The Unfolding Destiny of the British Bahai Community Part 37

Letter of 17 June 1943

17 June 1943

CABLING TWO HUNDRED POUNDS THROUGH COOKS CONTRIBUTION a.s.sIST YOUR a.s.sEMBLY CELEBRATE BEFITTINGLY CENTENARY BELOVED FAITH WRITING.

SHOGHI RABBaNi

Letter of 17 June 1943

17 June 1943

Dear Baha'i Sister,

a.s.sURE NEWLY DECLARED BELIEVERS WELCOME PRAYERS.

He was very pleased to hear that the publicity you are giving the Faith is meeting with a wider response than has. .h.i.therto been the case, and he hopes that the N.S.A. and local a.s.semblies will organise their efforts in such a way as to enable them to draw enquirers closer to the Cause and, if possible, meet with them and include them in suitable teaching cla.s.ses.

Regarding the matter of Fuad Afnan's grave, the Guardian has no objection to its being built.

He feels that Baha'is who, though still considering themselves believers, omit attending the 19 Day Feasts for long periods, should not be deprived of their voting rights; they should, however, be encouraged to attend these Feasts as often as possible.

In less than a year the Baha'is the world over will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their Faith, and the Guardian is very anxious that the British believers should commemorate this historic occasion befittingly. He would, therefore, suggest that your a.s.sembly take up the following points for deliberation as soon as possible:

1. The holding of a large and representative gathering, attended by the Baha'is and the public alike, in a hired hall in London on the 23rd May 1944. He feels that prominent friends and sympathisers of the Faith should be invited to speak on this occasion, as well as Baha'is, and that every effort should be made to make the gathering both festive and dignified, as befits so blessed and solemn an occasion.

2. The publication of a Centenary Pamphlet outlining the important events of the Faith, and with a special emphasis placed on the rise and development of the Cause in England, its early history in that country, the achievements of the friends in spreading the Teachings there and establishing the administration, the formation of the Publishing Trust, and so on.

3. He wishes your a.s.sembly to call the annual Baha'i Convention for days that will include the 22nd May, so that all the a.s.sembled friends may be present at a special Baha'i meeting to be held at 2 hours and 11 minutes after sunset on May 22nd as this is the exact time at which the Bab made His first historic declaration of His mission to Mulla ?usayn.

In order to aid the dear English believers in their befitting celebration of so glorious an occasion the Guardian is forwarding to your a.s.sembly the sum of two hundred pounds sterling to be used for the arrangements you deem fit to make, and the publication of the above mentioned pamphlet. The Baha'i communities all over the world-wherever free to do so-will also be celebrating this memorable day, each according to its capacity, and he is very anxious that the British Baha'is should, as befits their increasingly prominent position in the Baha'i World, demonstrate to the public and to their fellow believers, the vitality of their community and the marked advancement it has made of late. He leaves all details to the discretion of your a.s.sembly.

Mr. Yool of Manchester was recently able to spend his leave in Haifa at the Western Pilgrim House, and the Guardian was so happy to welcome one of the English friends here. He hopes that after the war many will be able to make the pilgrimage. They will be most welcome.

a.s.suring you and all the members of the N.S.A. of his loving prayers and his ardent hopes for the success of this great celebration which you will now be planning....

P.S. The Guardian recently cabled asking you to forward a complete list of all Spiritual a.s.semblies in the British Isles and the name of every locality where one or more believers reside.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers,

I pray that the celebration of the Centenary of our beloved Faith by the English believers may be a remarkable success. The committee that will have to be appointed for this purpose must strain every nerve, explore every avenue, and lose no time in order to ensure the unqualified success of this undertaking. I will supplicate the Beloved to guide every step you take, to aid you to surmount all obstacles, and to inspire you to undertake the measures that are most conducive to the proper discharge of your n.o.ble task. The widest possible publicity should be given to the Faith by every means at your disposal.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

Letter of 4 August 1943

4 August 1943

Dear Baha'i Sister,

Your letters, written on behalf of the National Spiritual a.s.sembly and dated May 14th and June 6th have been received, together with the minutes of the April and May N.S.A. meetings, and the Guardian has instructed me to answer them on his behalf.

He was very encouraged to see the number of places where there are now one or two registered Baha'is residing, as these are beacons of the Faith-however lonely and however, as yet, feeble the light they are able to radiate.

The Guardian feels that it would be an excellent plan if some way could be found to raise Bournemouth and Torquay to a.s.sembly status; either through some self-sacrificing souls moving to these places and thus giving them the required number, or through the efforts of the local and visiting teachers. With the Centenary of the Faith so rapidly approaching it seems a great pity that England should be deprived of these two a.s.semblies, when each one of them only requires one person to bring it to a.s.sembly status.

Regarding the questions you asked in connection with the following minutes of the N.S.A. meetings: 753. The Guardian advises you to consult Canon Townshend, and if he considers it advisable to compile a pamphlet for distribution to the clergy you could get one out along the lines he might suggest as suitable. 754. He would not advise any special contact being made with the Swedenborgians as the Master's reference is not sufficiently clear and emphatic to warrant it. 755. The Guardian does not believe you should ask the Russian Emba.s.sy for help in locating Mde. Grinevskaya's play about the Bab, as he believes they could be of no help in the matter.

You might ask the American N.S.A. if they have this material available.

The Guardian's prayers are offered on behalf of the N.S.A. members, that you, one and all, may be aided and guided in your labours during the coming months, to prepare the way for a befitting and glorious Centenary celebration of our beloved Faith during May of 1944.

[From the Guardian:]

Dearly beloved friends,

I was so pleased and encouraged to witness the recent evidences of the determination of the English believers to arise, as never before, during this concluding year of the first Baha'i century, and ensure the extension of the teaching activities of the Faith, the consolidation of its interests, and a better understanding and wider recognition of its aims, its principles, and accomplishments. The efforts they must exert during these remaining months must be unprecedented in their range and character.

The blessings that will be vouchsafed to them, if they unitedly persevere and vigorously prosecute their urgent task, will alike be unprecedented.

The preparation for a befitting celebration of the forthcoming Centenary must likewise be carefully and energetically carried out. May the Almighty sustain and guide them in their vast and meritorious endeavours.

Shoghi

Letter of 10 August 1943 (Summer School)

10 August 1943 (Summer School)

CONCENTRATION TEACHING AND CENTENARY PREPARATIONS MOST VITAL MATTERS FERVENTLY PRAY ALL MAY BECOME RADIANTLY ACTIVE GREETINGS DEEPLY APPRECIATED.

SHOGHI RABBaNi