Nor should reference be omitted in these pages to the surprisingly numerous conferences and institutes which, in the course of the last twelve months, have been organized by the enterprising, the indefatigable and vigilant members of Bahá’í communities in various parts of the world, supplementing the multiple activities carried on with such splendid vigor in the course of the prosecution of the Ten-Year Plan. A mere enumeration of these institutes and conferences will serve to reveal their diversity and scope, and demonstrate the earnestness with which their organizers and participants are discharging their primary obligation to propagate their Faith:

The first Southeast Asia Teaching Conference in Djakarta, Indonesia; the first All-Taiwan Teaching Conference in Tainan; the Korean Summer and Winter Conference in Kwangju; the Indo-China Teaching Conference in Saigon; the Japanese National Teaching Conference in Kyoto; the first American Indian Teaching Conference in Northern Arizona; the American Indian Teaching Conference in Los Angeles, California; the Alaskan Teaching Conference in Fairbanks; the Hawaii-wide Teaching Conference in Honolulu; the Western Canada Summer Conference in Banff; the Maritime Teaching Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; the Teaching Conference in Beaulac, Canada; the French Teaching Conference in Menton-Garavan; the third Italian Teaching Conference in Rome; the third Swiss Teaching Conference in Basel; the Teaching Conference in Romanshorn; the Teaching Conference in Neuchatel; the Iberian Teaching Conferences in Barcelona; the first Austrian Teaching Conference in Gosau; the Teaching Conference in Frankfurt; the Regional Convention in Stuttgart; the Teaching Conference in Stockholm; the Benelux Regional Teaching Conferences in Brussels and in The Hague; the Nordisk Teaching Conference in Moss, Norway; the Northwest Teaching Conferences in Liverpool, Blackpool and Manchester; the Midlands Teaching Conference in Birmingham; the Southeast Teaching Conferences in London and Reading; the Scottish Teaching Conferences in Edinburgh and Glasgow; the Northern Ireland Teaching Conference in Belfast; the Northeast Teaching Conference in Leeds; the Southwest Teaching Conferences in Portcawl, Torquay and Cardiff; the British Northern Isles Teaching Conference in Lerwick, Shetland Islands; the South India Teaching Conference in Bangalore; the Pákistán Teaching Conference in Karachi; the South Australian State Teaching Conference in Adelaide; the New South Wales Regional Teaching Conference in Sydney; the Australian Post-Convention Teaching Institute in Sydney; the New Zealand Teaching Conference in Wellington; the New Zealand Regional Teaching Conference in New Plymouth; the Regional Teaching Conference in Hobart, Tasmania; the Canary Islands Teaching Conference in Las Palmas; the first Colombian Teaching Conference in Bogota; the Peruvian Teaching Conference in Lima; the first Mexican Teaching Conference in Mexico City; the Cuban Teaching Conference in Havana; the Haitian Teaching Conference in Port-au-Prince; the Honduran Teaching Conference in Honduras; the Guatemalan Teaching Conference in Guatemala; the Dominican Teaching Conference in Ciudad Trujillo; the Jamaican Teaching Conference in Kingston; the El Salvador Teaching Conference in Santa Ana; the Nicaraguan Teaching Conference in Managua; the Costa Rican Teaching Conference in San Jose; the Panamanian Teaching Conference in Panama City; the Annual Study Institute of Brazil in Rezende; the Teaching Conferences of the British Cameroons in Mutengere, as well as a large number of similar conferences and institutes too numerous to mention held throughout the United States of America.

To these highly praiseworthy accomplishments, in which an increasing number of the promoters of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, whether teachers or administrators, have shared in recent years, must be added an even more impressive list of enterprises, none of them specified as part of the Ten-Year Plan, and which stalwart upholders of His Cause, driven by an irresistible impulse to further enlarge its limits, multiply its assets, consolidate its foundations, and noise abroad its fame, have initiated and conducted at a steadily accelerated pace since the launching of the World Spiritual Crusade.

Indeed the multiplicity, variety, scope, and significance of these enterprises have impelled me to tabulate and record them for posterity on a specially prepared map, designed to present graphically the achievements supplementing the tasks already performed in pursuance of the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan. A bare recital of these additional victories won, in such rapid succession, over so vast a field, by the band of Bahá’u’lláh’s crusaders, will amply demonstrate the unquenchable enthusiasm, no less than the inflexible resolve and boundless devotion, animating His followers in the pursuit of their high calling.

Dynamic Power of Faith

The opening of the Sovereign states of Laos and of Cambodia and of the islands of Trinidad, of Corisco, of Fernando-Po, of Pemba and of Mafia; the acquisition of sites for the construction of the future Mother-Temples of Argentina, of Brazil and of Libya; the sum recently allocated for the purchase of a site for the erection of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the British Isles; the launching of the twin far-reaching enterprises designed to culminate in the establishment of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkárs of Africa and of Australasia; the founding of Bahá’í Schools in the New Hebrides Islands, in Mentawai Islands and in the Gilbert and Ellice Islands; the establishment of Bahá’í burial grounds in Libya, Burma and Tanganyika; the formulation of supplementary plans by the newly emerged regional spiritual assemblies in Africa, and by the Bahá’í communities of the Seychelles and the Súdán; the acquisition of land for the Bahá’í summer schools of Egypt, of ‘Iráq and of Chile; the establishment of Bahá’í endowments in the Aleutian Islands, in Swaziland, in Mentawai Islands, in Spanish Morocco, in Basutoland and in Liberia; the acquisition of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds in Gambia, in the Aleutian Islands, in Uganda, in Spanish Morocco, in the British Cameroons, in Algeria and in French Morocco; the translation of Bahá’í literature into thirty-one African, seven American Indian, and twenty-eight miscellaneous languages; the purchase of Bahá’í historic sites in the City of Adrianople; the founding of an Indian Cultural Institute in Chichicastenango, Guatemala; the transfer of the remains of the Báb’s infant son from a mosque in Shíráz to the Bahá’í burial ground in that city — these proclaim, in no uncertain terms, the splendid initiative and the dynamic power of the faith of the bearers of the Gospel of the New Day, as well as their unyielding determination to exceed, by every means in their power, the bounds of their prescribed duties and responsibilities assumed under the Ten-Year Plan, and to enhance, through every channel open to them, and over as wide a range as their circumstances permit, their share of service in the collective task now being prosecuted with such exemplary heroism, on the whole surface of the planet, for the world-wide triumph of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh and the ultimate redemption of all mankind.

Solemn Renewal of Dedication

Dearly-beloved friends: The opening of the second year of the third phase of a ten-year long Crusade, marking the passing of a little over one third of its duration; coinciding with the closing of a period rendered memorable by the achievement of so many of its goals, as well as by a succession of victories won in fields beyond its scope; significantly ushered in by the emergence of no less than thirteen national and regional spiritual assemblies in four continents, with a jurisdiction embracing more than forty territories of the globe, in the election of which over three hundred delegates representing more than one hundred and thirty local communities will participate; and over the inauguration of which no less than thirteen Hands of the Cause of God will preside — the opening of so auspicious a year must be signalized by a solemn renewal of dedication, on the part of all who are participating in this colossal, world-girdling enterprise, and indeed by the entire company of those who profess the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh — a dedication which, as the year pursues its course, will be reflected in acts the brilliance of which will eclipse the shining exploits achieved since the inception of the Crusade, and, indeed, since the commencement of the Formative Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

The preeminent task of teaching the Faith to the multitudes who consciously or unconsciously thirst after the healing Word of God in this day — a task so dear to the heart of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; at once so sacred, so fundamental, and so urgent; primarily involving and challenging every single individual; the bed-rock on which the solidity and the stability of the multiplying institutions of a rising Order must rest — such a task must, in the course of this year, be accorded priority over every other Bahá’í activity.

“If they arise to teach My Cause,” Bahá’u’lláh Himself, revealing the secret of success for the propagation of His Faith, has declared, “they must let the breath of Him Who is the Unconstrained, stir them, and must spread it abroad on the earth with high resolve, with minds that are wholly centered in Him, and with hearts that are completely detached from, and independent of, all things, and with souls that are sanctified from the world and its vanities. It behooveth them to choose as the best provision for their journey reliance upon God, and to clothe themselves with the love of their Lord, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious. If they do so, their words shall influence their hearers.”

Tasks for the Current Year

The historic work initiated, at the price of so much sacrifice, in more than one hundred territories of the globe, must not only be jealously safeguarded, but continually expanded, and wisely consolidated. A determined effort must be made to insure, as speedily as possible, the resettlement of the territories which Bahá’í pioneers have been forced to abandon, and the opening of the three virgin islands situated in the North Sea and in the Indian Ocean, as well as the six Republics of the Soviet Union and the five territories included within the Soviet Orbit. Particular attention should be paid to the all-important task of broadening and consolidating the foundations of the newly emerged national and regional spiritual assemblies, as an essential preliminary to the formation of additional ones designed to buttress the fabric of a steadily expanding Administrative Order. Simultaneous with the acceleration in the process of individual conversion, the equally pressing need of safeguarding local spiritual assemblies from dissolution and of increasing rapidly their number, must continually be borne in mind, as the most effectual means for the strengthening of the structural basis of the Administrative Order of the Faith. Complementing this laudable task, strenuous efforts must be exerted for the purpose of multiplying the existing groups and isolated centers in all the continents of the globe, insuring thereby the early attainment of the goal of five thousand Bahá’í centers in the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. The three remaining Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, the last two national endowments, the one remaining Temple site, must, despite the present obstacles and the complications that have arisen, be speedily acquired, whilst the unexpected setback in the purchase of the Temple site in Frankfurt must be overcome. The important two-fold task of translating and of publishing Bahá’í literature, constituting so vital an aspect of the Plan, must be diligently pursued and rapidly completed. The construction of the Home for the Aged — an institution designed to inaugurate the Dependencies of the Mother Temple of the West — must without further delay be commenced. The process of incorporating firmly grounded local as well as newly formed national and regional spiritual assemblies must be given an unprecedented impetus in every continent of the globe. The no less essential obligation to establish the remaining Bahá’í Publishing Trusts must likewise be discharged. Strenuous efforts must be exerted to vindicate the independent character of the Bahá’í Faith through obtaining recognition by civil authorities, in as many countries, states and localities as possible, of both the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate and the Bahá’í Holy Days. Nor should any effort be spared, however severe the challenge, to insure the acquisition and preservation for posterity of the few remaining historic sites in the Cradle of the Faith, and particularly those associated with the incarceration and execution of its Herald in Ádhirbáyján. The equally meritorious project of transferring the remains of the Father of Bahá’u’lláh, of the mother and of the cousin of the Báb to the Bahá’í burial ground in the vicinity of the Most Great House, must receive the continued and prayerful attention of those on whom this sacred responsibility primarily devolves. In particular a determined effort must be made, now that no less than nine of the fifteen republics constituting the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics are included within the pale of the Faith, and especially by those Bahá’í communities situated on the periphery of this vast territory, to establish a nucleus, however small, in each of the six remaining republics, all of which are now confined to the European continent, as well as in each of the two islands and of the three satellites included within the Soviet Orbit, thereby decisively contributing to the consummation of one of the most challenging objectives of this world-embracing Crusade.

Supplementing these manifold and pressing duties, which the audacious prosecutors of this vast Crusade are now, with such modest resources, and despite the smallness of their numbers, so nobly discharging, over so large a portion of the globe, and at so turbulent a stage in the affairs of mankind, is the no less vital obligation to insure through a still more spectacular demonstration of world-wide Bahá’í solidarity and self-sacrifice, the means whereby the three monumental Edifices, each designed to serve as a house for the indwelling Spirit of God and a tabernacle for the glorification of His appointed Messenger in this day, may, without any interruption, be raised and dedicated, in the European, the African and Australian continents, and contribute their share to the world-wide celebrations of the Centenary towards which every Bahá’í heart is eagerly straining.

Great are the strides that have already been made, and phenomenal the success achieved, by the prosecutors of a thrice blessed Crusade — a Crusade so closely associated with the epoch-making Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Plan, utilizing as its agencies the laboriously erected institutions of an efficiently functioning, divinely-appointed Administrative Order, and linking, as it forges ahead, two historic centenaries commemorating the Birth and the Declaration of the Mission of the Founder of our Faith. The tasks that still remain to be accomplished, however, are truly formidable. Above all, the homefront, that must serve as a base, and act as a reservoir for the supply of a steady flow of pioneers and resources for the multiple organized operations of a continually expanding Crusade, and which, alas, in several countries, distinguished by an outstanding record of service to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh has been progressively declining, must, at whatever cost, and within as short a time as possible, be revitalized, extended and consolidated. More than ever its manpower must rapidly increase, the administrative machinery it utilizes, and on which it relies, for the effectual discharge of its Mission, must be assiduously perfected, and, most important of all, its spiritual driving force must be constantly reinforced through a firmer grasp by the individuals, ultimately responsible for its progress, of the distinguishing verities and fundamental purposes of their Faith, through a fuller dedication to its glorious Mission, and through a closer communion with its animating Spirit.

The Guardian’s Appeal to All Bahá’ís

I appeal, as I close this review of the superb feats already accomplished, in the course of so many campaigns, by the heroic band of the warriors of Bahá’u’lláh, battling in His Name and by His aid for the purification, the unification and the spiritualization of a morally and spiritually bankrupt society, now hovering on the brink of self-destruction, for a renewed dedication, at this critical hour in the fortunes of mankind, on the part of the entire company of my spiritual brethren in every continent of the globe, to the high ideals of the Cause they have espoused, as well as to the immediate accomplishment of the goals of the Crusade on which they have embarked, be they in active service or not, of either sex, young as well as old, rich or poor, whether veteran or newly enrolled — a dedication reminiscent of the pledges which the Dawn-breakers of an earlier Apostolic Age, assembled in conference at Badasht, and faced with issues of a different but equally challenging nature, willingly and solemnly made for the prosecution of the collective task with which they were confronted.

May this Crusade, on which the privileged heirs and present successors of the heroes of the Primitive Age of our Faith have so auspiciously embarked, yield, as it speeds on to its mid-way point, such a harvest as will amaze its prosecutors, astonish the world at large, and draw forth from the Source on high a measure of celestial strength adequate to insure its triumphant consummation.

Shoghi

— 54 —

Epoch-Making Victory Won over Covenant-Breakers

Cablegram, June 3, 1957

With feelings profound joy exultation thankfulness announce morrow sixty-fifth Anniversary Ascension Bahá’u’lláh signal epoch-making victory won over ignoble band breakers His Covenant which course over six decades has entrenched itself precincts Most Holy Shrine Bahá’í world provoking through acts overt hostility ingenious machinations in alliance external enemies under three successive regimes wrath Lord Covenant Himself incurring malediction Concourse on high filling inexpressible anguish heart ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Expropriation order issued Israeli government mentioned recent Convention Message related entire property owned Covenant-breakers within Ḥaram-i-Aqdas recently contested these same enemies through appeal Israel’s Supreme Court now confirmed through adverse decision just announced same Court enabling civil authorities enforce original decision proceed eviction wretched remnants once redoubtable adversaries who both within Holy Land beyond its confines labored so long so assiduously disrupt foundations Faith, sap loyalty cause permanent cleavage ranks its supporters.

This final, shattering most humiliating blow may well be regarded culmination long series reverses suffered these same relentless foes marked by repudiation their preposterous claims following Passing of Bahá’u’lláh by overwhelming majority His followers east west by abject failure ‘Abdu’l-Ḥamí, as well as notorious Commission Inquiry banish ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Fezzan by ignominious defeat Turkish Commander-in-Chief cruel boastful Jamál Páshá following his threat crucify Center Covenant outside main gate fortress City ‘Akká by acquisition site construction Báb’s Sepulcher by restitution keys Most Holy Tomb recognition British authorities right Bahá’í world community custodianship Bahá’í Shrines by establishment international Bahá’í endowments Mt. Carmel by formation Palestine branches Bahá’í National Assemblies by exhumation Brother Mother ‘Abdu’l-Bahá reburial neighborhood Báb’s resting place by evacuation by same adversaries Mansion Bahjí after forty years’ occupancy by demise, distressing circumstances archbreaker Covenant himself by ignominious flight his henchmen eve disturbances which rocked Holy Land recent years by deaths with dramatic swiftness same lieutenant his kindred closest associates by intervention Israeli government denying competence civil courts adjudicate case brought remnant these Covenant-breakers subsequent authorization issued Prime Minister Minister Foreign Affairs demolish ruined building close vicinity Bahá’u’lláh’s Tomb finally by extinction life prime mover diabolical plans directed course three decades against ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Implementation this order will long last cleanse Outer Sanctuary Qiblih Bahá’í world pollution staining fair name Faith pave way adoption execution preliminary measures designed herald construction future decades stately befitting Mausoleum designed enshrine holiest dust earth ever received its bosom.

Share announcement Hands Cause all National Assemblies.

Shoghi

— 55 —

Call to Hands of Cause and National Assemblies

Cablegram, June 4, 1957

Divinely appointed Institution Hands Cause invested virtue authority conferred Testament Center Covenant twin functions protecting propagating Faith Bahá’u’lláh now entering new phase process unfoldment its sacred mission. To its newly assured responsibility assist National Spiritual Assemblies Bahá’í world specific purpose effectively prosecuting World Spiritual Crusade primary obligation watch over insure protection Bahá’í world community close collaboration these same National Assemblies now added.

Recent events triumphant consummation series historic enterprises such as construction superstructure Báb’s Sepulcher dedication Mother Temple West world-wide celebrations Holy Year, convocation four Intercontinental Teaching Conferences launching Ten Year Crusade unprecedented dispersal its valiant prosecutors face globe extraordinary progress African Pacific campaigns rise administrative order Arabian Peninsula heart Islámic world discomfiture powerful antagonists Cradle Faith erection International Archives heralding establishment seat World Administrative Order Holy Land served inflame unquenchable animosity Muslim opponents raised up new set adversaries Christian fold roused internal enemies old new Covenant-breakers fresh attempts arrest march Cause of God misrepresent its purpose disrupt its administrative institutions dampen zeal sap loyalty its supporters.

Evidences increasing hostility without persistent machinations within foreshadowing dire contests destined range Army Light forces darkness both secular religious predicted unequivocal language ‘Abdu’l-Bahá necessitate this crucial hour closer association Hands five continents bodies elected representatives national Bahá’í communities world over joint investigation nefarious activities internal enemies adoption wise effective measures counteract their treacherous schemes protect mass believers arrest spread evil influence.

Call upon Hands National Assemblies each continent separately establish henceforth direct contact deliberate whenever feasible as frequently possible exchange reports to be submitted their respective Auxiliary Boards national committees exercise unrelaxing vigilance carry out unflinchingly sacred inescapable duties. Security precious Faith preservation spiritual health Bahá’í communities vitality faith its individual members proper functioning its laboriously erected institutions fruition its worldwide enterprises fulfilment its ultimate destiny all directly dependent befitting discharge weighty responsibilities now resting members these two institutions occupying with Universal House Justice next Institution Guardianship foremost rank divinely ordained administrative hierarchy World Order Bahá’u’lláh.

Shoghi

— 56 —

Restitution of Bahá’í Properties in Persia

Cablegram, June 8, 1957

Rejoice announce yet another victory won cradle Faith swiftly following crushing defeat recently sustained Covenant-breakers Holy Land. National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Ṭihrán returned completing thereby restitution Bahá’í properties seized instigation traditional enemies Bahá’u’lláh’s native land.

Shoghi

— 57 —

Purification of Ḥaram-I-Aqdas

Cablegram, September 6, 1957

Announce Hands all National Assemblies following loss appeal Supreme Court Government expropriation order implemented resulting complete evacuation remnant Covenant-breakers transfer all belongings precincts Most Holy Shrine purification after six long decades Ḥaram-i-Aqdas every trace contamination. Measures under way effect transfer title deeds evacuated property triumphant Bahá’í community.

Shoghi

— 58 —

Announcement of Series of Five Intercontinental Conferences and Appointment of Eight Additional Hands of the Cause

October, 1957

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the opening of the memorable Holy Year associated with the Centenary celebrations of the birth of the Mission of Bahá’u’lláh in the Síyáh-Chál of Ṭihrán — an anniversary falling only a few months before the decade-long global Spiritual Crusade, on which the entire company of His followers have embarked, will have reached its midway point — I feel moved to announce the convocation of a series of Intercontinental Conferences, five in number, to be held successively in Kampala, Uganda, in the heart of the African continent; in the city of Sydney, the oldest Bahá’í center established in the Antipodes; in Chicago, where the name of Bahá’u’lláh was publicly mentioned for the first time in the western world; in the city of Frankfurt, in the heart of the European continent; and in Djakarta, the capital city of the Republic of Indonesia.

These historic gatherings, which will recall in some of their aspects the four epoch-making Conferences which commemorated the hundredth anniversary of the inception of the Bahá’í Revelation, are to be held respectively in the months of January, March, May, July and September, under the auspices of the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Central and East Africa, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Australia, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States of America, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria, and the Regional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of South-East Asia.

They are to be convened by the chairmen of the aforementioned Regional and National Spiritual Assemblies for the five-fold purpose of offering humble thanksgiving to the Divine Author of our Faith, Who has graciously enabled His followers, during a period of deepening anxiety and amidst the confusion and uncertainties of a critical phase in the fortunes of mankind, to prosecute uninterruptedly the Ten-Year Plan formulated for the execution of the Grand Design conceived by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; of reviewing and celebrating the series of signal victories won so rapidly in the course of each of the campaigns of this world-encircling Crusade; of deliberating on ways and means that will insure its triumphant consummation; and of lending simultaneously a powerful impetus, the world over, to the vital process of individual conversion — the preeminent purpose underlying the Plan in all its ramifications — and to the construction and completion of the three Mother Temples to be built in the European, the African, and Australian continents.

Phenomenal Advance Achieved in World Crusade

The phenomenal advances made since the inception of this globe-girdling Crusade, in the brief space of less than five years, eclipses — if we pause to ponder the scope and significance of recent developments — in both the number and quality of the feats achieved by its prosecutors, any previous collective enterprise undertaken by the followers of the Faith, at any time and in any part of the world, since the close of the initial and most turbulent epoch of the Heroic Age of the Bahá’í Dispensation.

The raising of the number of Bahá’í centers — foci and pivots of Bahá’í teaching and administrative activity — all over the globe, from twenty-five hundred to forty-five hundred; of the number of countries, both sovereign States and Dependencies, included within the pale of the Faith from one hundred and twenty-eight to two hundred and fifty-four; and of the number of Bahá’í national and regional Spiritual Assemblies — forerunners of the Universal House of Justice — from twelve to twenty-six; the substantial multiplication of Bahá’í local Spiritual Assemblies — constituting the foundation of a rising Administrative Order — throughout five continents, whose number has now passed the thousand mark; the planting of the banner of the Faith in over seventy islands, situated in the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean and the North Sea; the establishment of its northernmost outpost beyond the Arctic Circle, in far-off Thule, Greenland; the erection and completion, in the Holy Land itself, at the cost of over a quarter of a million dollars, of the Bahá’í International Archives, heralding the emergence, in its plenitude, of the seat of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh on the slopes of Mt. Carmel and facing the Qiblih of the Bahá’í world; the enlargement of the scope of Bahá’í international endowments in the twin cities of ‘Akká and Haifa, constituting the World Center of the Faith, until their present value can now be estimated at over five and a half million dollars; a corresponding extension of Bahá’í national endowments in the Great Republic of the West — the stronghold of the Bahá’í Administrative Order — the value of which is fast approaching five million dollars, and of Bahá’í holdings in the Cradle of the Faith, conservatively estimated to be well over forty million túmáns; the acquisition of no less than forty-eight National Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds — the central administrative headquarters of Bahá’í communities established in the sovereign States and chief Dependencies of the globe — involving an expenditure of over half a million dollars; the founding of Bahá’í national endowments in no less than fifty capitals and chief cities of all five continents, the cost of which may be estimated to be at least one hundred and fifty thousand dollars; the initiation of the construction of the Mother Temples of both Africa and Australia, as well as the purchase of eleven Temple sites for over two hundred thousand dollars; the incorporation of over ninety national and local Spiritual Assemblies, raising the total number of incorporated Assemblies the world over to over two hundred; the translation of Bahá’í literature into one hundred and forty-eight languages, of which no less than seventy-two are over and above those called for by the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan, bringing the total number of languages to two hundred and thirty-seven; as well as a series of additional accomplishments, too numerous to recount, supplementing the objectives of that Plan, in connection with the opening of virgin territories, the acquisition of Temple sites, the inauguration of Bahá’í schools, the founding of Bahá’í local endowments, the establishment of local Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, the formulation of subsidiary Plans, the initiation of a Bahá’í Publishing Trust, the purchase of Bahá’í Holy Sites, and of plots for Bahá’í burial-grounds and for Bahá’í summer schools — all these can be regarded by any fair-minded observer in no other light except as the manifestations of a momentous progress as diversified in character as it is far-reaching in its import.

Another Contingent of Hands of the Cause of God

So marvelous a progress, embracing so vast a field, achieved in so short a time, by so small a band of heroic souls, well deserves, at this juncture in the evolution of a decade-long Crusade, to be signalized by, and indeed necessitates, the announcement of yet another step in the progressive unfoldment of one of the cardinal and pivotal institutions ordained by Bahá’u’lláh, and confirmed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, involving the designation of yet another contingent of the Hands of the Cause of God, raising thereby to thrice nine the total number of the Chief Stewards of Bahá’u’lláh’s embryonic World Commonwealth, who have been invested by the unerring Pen of the Center of His Covenant with the dual function of guarding over the security, and of insuring the propagation, of His Father’s Faith.

The eight now elevated to this exalted rank are: Enoch Olinga, William Sears, and John Robarts, in West and South Africa; Ḥasan Balyuzi and John Ferraby in the British Isles; Collis Featherstone and Raḥmatu’llah Muhajir, in the Pacific area; and Abu’l-Qásim Faizi in the Arabian Peninsula — a group chosen from four continents of the globe, and representing the Afnán, as well as the black and white races and whose members are derived from Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Pagan backgrounds.

This latest addition to the band of the high-ranking officers of a fast evolving World Administrative Order, involving a further expansion of the august institution of the Hands of the Cause of God, calls for, in view of the recent assumption by them of their sacred responsibility as protectors of the Faith, the appointment by these same Hands, in each continent separately, of an additional Auxiliary Board, equal in membership to the existing one, and charged with the specific duty of watching over the security of the Faith, thereby complementing the function of the original Board, whose duty will henceforth be exclusively concerned with assisting the prosecution of the Ten-Year Plan.

At these five Intercontinental Conferences the Hands of the Cause, whether previously or recently appointed, particularly those associated with the Conference being held in the continent they represent, as well as members of their Auxiliary Boards, and representatives of the Regional and National Spiritual Assemblies primarily concerned with the opening of the virgin territories included in the continent to which they belong and of the islands situated in the neighborhood of that continent, as well as all believers, wherever their residence may be, are invited to be present.

To the Kampala Conference a representative of each of the United States, the British, the Persian, the North-East African, the Indian and the ‘Iráqí National Spiritual Assemblies; to the Chicago Conference a representative of each of the United States, the Canadian, and Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies; to the Frankfurt Conference a representative of each of the British, the German, the Italo-Swiss and the United States National Spiritual Assemblies; and to the Djakarta Conference a representative of each of the United States, the Canadian, the Persian, the Indian, the Australian and the ‘Iráqí National Spiritual Assemblies, should be sent in the capacity of an official participant.

Any other members of these Assemblies, as well as any of the members of the newly established National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies, are welcome to be present at these five successive Conferences.

The Guardian’s Representatives at the Conferences

The following five Hands, who, in their capacity as members of the International Bahá’í Council, are closely associated with the rise and development of the institutions of the Faith at its World Center, have been chosen to act as my special representatives at this second series of Intercontinental Conferences: Amatu’l-Bahá, Rúḥíyyih, accompanied by Luṭfu’lláh Ḥakím, member of the International Council, at the Kampala Conference; Mason Remey, at the Sydney Conference; Ugo Giachery, at the Chicago Conference; Amelia Collins, at the Frankfurt Conference; and Leroy Ioas, at the Djakarta Conference.

To three of them, attending the Kampala, the Sydney and the Frankfurt Conferences, I shall entrust a portion of the blessed earth from the inmost Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, a lock of His precious Hair, and a reproduction of His Portrait, to be exhibited by them to the assembled friends at these Conferences. Two of these representatives will be instructed to deposit, on my behalf, the blessed earth in the foundations of the two Temples to be erected in the African and Australian continents, while the other sacred gifts will be delivered for safe keeping by these representatives to the Central and East African Regional Assembly and the Australian and German National Spiritual Assemblies. A fourth portrait of Bahá’u’lláh will be entrusted to my representative, Leroy Ioas, to be exhibited at the Djakarta Conference, and returned for safe keeping to the Holy Land, while to Ugo Giachery, representing me at the Chicago Conference, will be assigned the duty of exhibiting the portraits of Bahá’u’lláh and of the Báb, already entrusted to the United States National Spiritual Assembly.

Fourth Phase of Ten-Year Plan

The holding of this second series of Intercontinental Conferences, marking the halfway point of the greatest Crusade ever embarked upon for the propagation of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in both the eastern and western hemispheres, signalizes the opening of the fourth phase of the Ten-Year Plan. The first phase, covering the initial twelve months of this stupendous enterprise, will forever be associated with the carrying of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh to no less than a hundred countries of the globe. The second phase, lasting twice as long as the first, witnessed the acquisition of a remarkably large number of national Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds, and the establishment, in numerous countries, of Bahá’í national endowments, complementing, through the process of administrative consolidation, the striking enlargement of the orbit of the Faith in the course of the initial phase of the Plan. The third phase, equal in duration to the preceding phase, has been made memorable by the striking multiplication of Bahá’í centers, and the formation of no less than sixteen Regional and National Spiritual Assemblies.

The fourth phase, the opening of which is now approaching, must be immortalized, on the one hand, by an unprecedented increase in the number of avowed supporters of the Faith, in all the continents of the globe, of every race, clime, creed and color, and from every stratum of present-day society, coupled with a corresponding increase in the number of Bahá’í centers, and, on the other, by a swift progress in the erection of the Mother Temples of Africa and Australia, as well as by the initiation of the construction of the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Europe.

The phase which the valiant prosecutors of a Crusade, endowed with such tremendous potentialities, are about to enter must, as this divinely propelled, this highly beneficent, mysteriously unfolding enterprise hastens past its midway point, and approaches the closing stages of its world-wide operations, witness, in both the teaching and administrative spheres, and in consequence of the impact, which, it is ardently hoped, the deliberations and resolutions of the attendants at these forthcoming Conferences will have upon the immediate destinies of this Crusade, an upsurge of enthusiasm and consecration, before which every single as well as collective exploit, associated with any of the three previous phases, will pale.

I call upon each and every Hand of the Cause of God, previously or now appointed, upon the entire body of the believers participating in this Crusade, and, in particular, upon their elected representatives, the members of the various Regional and National Spiritual Assemblies in both the East and the West, and, even more emphatically, upon those privileged to convene and organize these history-making Conferences, to bestir themselves, and, according to their rank, capacity, function and resources, befittingly prepare themselves, during the short interval separating them from the opening of the first of these five Conferences, to meet the challenge, and seize the opportunities, of this auspicious hour, and insure, through a dazzling display of the qualities which must distinguish a worthy stewardship of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, the total and resounding success of these Conferences, dedicated to the glorification of His Name, and expressly convened for the purpose of accelerating the march of the institutions of His world-redeeming Order, and of hastening the establishment of His Kingdom in the hearts of men.

Shoghi

Messages — a Supplementary Collection

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New Step in Building the Báb’s Shrine

Cablegram, January 4, 1951

Announce national assemblies America Europe Australia initiation preliminary measures erection steel framework designed support contemplated dome Báb’s Sepulcher. Holy edifice whose site Founder Faith designated while Himself exile Most Great Prison whose central structure Center His Covenant erected course turbulent years His ministry whose enveloping arcade was constructed despite internal disturbance rocking Holy Land now carried forward notwithstanding mounting international tension through signing sixty-three thousand dollar contract for stonework octagon. Request beloved friends collaborators historic undertaking join me prayers for uninterrupted prosecution work simultaneously initiated Italy Holy Land designed attain final consummation rearing lofty dome crowning unit enterprise so intimately associated Three Central Figures Faith linking Heroic Formative Ages Bahá’í Dispensation.

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Construction of Shrine Moves Forward

Cablegram, May 29, 1951

Announce friends East West operations commenced last Naw-Rúz excavation eight shafts designed piers supporting dome Báb’s Sepulcher terminated. Consignment thirty-three tons steel fifty tons cement safely delivered Holy Land. Seven thousand three hundred pound contract structural work capable sustaining thousand ton weight superstructure signed. First installment out of eight hundred tons stones octagon dome Shrine recently arrived. Greatly heartened response self-sacrificing believers both hemispheres enabling energetic prosecution this critical hour so holy enterprise. May sustained support all communities hasten its glorious consummation.

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Pilgrimage to World Center Again Permitted

Cablegram, December 25, 1951

Announce all national assemblies restrictions pilgrimage being gradually removed. Owing prevailing conditions maximum duration nine days. Permission necessary as few at a time are now permitted.

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Administrative Headquarters in Africa

Cablegram, March 16, 1952

Inform United States British Persian Egyptian Indian National Assemblies imminent purchase Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Central Africa. Have forwarded my contribution six thousand dollars toward historic enterprise. Appeal five cooperating National Assemblies participate through contribution meritorious purchase. Purchase price 5500 pounds. Advise forward contributions Banání Kampala.

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William Sutherland Maxwell Passes — Rúḥíyyih Khánum Appointed Hand

Cablegram, March 26, 1952

With sorrowful heart announce through national assemblies Hand Cause Bahá’u’lláh highly esteemed dearly beloved Sutherland Maxwell gathered glory Abhá Kingdom. Saintly life extending well nigh four score years enriched course ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ministry services Dominion Canada ennobled Formative Age Faith decade services Holy Land during darkest days my life doubly honored association crown martyrdom won May Maxwell incomparable honor bestowed his daughter attained consummation through his appointment architect arcade superstructure Báb’s Sepulcher as well as elevation front rank Hands Cause God. Advise all national assemblies hold befitting memorial gatherings particularly Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Wilmette Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds Ṭihrán.

Instructed Hands Cause United States Canada, Horace Holley Fred Schopflocher, attend my representatives funeral Montreal. Moved name after him southern door Báb’s Tomb tribute his services second holiest Shrine Bahá’í world. Mantle Hand Cause now falls shoulders distinguished daughter Amatu’l-Baha Ruhiyyih who already rendered still rendering manifold no less meritorious self-sacrificing services World Center Faith Baha’u’llah.

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Progress on Shrine of the Báb

Cablegram, October 13, 1952

eve opening Holy Year announce Bahá’í communities East West joyful tidings conclusion over ten thousand dollar contract Utrecht firm fabrication twelve thousand gilded tiles cover area two hundred fifty square meters dome Báb’s Sepulcher. Eighteen stained glass windows drum twenty-four windows octagon delivered Mount Carmel. Stones required construction drum ribs brim lantern dome nearing completion heralding early commencement erection last remaining unit rapidly rising edifice. Eastward extension terrace adjoining Sepulcher virtually terminated raising total length horizontal area fronting Shrine about six hundred feet adding greatly beauty stateliness approaches magnificent structure already enhanced through recent extension terraces linking Haifa’s oldest most imposing avenue Báb’s resting place majestically rising bosom Carmel.

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Achievements of Heroic Pioneers in Africa

Cablegram, January 5, 1953

Rejoice share Bahá’í communities East West thrilling reports feats achieved heroic band Bahá’í pioneers laboring divers widely scattered African territories particularly Uganda heart continent reminiscent alike episodes related Book Acts rapid dramatic propagation Faith instrumentality dawn-breakers Heroic Age Bahá’í Dispensation. Marvelous accomplishments signalizing rise establishment Administrative Order Faith Latin America eclipsed. Exploits immortalizing recently launched crusade European continent surpassed. Goal seven-month plan initiated Kampala Assembly aiming doubling twelve enrolled believers outstripped. Number Africans converted course last fifteen months residing Kampala outlying districts Protestant Catholic pagan backgrounds lettered unlettered both sexes representative no less sixteen tribes passed two hundred mark.

Effulgent rays God’s triumphant Cause radiating focal center fast awakening continent penetrating accelerating rate isolated regions unfrequented white men enveloping their radiance souls hitherto indifferent persistent humanitarian activities Christian missions civilizing influence civil authorities. No less nine localities qualified attain coming Riḍván assembly status within single territory long-slumbering continent.

Zanzibar Madagascar French Morocco South Rhodesia Italian Somaliland already or soon be opened Faith.

Desire pay special tribute strenuous efforts exerted ‘Alí Nakhjavání setting example dedication freedom prejudice fellow pioneers laboring inhospitable surroundings confronted manifold formidable obstacles.

Planning entrust special representative delegated attend approaching Kampala Conference portrait holy Báb replica one deposited beneath dome Mashriqu’l-Adhkár Wilmette to be exhibited assembled attendants historic occasion. Confident unveiling may draw newly recruited vanguard ever-swelling host Bahá’u’lláh as well as all participating visitors itinerant teachers settlers closer spirit Martyr-Prophet Faith bestow everlasting benediction all gathered memorable sessions epoch-making Intercontinental Conference dedicated prosecution latest most glorious crusade launched course eleven decades Bahá’í history.

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Rapid Progress of Twin Sacred Undertakings

Cablegram, February 9, 1953