Letters from the Guardian to Australia and New Zealand Part 23

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

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

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

With loving greetings, R. Rabbani.

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,

Your true brother, Shoghi.

LETTER OF NOVEMBER 30, 1952

Haifa, Israel, November 30, 1952

National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand, Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer,

Dear Baha'i Friends:

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

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

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

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

The funds representing the proceeds of sale of the shares, given by Mrs.

... have come to hand, amounting to 346.9.10 Sterling. The Guardian has asked that you express his deep appreciation to Mrs. ... for this loving contribution, which will be used in the construction of the Shrine of the Bab.

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

With warm Baha'i greetings, Leroy C. Ioas a.s.sistant Secretary.

LETTER OF MAY 3, 1953

Haifa, Israel, May 3, 1953

Mrs. D. E. Dive, Treasurer, National Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Australia and New Zealand.

Dear Baha'i Friend:

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

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

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

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

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

With loving greetings, I am Leroy Ioas a.s.sistant Secretary.

LETTER OF MAY 7, 1953

May 7, 1953

Dear Baha'i Friend:

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

The news of the 2nd International Baha'i Conference has been very thrilling and the Beloved Guardian has been exceedingly happy about it all.

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

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

Devoted love and thanks

Affectionately, Jessie E. Revell

LETTER OF JUNE 14, 1953

Haifa, Israel, June 14, 1953.