Messages to the Bahá’í World

Category: Bahá’í

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General messages of Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá'ís, written between 1950 and 1957.

Messages to the Bahá’í World

Name: Messages to the Bahá’í World
Author: Shoghi Effendi

It was customary for the monthly magazine Baha’i News which first began publishing messages from the Guardian of the Faith in 1924, to print his cables with all the words that had been purposefully omitted from the originals - prepositions and conjunctions, pronouns and possessive referents - interpolated into the text within a set of brackets. This policy was intended to make the telegrams more comprehensible to a reader unfamiliar with the old “cablese” style, a style which effectively went out of use once telex and fax machines came on the market and may seem even more arcane today. Unfortunately, as a result of this policy, the ringing tones of the Guardian were snuffed out between pairs of hiccoughing parentheses and the immediacy and urgency of his voice was effectively muffled. Perhaps because we are so accustomed to our own version of abbreviated, emoji strewn forms of instantaneous communication via the internet, it is hard for us to appreciate the significance of the speed or style of the old-fashioned telegraph or cablegram. First deployed overland in the mid 19th century, later expanded through submarine cables, and finally developed into wireless telegraphy through radio signals, telegrams transformed communication over the course of a hundred years. Paid for by the word, received at a local telegraph office within hours of being sent from one, and delivered by hand, through a messenger, to the address of the recipient faster than any postal system was able to do, they communicated only the essentials and omitted all superfluities. The truncated telegraph style or “cablese”, with its characteristic capitals punctuated by the word “STOP” between sentences, became a dramatic form of messaging, charged with immediacy and emotion, trenchant with urgency and often the more powerful for its inherent ambiguities. Shoghi Effendi made the “cablese” style his own and used it masterfully. From the earliest years of his ministry until the last weeks before his passing, his powerful telegrams flashed across the planet, sharing news, urging action, and summoning the Baha’is to respond to the service of the Cause. His cables could be poetic as well as powerful, and they touched the hearts of all who read them, forging indissoluble bonds between himself and every individual Baha’i, every institution of the Faith, whether national of local, the world over. One year after his passing, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States published in a single volume and with a beautiful Introduction by Horace Holley, all the messages and cables of the beloved Guardian to the Baha’i world during the final seven years of his life. This historic collection was unique in being the last call of Shoghi Effendi to the Baha’is engaged in preparation for and final launching of the Ten Year Crusade. Like his book The Dispensation of Baha’u’llah, they could even be considered his last will to us. But unfortunately, in this 1958 edition, all the brackets were removed from around the interpolated words. As a result, the cables neither retained the punch and urgency of the originals, nor reflected the sustained power and command of Shoghi Effendi’s characteristic sentences, with their rolling cadences and expanding vistas of inclusion. More than a decade later, in 1971, a second edition of Messages to the Baha’i World 1950 – 1957 was published, which included supplementary messages gleaned from beyond the borders of the United States, messages to the Intercontinental Conferences in Asia, Europe and Australia called by Shoghi Effendi at the beginning and mid-point of the Ten Year Crusade. Here too, though these long messages bear the distinct stamp of the Guardian’s prose style, the cables were once more littered with all the prepositions and conjunctions, pronouns and possessive referents deemed by the editors to be necessary for comprehension. And once again, there were no brackets round these insertions, so that the distinction between them and the messages was effectively erased and their inherent force emasculated. A third edition of Messages in which all cables have been checked and restored to their original form has yet to be published. But we can anticipate what it will be like from the publication of This Decisive Hour, which first appeared in 1947 and was subsequently reprinted with corrections and additions in 1992. In this latest edition, the US Baha’i Publishing Trust refer to “an ad hoc committee appointed by the Universal House of Justice in 1973 at the Bahá'í World Center to check the texts of the cablegrams in the original edition.” A selection of numerous cables found to be missing from the first edition was added to the second, and the Publisher’s Foreword to this latest edition states:“The cables and letters have been proofread against copies of original documents to ensure their accuracy. This has facilitated the correction of numerous typographical errors, misread words, lines of text inadvertently dropped, and wrong dates on cabled messages. . . All cables appear in the form and content in which they were sent and received–i. e., without the interpolations inserted in earlier versions by the Secretariat of the National Assembly or by the editors of Bahá'í News. The cables are printed in small capitals, a format that is more faithful to that of the original cable transmission. Where it would assist the reader, sparing punctuation has been added to the printed text of some cables, but only where it would not eliminate any inherent ambiguity.”Although the present audio/text aligned version of Messages to the Baha’i World 1950 – 1957 has not as yet benefited from such a rigorous preparation, it has hopefully brought us a little closer to achieving it. Following in the footsteps of the ad hoc committee, the cables have been checked against all those found on-line in the Baha’i News and the bracketed interpolations identified. These have no audio and have been removed from the text according to the instructions of the House of Justice itself, as stipulated in a postscript to a letter addressed to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States on November 26th, 1967:“P. S. When cables from the beloved Guardian are published the words interpolated by the National Assembly should be omitted, and the original text only used.”Furthermore, we have been able to double check on microfilm the majority of the cables not identified as such in the 1971 publication, through the kind offices of the Archives of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States. We have also adopted the formatting of the publication of This Decisive Hour by presenting the cables in small capitals, to capture their original appearance and have included commas and semi-colons where necessary, maintaining the punctuation standards set by the Baha'i Publishing Trust in Wilmette for the latest edition of This Decisive Hour. Where ambiguities have been found, footnotes have been added but while many cables still need to be checked against their originals at the World Centre or in compilations brought out by other National Spiritual Assemblies, we hope this on-line audio/text aligned publication of Shoghi Effendi’s last messages and cables to the Baha’i world enables the reader to hear the echoes of his precious voice and the zest and vigour of his characteristic “cablese” style a little clearly.

1950-1957

Shoghi Effendi

© Bahá’í International Community

Messages to the Bahá’í World 1950-1957

— 1 —

Review of World Progress of the Faith

Cablegram, April 25, 1950

Hail valiant acts course last twelve months members firmly knit world embracing divinely propelled Bahá’í Community singly collectively both sexes all ages laboring near distant fields Eastern Western hemispheres gathered diverse classes creeds colors administrators in respective home lands or settlers itinerant teachers overseas whether serving private capacity or official association authorities.

Second half opening decade second Bahá’í century befittingly ushered in.

Recent exploits virgin territories Western hemisphere Arabian Peninsula South East Asia raised one hundred number sovereign states dependencies enrolled under banner Faith.

Forthcoming celebrations commemorating Hundredth Anniversary Martyrdom Herald Faith doubly glorious association this historic victory representing increase no less than twenty-two countries brief span six years since Centennial Declaration His Mission.

Number centers Australasia now exceeds sixty Canadian Community nearing ninety centers already established Alaskan territory eleven centers European goal countries thirty-five number newly declared believers almost doubled course past year.

Bahá’í literature enriched translation Welsh Eskimo Swahili Hausa Chinyanja raising total number languages sixty-three. Languages process translation eleven.

Official recognition constituting unique victory annals Faith East West extending newly formed National Spiritual Assembly Dominion Canada through granting act Parliament enabling National elected representatives incorporate religious organization.

Additional contract placed for construction parapet crowning Arcade Báb’s Mausoleum Mount Carmel raising total tonnage ordered almost eight hundred.

Erection ornamental columns Temple interior commenced ventilation heating systems installed number visitors since opening edifice public over four hundred thousand.

Six year plan British Bahá’í Community triumphantly concluded almost quintupled number Assemblies British Isles laid basis administrative structure Faith capital Eire chief cities North Ireland Scotland.

Plan initiated Persian Bahá’í Community consummated 31 Assemblies 17 Groups 11 Isolated Centers formed beyond prescribed objectives.

Recognition long last accorded ‘Iráqí authorities all marriages solemnized Bahá’í Assemblies ‘Iráq through official registration marriage certificate by court first instance setting momentous precedent throughout Muslim East constituting significant landmark process emancipation Oriental followers Faith fetters religious orthodoxy.

Certificate authorizing celebration Bahá’í marriages issued District Columbia court. Eight islands Hawaii granted authority recognize Bahá’í marriages. Bahá’í marriage contract legalized attorney general throughout territory Alaska.

Bahá’í Holy Days recognized Educational Department State Victoria Australia.

Second European Teaching Conference convened capital city Belgium attended hundred thirty representatives nineteen countries.

Historic first all-Swiss Bahá’í Conference latest most promising fruit transatlantic enterprise initiated American Bahá’í Community held Swiss capital presaging acquisition by goal countries independent status within family Bahá’í national Communities.

Process extension Bahá’í endowments accelerated donation twenty acre property near Anchorage Alaska purchase twenty-two acres neighborhood Auckland site projected New Zealand summer school grant burial ground by Egyptian authorities Port Sa‘íd Bahá’í Community.

Ties binding Bahá’í International Community United Nations reinforced through participation European Regional Conference nongovernmental organizations Geneva Latin American Conferences Chile Uruguay similar conferences Kansas Lake Success submission response request UNO Committee statement Bahá’í concept method community worship subsequently transmitted Secretariat responsible for planning permanent headquarters United Nations.

Last not least nay crowning achievement year just concluded stupendous exertions vanguard resistlessly advancing Bahá’í World Community resulting raising half million dollars virtually attaining objective set for two-year drive ensure completion interior ornamentation Mother Temple West anticipation its approaching jubilee.

First stage austerity period resolutely embarked upon, successfully traversed.

Resolution no less grim self abnegation no less heroic solidarity in sacrifice no less striking must needs distinguish final phase stern struggle still facing dauntless highminded spartan-souled American Bahá’í Community designed liquidate deficit General Fund marring otherwise spotless record collective achievement as well as provide financial support imperatively required meet through prompt despatch substantial number competent pioneers emergency existing Central South America thereby ensuring glorious consummation thirteen-year-old enterprise through formation projected twin National Assemblies Latin America.

Shoghi

— 2 —

An Enterprise Transcending Any National Institution

Cablegram, July 8, 1950

Announce believers through all National Assemblies termination initial stage construction domed structure designed embellish preserve Báb’s sepulcher Mount Carmel.

Two year enterprise launched eve gravest turmoil rocking Holy Land modern times involving expenditure quarter million dollars necessitating transportation placing almost eight hundred tons stone marble mosaic consummated eve Centenary His martyrdom. Soul thrilled contemplation rising edifice beauty its design majesty proportions loveliness surroundings historic associations site it occupies sacredness Sanctuary it envelops transcendent holiness Treasure it enshrines.

Gratitude deepened by miraculous recovery its gifted architect Sutherland Maxwell illness pronounced hopeless physicians. Acknowledge valuable service rendered Ugo Giachery through supervision work shipment consignments Haifa.

Hour ripe undertake preliminaries erection octagonal first unit superstructure another milestone process set motion sixty years ago Bahá’u’lláh’s visit Mount Carmel. This process which gathered momentum transportation His Holiness Báb’s remains Holy Land after fifty years’ concealment through erection sanctuary ‘Abdu’l-Bahá darkest years His Ministry through entombment remains by Him morrow forty year incarceration through commencement construction arcade fortieth anniversary interment Holy Dust through termination parapet eve Centenary Báb’s martyrdom must be accelerated through erection dome attaining consummation through emergence institutions world administrative center Faith vicinity its world spiritual Center signalizing sailing Divine Ark God’s Mountain prophesied Tablet Carmel.

Appeal entire body believers seize priceless opportunity stimulate unfoldment this process through generous sustained contributions furtherance enterprise transcending any national institution whether Ḥaẓíras or Mashriqu’l-Adhkár reared past or process construction. Hour propitious particularly during three year interval separating Centennials Báb’s martyrdom birth Bahá’u’lláh’s Mission coinciding hundredth anniversary greatest holocaust history Faith repay part infinite debt gratitude owed martyrs hastening conclusion holiest enterprise since dawn Revelation interwoven ministries Bahá’u’lláh ‘Abdu’l-Bahá linking Heroic Formative Ages Bahá’í Dispensation cementing ties binding communities East West World Center Faith shedding imperishable luster first second centuries Bahá’í Era which posterity will hail most befitting tribute One who made most precious sacrifice sake most sublime Faith mankind’s spiritual history.

Shoghi

— 3 —

Opening Door to Pilgrimage

Cablegram, December 16, 1950

Announce friends delivery after more than fifty years key Qaṣr Mazra‘ih by Israel authorities. Historic dwelling place Bahá’u’lláh after leaving Prison City ‘Akká now being furnished anticipation opening door pilgrimage.

Shoghi

— 4 —

Formation of First International Bahá’í Council

Cablegram, January 9, 1951

Proclaim National Assemblies East West weighty epoch-making decision formation first International Bahá’í Council forerunner supreme administrative institution destined emerge fullness time within precincts beneath shadow World Spiritual Center Faith already established twin cities ‘Akká Haifa. Fulfillment prophecies uttered Founder Faith Center His Covenant culminating establishment Jewish State, signalizing birth after lapse two thousand years independent nation Holy Land, swift unfoldment historic undertaking associated construction superstructure Báb’s Sepulcher Mount Carmel present adequate maturity nine vigorously functioning national administrative institutions throughout Bahá’í World combine induce me arrive this historic decision marking most significant milestone evolution Administrative Order Faith Bahá’u’lláh course last thirty years. Nascent Institution now created invested threefold function first forge link authorities newly emerged State second assist me discharge responsibilities involved erection mighty superstructure Báb’s Holy Shrine third conduct negotiations related matters personal status civil authorities. To these added further functions course evolution this first embryonic International Institution marking development into officially recognized Bahá’í Court transformation into duly elected body efflorescence into Universal House Justice final fruition through erection manifold auxiliary institutions constituting World Administrative Center destined arise function remain permanently established close neighborhood Twin Holy Shrines. Hail thankful joyous heart long last constitution International Council history will acclaim greatest event shedding luster second epoch Formative Age Bahá’í Dispensation potentially unsurpassed any enterprise undertaken since inception Administrative Order Faith morrow ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Ascension ranking second only glorious immortal events associated Ministries Three Central Figures Faith course First Age most glorious Dispensation five thousand century Bahá’í Cycle. Advise publicize announcement through Public Relations Committee.

Shoghi

— 5 —

Spiritual and Administrative World Center

Cablegram, March 2, 1951

Announce friends East West following furnishing Mazra‘ih completion restoration historic house Bahá’u’lláh Acre scene prolonged afflictions sustained Founder Faith as well as supreme crisis suffered ‘Abdu’l-Bahá hands Covenant-breakers. Greatly enhanced international endowments Holy Land twin cities Acre Haifa now include twin Holy Shrines situated plain Acre slope Mount Carmel twin Mansions Bahjí Mazra‘ih twin historic Houses inhabited Bahá’u’lláh ‘Abdu’l-Bahá twin International Archives adjoining Báb’s Sepulcher resting-place Greatest Holy Leaf twin Pilgrim Houses constructed Oriental Occidental pilgrims twin Gardens Riḍván Firdaws associated memory Author Bahá’í Dispensation.

Greatly welcome assistance newly-formed International Council particularly President Mason Remey Vice-President Amelia Collins contact authorities designed spread fame consolidate foundations widen scope influence emanating twin spiritual administrative World Centers permanently fixed Holy Land constituting midmost heart entire planet.

Shoghi