The Light of Divine Guidance Volume I Part 51

The Guardian will shortly be sending Five Hundred Pounds for the German National Spiritual a.s.sembly to help in the teaching work....

LETTER OF 6 OCTOBER 1956 (FIRST AUSTRIAN SUMMER SCHOOL)

6 October 1956 (First Austrian Summer School)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your note of greeting dated August 29th, signed by all present on this important occasion, together with its enclosures, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He was happy to see the names of so many partic.i.p.ants, as such gatherings bring a fresh spirit and a renewed determination to carry forward the work to all the friends.

The Guardian a.s.sures you he will remember you in his loving prayers; and he urges you to steadily, courageously and whole-heartedly, pursue your goals under the historic World Spiritual Crusade, confident that this will attract to you the blessings of Baha'u'llah....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty guide your steps in the path of service, remove all obstacles from your path, and enable you to extend the range of your meritorious services, and win great victories in the days to come,

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 20 OCTOBER 1956

20 October 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your loving letter of October 3rd was presented to the Beloved Guardian.

The Guardian has directed me to a.s.sure your a.s.sembly, that he is praying for the removal of every obstacle in the way of the purchase of the site for the Temple at Frankfurt.

He hopes you and your committee will continue to press the matter vigorously, as he hopes this important matter, can be successfully achieved in the near future.

When you have concluded the purchase, he would appreciate a cable from you.

He sends his loving greetings to each of you....

LETTER OF 22 OCTOBER 1956 (TEACHING CONFERENCE)

22 October 1956 (Teaching Conference)

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received the letter which you all signed, dated September 30th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

When we stop to think that we are already in the fourth year of the World Spiritual Crusade, we realize that we cannot afford to look at our past accomplishments, but must face the future and the tremendous tasks which lie ahead.

He knows the attainment of the objectives of the Crusade is the concern deepest in the heart of each believer; and he is confident this Conference has sent forth those who attended with a renewed determination to do all in their power individually and collectively, as the days and weeks pa.s.s, to ensure its ultimate success....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty guide you in your constant endeavours for the spread of the Faith, and aid you to extend continually the scope of your valued activities, and lend, in the days to come, a great impetus to its progress and the consolidation of its inst.i.tutions.

Your true brother, Shoghi

LETTER OF 9 NOVEMBER 1956

9 November 1956

Dear Baha'i Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to respond to your recent letter to him, with regard to the Temple design, etc.

The Guardian likes the adjustments Mr. Rocholl has made in his design, and now approves of the drawings you have sent him. Therefore you should now proceed, within the following limitations.

No changes should be made further in the design. If it is necessary to reduce the size in order to keep within the limit of financial resources, that is permissible, but no change in the size or proportions should be made.

As previously advised, the Guardian feels this Temple must be constructed at a cost of not to exceed $300,000. He is willing to consider raising this limit by $20,000, to cover furnishings, etc. or at the very outside $30,000.

Now it is necessary for your a.s.sembly to study the matter, and decide how to proceed to construct the Temple within this money limit. The Temple must be financed by the Baha'is of the world, and with the heavy expenditures everywhere, economy must be exercised in all our undertakings, and limits of budgets set.

The important thing now is to build a House of Worship, which will bring untold spiritual blessings, wide publicity, and let us hope, a rapid increase in the number of Baha'is and Centers.

As I have indicated, if it is necessary to decrease the size of the structure, that is satisfactory, but no change in design or proportions should be made to the main structure of the building.

This $320,000 figure, refers to the completed Temple, including fittings and equipment.

Of course, the Temple cannot be built until the land has been secured. He requests and urges that your a.s.sembly expedite this important matter in every way possible. He is fearful, if work on the Temple is not started at an early date, it may be impossible to build the Temple in Germany during the Ten Year Crusade.

He a.s.sures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving Greetings....

P.S. The questions of materials to be used, he leaves to your a.s.sembly.