My heart is overflowing with joyous gratitude at the magnificent advance
made in numerous spheres of Bahá'í activity. The formation of an Assembly
in the few remaining areas of the North American continent, the consolidation
of the foundation of the newly-established Assemblies, and the preservation
of the status of the Bahá'í centers in all Republics of Latin America,
imperatively demand vigilant care, concentrated attention and further
self-sacrifice from the vanguard of the valiant army of Bahá'u'lláh. The
beloved Faith is surging forward on all fronts. Its undefeatable, stalwart
supporters, both teachers and administrators, are steeling themselves for
noble tasks, braving acute dangers, sweeping away formidable obstacles,
capturing new heights, founding mighty institutions, winning fresh recruits
and confounding the schemes of insidious enemies. The American
Bahá'í community must, and will at whatever cost, despite the pressure of
events and the desolating war, maintain among its sister communities the
exalted standard of stewardship incontestably set during the concluding
years of the first Bahá'í Century. The confident spirit, unfaltering
resolution animating its members, their tenacious valor, elevated loyalty,
nobleness of spirit and mighty prowess, will, ere the expiry of the century,
crown with complete victory the monumental enterprises undertaken during the
course of the fifty years of its existence.
October 5, 1943