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Bahá'í Administration
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Pages 81-83
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Letter of April 10th, 1925.
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To the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly.
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My dearly-beloved fellow-workers:
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The communications lately received from your distinguished
secretary, dated January 8th, February 6th and 13th, and March
17th, together with the enclosed minutes, reports and letters, have
been read with profound interest and genuine satisfaction. The
methods you pursue, the new measures for publicity which you have
adopted, the increasing confidence you have achieved, and the degree
of support, both moral and financial, which you have deservedly
earned from the body of the believers are all encouraging signs that
testify to the growing solidarity of a Cause destined to confer inestimable
benefits upon mankind.
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Great as is the promise of the Movement for the future, it has
already revealed in a remarkable manner to every unprejudiced
observer its indomitable spirit of loving sacrifice and true fellowship
burning with undiminished ardor in the breasts of its followers both
in the land of its birth and in the great Republic of the West. The
heroism and fortitude lately displayed by its sorely-tried adherents
in Persia, and the prompt and generous contributions of the American
believers who have spontaneously responded to the call of their
needy brethren of the East have served to kindle the flame of enthusiasm
in many a heart, and forged fresh bonds of fellowship
which will prove of the highest value for the advancement of the
Bahá'í Faith. I would specially request you to convey to all the
friends in the name of the oppressed Bahá'ís of Persia, and particularly
the homeless sufferers of Nayríz, the expression of their
deepest gratitude and highest appreciation. May America's noble
donations draw even as a magnet the blessings of the Almighty
Giver upon the task it has set itself to achieve!
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I am delighted to learn of the evidences of growing interest, of
the sympathetic understanding, and brotherly cooperation on the
part of two capable and steadfast servants of the One True God,
Dr. H. Randall and Dr. Guthrie, whose participation in our work
I hope and pray will widen the scope of our activities, enrich our
opportunities, and lend a fresh impetus to our endeavors. I wish
them happiness and success from all my heart.
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The News Letter which you have lately initiated fulfills a very
vital function and has been started admirably well. I would urge
you to enlarge its scope, as much as your resources permit, that in
time it may devote a special section to every phase of your activities,
administrative, devotional, humanitarian, financial, educational and
otherwise. That it may attain its object it must combine the essential
qualities of accuracy, reliability, thoroughness, dignity and wisdom.
It should become a great factor in promoting understanding,
providing information on Bahá'í activity, both local and foreign, in
stimulating interest, in combating evil influences, and in upholding
and safeguarding the institutions of the Cause. It should be made
as representative as possible, should be replete with news, up-to-date
in its information, and should arouse the keenest interest among
believers and admirers alike in every corner of the globe. I cherish
great hopes for its immediate future, and I trust you will devote
your special attention to its development, and by devising well-conceived
and worldwide measures transform this News Letter into
what I hope will become the foremost Bahá'í Journal of the world.
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As to the title to be adopted for letterheads, I would suggest,
pending the formation of the Universal House of Justice, the phrase
"The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United
States and Canada," retaining the word "spiritual" and restricting
the meaning of the term "assembly" to be applied only to the body
of nine elected by the friends whether for local or national purposes.
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I have already replied to your cable in connection with the representation
of groups of less than nine adult believers at the annual
Convention and the matter of proxy, the latter being left to the
discretion of the National Spiritual Assembly. Should the conditions
be altered, and the number of Bahá'í localities multiply, the
situation will have to be considered afresh and a new basis for representation
adopted.
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Regarding the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár, I would again most emphatically
urge the believers in America, and ask you to do the utmost
you can to devise every possible means for the removal of every
outstanding financial liability incurred in this connection. I would
remind you of the supreme and urgent necessity of raising the full
sum decided upon by the National Spiritual Assembly at its meeting
in Chicago in order to meet the immediate needs of this great future
House of Worship. I would welcome a full, authorized and up-to-date
statement on its present situation, its assets and liabilities and
an estimate of the cost for its completion.
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In conclusion I wish to renew the assurance of my ardent prayers
for you and for those whom you represent in safeguarding and
promoting the sacred interests of so precious a Cause. I am fully
alive to the vastness and delicacy of your task, I heartily appreciate
your indefatigable efforts and unflinching determination, I am continually
reminded of our Master's assurances of a dazzling future
before you. May His love enfold you, His Spirit guide you, and
His power enable you to achieve signal victory.
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Your brother in the Master's service,
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SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine,
April 10th, 1925.
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