all objectives set imperishable example sister communities Bahá'í world. > Ardently praying still greater victories. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > June 19, 1949. > > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters to our beloved Guardian ... have been received, with their > enclosures, as well as the material you sent under separate cover. > > FIRST GOVERNMENT TO RECOGNIZE OFFICIAL STATUS > > Your Assembly has much to be congratulated upon for your victories > during the past Bahá'í Year have been memorable. The passing, in both > Houses, of the Bill > > +E4 > relating to the official status of your Assembly was a > cause for great rejoicing, as this is the first time in Bahá'í history that > any government has taken such action in relation to our Faith's status. He > would like, if possible, to receive duplicates of the official Gazette and all > publicity given this matter, as the copies you sent were placed in the Mansion > at Bahjí, but he wishes to have these documents at hand in his personal files > as well. > > The increase in membership in the Canadian Bahá'í Community this > past year was also most encouraging. It shows that there is, primarily, unity > among the believers, for where this fundamental quality is lacking in a > Bahá'í community any real growth is impossible. That is why the beloved > Master so constantly admonished the friends to be as one soul in different > bodies, for this love and unity constitutes their spiritual health and gives > them the strength to overcome all obstacles in their path. > > He fully realizes how great are the tasks facing your Assembly, but feels > confident that the Canadian Bahá'ís will be able to accomplish them and > will, indeed, set an example to their sister communities in different parts of > the > > +P13 > > world. The people of that country, the national character, are such as to > hold high promise for the future of the Cause there, and the great range > covered by your Plan is stimulating in the extreme. To be the Trustees of > such a Faith, in such a place, at such a time is a marvellous privilege, and he > is looking forward to your next achievements with confidence and keen > interest. > > You may be sure his loving prayers are with you in all you do for the > beloved Faith. > > With warmest greetings, > > R. RABBANI. > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The progress achieved in the course of the opening year of the Five Year > Plan, to which the newly emerged independent Canadian Bahá'í Community > is solemnly committed, is such as to excite the admiration, and merit the > gratitude, of the entire Bahá'í World. A community, so small in numbers, > so restricted in resources, labouring over so extensive a field, shouldering > such weighty responsibilities, has passed through the initial stage of its task > and discharged its duties with such distinction as to be worthy of the glowing > promises and weighty utterances recorded in `Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets regarding > the material as well as the spiritual potentialities with which that > great and promising Dominion has been endowed. > > OPERATION OF THE PLAN GATHERS MOMENTUM > > Through the swift and marvellous increase in its membership, through > its faithful and uncompromising adherence to both the spiritual and > administrative principles of the Faith it so nobly serves; through the > multiplication of its administrative centres from the Atlantic to the Pacific > sea-board; through the steady consolidation of its local and national Funds, > designed to sustain its ever-unfolding activities, through the spirit > consistently manifested by the small yet eager and valiant band of its pioneers > and administrators, and more recently through the official recognition > providentially accorded the body of its national elected representatives by > both chambers of the Legislature in that Dominion--an act wholly unprecedented > in the annals of the Faith in any country, in either East or West--this > vigorous, divinely sustained, resistlessly advancing community, has not only > fulfilled the expectations and hopes that greeted its birth, but set a > brilliant example to its sister communities in both the Eastern and Western > Hemispheres. > > +P14 > > The task which it has so splendidly inaugurated and which is being now > prosecuted with such vigour, devotion, single-mindedness, harmony and > determination, is still in the initial stage of its development. The process > that has stimulated the growth and increased the number of its administrative > centres must be accelerated no matter how great the sacrifice involved. The > development of the local and national Funds must be continuously maintained > as a prelude to the establishment of local and national endowments > and the ultimate erection of a House of Worship that will incarnate the soul > of a flourishing nation-wide community. The initiation of a systematic and > sustained campaign beyond the frontiers of that Dominion, and in obedience > to the Mandate of the Author of the Divine Plan, to which it stands inescapably > pledged, and aiming at the introduction of the Faith in Greenland and > the conversion of the Eskimos still remains to be undertaken. The > consolidation of the summer school, the gradual incorporation of firmly > established, properly functioning Assemblies are, moreover, objectives that > must under no circumstances be overlooked or neglected. > > As the operation of the Plan gathers momentum the members of this > community must evince a still greater measure of solidarity, rise to higher > levels of heroism, demonstrate a greater capacity for collective achievement, > and attract still more abundant blessings on the varied enterprises on which > they have embarked. > > I am following the unfoldment of their Plan with eager and sustained > interest. My ardent prayers will surround and accompany its prosecutors > at every stage of their historic undertaking. My confidence in their ultimate > success is not only unshaken, but has been immensely reinforced. May He > Who watches over them guide every step they take, bless every measure they > adopt, remove every obstacle that impedes their onward march and fulfil > every desire they cherish for the future glory, honour and greatness of their > beloved Faith in that vast and richly blessed Dominion. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > June 23, 1950. > > The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... have been received by our beloved Guardian, and he has > instructed me to answer you on his behalf. > > He feels sure you will understand the reason for the delay in answering > your letters--and, indeed, all the other N.S.A.s' letters--when he explains > > +P15 > > that not only has this been a terrific winter of work in connection with the > construction of the Shrine, but since the beginning of April my dear father, > Mr. Maxwell > > +E5 > , has been dangerously and desperately ill. The anxiety this > caused us all, and the constant coming and going of doctors, nurses, and two > periods in hospital, has necessitated putting aside all correspondence for > months. Now, however, thank God, Mr. Maxwell is slowly improving, and > the threads of normal existence can be taken up again by us all. > > The Guardian was very happy to note the community increased this > year by 66. He was also delighted to see your Assembly arranged for all > delegates to be present. This is very important, especially during this period > when full consultation and cooperation is necessary amongst all the far-flung > Canadian Assemblies and groups, as well as isolated believers, in order to > ensure the success of your first and so important Plan. > > He approves of the measures you have inaugurated for intensive teaching > during the coming year, and trusts they will meet with great success. > > The British victories, in the face of great obstacles, and the consistent > success across the border in the U.S.A., must be at once an inspiration and a > challenge to the Canadian friends. There is no doubt they can succeed if > the entire community applies itself eagerly and confidently to its task. > > SETTLEMENT OF PIONEERS IN NEWFOUNDLAND > > The Guardian is immensely pleased over the settlement of pioneers > > +E6 > in > Newfoundland; this has accomplished one of the specific desires of the beloved > Master, and will redound to the glory of the Canadian Bahá'ís. > > The next, most important task is to get Miss Gates > > +E7 > into Greenland. > This is fraught with many difficulties, but he urges your Assembly to persevere > and exert its utmost to remove every obstacle. He will specially pray that a > way may open for her to enter that country. > > Regarding your question about contributions: it is up to the individual > to decide; if he wishes to denote a sum to a specific purpose, he is free to do > so; but the friends should recognize the fact that too much labelling of > contributions will tie the hands of the Assembly and prevent it from meeting > its many obligations in various fields of Bahá'í activity. > > Concerning the points your Assembly raised in the letter of December > 20, 1949: > > The Guardian is very anxious that no new rules and regulations should > be introduced. As far as possible each N.S.A. should decide secondary matters > for itself, and not try to lay down a rule general in application. > > +P16 > > Bahá'u'lláh gives no right of appeal to the law that both parents must > give permission to the marriage, if they are living--Bahá'í marriages should > be referred to assemblies to officiate; where there is no Assembly to officiate > your body is free to decide what procedure should be followed. Whether it > is the chairman or secretary or some other person who actually conducts > the marriage is, likewise, a matter for your body to decide. > > The Guardian has not found it desirable, for various reasons, to send a > recorded message to any Convention. > > TEACHING THE CANADIAN INDIANS > > The work being done by various Bahá'ís, including our dear Indian > believer > > +E8 > who returned from the United States in order to pioneer amongst > his own people, in teaching the Canadian Indians, is one of the most important > fields of activity under your jurisdiction. The Guardian hopes that ere > long many of these original Canadians will take an active part in Bahá'í > affairs and arise to redeem their brethren from the obscurity and despondency > into which they have fallen. > > The desire of your Assembly to remain in the closest touch with the > Guardian pleases him very much--he assures you that the desire is mutual! > > With the assurance of his loving prayers for you all. > > Yours in His service, > > R. RABBANI. > > P.S. The maps you forwarded were of great interest, and he thanks you > for them. He intends to have one of them published in the next edition of > "Bahá'í World." > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The progress achieved in various fields by the members of the Canadian > Bahá'í Community under the direction of its national elected representatives, > since the inception of the Five Year Plan, merits the highest praise, and > augurs well for its success in the years that lie immediately ahead. The > spontaneity with which the members of this community, on the morrow of its > having attained an independent, national existence, have arisen to execute the > Plan designed for the furtherance of its interests and the consolidation of its > newly-born institutions, the zeal and resolution which have characterized > the prosecution of the task entrusted to their care, the notable success they > > +P17 > > have already achieved in the initial stages of their enterprise, have served to > heighten my feelings of admiration for those who have directed its course > and participated in its unfoldment, and to evoke the unstinted praise of all > sister communities in both the East and the West. > > A GREATER UNANIMITY IN SACRIFICE REQUIRED > > Though much has been achieved in the course of the two years that have > elapsed since the formulation of the Plan, the objectives that the members > of this struggling, youthful and valiant community have set themselves to > attain are still far from being fulfilled. Though the process of the > multiplication of Bahá'í centres, over the length and breadth of so vast a > territory, has been, steadily and speedily, gathering momentum, the number of > groups that have achieved Assembly status is still relatively insignificant, > while the pioneer activity designed to awaken and stimulate the interest of the > Eskimos in the Faith and enlist their support may hardly be said to have been > vigorously and adequately launched. The call to which this newly-fledged > community has been summoned is admittedly urgent and challenging. The > character of the tasks alloted to it is, in many respects, unique. The > resources at its disposal for the discharge of its peculiar responsibilities > are no doubt as yet inadequate. The obstacles that stand in its way and > obstruct its path seem almost insurmountable. Its membership, when viewed in > relation to the range over which it operates, is no doubt wholly inadequate yet > the spirit which has consistently animated the members of the entire community, > and the energy and determination which have distinguished their elected > representatives in the discharge of their sacred duties, are such as to > fortify the hopes which I, as well as their fellow-workers in both > hemispheres, have cherished in our hearts, since the inauguration of their > first collective enterprise in a land so rich in promise, so vast in its > potentialities, and so honoured by the visit of the Centre of the Covenant > Himself as well as by the glowing references made to it by Him in His immortal > Tablets. > > As the centenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's prophetic Mission > approaches, as the first historic Plan, signalizing the birth and rise of a > highly privileged community, the sole partner of its great sister community in > the South in the prosecution of `Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan, gathers momentum > and enters the concluding stages in its evolution, a dedication even more > conspicuous than that already manifested in the hour of the launching of > the Plan must needs be displayed by all those who are called upon to > participate in its prosecution. A sterner resolve, a nobler heroism, a greater > unanimity > > +P18 > > in sacrifice, a further intensification of effort must be manifested, as the > first stage in the evolution of the mission of the Canadian Bahá'í Community > draws to a close, and paves the way for the inauguration of still more splendid > enterprises along the path laid down for them by the unerring hand of the > Author of the Divine Plan. > > That this community will never relax in its high endeavours, that the > vision of its glorious mission will not be suffered to be dimmed, that > obstacles, however formidable, will neither dampen its zeal or deflect it from > its purpose, is my confident hope and earnest prayer. He Who watches over its > destinies, from Whose pen testimonies so significant and soul thrilling have > flowed, will no doubt continue to direct its steps, to shower upon it His > loving bounties, to surround it with His constant care, and to enable it to > scale loftier heights on its ascent towards the summit of its destiny. > > With a heart brimful with gratitude for all that this community has so > far achieved, and throbbing with hope for the future exploits that will > distinguish its record of stewardship to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, I pray > that by its acts, this community will prove itself worthy of the trust > confided to its care, and the station to which it has been called. > > Your true and grateful brother, > > SHOGHI. > > --------------------- > > January, 1951. > > SHRINE OF THE BAB > > To the Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letter of September 13 has reached the beloved Guardian, as well > as the contribution made by the N.S.A. of Canada and some of the friends > towards the construction of the Báb's Shrine, a receipt for which I am > enclosing. > > He is pleased to accept this loving donation for an enterprise so dear to > all our hearts--and one which is fulfilling one of the Master's cherished > plans. > > There are so many obstacles to be overcome and so much red tape to be > waded through, but he feels no time must be lost, and has just had the contract > signed in Italy for the stone work for the octagon. God has opened all > doors so far--he feels sure He will continue to do so. > > With warmest loving greetings to you. > > RUHIYYIH. > > +P19 > > May the Almighty bless you and your dear and devoted co-workers, > whose labours I deeply appreciate, whose contributions I greatly value, and > whose spirit I truly admire. I will supplicate ardently on your behalf, that > the Beloved may reward you abundantly, and enable you to win great and > memorable victories in His service. > > Your true brother, > > SHOGHI. > > --------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > March 1, 1951. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... with enclosures, have been received; and our beloved > Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf... > > Although he is finding it so difficult to keep up with his correspondence, > owing to the increase of work here at the International Centre, he follows > with interest the progress being made by the believers in Canada; and is > delighted to see how your Assembly is growing in maturity and capacity to > handle the problems which invariably arise in connection with administering > the affairs of the Faith in such a vast area as the Dominion of Canada. > > He was very happy to know that the work in connection with the Indians > and the Eskimos is receiving special attention; and he would like your Assembly > to please express to Miss Nan Brandle > > +E9 > his deep appreciation of the > unique service she is rendering the Cause, and of the exemplary spirit which > is animating her. He hopes other believers will follow in her footsteps, and > arise to do work in this very important field of Bahá'í activity. > > He was also pleased to see that your Assembly had increased the annual > budget, as this expresses the determination of the Canadian believers to > expand their activities and carry on their work on a larger scale than ever > before. > > CONTACT WITH ARCTIC ESKIMOS > > He was also very pleased to see that Mr. Bond > > +E1 > 0 had gone north and had > been able to contact the Arctic Eskimos. He hopes that the way will open for > this devoted believer to establish a more permanent contact in that area in > some field of government work. > > +P20 > > He considers the policy of your Assembly of helping delegates from > distant points to attend the Convention, an excellent one, as the attendance > of these delegates enables them to carry back a very real awareness of the > work in hand and the needs of the hour, to their local communities. > > STIRRING EXAMPLE OF BRITISH PIONEERS > > The Guardian feels that, although the Canadian Bahá'ís are making > excellent progress in consolidating their National Assembly and its subsidiary > committees, in holding Conferences and Summer Schools, in sending forth > travelling teachers, and in contacting the important minority groups, the > Eskimos and Indians, that they are not making sufficient progress in the > all-important field of pioneer activity. If they are to succeed in > accomplishing their plan, a far greater number of Canadian Bahá'ís will > have to arise and go into the pioneer field. He feels sure that they can do > this, as they have already had the stirring example of how much was done in > the British Isles by a community of about their size. In comparing the problem > which faced the British Bahá'ís under their Six Year Plan, and that which > faces the Canadian Bahá'ís under their Five Year Plan, the friends should bear > in mind that they were spared the severest ordeals of the war, the extreme > restrictions and rationing which the British believers had to put up with. If > the British Bahá'ís, with all their handicaps and suffering real physical and > nervous exhaustion from the long war years, could accomplish so much, then > surely the Canadian Bahá'ís, who were spared these conditions, are in a much > better state to carry on and prosecute their tasks. What was done at the very > breaking point in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales could be done--must be > done--by the Canadian believers, with much less effort. Although sacrifice is > required, he feels sure that the friends are ready and willing to make the > necessary sacrifice, and arise to insure that the very first Plan, the very > first organized work undertaken by them as an independent National Bahá'í > Community, will be carried forward and victory insured by the appointed time. > > He assures all the members of your Assembly, and through you, the > community that you serve and represent, that your work is very dear to his > heart, and that you are often remembered in his prayers. He is waiting to > receive the good news that many more objectives have been achieved during > this coming Bahá'í year. > > With warmest Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > +P21 > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The energy, fidelity and courage, with which the Canadian Bahá'í > Community has, in the course of this past year, faced its problems, discharged > its duties and expanded the scope of its teaching and administrative activities > merit the highest praise, and have greatly raised my hopes for the eventual > consummation of the Plan which its members are so steadfastly prosecuting. > Though unable, owing to a chain of circumstances beyond my control, to > address them more frequently and convey to them my feelings of gratitude > and admiration for their recent achievements, I have followed closely the > course of their manifold activities, perused, with care and interest, the > various publications which testify to their unremitting labours, and remembered > them in my prayers in the holy Shrines. > > FUTURE OF CANADA VERY GREAT > > This community though still in its infancy, is manifesting, in the course > of the first years of its existence as an independent administrative entity, a > virility, a steadfastness of purpose, a dedication to the Cause it serves, an > organizing ability in the administration of its affairs that augur well for the > glorious destiny disclosed by the Pen of the Author of the Divine Plan in His > epoch-making Tablets. Already in the early stages of its life, when its > administrative machinery was still merged with the institutions evolved by the > followers of the Faith residing in the great Republic of the West, its fame, > through a series of memorable events and noble exploits that have greatly > enriched the annals of the Cause of God, had spread far and wide and the shadow > of its future glory had run before it to the remotest corners of the Bahá'í > World. For was it not `Abdu'l-Bahá's own pen which, as far back as the dark > years of the First World War, had forecast the splendor of the memorable > achievements which, spiritually and materially, would distinguish and > illuminate its annals in the years to come? "The future of the Dominion of > Canada ... is very great and the events connected with it infinitely > glorious... Again I repeat that the future of Canada is very great, whether > from a material or a spiritual standpoint." > > +E2 > > IMPERISHABLE RECORD OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE > > It was a Canadian > > +E11 > , of French extraction, who through his vision and > skill was instrumental in conceiving the design, and delineating the features, > of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the West, marking the first attempt, > however rudimentary, to express the beauty which Bahá'í art will, in its > plenitude, > > +P22 > > unfold to the eyes of the world. It was a Canadian woman > > +E12 > , one of the > noblest in the ranks of Bahá'í pioneers, who alone and single-handed, forsook > her home, settled among an alien people, braved with a leonine spirit the risks > and dangers of the world conflict that raged around her, and who now, at > an advanced age and suffering from infirmities, is still holding the Fort and > is setting an example, worthy of emulation by all her fellow pioneers of both > the East and the West. It was a member > > +E13 > of that same community who won > the immortal distinction of being called upon to be my helpmate, my shield > in warding off the darts of Covenant-breakers and my tireless collaborator > in the arduous tasks I shoulder. It was a Canadian subject > > +E1 > , the spiritual > mother of that same community, who, though fully aware of the risks of the > voyage she was undertaking, journeyed as far as the capital of Argentina to > serve a Cause that had honoured her so uniquely, and there laid down her > life and won the everlasting crown of martyrdom. It was, moreover, a > Canadian > > +E5 > who more recently achieved the immortal renown of designing the > exquisite shell destined to envelop, preserve and embellish the holy and > priceless structure enshrining the dust of the Beloved Founder of our Faith. > > A community which, in the course of less than fifty years, has to its > credit such an imperishable record of international service, and standing now > on the threshold of a new epoch in its evolution, recognized as a > self-governing member of the family of Bahá'í national communities, > functioning according to a Plan of its own conceived for its orderly and > efficient development, must, if it is to maintain the standard of excellence it > has already attained, display on a still wider front, and continue to > demonstrate, a no less profound spirit of dedication, as it forges ahead, in > the years to come, along the road laid down for it by the Centre of the > Covenant Himself in His historic Tablets. > > CO-HEIR OF THE TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN > > As co-partner with the American Bahá'í Community in the execution of > the Divine Plan, it must evince in both the administrative and pioneer fields, > a heroism that may be truly worthy of its high calling. In the remote and > inhospitable regions of the North, amidst the Eskimos of Greenland and the > Indians of the Dominion of Canada; throughout the Provinces of a far flung > territory where newly fledged assemblies, and nuclei of future Bahá'í > institutions in the form of groups and isolated centres, lie scattered; in its > relationships and negotiations with the local, provincial and national > representatives of civil authority in issues affecting matters of personal > status and the independence of the Faith and the establishment of its > endowments; in its contact > > +P23 > > with the masses and in its effort to publicize the Faith, enhance its prestige > and disseminate its literature, this community, so young, so vibrant with > life, so laden with blessings, so rich in promise, must rise to such heights, > achieve such fame as shall eclipse the radiance of its past administrative and > pioneer achievements. > > Then and only then, will this community acquire the spiritual > potentialities that will enable it to discharge, as befits a co-heir of the > Tablets of the Divine Plan, the tremendous responsibilities, and fulfil the > functions, devolving upon it beyond the oceans, and in all the continents of > the globe. > > May this community, the leaven placed by the hands of Providence in > the midst of a people belonging to a nation, likewise young, dynamic, richly > endowed with material resources, and assured of a great material prosperity > by `Abdu'l-Bahá, play its part not only in lending a notable impetus to the > world-wide propagation of the Faith it has espoused, but contribute, as its > resources multiply and as it gains in stature, to the spiritualization and > material progress of the nation of which it forms so vital a part. > > SHOGHI. > > --------------------- > > October 30, 1951. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved > Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. > > The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to > regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; > consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its > needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is > considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve > accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are > registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of > work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed > out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external > practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes > the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is > very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to > either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what > is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably. > > +P24 > > The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to > the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete > things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in > life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the > Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the > counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their > tasks, once they do get under way. > > PIONEER TO GREENLAND > > The departure of Mr. Bond > > +E1 > 0 for the Arctic made the Guardian very > happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff > > +E14 > for Greenland, mark the > opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set > forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart. > > Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of > the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to > accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new > level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British > Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of > the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few > in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the > war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and > moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them > the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same > characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now > rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African > work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less > restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly > determine to do so. > > The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for > support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank > all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that > their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of > an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over. > > He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, > and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan. > > With Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > +P25 > > CRITICAL FINAL PHASE OF FIVE YEAR PLAN > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The Plan on which the attention of the Canadian Bahá'í Community is > focused and upon the success of which must depend its immediate destinies, > is now entering a critical stage, demanding increasing vigilance on the part > of all of its members, utter consecration to the Plan's objectives, and a > determined, inflexible resolve to carry it to a successful conclusion. > > Little over a year separates this valiant community, still in the earliest > stage of its independent existence, from the fateful hour that will mark the > termination of the first collective enterprise undertaken in its history. The > vastness of the field in which its infant strength is being tested is indeed > staggering. The resources it can command are severely limited. The number of > active participators, whether as pioneers or administrators, is admittedly > small. The experience of the vast majority of its supporters is inadequate to > the tremendous obligations it has assumed. The obstacles confronting it > whether in Greenland, or among the Indians and the Eskimos of the extreme > North, are truly formidable. Yet the potency infused into this community, > through the Revelation of `Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan, and the spiritual > capacity engendered in its earliest members through His visit to their native > land--distinctions which it fully shares with its sister community in the > Great Republic of the West--empower it to discharge--if it but rise to the > occasion--all the responsibilities it has undertaken and consummate the > task to which it stands pledged. > > The eyes of the Bahá'í World are expectantly turned towards this newly > erected pillar, designed to sustain in conjunction with other National > Assemblies the weight of the Supreme Legislative Body of the World Order of > Bahá'u'lláh. Sister communities in both the East and the West, less > privileged than it and deprived of the primacy with which the twin Bahá'í > national communities labouring in the North American continent have been > invested by the unerring Pen of the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant, yet > able to achieve, under circumstances no less challenging, a success wholly out > of proportion to their numbers, are eagerly awaiting the outcome of this > initial crusade embarked upon by this blessed, this envied community in > conformity with the Mandate issued by `Abdu'l-Bahá in His immortal Tablets > > +E2 > . > He Himself Who nourished and watched over it with such loving care from the > earliest days of its inception, Who, in unmistakable language and on more > than one occasion, foreshadowed its glorious future, both materially and > > +P26 > > spiritually, is from His station on high, gazing down upon the youthful efforts > exerted by a community so dear to His heart, so newly launched upon a > course which He Himself has charted. > > This final phase of the first Plan, undertaken by a newly fledged, > repeatedly blessed community, as it speeds to a close, must witness an upsurge > of spirit, of courage and determination, a display of activity, a demonstration > of self-sacrifice, and of solidarity such as to eclipse its brightest > achievements in the past. The highly meritorious tasks initiated in both > Greenland and Newfoundland need not be enlarged at the present hour, but > should, under no circumstances, be allowed to suffer any setback. The work > started among the Eskimos and Indians should be maintained at its present > level, and should not be permitted to decline. An extraordinary concentration > of effort, systematic, determined and sustained, is however required throughout > all the nine Provinces of the Dominion, aiming at an unprecedented flow of > contributions by the entire body of the believers, each according to his or her > means, into the National Treasury; a marked increase in the number of > pioneers; a much greater dispersion; a higher degree of austerity; a still > nobler display of consecration--all of which must result in a speedy > multiplication of Assemblies and groups, which constitutes the core of the > Plan, and on which hinges its fortunes. > > UNUTTERABLY PRECIOUS OPPORTUNITY > > The fleeting months ahead will be truly decisive. Upon the success of > the present Plan must depend, not only the joint tribute to be paid by the > Canadian Bahá'í Community to the memory of the Founder of the Faith on > the occasion of the centenary of the Birth of His Revelation, but also the > rapid unfoldment of subsequent stages of the Mission which the Tablets of > `Abdu'l-Bahá so clearly, and emphatically entitle it to fulfil. > > The opportunity given to this community is precious, unutterably > precious. The fate of this first historic Plan now hangs in the balance. The > present chance, if lost, cannot be retrieved. The issues on which hinge the > successful prosecution of the Plan are so weighty that none can assess them > at present. The needs of a sorely-stricken society, groping in its distress > for God's redemptive Message, are growing more acute with every passing hour. > The Canadian Bahá'í Community, newly emerged as an independent > member of the Bahá'í World Community, so richly blessed through its > elevation to the rank of a chosen prosecutor of a Divine Plan, unique, in > many respects, among its sister communities in both Hemispheres in the > > +P27 > > manifold blessings bestowed upon it, can neither afford to flinch for a > moment or hesitate in the discharge of its sacred duty. Every effort exerted > by this community, during these fate-laden months, every sacrifice willingly > endured by its members, will, if they but persevere, be richly blessed by Him > Who brought it into being, Who nursed it through His love, Who conferred > upon it so distinguished a Mission, Who made such magnificent promises > regarding its future, and Who will continue to sustain it through His > unfailing, His abounding grace and favour. > > May this community, ever aware of the position it occupies, and of the > bright prospects unfolding before it, brace itself for one last, supreme > effort, and ensure, while there is yet time, the complete and total success of > the enterprise to which it stands committed. > > SHOGHI. > > --------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > June 8, 1952. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... with their various enclosures, have been received, and > the beloved Guardian has requested me to answer you on his behalf. > > He was very happy to hear that the Convention had been such a success, > and above all, that the delegates had realized how urgent are the teaching > tasks still facing the Canadian Community. He hopes that they will carry > back to their local communities a sense of this urgency, and stimulate the > friends to make a heroic last effort and succeed. They say success breeds > success; and there can be no doubt that, upon the accomplishment of the > present goals, must depend the work in the immediate future--both the > degree of spiritual help that will be vouchsafed by God, and the number of > tasks that will be entrusted to the Canadian Bahá'ís. He feels sure that if > the believers become sufficiently aroused to an awareness of the critical > nature of the coming months, they will take the necessary action, however great > the sacrifice involved. > > CHARLOTTETOWN MUST BE MAINTAINED > > As he cabled you, he feels that Charlottetown > > +E15 > , representing as it > does, one of the Canadian Provinces, must be maintained at any cost. > > In regard to the question you asked about the holding of the Canadian > Convention in Wilmette, this would not be possible, as the National Body > > +P28 > > must hold its Convention in its own country. He suggests, however, that you > make an effort to coordinate the dates in such a way that the friends can later > proceed to Wilmette for the Intercontinental Teaching Conference and the > dedication of the Temple. As long as it is held within the Ridván period, > the dates can be arranged any way that suits your convenience, and of course > the Convention can be convened in any place in Canada your Assembly decides > upon, even on the American frontier at a point en route to Chicago. > > The Guardian was most happy to hear of the excellent work some of the > Bahá'ís are doing with the Eskimos and the Indians, and considers their > spirit most exemplary. They are rendering a far greater service than they, > themselves, are aware of, the fruits of which will be seen, not only in Canada, > but because of their repercussions, in other countries where primitive > populations must be taught. > > He feels that the opening for a Canadian believer to visit the Governor of > Greenland and his wife is extremely important. > > The personality of the Bahá'í who accepts this invitation should be > carefully considered, because to be a guest of people in a different climate > and environment, of a different nationality and speaking a different > language, so far away, might be a little trying, and of course the impression > that this Bahá'í creates will be of infinite importance to the Faith in its > future development in Greenland. Whether ... makes the sacrifice and goes, > or some other individual is chosen, he urges your Assembly to above all > consider this matter tactfully and from the human standpoint, rather than the > religious one, if one can put it that way. > > LAURENTIAN BAHÁ'Í SCHOOL > > Your Assembly must decide, as the Guardian already told dear Mr. > Schopflocher > > +E16 > when he was here, upon the advisability of maintaining the > Laurentian School > > +E17 > , in an objective spirit. The Guardian can only outline > to you the principle, which is that Bahá'í funds should not be invested in > building up a place that has dear associations for a number of the friends, but > is not going to really serve a large group of the believers. > > The Guardian's point is that National Bodies when creating national > institutions, should use sound judgment, because of the financial investment > involved. This is only reasonable. > > Your Assembly must therefore decide what to do about the Laurentian > School, and you are free to make your own decisions. > > He would be very happy to have the National Assembly maintain the > > +P29 > > grave of dear Sutherland Maxwell > > +E5 > . His association, not only with Canada > and the inception of the Faith there, but with the World Centre and the > Shrine of the Báb, naturally endears him to all the friends, and his grave > should be a national memorial. When the time comes to erect the tombstone, > the question of receiving contributions from your Body can be > considered. > > He feels that the Canadian Community, old in the Northern Hemisphere, > but young in its independence, is showing great promise, and he is > proud of it and of the spirit that animates both its National Assembly and its > members. He also feels confident it will distinguish itself, not only during > the coming year, but during the next 10 years before our Most Great Jubilee > falls due in 1963. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > P.S.--Regarding your question concerning St. John's, Newfoundland, > and the believers living outside the town limits: no exception to the general > rule can be made in this case. > > Dear and Valued Co-Workers: > > The Plan, with which the immediate destinies of the valiant, newly > emerged independent, highly promising Canadian Bahá'í Community are > linked is, as it approaches its closing stage, passing through a very critical > period in its unfoldment. Proclaiming as it does the formal association of the > second Bahá'í community to attain an independent status in the Western > Hemisphere with its sister communities who, in various parts of the Bahá'í > World, are prosecuting specific Plans designed to foster their organic > development, signalizing the alignment of this community as the sole ally of > the chief Executors of `Abdu'l-Bahá's Master Plan, this collective fate-laden > enterprise upon which this youthful and virile member of the World Bahá'í > Family has so whole-heartedly and enthusiastically launched--an enterprise > on the successful consummation of which the effective initiation of its > glorious mission, far beyond the borders of the Dominion of Canada, must > ultimately depend--such an enterprise, however vast the field in which it > operates, and no matter how circumscribed the resources of the small band of > stalwart pioneers engaged in its prosecution--must, under no circumstances > be allowed to register a failure. > > +P30 > > In Newfoundland, in Greenland, among the Eskimos and Indians, > through the incorporation of its National Assembly, the immediate objectives > have been practically attained. The attention of the entire community must, > in the remaining months ahead, be focused on the dire necessity of multiplying, > at whatever cost, the number of pioneers, the rapid formation of groups, > and the conversion of groups into Assemblies, so that the complete and total > success of the Plan may be assured, and a triumphant community may step > forward, confident and unencumbered by any liabilities, into a vast arena > of service, prosecute a still more glorious mission, and win still mightier > victories. > > HAZÍRATU'L-QUDS TO BE ESTABLISHED > > While the energy of this community is being expended on the conduct of > this fateful undertaking, marking the baptism of this community, a collateral > effort must, owing to unforeseen circumstances, be exerted for the > establishment of an institution which, though not an integral part of the Plan > formulated for that community, is none the less regarded as indispensable owing > to its emergence into an independent existence, and the necessity of its > following the lead of its sister communities in East and West, which have, at > various stages in their development, adopted this vital measure for the > consolidation of their national institutions and the raising of the prestige of > the Faith in their respective countries. The selection of the city to serve as > the seat of the national Haziratu'l-Quds in the Dominion of Canada; the > purchase of either a plot to serve as a site for the construction of this > Edifice, or, preferably, of a building to serve as a provisional national > administrative headquarters for a rising, steadily expanding community; the > association of all other National Assemblies throughout the Bahá'í World in > contributing towards this highly meritorious enterprise; my own association > with the Bahá'ís the world over in providing for the early emergence of such a > Centre towards which the manifold activities initiated throughout the length > and breadth of a vast Dominion must converge, and from which the impulses > generated by a rapidly evolving, divinely appointed Administrative Order must > radiate--these constitute the imperative needs of the present hour. The > consummation of this added undertaking, the prompt discharge of this additional > responsibility will, no doubt, constitute a befitting contribution by one of > the youngest national communities in the Bahá'í World to the world-wide > celebrations that are to commemorate the centenary of the Birth of > Bahá'u'lláh's Mission, and which will parallel the termination of the > fifty-year > > +P31 > > old enterprise of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the West, and its > official opening for public Bahá'í worship. > > In conjunction with the various National Administrative Headquarters > purchased or constructed, in the course of the last three decades, in five > continents of the globe, and for the most part in the capital cities of several > countries in the Eastern Hemisphere, this latest Edifice in the chain of > Bahá'í national institutions linking five continents will, no doubt, serve to > enhance the growing prestige of a world-wide Faith and consolidate the > foundations of its administrative structure. From far-off Sydney, on the > shores of the South Pacific Ocean, and successively through New Delhi in the > heart of the Indian sub-continent, Tihrán, the capital of Bahá'u'lláh's > native land, Baghdád, the Iraqi capital enshrining His most holy House, > Cairo, the Egyptian capital the admitted centre of both the Arab and Muslim > worlds, the city of Frankfurt in the heart of both Germany and of the European > continent, and as far as the heart of the North American continent and in the > neighbourhood of the first Bahá'í Centre established in the Western > Hemisphere, this chain of Bahá'í bastions of a world-encircling Order, must > be further extended through an additional link to be forged in the northern > part of the Western Hemisphere, and its subsequent prolongation into Latin > America as far as the Republics of South America. > > HAND OF THE CAUSE SUTHERLAND MAXWELL > > One more word in conclusion. The passing, at this juncture, of > one > > +E5 > who, through a long career of distinguished service to the Cause of > Bahá'u'lláh, not only since the birth of this community but in more recent > years in the heart and centre of the Bahá'í World, has left an indelible mark > on the annals of the Faith, has evoked not only the deepest sorrow but the > utmost regret at a time when this community is beginning to reap at long > last the first fruits of its stewardship to the Cause of God, and the whole > Bahá'í World is on the eve of celebrating one of its greatest Jubilees. By > reason of his own saintly life, his self-effacement, gentleness, loving > kindness and nobility of soul; by virtue of his remarkable endowments which he > so devotedly consecrated to both the embellishment of the slopes of God's holy > mountain and the creation of a befitting design for the second most holy > Bahá'í Edifice embosomed in its very heart; and because of his kinship, on > the one hand, with a wife > > +E1 > whom posterity will regard, not only as the > mother of both the Canadian Bahá'í Community and of the first Bahá'í > centre established on the European continent but also as one of the foremost > > +P32 > > pioneers and martyrs of the Faith and, on the other with a daughter > > +E13 > , whose > unfailing support to me as my helpmate, in the darkest days of my life, has > earned her the title already conferred on her father--Sutherland Maxwell > has left a legacy, and achieved a position excelled by only a few among the > supporters of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh throughout the eleven decades of > its existence. > > Inspired by the example and the accomplishments of those of its members > who have distinguished themselves in the Holy Land, on the European > continent and in both the northern and southern continents of the Western > Hemisphere this community must forge on, with thanksgiving and redoubled > zeal, on the road leading it to a still more glorious destiny in the > years immediately ahead. That it may press forward, conquer still greater > heights, plumb greater depths of consecration, spread wider and wider the > fame of the Cause of God is the cherished desire of my heart and the object > of my constant supplication. > > SHOGHI. > > ----------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > September 19, 1952. > > To the Bahá'í's who were gathered at the Ontario Summer School Conference. > > The beloved Guardian has received your loving letter of August 9th, and > has instructed me to write you on his behalf. > > He was most happy to learn that it was possible for so large a number > of the friends to attend, and that such a spirit of love and unity was present > amongst them; also that a number of the attracted friends have been so > touched by the spirit of the Conference, that they have declared their > intention of enlisting their services in the Pathway of Bahá'u'lláh. > > The Guardian was made happy also to learn that several of the believers > have responded to the call for pioneers. A great bounty and a great > responsibility will be given the Canadian believers within the coming few > months, with the launching of the Ten Year Plan, and a firm foundation in the > teaching field must be laid now, so that the friends will be fully equipped to > shoulder their tasks, both at home and abroad, during the coming World > Crusade. > > The Guardian will pray for each one of you. > > With loving Bahá'í greetings, > > R. RABBANI. > > +P33 > > May the Almighty guide your steps, remove all obstacles from your > path, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the service of > His glorious Faith. > > Your true brother, > > SHOGHI. > > +P34 > > +P35 > > CANADA'S PART IN THE TEN YEAR > > WORLD SPIRITUAL CRUSADE. 1953-57 > > +P36 > > +P37 > > CANADA'S PART IN THE TEN YEAR > > WORLD SPIRITUAL CRUSADE. 1953-57 > > To the Sixth Canadian National Convention. > > (Cablegrams) April 22, 1953. > > Profoundly impressed magnificent victories. Love. SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > ANNOUNCEMENT OF GOALS OF TEN YEAR CRUSADE > > Overjoyed grateful triumphant conclusion Five Year Plan most momentous > enterprise launched Canadian Bahá'í history initiated morrow emergence > independent existence Canadian Bahá'í Community culminating > centenary birth Bahá'u'lláh's Mission constituting prelude mightier > undertaking designed consolidate magnificent victories achieved homefront > inaugurate community's historic mission beyond confines Dominion. Ten > Year Plan its valiant members now embarking upon enabling them push > outposts faith northernmost territories Western Hemisphere associating > them members seven other sister communities raising aloft banner Faith > Pacific Islands involves: > > FIRST opening following virgin territories eleven North America: > Anticosti Island, Baranof Island, Cape Breton Island, Franklin, Grand Manan > Island, Keewatin, Labrador, Magdalen Islands, Miquelon Island and St. > Pierre Island, Queen Charlotte Islands, Yukon; Two Asias--Marquesas > Islands, Samoa Islands. > > SECOND consolidation Faith Iceland, Greenland, Mackenzie, Newfoundland. > > THIRD purchase land Toronto anticipation construction first > Mashriqu'l-Adhkár Canada. > > FOURTH establishment national Bahá'í endowments. > > FIFTH doubling number Local Spiritual Assemblies. > > SIXTH raising number incorporated Assemblies nineteen. > > SEVENTH formation Israel Branch Canadian National Spiritual Assembly. > > +P38 > > EIGHTH establishment American Asian teaching committees entrusted > task stimulate coordinate teaching activities initiated Plan. Appeal members > entire community worthy allies chief executors `Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan > dedicate themselves immediate requirements steadily unfolding mission > discharge nobly sacred strenuous tasks ahead contribute memorable share > prosecution decade long World Spiritual Crusade pay befitting tribute > through future accomplishments memory Founder Faith occasion most > great Jubilee commemorating centenary declaration His Mission city > Baghdád. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > May 1, 1953. > > Deeply touched message fervently supplicating signal victories loving > remembrance shrines. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > June 20, 1953. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has > instructed me to answer you on his behalf. > > He regrets very much the delay in answering your letters. Unfortunately > he has had to delay in replying to all national bodies during the last > year, because of the pressure of work here, which has steadily increased > during this Holy Year. > > ACQUISITION OF NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND SHRINE > > The purchase of your national headquarters, he feels, was an important > milestone in the history of the Faith in Canada, and he hopes that it will be > put to good use, during the coming years, by your Assembly. To this > institution you will soon be adding the Maxwell Home > > +E18 > in Montreal, which > should be viewed in the nature of a national shrine, because of its association > with the beloved Master, during His visit to Montreal. He sees no objection > to having one room in the house being used as a little museum associated > with Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell. > > He was most happy to hear that all of your goals were achieved. This > augurs well for the future of your activities, especially during the Ten Year > > +P39 > > Plan just launched. He wishes through your body to thank all the pioneers, > teachers and Bahá'ís who helped achieve this great victory. They have every > reason to feel proud of themselves, and grateful to Bahá'u'lláh. Undoubtedly > His divine assistance, combined with their determination and faith, enabled > them to fulfill their objectives. > > He was very happy to know that Charlottetown not only achieved > Assembly status, but that the believers there are mostly self-supporting, as > this is a sound basis for the expansion of the work in any place, especially in > such a difficult one. > > The Bahá'í Exhibit held at the Canadian National Exhibition was an > excellent means of obtaining publicity. He hopes that advantage will be > taken of similar opportunities in the future. > > He urges your assembly to press for recognition of the Bahá'í marriage > in Ontario, and, gradually, where the Cause is strong enough, in other > Provinces. > > Regarding the question you asked him about one of the believers who > seems to be flagrantly a homosexual--although to a certain extent we must > be forbearing in the matter of people's moral conduct because of the > terrible deterioration in society in general, this does not mean that we can > put up indefinitely with conduct which is disgracing the Cause. This person > should have it brought to his attention that such acts are condemned by > Bahá'u'lláh, and that he must mend his ways, if necessary consult doctors, > and make efforts to overcome this affliction, which is corruptive for him and > bad for the Cause. If after a period of probation you do not see an > improvement, he should have his voting rights taken away. The Guardian does > not think, however, that a Bahá'í body should take it upon itself to denounce > him to the Authorities unless his conduct borders on insanity. > > The Guardian attaches the greatest importance, during this opening > year of the Ten Year Campaign, to settling the virgin areas with pioneers. > He has informed, or is informing, the other National Assemblies that there > is no reason why believers from one country should not fill the goals in > other countries. In other words, Canada should receive foreign pioneers for > her goals, who would operate under her jurisdiction; likewise, Canadians > could go forth and pioneer in other countries' goal territories if the way > opened for them to do so. Naturally, they must feel their first responsibility > should be toward the Canadian part of the Plan, as they are Canadians, but > sometimes health, business openings or family connections might take > people into other goal countries. > > +P40 > > He realizes that the objectives in the far north are perhaps the hardest. > On the other hand, the harder the task, the more glorious the victory. > > You may be sure that he is praying for your success, and, what is more, > he is confident that this young, virile Canadian Community can and will > succeed in carrying out its share of the World Spiritual Crusade, so vast and > challenging, upon which we are now launched. > > With warmest Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > INITIAL STAGE OF GLORIOUS MISSION > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The brilliant success achieved by the Canadian Bahá'í Community, > marking the triumphant conclusion of the Plan formulated on the morrow of > the emergence of the community as an independent member of the International > Bahá'í Family, is to be regarded as a milestone of far-reaching > importance in the evolution of the Faith not only in the Dominion of Canada > but throughout the entire Western Hemisphere. The vitality displayed so > strikingly by this youthful community, the exemplary fidelity demonstrated > by its members to the spiritual as well as administrative principles of the > Faith in the conduct of their manifold activities; the splendid cooperation > with their national and local elected representatives which they have > invariably shown, at every stage in the development of the Plan; the sacrifices > they have repeatedly made; the vigilance and care which they have > exercised while discharging their sacred and weighty responsibilities; the > soundness of judgement, the enthusiasm and perseverance that have distinguished > them in the pursuance of their tasks--all these have, in recent > years, contributed, in no small measure, to the raising of the prestige of this > community in the eyes of its sister communities in both the East and West, > and in evoking feelings of profound admiration in the hearts of the followers > of the Faith in every continent of the globe. > > I myself am deeply touched, and feel a profound gratitude for the superb > contribution made by this community, still in the early years of its > development, to the world-wide progress of the Faith achieved since the > inception of the successive Plans undertaken by various National Assemblies for > the systematic propagation of the Faith throughout the world. > > The great strides which this virile and highly promising community > has made in so short a period, over so vast a continent, despite such > formidable > > +P41 > > obstacles, and in the service of so glorious a Cause, fill my heart with > confidence that the tasks it has now assumed, on the morrow of the successful > termination of the first collective enterprise undertaken in Canadian > Bahá'í history, will be consummated in a manner that will redound to the > glory of the Faith to which its members are so wholly dedicated. > > The Ten Year Plan which your Assembly has now launched, in its > capacity as the elected representatives of the Canadian Bahá'í Community-- > the recognized allies of the chief executors of `Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine Plan-- > and which constitutes so important a phase of the global Spiritual Crusade > on which the followers of the Faith have embarked, marks the inauguration > of the initial stage in the unfoldment of the glorious Mission of this > community, a Mission which will enable it to implant, in collaboration with its > sister community in the Great Republic of the West, and with the support > of the Latin American Bahá'í communities associated in the execution of the > Divine Plan, the standard of the Faith in all continents of the Globe. > > TWO PARAMOUNT OBJECTIVES > > Of all the objectives of this momentous Ten Year Plan, with which the > immediate destinies of this firmly-grounded, fully consecrated, high-minded, > spiritually quickened community are so closely linked, the purchase of the > site of the Mother Temple of the Dominion of Canada and the settlement of > pioneers in the thirteen virgin territories and islands, eleven of which are > situated in North America and two in the South Pacific Ocean, may be regarded > as the most important. > > Prompt and effective measures must, no matter how great the sacrifice > involved, be taken to ensure that, ere the termination of the first two years > of the Plan, these two paramount objectives, which constitute the opening > phase of the Plan, will have been fully attained. The entire community must > arise, as it has never risen before, to meet the challenge of the present > hour. The time fixed for the achievement of the initial victories of the Plan > is admittedly brief. The prizes to be won in distant fields, under the most > trying circumstances, by the members of a community so youthful, so > circumscribed in number and resources, are so precious that none of them can as > yet even dimly imagine their transcendent glory. On the homefront, as well as > in the far-off islands of the Pacific Ocean, in both the teaching and > administrative fields, the Canadian Bahá'í Community must labour incessantly > in anticipation of the fulfilment of the inspiring prophecies made by the > Centre of the Covenant Who, repeatedly and in unmistakable language, promised > to > > +P42 > > this community a glorious future, and predicted both the material and > spiritual advancement of the nation of which it forms a part. > > FUTURE ROLE CONTINGENT ON ACHIEVEMENTS IN THIS PLAN > > On the success of this initial stage in the unfoldment of its Mission in > foreign fields--a stage which will witness the departure of the Canadian > pioneers from their homeland, in the northern regions of the Western > Hemisphere, to the South Sea Islands--must depend the degree to which > they will be active in days to come in other continents of the globe and their > neighbouring islands. As the chosen allies of the chief executors of the > Master's Divine Plan, they shoulder a responsibility which is at once > staggering, sacred and inescapable. The greater their exertions, the more > abundant will be the outpouring of celestial grace vouchsafed to them by the > Author of the Plan Himself, Who in His immortal Tablets has more than once > assured of His unfailing aid all who arise to serve His Father's Cause. > > Now is the hour to demonstrate to the entire Bahá'í World those > qualities which the heroes of God, unfurling in the Western Hemisphere the > banners of a world Crusade destined to be carried over the entire surface of > the globe, must possess in order to accomplish their exalted Mission. The > Canadian Bahá'í Community must stand in the vanguard of this conquering army > of Bahá'u'lláh. They must prove themselves increasingly worthy of their high > calling as this momentous Crusade steadily unfolds. They must put their > entire trust in Him Who guides its destinies from His Station on high. They > must dedicate themselves heart and soul to the fulfilment of all its objectives > without delay, without any exception. > > That they may acquit themselves of their task, as befits their high > station in this great spiritual adventure, that they may enrich their > heritage, and noise abroad the fame of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh through a > whole-hearted and valiant participation in this world-girdling Spiritual > Crusade, is the object of my constant prayer and one of my most cherished > hopes. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > May 6, 1954. > > The beloved Guardian has been very happy indeed over the results of the > teaching work in the virgin areas, in the first year of the Ten Year Crusade. > He is very hopeful that all of the virgin areas outside of the Iron Curtain > > +P43 > > countries will soon be settled. He urges that your Assemblies keep after this > very important matter, so that the settlements can be accomplished at the > earliest possible date. > > NO PIONEER SHOULD LEAVE HIS POST > > The Guardian feels that you should write to all of the pioneers, informing > them that he attaches the utmost importance to the services which they are > rendering; in fact, he feels there is no service in the entire Bahá'í World > as important as their pioneering work in the virgin areas. They have achieved > a great station of service. They are the representatives of the Faith in these > virgin areas. They have the inestimable privilege of bringing the light of > Bahá'u'lláh to those hitherto deprived of Divine Guidance for this day. The > Guardian has repeatedly pointed out that they can and should become the > spiritual conquerors of these new lands. > > No pioneer should leave his post unless there is some very urgent reason > and then only after consultation with the appropriate committee or National > Assembly. If it is found someone must leave their post because of very urgent > matters, then the National Assembly should arrange to replace the pioneer > before the pioneer leaves. The Guardian urges that you pay the very closest > attention possible to this important matter, so that the development of the > Faith in these virgin areas may move along in an orderly manner, and produce > great results. > > As the Guardian cabled the entire Bahá'í World at the time of the > Conventions, he hopes that the dynamic spirit which was generated during the > first year of the Plan will be augmented during the second year of the Plan, > and all the Bahá'ís arise everywhere with renewed effort in order to spread > the Glad-Tidings. This year must mark a very substantial increase in the > number of Bahá'ís throughout the world--on the home fronts, in the > consolidation areas, and in the virgin areas. Particular attention should be > paid to the home fronts and the consolidation areas. As the Guardian > indicates, he is expecting "an upsurge of activity which, in its range and > intensity, will excel the exploits which have so greatly enlarged the limits, > and noised abroad the fame, of the Cause of God." > > CENTRE ATTENTION ON OBLIGATIONS OF CRUSADE > > The Guardian urges that all the Bahá'ís centre their complete attention > on the obligations of the Ten Year Crusade. He feels that no new activities > should be undertaken of any type, whether of a local or a national nature. > > +P44 > > The friends must concentrate on the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, which > are principally national and universal. For instance, no local Haziras > should be considered during the Ten Year Crusade, no projects on a national > scale should be considered which do not definitely relate themselves to the > prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade. Funds should not be used for any purpose > except the objects of the Ten Year Crusade. > > We are embarked upon the greatest spiritual drama the world has ever > witnessed; and it is going to require the sacrifice of every individual, every > community and every Assembly, whether local or national, in order to reach > the goals. The Guardian feels they can be reached if we will concentrate, > and not allow our attention to be diverted for a moment for any purpose > whatsoever. > > The Guardian sends you his loving greetings. > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS, > > Assistant Secretary. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > June 15, 1954. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The letters of your Assembly ... with enclosures, have all been safely > received, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his > behalf. > > Although a number of the matters raised in your various letters have > been attended to by cable, he is sorry that he has not been able to answer the > letters of your Assembly sooner. It is becoming increasingly difficult for him > to get around to National Assembly letters at all. > > During the past year, the Canadian Bahá'í Community has gone through > a great many experiences of both a sad nature and a pleasant one. > > HAND OF THE CAUSE SIEGFRIED SCHOPFLOCHER > > The loss of the dear Hand of the Cause, Freddie Schopflocher > > +E16 > , is going > to be much felt. He was so intensely loyal, so vigilant in watching over the > interests of the Faith, so steadfast and tenacious in serving it, that he will > be much missed in the national work. For over thirty years, he promoted, not > > +P45 > > only the interests of the Faith, but those of the Canadian Bahá'í Community, > and rendered on a national and an international scale, through contributions > and many teaching trips, valuable services to the Cause of God. > > The Guardian was very happy that dear Fred could be buried so close to > Sutherland Maxwell > > +E5 > . Montreal has indeed been blessed in more ways than > one; and, as the Mother Community of Canada, should become increasingly > active and united, and live up to the high expectations the Master cherished > for her future, and prove herself worthy of the many blessings she has already > received. > > Another thing which your community has had to pass through this > year--both a blessing and a calamity--is the departure of so many active > members > > +E19 > of your National Body for the pioneer fields abroad. It should be > a source of great pride that one-third of the membership of your Body set > sail for such distant goals, and will render services during the Ten Year > Crusade, of such a nature, he feels sure, as to bestow honour upon the entire > Canadian Community. > > He likewise feels that you have every reason to be satisfied over the > progress which has been made during the first year of the Plan in settling the > goals entrusted to your care. It is very unfortunate that Anticosti should > prove such a hard nut to crack. He appreciates very much the determined > efforts which your Body, and particularly Mr. Rakovsky > > +E2 > 0, made to get a > pioneer into it before last Ridván. No doubt eventually your efforts will > be crowned with success; but you will have to be very tactful and careful in > order not to arouse a permanently resistant attitude on the part of the Company > that owns the Island. > > JURISDICTION OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > > In regard to the question you asked about jurisdiction, the area of > jurisdiction is related to the National Spiritual Assembly responsible for the > teaching work in the goal country in question, and has nothing to do with > what nation the territory belongs to. All Canadian goals are therefore under > the jurisdiction of your National Body, and their pioneers must report to > you, and people, whose declarations are accepted, should be registered by > your National Body, or the Committee in charge of the work, as the case > may be. > > Regarding the question as to whether your Assembly need do anything > about its Israel Branch here; this is a matter which concerns entirely local > procedures. Your Canadian Branch has now been legally established, and is > > +P46 > > entitled to hold property in this country; and he is planning at an early date > to register a piece of land in its name. He will send you the title deed as > soon as all formalities have been carried out. > > CRITERIA FOR TEMPLE SITE > > As he has already informed you by cable, he feels that the land which you > proposed as a Temple and National Haziratu'l-Quds site was altogether too > large, too expensive, and above all, too far from the city limits. He has > given instructions to a number of other National Bodies who were pursuing their > investigations in a direction much the same as your own. He realizes that it > is difficult, and much more expensive, to find a plot close to the heart of the > city. On the other hand, he feels that even a small plot, near to town, is > much more reasonable from every standpoint than a large plot way out in the > country. The friends must remember that they have to be able to get out to > their National Centre and their National Temple and use them; and, as > Bahá'ís are all busy, hardworking people for the most part, the time > involved must inevitably influence their attendance at Bahá'í meetings in the > Hazíratu'l-Quds, and later, Bahá'í services in the Temple. > > If the filling of the goals and the purchase of the Temple site can be > accomplished before the lapse of two years from the inception of the Plan, he > feels you will have carried out his instructions to the letter, and he will > indeed be very happy. > > He thinks that it is very befitting that your Body, as representatives of > the Canadian Bahá'ís, should be responsible for the erection of a tombstone > over dear Fred Schopflocher's grave. > > As you no doubt are aware, he cherishes the very brightest hopes for the > future of the Canadian Bahá'ís. They are a fortunate people, possessing > many of the virtues and few of the faults of both the new and old worlds. He > remembers them in his prayers in the holy Shrines, and prays that they may > speedily advance in the service of the Cause, and accomplish the tasks outlined > in the Ten Year Plan as their particular portion of the work. > > CONSOLIDATION OF THE HOMEFRONT > > He would like to call your attention, and indeed the attention of all the > friends, to the fact that it is time for the Bahá'ís everywhere, including > Canada, to devote themselves to the consolidation work. The goals on the > homefront are going to be, in some ways, even harder to achieve than those > abroad. They will require an increase of membership in the community, > > +P47 > > which means patient and devoted teaching, the multiplication of both > Assemblies and groups, the incorporation of many Spiritual Assemblies, etc. > They now have nine years in which to do it, but the sooner they get some of > the work finished and behind them, the better! We can never tell what the > situation may be at a later date, and whether we will not have to carry on our > labours under much more difficult circumstances than those prevailing > at present. > > With warmest Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > P.S.--Regarding the contribution which Mrs. Nan Greenwood wishes > to make to the Faith, the Guardian is deeply touched by the spirit which has > motivated her; and he feels that she could spend it in no better way than to > give it to the British National Spiritual Assembly for their National > Hazíratu'l-Quds. They are much in need of money, and it would be of real > help in purchasing this important and historic institution. > > Please assure her of his admiration for her services, and his loving > prayers. > > I notice that I have neglected to answer your question concerning ... > consent to her daughter's marriage: this must be given in order to be a > Bahá'í Marriage. Bahá'u'lláh requires this and makes no provision about a > parent changing his or her mind. So they are free to do so. Once the written > consent is given and the marriage takes place, the parents have no right to > interfere any more. > > P.P.S.--The Guardian was very pleased about the publications in > Ukrainian and will place copies in the Mansion Library. Please thank the > dear believer > > +E21 > responsible for this work on behalf of the Guardian. > > THE TEN YEAR CRUSADE: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The Canadian Bahá'í Community, having recently entered the second > phase of the World Spiritual Crusade so auspiciously launched by the followers > of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, on the morrow of the hundredth anniversary > of the birth of His prophetic Mission, may well pride itself on the quality as > well as the number of achievements which, in both the teaching and > administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, have distinguished its stewardship > to His Cause ever since its emergence as an independent national entity in the > world-encompassing Bahá'í Brotherhood. Its mission in foreign lands has > > +P48 > > been befittingly inaugurated in the course of the opening phase of this > world-girdling Crusade. The expansion and consolidation of its activities on > the homefront have kept pace with the progress of the work initiated by its > pioneers beyond the borders of its homeland in both the Western Hemisphere > and the Pacific Islands. It has, moreover, launched upon its twofold > historic enterprise aiming at the acquisition of its new national > administrative Headquarters and the purchase of the site of its future Temple. > It has, in addition, been enriched through the donation and legal transfer of a > House > > +E18 > uniquely associated with `Abdu'l-Bahá's historic visit to the > Dominion of Canada, and destined to be regarded as the foremost Bahá'í shrine > throughout that Dominion. > > The years immediately ahead must witness an intensification of effort, > on the part of all of its members, as well as its elected national > representatives, which will at once safeguard the prizes won in distant fields, > and lend a notable impetus to the consolidation of its administrative > institutions within its borders. > > The selection of the site for the national Haziratu'l-Quds and for > the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in Canada must be made with the utmost care > and promptitude. Measures must, without delay, be taken for the construction > of the administrative Headquarters of its National Assembly. The process of > multiplication of isolated centres, groups and Assemblies must gather > momentum in the course of the current year. The incorporation of firmly > established Local Spiritual Assemblies must simultaneously be accelerated in > order to strengthen the structure of these newly established institutions, and > pave the way for the establishment of local Bahá'í endowments. The one > remaining virgin territory assigned to it must be speedily opened, and every > precaution taken to ensure its preservation in the future. Particular > attention should be directed to Iceland and Greenland, as the two foremost > objectives of this community in connection with the work of consolidation > assigned to its members. The meritorious effort exerted so devotedly and > patiently by its national elected representatives for the purpose of obtaining > official recognition by the Civil Authorities for the Bahá'í Marriage > Certificate should be pursued with the utmost diligence, vigilance and caution. > > NEWLY-ESTABLISHED ISRAEL BRANCH OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY > > While the members of this valiant, this highly gifted, forward marching > and deeply consecrated community, and particularly its alert and zealous > national representatives, labour to attain these immediate goals, that > > +P49 > > constitute the distinguishing features and the prime objectives of this newly > opened phase of the Crusade, the measures initiated recently in the Holy > Land to transfer eventually part of the international Bahá'í endowments on > Mt. Carmel to the name of the newly-established Branch of the Canadian > National Spiritual Assembly will be steadily and energetically pursued, as > a mark of abiding appreciation of the magnificence and exemplary achievements > of this community in recent years in the service of the Cause of > Bahá'u'lláh. > > A community, whose founder > > +E1 > has conferred upon it such splendid > benefits and whose dust now lies on the far-off shores of the South American > continent; which has been exalted by reason of the eminent services which > two other members > > +E5 > , > > +E13 > of her family have rendered, in the Holy Land, to the > World Bahá'í Community; which can, moreover boast of the enduring and > historic achievements of yet another Hand of the Cause > > +E16 > --the third nominated > from the ranks of its members; and which, in the course of the past year, > has set a further example of steadfastness and devotion through the action of > outstanding members > > +E19 > of its National Assembly who have forsaken their > homes to settle in the African continent--such a community can well assert > its capacity and determination to consummate, within the allotted time, the > laborious and mighty task it has risen to shoulder. > > The rapidity of its expansion, its sound development, the steadiness, the > single-mindedness, the tenacity, the enthusiasm, the unity and staunchness > of its members, augur well for the remarkable material and spiritual progress > which the nation to which it belongs must achieve in the years to come, in > accordance with the explicit promise enshrined in the Tablets of the Divine > Plan by the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant. > > May this community march forward on its destined path with renewed > vigour, with undimmed vision, with complete unity, with utter consecration, > and be enabled to play an important part in the execution of the great tasks > ahead, and worthily contribute to the prodigious efforts now being collectively > exerted by the followers of the Most Great Name, in every continent of > the globe, for the world-wide establishment and ultimate triumph of a > long-persecuted, divinely impelled, world-redeeming Faith. > > Your true brother, > > SHOGHI. > > +P50 > > Haifa, Israel, > > September 5, 1954. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your loving letter of August 3rd came duly to hand, and the questions > which you have raised were presented to our beloved Guardian. > > VIRGIN TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATIVELY SEPARATE > > About a year ago, there was some correspondence with your Assembly > with regard to the Bahá'ís who are in the virgin territories of the Ten Year > Crusade, etc. > > The Guardian renews the advice given at that time, that all pioneers in > virgin areas, or new Bahá'ís who are confirmed in those virgin areas, are > not part of the National Bahá'í Community, and cannot vote in elections. > > The virgin areas are separate, administratively, and under the > jurisdiction of the National Spiritual Assembly responsible for their > development. The same ruling applies to any Assemblies which might develop in > these virgin areas. They do not become part of the National Bahá'í Community. > > The Guardian was distressed to learn of the problems which arose > concerning the election of the Spiritual Assembly of .... However, the ruling > is quite definite, that an Assembly must be elected on the first day of > Ridván, April 21st. Regretful as it is, ... must now be considered a > Group, until the elections which take place April 21st, 1955. > > The beloved Guardian assures you all of his prayers in your behalf. He > sends you his loving greetings. > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS, > > Assistant Secretary. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > December 4, 1954. > > LAND TITLE TRANSFERRED TO ISRAEL BRANCH > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with > a recent communication you submitted to him, in which you stated that > you were pleased to note that the Israel Branch of the National Spiritual > Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada was to be established, and land on Mount > Carmel registered in your name. > > +P51 > > In the Guardian's Ridván Message of April, 1954, you will note he has > advised that the Israel Branch of the Bahá'ís of Canada was formed. The > actual date of the formation was November 20, 1953. > > The land of Mount Carmel, which the Guardian had instructed be > registered in the name of the Israel Branch of the Canadian Assembly was > transferred to the title of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís > of Canada, Israel Branch, on October 1, 1954. > > I am attaching hereto, for preservation in your files, the title deed > covering this particular piece of land, which is Parcel No. 304, Block 10811, > Mount Carmel, Haifa. > > With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS, > > Assistant Secretary. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > March 3, 1955. > > DEPRIVATION OF VOTING RIGHTS > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf and > bring to your attention a certain matter. > > He has heard from a number of sources that some of the Canadian believers > have been deprived of their voting rights; and he feels that all National > Spiritual Assemblies should bear in mind that this is the heaviest sanction we > possess at present in the Faith, short of excommunication, which lies within > the powers of the Guardian alone; and is consequently a very weighty weapon > to wield. > > He considers that under no circumstances should any Bahá'í ever be > suspended from the voting list and deprived of his administrative privileges > for a matter which is not of the utmost gravity. By that he means breaking of > laws, such as the consent of parents to marriage etc., or acts of such an > immoral character as to damage the good name of the Faith. > > He has informed, some years ago, the American National Spiritual Assembly > that, before anyone is deprived of their voting rights, they should be > consulted with and lovingly admonished at first, given repeated warnings if > they do not mend their immoral ways, or whatever other extremely serious > > +P52 > > misdemeanor they are committing, and finally, after these repeated warnings, > be deprived of their voting rights. > > He feels that a great many problems within the communities would be > solved if the believers would more constructively devote their attention to > the teaching work and carrying out the provisions of the Ten Year Plan as > they affect Canada. The leadership of your Assembly in these matters will > no doubt be of great help and inspiration to the friends; and he on his part > will reinforce you with his prayers. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > Haifa, Israel, > > July 16, 1955. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your letters ... have been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has > instructed me to answer you on his behalf. > > He considers the revised criteria you sent him for the Temple and > Hazíratu'l-Quds land, as outlined in your letter of December 15, > satisfactory. > > DIFFICULTIES IN PURCHASE OF TEMPLE SITE > > He is extremely anxious to have these properties purchased, either > together in one place, or if this is not feasible, then in two separate places, > as he has already informed you. Eight of the eleven Temple sites have been > purchased, and many of them in very difficult places; and he feels very > strongly that it is a great pity that Canada should be behind-hand in this > matter, in view of the fact that she is one of the oldest Bahá'í Communities > in the western world. No doubt the problem is more difficult for you to > solve, owing to special conditions in Toronto and vicinity; but we know that > all problems are solvable for the Bahá'ís, with the power of God to help them; > and he is eagerly awaiting news of your success. > > As regards your question about the nature of the endowment, which is > one of the objectives of your part of the Ten Year Crusade: although the > Maxwell house > > +E18 > in Montreal is really a national endowment he feels in > conformity to the policy being pursued in other countries, Canada should > acquire one also at this time. This may be a small piece of land purchased for > Two Thousand Dollars or even less, or for that matter, given to the National > > +P53 > > Assembly as a gift. The important point is that Canada should have its own > National Endowment, as distinguished from the school property. > > The Guardian does not feel that it is possible or right to change > Anticosti and to substitute another goal in its place. He fully realizes the > difficulties involved; but feels convinced that sooner or later, through > perseverance and prayer, a way will open and a believer will be able to get > into the Island on a more-or-less permanent basis. > > As regards the money you have received on account of the estate of > dear Fred Schopflocher > > +E16 > : this your Body is free to use for the purposes of > the Faith, at its discretion. > > He hopes that the National Assembly, through its love, wisdom, patience > and leadership, will carry the members of the Canadian Community forward > during the coming year on the difficult road leading to the achievement of > their goals. The spirit of enthusiasm and consecration which animates the > Canadian Bahá'ís will, he feels sure, bring forth a warm and generous > response to all the plans made by your Assembly for obtaining your objectives. > > He assures you, and through you all the members of the Canadian Community > that the work in Canada is very dear to his heart, and that he will > remember you all in his loving prayers in the holy Shrines. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > P.S.--He is very happy to see you are expediting building Mr. Schopflocher's > grave. The details he leaves to the discretion of your Assembly, as > he is too busy to go into such matters. The most suitable passages should be > chosen from his cable regarding Freddie at the time of his death, and engraved > on the tombstone of this distinguished Hand of the Cause. > > As regards building the grave of Mr. Maxwell > > +E5 > , this has already been > taken care of by his family. However, he thanks you for the loving offer. > > He approves of your taking steps right away to erect a worthy monument > on the grave of dear and heroic Marion Jack > > +E12 > . > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The steady progress of the manifold activities in which the Canadian > Bahá'í Community is now so devotedly and unflaggingly engaged is a source > of great joy and satisfaction to all who have, in recent years, observed its > > +P54 > > growth and noted its consolidation throughout that vast and promising > Dominion. > > Though some of its most capable and active members have, urged by a > compelling force to forsake their homes and settle in distant fields, ceased to > lend to the members of this brave and greatly consecrated community their > valued support, and though a few others to be reckoned among its oldest and > most distinguished supporters have passed to the Abhá Kingdom, leaving a > gap difficult indeed to fill, yet the body of the Canadian believers, far from > flinching or relaxing in its noble endeavours, has amply demonstrated its > capacity to assume and discharge its heavy and multiple responsibilities, has > steadily enlarged the scope of its achievements, has preserved its unity, and > coherence, and set an inspiring example to Bahá'í communities, both young > and old, throughout all the continents of the globe. > > The superb feats achieved by this community's indomitable pioneers far > beyond the Arctic circle, in neighbouring islands of both the Atlantic and > Pacific Oceans, as well as in far off isolated territories; the incorporation > of the elected body of its national representatives; the notable increase in > the number of its members; its response to the urgent needs of the National > Fund, and the rapid enlargement in the scope of its teaching and administrative > activities, are all evidences of the intense vitality of the faith which > animates it, and of the firm attachment of its members to the Cause which it > has espoused. > > TASKS STILL UNACCOMPLISHED > > Though much has been achieved in various fields, the work that still > remains unaccomplished is so vital and urgent that none of its members can > afford to relax for a moment, or to lose sight of the significance and > sacredness of the immediate tasks now confronting it. > > The virgin areas, so laboriously opened, must, under no circumstances, > be neglected; nay rather constant attention must be focused upon them in > order to consolidate the glorious historic work initiated in those areas. The > Island of Anticosti, the one remaining goal as yet unattained, and the only > island in the Atlantic Ocean as yet unopened in pursuance of the Ten Year > Plan, should continue to be the object of the special solicitude of the > national elected representatives of this community. The purchase of the site > of the Mother Temple of the Dominion of Canada and the establishment of the > > +P55 > > national Haziratu'l-Quds constitute a double task that can brook no > further delay, as the entire Bahá'í World, having hailed the erection of such > an indispensable institution in no less than eighteen countries scattered > throughout the continents and oceans of the Globe, is now intently fixing its > eye on this community, so richly blessed by `Abdu'l-Bahá, eager to witness > this twofold consummation destined to considerably enrich the record of the > services rendered by its members. The acceleration in the process of > incorporating firmly established Local Assemblies is yet another objective to > which the closest attention must be paid--a task which will, to a very great > extent, contribute, from a legal standpoint, to the consolidation of these > Assemblies. No less important and vital is the multiplication of isolated > centres and groups, the rapid increase in the number of Local Assemblies, and > the steady numerical growth of the community--the one enduring foundation on > which the security and future prosperity of the community must ultimately rest. > > ÍRÁNIAN PERSECUTIONS MUST ACT AS STIMULUS > > The sudden and indeed tragic turn of events in the land of the birth of > our Faith > > +E22 > must act as an unprecedented and powerful stimulus to the spirit > which animates the members of the Canadian Bahá'í Community. It must > not, indeed it cannot for a moment, dampen their ardour, deflect them from > their purpose, or weaken their resolve to accomplish the tasks assigned to > them under the Ten Year Plan. > > Conscious of their inescapable, their sacred and multiple > responsibilities; spurred on by the realization of the great and varied > sacrifices being made, and the vicissitudes experienced, by the great mass of > their long-suffering brethren in Bahá'u'lláh's native land; mindful of the > prophecies made by the Centre of the Covenant regarding the spiritual and > material destiny of their country; following the noble and immortal example > set by the founder > > +E1 > of their community and by the two Hands of the Cause > > +E23 > > ranking among its foremost members; encouraged by their own splendid > achievements in recent years; thankful for the unrestricted freedom enabling > them to proclaim, unreservedly and far and wide, the fundamental verities of > their Faith; and fully aware of the shortness of the time allotted to them for > the performance of their arduous and mighty task, the members of the > Canadian Bahá'í Community must arise, at this very hour, and evince > such a whole-hearted dedication to the mission they have pledged themselves > to carry out as to astonish > > +P56 > > the entire Bahá'í World, and bring everlasting consolation to the hearts of > the persecuted followers of the Faith in the land of its birth. > > That this community may rise to this occasion, and may befittingly fulfil > this glorious mission, and enrich immeasurably the record of its splendid and > unforgettable achievements is the object of my constant prayer and the > dearest wish of my heart. > > Your true brother, > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > January 13, 1956. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you the following: > > He was sorry to hear that the piece of plaster from the walls of the > Prison of Mah-ku had not been placed in the grave of Mr. Maxwell > > +E5 > ; and he > would like the National Assembly, with the greatest of care, to see that > somehow or other in the foundation of the monument this piece of plaster is > carefully inserted and preserved; if necessary, the head-stone can be removed, > and it can be put under it, and the head-stone rebuilt in such a way as not to > damage the head-stone. > > He has decided that, in view of the fact that Anticosti is so extremely > difficult to get into, the Canadian Assembly can choose some other goal as > substitute for Anticosti. In other words, a territory or an island in the > vicinity of Canada, which has never been opened to the Faith, may be opened in > the place of Anticosti, and thus the goals of the Ten Year Plan will not be > decreased. On the other hand, Anticosti should be maintained as an objective; > and every effort be made to get a Bahá'í in there. > > At present, Mr. Allan Raynor > > +E24 > of your Assembly is visiting here, and, > although unfortunately he has been laid up with a cold, it has been a great > pleasure to have a Canadian Assembly member here. > > With warmest Bahá'í greetings, > > R. RABBANI. > > +P57 > > Haifa, Israel, > > March 10, 1956. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has been reviewing the progress of the teaching > work, particularly in the goal areas during the Ten Year Crusade. > > Tremendous progress has been achieved. If the few remaining virgin > goals of the Ten Year Crusade could be promptly settled, and those which > were settled and again became virgin areas, could again be settled, it would > be a great victory at this time. > > The virgin areas coming under the jurisdiction of the Canadian N.S.A. > are Anticosti and Marquesas Islands. Likewise he feels it important that > Greenland, Newfoundland, Mackenzie and the Yukon be reinforced. > > It will be appreciated if you will let me know as promptly as possible > what can be done to establish the Faith solidly in these areas. > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > June 26, 1956. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your 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... > > PIONEER REACHES ANTICOSTI > > The recent news that Anticosti had at last received a pioneer > > +E25 > was > immensely welcome, and enabled the Guardian to take off his list one of the > few remaining virgin territories (aside from those under Soviet domination) > on the list of countries to be opened to the Faith under the Ten Year Plan. > > The remarkable achievements of the friends during the last three years > in opening the virgin areas no doubt will be looked back upon by posterity > with astonishment and admiration; and the Canadian friends have certainly > played an active part in this process and forged ahead in carrying out their > own Plan. > > +P58 > > He is particularly eager that Iceland should have a Bahá'í nucleus > formed, a country which has for many years had the blessing of knowing about > the Faith > > +E26 > , but never the blessing of resident local Bahá'ís. It deserves > particular attention at this time. > > The achievement of the friends in the far northern territories is a source > of great pride to him; and his warm admiration surrounds the valiant pioneers > who, forgetful of self, have arisen to follow `Abdu'l-Bahá's expressed wishes. > > Another achievement during the past year of the Canadian friends has > been the publication of literature in Ukrainian and in some of the Indian > languages. He feels sure that this will speed up their teaching work immensely > amongst both of these minorities; and he hopes that more of the Bahá'ís > will make a special effort to get jobs in the reservations or amongst Indian > people, so that they can carry to them the Message of Bahá'u'lláh. > > He was glad to know that a number of Spiritual Assemblies have been > incorporated, and hopes that this process will also be accelerated during the > coming months, and that all of the Assemblies that seem to have a firm > foundation, however small the community may be, will take out their > incorporation papers. > > GRAVE OF MARION JACK > > He hopes that it has been possible to make the arrangements to have Miss Jack's > > +E12 > grave built. This is a task which is indeed a precious trust for > your Assembly. When the friends realize that her grave will become in the > future a place of visitation, they will appreciate the bounty bestowed upon the > Canadian Community through being able to claim one of the most distinguished > of all pioneers as a member of their community. > > It was a great pleasure to him to have Mr. Raynor > > +E24 > , a member of your > Assembly, as his guest here in the Holy Land, and he feels sure that this > contact has forged yet another link between the Canadian Bahá'ís and the > World Centre. > > Regarding various matters raised in your letters: there is nothing in the > Teachings to prevent a Bahá'í from willing his body for medical research > after death. However, it should be made clear that the remains must be buried > eventually and not cremated, as this is according to Bahá'í law. > > He was very sorry to hear of the prolonged inharmony in the ... Bahá'í > community.... Some of the ... believers, from letters and reports received > here, seem to lack a firm grounding on such matters as the Will and Testament > and the deeper spiritual teachings of the Faith. Whenever the grasp > > +P59 > > of these fundamentals is weak, the friends are almost sure to pay undue > attention to secondary procedures, to quibble over details, to lose themselves > in personalities, and to founder in a sea of unnecessary inharmony. This has > nothing to do with their devotion, their loyalty, their zeal, their eagerness > to serve. It is merely a question of not having received, perhaps through lack > of sufficient teachers to carry on the all-important work of deepening the > friends in their own faith, a strong enough education in the Covenant before > the duties and responsibilities of the Administrative Order were thrust upon > them. > > He has the greatest confidence in the abilities, and the loyalty and > devotion of the Canadian friends. They have proved themselves over and over > again, and distinguished their community through acts of great sacrifice, > vision, courage and devotion. He hopes that, during the coming year, your > Assembly will be able to send out more teachers, to assist the friends in > grasping the fundamentals of the Faith, in uniting them, and stimulating > their desire to do more in the teaching field. If the supply of teachers is > limited in Canada--and the area to be covered is certainly vast!--perhaps > your Sister Assembly in the United States can help through lending visiting > teachers. > > He assures all the members of the National Assembly of his loving prayers > for the success of your indefatigable labours. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > P.S.--As regards the question about a person who is mentally ill attending > the Feasts, anybody who is well enough mentally to attend a Bahá'í Feast and > understand what it is all about is certainly well enough to be a voting > member. Only people who are very seriously deranged mentally and confined to > institutions or under constant supervision should be deprived of their voting > rights. > > BAHÁ'Í MARRIAGE LAW > > Regarding your question of applying the sanction of suspension of voting > rights to people who marry without the consent of parents, this should be > done from now on. The law of the Aqdas is explicit and not open to any > ambiguity at all. As long as the parents are alive, the consent must be > obtained; it is not conditioned on their relationship to their children. If > the whereabouts of the parents is not known legally, in other words, if they > are > > +P60 > > legally dead, then it is not necessary for the children to obtain their > consent, obviously. It is not a question of the child not knowing the present > whereabouts of its parents, it is a question of a legal thing--if the parents > are alive, they must be asked. > > As regards the question of alcohol, the Guardian explained this to Mr. > Raynor > > +E24 > , and he feels that his understanding of it is quite correct. The > Assemblies must be wise and gentle in dealing with such cases, but at the same > time must not tolerate a prolonged and flagrant disregard of the Bahá'í > Teachings as regards alcohol. > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The Canadian Bahá'í Community, whose members are so valiantly > participating in the furtherance of the World Spiritual Crusade, now claiming > the attention of the entire body of followers of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh in > all continents of the globe, has ever since the inception of this > world-embracing enterprise, proved itself capable of carrying its share of > responsibility in the accomplishment of this collective, colossal task, and has > rendered services that have enriched the annals of the Faith, not only in a > land so dear to the heart of `Abdu'l-Bahá, but in far-off islands and > territories which it is the mission of this community to illuminate and > conquer. > > Ever since the emergence of this progressive, youthful and dynamic > community, as an independent entity, and particularly since the inception of > the Ten Year Plan, it has demonstrated, on several occasions, those qualities > which alone can provide the guarantee of success in carrying out, as a worthy > ally of her sister community in the great Republic of the West, the sacred and > historic mission assigned to it by the Author of the Tablets of the Divine > Plan. The staunchness of the faith of its members, their unyielding resolve, > their ceaseless efforts, their willingness to sacrifice, their exemplary > loyalty, their steadfast courage, have, time and again, been strikingly > displayed, and served to fortify the hopes which I have always cherished for > their future destiny. > > VASTNESS OF NEW FIELD PRESENTS CONTRAST WITH PAST > > The vastness of the field in which this firmly knit, irresistibly > advancing, steadily consolidating community now operates, stretching as it does > from the Atlantic to the Pacific seaboards, and touching, on the one hand, the > fringes of the Arctic Region, and extending, on the other, as far as the > islands of the South Pacific, contrasts with the extremely restricted area, in > which, > > +P61 > > for so many years, and until recently, the administrative activities of this > community were confined. The diversity and multiplicity of the enterprises > in which it finds itself now engaged, the manner in which it is consolidating > its strength, enlarging its membership, safeguarding the unity of its members, > and noising abroad its fame, may be regarded as additional evidences of its > spiritual vigour, and of its rapid rise to maturity at so significant a period > in the evolution of the Faith throughout the Western Hemisphere. > > At this crucial hour, when the Plan to which this highly promising > community stands committed is entering on the third phase in its unfoldment, > the responsibilities confronting its members are at once manifold, pressing > and inescapable. The situation on the homefront, so extensive and so varied > in character, calls for careful consideration and energetic action on the part > of your Assembly. The steady increase in the number of those enlisted under > the banner of the Faith must be paralleled by a multiplication of Assemblies, > groups and isolated centres. The incorporation of all firmly established > Assemblies must simultaneously be accelerated. The virgin areas now opened, > and particularly Anticosti, Greenland, Iceland and Franklin, as well as those > territories deprived recently of the benefits of a resident pioneer, must be > made the object of the special attention and solicitude of your Assembly, for > upon the preservation of these hard-won prizes must depend the ultimate > triumph of this community's collective and historic task, and the enhancement > of the prestige it has deservedly won in recent years throughout the > Bahá'í World. > > Of equal importance is the strenuous yet highly meritorious obligation > to add, steadily and rapidly, to the number of the American Indian and > Eskimo adherents of the Faith, and to ensure their active participation in > both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity--a task so > clearly emphasized by the Pen of the Centre of the Covenant, and in the > consummation of which the Canadian Bahá'í Community is destined to play > so conspicuous a part. > > DEEPENING OF NEWLY-ENROLLED BELIEVERS > > Above all, the utmost endeavour should be exerted by your Assembly to > familiarize the newly enrolled believers with the fundamental and spiritual > verities of the Faith, and with the origins, the aims and purposes, as well as > the processes of a divinely appointed Administrative Order, to acquaint them > more fully with the history of the Faith, to instil in them a deeper > understanding > > +P62 > > of the Covenants of both Bahá'u'lláh and of `Abdu'l-Bahá, to enrich > their spiritual life, to rouse them to a greater effort and a closer > participation in both the teaching of the Faith and the administration of its > activities, and to inspire them to make the necessary sacrifices for the > furtherance of its vital interests. For as the body of the avowed supporters > of the Faith is enlarged, and the basis of the structure of its Administrative > Order is broadened, and the fame of the rising community spreads far and wide, > a parallel progress must be achieved, if the fruits already garnered are to > endure, in the spiritual quickening of its members and the deepening of their > inner life. > > The duties incumbent upon this community, and particularly its elected > national representatives, multiply with every passing day. Heavy is the > burden they carry. Rich and immense are the possibilities stretching before > them. Priceless are the rewards which a befitting discharge of their multiple > responsibilities must bring in its wake. Boundless are the favours and > bestowals which a loving and watchful Providence is ready to confer upon those > who will arise to meet the challenge of the present hour. > > May the members of this community, as well as its elected representatives, > consecrate themselves anew to the mission which `Abdu'l-Bahá has > conferred upon them, and immortalize their stewardship to the Faith of His > Father through acts which future generations will unanimously acclaim and > for which they will feel eternally grateful. > > SHOGHI. > > -------------------- > > December 14, 1956. > > TEACHING FRENCH CANADIAN CATHOLICS > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you, that he feels it is > time for the Canadian Bahá'ís, in their teaching work, to concentrate, to > the extent possible, on bringing Catholics into the Faith. > > There are the vast number of French Canadians who are of Catholic > persuasion. They would make fine Bahá'ís, and if representative members > could be brought into the Faith, it will add prestige to the Faith, and help > solidify its institutions. > > Thus, to the extent possible, the friends should do what they can to > > +P63 > > attract Catholics and then confirm them in the Faith. > > He sends the members of the National Assembly his loving > greetings. > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > December 22, 1956. > > DEAL WITH EACH CASE INDIVIDUALLY > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > I have been instructed on behalf of our beloved Guardian to answer the > questions raised in your recent letter. > > There are two things which he wishes to impress upon you. The first is > that depriving people of their voting rights is the heaviest sanction which > can be imposed at the present time (with the exception of excommunication, > which is a right the Guardian has never permitted anyone else to exercise). > Therefore, the greatest care should be exerted to try and remedy a situation > before depriving anybody of their voting rights, and the action itself should > only be taken if absolutely necessary. > > The other point is that the Guardian is very anxious that no more rules > and regulations should be introduced by any National Spiritual Assemblies. > He has continually impressed this upon the American, the British and other > National Bodies. The spirit of the Cause will be stifled, the initiative of > the friends killed, and the teaching work come to a stand-still if the friends > are continually hemmed in by instructions. In view of this, he has instructed > the National Bodies to deal with each case as it arises. > > The understanding conveyed in the quotation from "Principles of Bahá'í > Administration" is correct; also people who are deprived of their voting rights > should not receive Bahá'í News or Bulletins, as they are no longer active in > the administrative affairs of the Faith. > > He is very happy at present to have a member > > +E27 > of your Assembly visiting > Haifa, and hopes that Miss Harvey will carry back to you a fresh impetus from > the Holy Land, which will assist the Canadian Assembly members in carrying > on their many heavy burdens in the service of the Faith. > > With warm Bahá'í greetings, > > R. RABBANI. > > +P64 > > December 27, 1956. > > TEACHING MINORITIES > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has directed me to write you concerning the > important matter of teaching the minorities of Canada. > > He has spoken in some detail to Miss Harvey > > +E27 > concerning the subject, > and she can and will amplify this communication. > > He feels it most important that active work be done in connection with > the French Canadians, Eskimos, and Indians. You are also now actively in > touch with the Poles and Ukrainians in your country. > > In order to intensify this work, the Guardian feels you should establish > a Minorities Teaching Committee, with sub-committees to specialize in the > teaching of French Canadians, Eskimos, and Indians. As the work spreads, > you can add other sub-committees, such as one for Eastern Europe, or the > countries under active consideration. In other words, sub-committees might > be formed for regional areas of the globe, where their people form a goodly > number of inhabitants of Canada. > > Thus you would now have a Minorities Committee, with sub-committees > to specialize in the teaching work of the Eskimos, another sub-committee for > the Indians, another for the French Canadians, and another one for the Poles > and Ukrainians. > > With loving Bahá'í greetings, I am, > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > March 30, 1957. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer certain matters > raised in your recent correspondence with him. > > He is delighted to see that substantial progress is being made in Samoa. > It is too early for him to say under whose administrative jurisdiction the > Samoan Bahá'ís will come in the future. It will probably be Australia, but > at the present time, these things have not been definitely settled. > > +P65 > > DEFINITION OF COVENANT-BREAKING > > People who have withdrawn from the Cause because they no longer feel > that they can support its Teachings and Institutions sincerely, are not > Covenant-breakers--they are non-Bahá'ís and should just be treated as > such. Only those who ally themselves actively with known enemies of the Faith > who are Covenant-breakers, and who attack the Faith in the same spirit as > these people, can be considered, themselves, to be Covenant-breakers. As you > know, up to the present time, no one has been permitted to pronounce anybody a > Covenant-breaker but the Guardian himself. > > With warm Bahá'í greetings, and assuring you all of his prayers for the > success of your important work, > > R. RABBANI. > > -------------------- > > Haifa, Israel, > > October 19, 1957. > > IMPORTANCE OF TEACHING THE INDIANS > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your loving letter of October 5 was duly received and its contents have > been presented to the beloved Guardian. > > He was very happy indeed to learn of the very active manner in which > the Canadian Bahá'ís have taken hold of this most important subject of > teaching the Indians. > > He attaches the greatest importance to this matter as the Master has > spoken of the latent strength of character of these people and feels that when > the Spirit of the Faith has a chance to work in their midst, it will produce > remarkable results. > > You > > +E28 > yourself are to be congratulated on the very wonderful work you > have been doing with the Indians on the Tyendinaga Reserve. The Guardian > greatly appreciates this service, and wishes you to know that he values it very > highly. He hopes nothing will interfere with your carrying it forward to the > fine conclusion which you hope will be the establishment of an Assembly on > this reserve. It would be a distinct victory for the Faith if that is > accomplished. > > The Guardian will pray for you and the success of your work. > > Faithfully yours, > > LEROY IOAS. > > +P66 > > Haifa, Israel, > > July 18, 1957. > > National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada. > > Your Assembly's communications with their enclosures have all arrived > safely, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his > behalf... > > MOST URGENT TASKS > > It is a pity that the Canadian believers are having so much difficulty > settling the question of both their Temple land and their National > Headquarters. He was very surprised and distressed to learn that the Temple > site you had chosen has entirely fallen through, and that you have to begin > all over again looking for a Temple site. He feels that your Assembly should > appreciate the fact that the important thing at this time is to acquire a > Temple site. It does not have to be a very large piece of land, and, if the > worst comes to the worst, at a future date, when the time comes to build a > Temple in Canada, it can be exchanged or sold and a better site procured; but > the question for this present National Body to settle once and for all is the > purchase of a Temple plot as a beginning in order to remove from the Ten Year > Plan one of its most important goals, and one the accomplishment of which has > been dragging too long. He feels that your Assembly should also look around > for a suitable and permanent Haziratu'l-Quds in Toronto, and try and dispose > of the one you have without loss, if possible, in order to enable you to > acquire the new and he hopes permanent one at once. > > As regards the matter of those who have withdrawn from the Faith ....: > as you know, no one has the right to excommunicate anybody except the > Guardian of the Faith, himself. Those people who have withdrawn from > the Faith, though critical of it and disgruntled, are not necessarily > Covenant-breakers. If they were associating with Ahmad Sohrab > > +E29 > and > upholding his claims actively, then they would come into an entirely different > category. If this is the case, you should inform the Guardian, but otherwise > the friends should be advised to just leave these people alone, for their > influence can be nothing but negative and destructive, and the less they > breathe the breath, so to speak, of those who have turned their back on the > light of this Faith, the better. > > It is not enough to bring people into the Faith, one must educate them > and deepen their love for it and their knowledge of its teachings, after they > declare themselves. As the Bahá'ís are few in number, especially the active > > +P67 > > teachers, and there is a great deal of work to be done, the education of these > new believers is often sadly neglected, and then results are seen such as the > resignations you have had recently. In this respect, the Summer Schools can > be of the greatest help to the friends, new and old Bahá'ís alike, for in > them they can study, and enjoy the feeling of Bahá'í companionship which is, > alas, usually lacking in their home communities, owing to the smallness of > their numbers. > > He is very happy to see that the friends are making every effort to > execute the provisions of the Ten Year Plan, as they apply to the Canadian > Community. The most urgent of all tasks facing them in connection with the > execution of their part of the Ten Year Plan is to increase the number of > Spiritual Assemblies. > > DEADLY INFLUENCE OF MATERIALISTIC CIVILIZATION > > The Bahá'ís should realize that today's intensely materialistic > civilization, alas, most perfectly exemplified by the United States, has far > exceeded the bounds of moderation, and, as Bahá'u'lláh has pointed out in His > Writings, civilization itself, when carried to extremes, leads to destruction. > The Canadian friends should be on their guard against this deadly influence to > which they are so constantly exposed, and which we can see is undermining the > moral strength of not only America, but indeed of Europe and other parts of > the world to which it is rapidly spreading. > > The fortuitous combination of British solidity and good judgment and > American get-up-and-go and enthusiasm, which has characterized Canada, > must not be lost in the Canadian Bahá'í Community. Its members must > demonstrate their outstanding abilities, and, through a greater vision, more > consecration and renewed self-sacrifice, arise and attain their goals. > > He is very happy over the work in the Pacific region in general, and was > glad to receive word recently of the formation of the Samoan Assembly, a > feat of which your Assembly can be duly proud. However, the situation in > the Marquesas needs immediate attention, and every effort should be exerted > to reinforce the work initiated there, at the cost of much self-sacrifice, by > the first pioneer > > +E3 > 0. > > INFERTILE FIELDS EQUALLY VITAL > > The work in the north should likewise be consolidated, and every effort > made to get more pioneers to join those heroic souls already labouring in > such an infertile field. This applies equally to Labrador and Greenland, where > > +P68 > > Bill Carr > > +E31 > , the lone Canadian pioneer, is demonstrating the Bahá'í spirit > in such an exemplary manner. It is hard for the friends to appreciate, when > they are isolated in one of these goal territories, and see that they are > making no progress in teaching others, are living in inhospitable climes for > the most part, and are lonesome for Bahá'í companionship and activity, that > they represent a force for good, that they are like a light-house of > Bahá'u'lláh shining at a strategic point and casting its beam out into the > darkness. This is why he so consistently urges these pioneers not to abandon > their posts. Apropos of this, he hopes that it will again be possible in the > near future to get someone into Anticosti. It is a great pity that the > friend > > +E25 > who went there could not remain. > > The beloved Guardian sends all the members of your Assembly his loving > greetings and assures you all of his ardent prayers for your success. > > With warm Bahá'í love, > > R. RABBANI. > > Dear and Valued Co-workers: > > The opening of the second year of the third phase of the Ten Year > Bahá'í Spiritual Crusade presents the entire Canadian Bahá'í Community, > and, particularly, its elected representatives, with an opportunity, and brings > them face to face with a challenge, unique since its inception over half a > century ago. > > The achievements that have distinguished the record of its stewardship, > ever since its founding, and particularly since the launching of the World > Bahá'í Crusade, both on the homefront and beyond its confines, have been > such as to ennoble the annals of the Faith to which it is so whole-heartedly > dedicated, and to arouse in the hearts of all those who have watched, > throughout succeeding decades, the rise, its emergence into independent > existence, and its rapid consolidation, feelings of profound admiration, of > pride and of thankfulness. > > The distance that has been traversed, in the course of the four brief > years since the inauguration of the Ten Year Plan, by a community, still highly > restricted in numbers and circumscribed in resources, and faced with tremendous > responsibilities, as a result of the colossal task it has willingly shouldered, > is admittedly great, and augurs well for its further advancement along the > path traced for it by the Pen of the Centre of Bahá'u'lláh's Covenant in His > immortal Tablets > > +E2 > . > > +P69 > > VINDICATE INDEPENDENT CHARACTER OF THE FAITH > > The utmost care and vigilance, however, should be exercised by this > youthful and dynamic community, so richly laden with the prizes it has so > deservedly won, lest the momentum, so painstakingly gained in recent years, > in both the teaching and administrative spheres of Bahá'í activity, be lost > or reduced. The standard of dedication and of efficiency, attained, while > pursuing the goals it has pledged itself to achieve, must never be allowed, > through apathy, neglect or faint-heartedness, to be lowered. The vision that > has fired its members, on the occasion of the centenary celebrations which > witnessed the launching of the Ten Year Plan must, no matter how prolonged or > arduous the task, never grow dim. Their unswerving fidelity to the Covenant > established by the Author of their Faith, and their attachment to the ideals > and precepts enshrined in His Revelation, should, under no circumstances, > no matter how active and subtle the machinations of its enemies, both within > and without, be weakened. The momentous and highly exacting task, initiated > far beyond the confines of their homeland,--a task which posterity will > recognize as the opening chapter of their glorious Mission overseas--must > be pursued with undiminished diligence, nay with redoubled zeal, and > renewed determination and dedication. The no less vital obligation to expand, > and consolidate the manifold activities conducted on the homefront, > from the Atlantic to the Pacific seaboard, and from the northern confines > of the Great Republic of the West to the fringes of the Arctic Ocean, must be > faithfully discharged. The setbacks and difficulties that have, unexpectedly > and most unfortunately, been recently experienced in connection with the > acquisition of both the National Haziratu'l-Quds and the site of the future > Mother Temple of Canada, must be faced with resolution and vigour, and a > definite and permanent solution be found which will ensure the full attainment > of these twofold primary objectives. The long overdue conversion of > the American Indians, the Eskimos and French Canadians, as well as the > representatives of other minorities permanently residing within the borders > of that vast Dominion, must receive, in the months immediately ahead, such > an impetus as to astonish and stimulate the members of all Bahá'í communities > throughout the length and breadth of the Western Hemisphere. > The independent character of the Faith they profess and champion must, > moreover, be fully vindicated through a closer adherence, on the part of the > rank and file of the believers, to its distinguishing tenets and precepts, as > well as through a fuller recognition by the civil authorities concerned, of the > > +P70 > > Bahá'í Marriage Certificate and of the Bahá'í Holy Days. The integrity of > the fundamental teachings of the Faith, its security, the healthy and steady > development, and ultimate fruition, of its nascent institutions, must, above > all, be ensured and safeguarded, for upon these will depend the consummation > of the Mission with which the Author of the Tablets of the Divine Plan > has chosen to entrust them. > > THIS COMMUNITY MUST FORGE AHEAD > > The few remaining years, separating the steadfast and high-minded > members of the Canadian Bahá'í Community, striving so assiduously to > achieve their goals, from the time fixed for the termination of a swiftly > unfolding Crusade, are rapidly slipping by. A community which, ever since its > inception, has, through the instrumentality of its most distinguished members, > and particularly its founder > > +E1 > and those nearest to her, as well as a number > of her spiritual children and associates, won such prizes at the World Centre > of the Faith, in Latin America, in Europe, in Africa and in the Pacific area-- > such a community, at this crucial hour, cannot afford to either stand still, > falter or hesitate. As this World Crusade sweeps majestically forward and > draws nearer to its close, exploits as superb as those its sons and daughters > have successively achieved in widely scattered areas of the globe, must > continue to distinguish and ennoble the imperishable record of its services. > > `Abdu'l-Bahá's prophetic words regarding the future of its homeland, > spiritually as well as materially--the initial evidences of which are becoming > more apparent every day, must not be lost sight of for a moment, however > exacting and all-absorbing the strenuous task ahead, however complex the > problems its prosecution involves, however burdensome the preoccupations > which it must needs engender. > > Afire with that same love that burned so brightly in the hearts of its > earliest pioneers, holding fast to the strong cord of the spiritual precepts > and administrative principles of the Faith it has so whole-heartedly espoused, > confident of its ability to achieve, in its entirety, the Mission entrusted to > it by the Author of the Tablets of the Divine Plan, this community must forge > ahead, with undeviating loyalty, with indomitable courage, with unbreakable > unity, and exemplary consecration, striving to scale loftier heights, and > widening constantly the range of its operations, on the American mainland > as well as in neighbouring and distant islands, until each and every objective > of its allotted task has been triumphantly attained. > > SHOGHI. > > +P71 > > REFERENCES > > +P72 > > +P73 > > REFERENCES > > 1 > Mrs. May Ellis Maxwell--spiritual mother of the Canadian Bahá'í > community, became a believer in 1898, visited `Abdu'l-Bahá in 1899 and > returned to Paris to found the first Bahá'í centre on the European continent, > married Sutherland Maxwell and settled in Montreal in 1902, achieved "the > priceless honor of a martyr's death" in Argentina in 1940. For a review of > the vast range of her contributions to the Faith in Europe and America, see > "Bahá'í World" Vol. VIII, In Memoriam. > > 2 > The Tablets of the Divine Plan, revealed by `Abdu'l-Bahá in 1916-17, > and addressed severally to the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, > constitute the authority for the successive Plans inaugurated by the Guardian > for the spread of the Faith and the establishment of its Institutions > throughout the world. > > 3 > The city of Montreal, Quebec, visited by `Abdu'l-Bahá August > 30-September 12, 1912. > > 4 > The Bill to incorporate the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís > of Canada was passed by both Houses of the Canadian Parliament, and given Royal > assent on April 30, 1949. > > 5 > William Sutherland Maxwell--architect of the Shrine of the Báb, > appointed a Hand of the Cause of God in 1951, died in Montreal in 1952. His > "saintly life" is described in "Bahá'í World" Vol. XII, In Memoriam. > > 6 > The first pioneers to Newfoundland, arriving in 1949, were Miss > Margaret Reid, Miss Dorothy Sheets, and Miss Doris Skinner (who remained there > until 1955). > > 7 > Miss Nancy Gates--American pioneer to Denmark who attempted to pioneer > to Greenland, but was unable to do so. > > 8 > James and Mrs. Melba Loft--believers who pioneered from the United > States to the Tyendinaga (Mohawk) Indian Reserve, near Shannonville, Ontario, > 1949-. > > 9 > Miss Nan Brandle--beginning in 1950 served several years as a pioneer > to the Indians in Department of Indian Affairs hospitals at Fisher River, > Hodgson, Manitoba and at Moose Factory and Ohsweken, Ontario. > > 10 > Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of > Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 > on). > > 11 > Louis Bourgeois--architect of the Mother Temple of the West, in > Wilmette, Illinois, the construction of which was the first collective > enterprise undertaken by the Bahá'ís of America. He died in 1930. > > 12 > Miss Marion Jack--"immortal heroine" and "shining example to > pioneers", who remained at her post in Sofia, Bulgaria from 1930 until her > death in 1954. Her imperishable services are recorded in "Bahá'í World" Vol. > XII, In Memoriam. > > 13 > Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khánum Rabbani--daughter of May and > Sutherland Maxwell, became the wife of Shoghi Effendi in 1937, appointed a Hand > of the Cause of God in 1952. > > +P74 > > 14 > Palle Bischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland > (1951-54). > > 15 > Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island formed its first Local Spiritual > Assembly in 1944. > > 16 > Siegfried Schopflocher--known as "the Temple Builder" because of his > great contributions to the completion of the first Mashriqu'l-Adhkár of the > West, appointed a Hand of the Cause of God in 1952, died in Montreal 1953. For > a review of his "numerous, magnificent services" see "Bahá'í World" Vol. XII, > In Memoriam. > > 17 > Laurentian Bahá'í School, near Beaulac, Quebec--founded 1946, > transferred in 1949 to the National Spiritual Assembly, the first national > endowment. > > 18 > Maxwell Home, 1548 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Quebec--`Abdu'l-Bahá > stayed in this house during his visit to Montreal in 1912. It was given to the > Canadian Bahá'í community by Hand of the Cause Ruhiyyih Khánum in 1953. > > 19 > Emeric and Rosemary Sala pioneered to South Africa, and John and Mrs. > Audrey Robarts to Bechuanaland. The first three named were members of the > National Spiritual Assembly 1948-53. In 1957 John Robarts was appointed a Hand > of the Cause of God. > > 20 > Albert Rakovsky--first Bahá'í to visit Anticosti Island, member of > the National Spiritual Assembly 1953-56. > > 21 > Peter Pihichyn--a believer of Ukrainian descent. > > 22 > The resurgence of persecution of the Bahá'í community in Irán during > 1955 is described in the booklet "Bahá'í Appeal for Religious Freedom in > Irán". > > 23 > Sutherland Maxwell and Siegfried Schopflocher. > > 24 > Allan Raynor--member of the National Spiritual Assembly 1954-60. > > 25 > Miss Mary Zabolotny (now Mrs. Kenneth McCulloch)--first pioneer to > Anticosti Island (1956). > > 26 > Iceland appears to have been visited first by Mrs. Amelia Collins in > 1924. Miss Martha Root spent a month in Iceland in 1935. > > 27 > Miss Winnifred Harvey--member of the National Spiritual Assembly > 1950-61. > > 28 > Mrs. Peggy Ross--member of the National Spiritual Assembly 1954-63, > appointed a member of the Auxiliary Board for Teaching in 1958. > > 29 > Ahmad Sohrab--former secretary of `Abdu'l-Bahá, declared a > Covenant-breaker by the Guardian, died 1958. > > 30 > Miss Greta Jankko--first pioneer to the Marquesas Islands (1954). > > 31 > William Carr--Canadian pioneer to Thule Air Base, Greenland 1955-. > From 1955 to 1963 Mrs. Kaya Holck, a Danish believer, pioneered among the > Greenlanders. > > METADATA > > Views > > 104121 views since posted 1999-10-14; last edit 2025-01-30 13:54 > UTC > ; > > previous at > archive.org > ... > /shoghi-effendi_messages_canada > ; > URLs changed in 2010, see > archive.org > ... > /bahai-library.org > > Language > > English > > Permission > > © BIC, public sharing permitted. 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