Messages to the Bah‡'’ World Contents
PAGE
Review of World Progress of the Faith, Apr. 25, 19503
An Enterprise Transcending Any National Institution, July 7, 19505
Opening Door to Pilgrimage, Dec. 16, 19507
New Step in Building the B‡b's Shrine, Jan. 4, 1951131
Formation of First International Bah‡'’ Council, Jan. 9, 19517
Spiritual and Administrative World Center, Mar. 2, 19518
Transcending in Sacredness, Mar. 21, 19519
Pilgrim Kings to Pay Humble Tribute, Apr. 2, 195110
Epoch-Making Events, Apr. 25, 195110
Reorientation, Apr. 25, 195113
Construction of Shrine Moves Forward, May 29, 1951131
Invite Valiant Co-Sharers in Holy Enterprise, Aug. 24, 195114
Acquisition of Area on Mount Carmel, Sept. 24, 195115
Jubilee Centenary, Nov. 30, 195116
Old and New Covenant-Breakers, Dec. 13, 195116
Appointment of Hands of the Cause, Dec. 24, 195118
Pilgrimage to World Center Again Permitted, Dec. 25, 1951131
Second Appointment of Hands of the Cause, Feb. 29, 195220
Triple Announcement, Mar. 8, 195221
Administrative Headquarters in Africa, Mar. 16, 1952132
William Sutherland Maxwell PassesÐRœh’yyih Kh‡num Appointed Hand, Mar. 26, 1952132
The Historic Process, Apr. 3, 195224
God's Avenging Wrath, Apr. 5, 195224
Irresistible March of the Faith, Apr. 23, 195225
Rapid Progress of World CenterÐDecline in Fortunes of Covenant-Breakers, June 11, 195228
The Summons of the Lord of Hosts, June 30, 193230
Fulfilment of National Teaching Plans, Aug. 5, 195239
Launching the World-Embracing Spiritual Crusade, Oct. 8, 195240
Progress on Shrine of the B‡b, Oct. 14, 1952133
Acquisition of Vitally-Needed Property, Nov. 12, 195245
Representatives for Intercontinental Conferences, Dec. 15, 195246
Achievements of Heroic Pioneers in Africa, Jan. 5, 1953133
Rapid Progress of Twin Sacred Undertakings, Feb. 9, 1953134
African Intercontinental Conference, Feb. 1953135
Twofold Victory in Holy Land, Mar. 21, 195347
Fivefold Historic Celebration in America, Apr. 30, 1953140

All-America Intercontinental ConferenceÐFirst Message, May 3, 1953142
All-America Intercontinental ConferenceÐSecond Message, May 4, 1953146
Appeal for Funds to Purchase Temple Site in Italy, May 4, 1953156
Treacherous Ruhi Afn‡n, May 17, 195348
The Paramount Issue, May 28, 195348
Joyful Announcement of Progress, June 25, 1953156
European Intercontinental Conference, July 1953157
Magnificent Response by Communities of East and West, July 1953162
Sealing the Triumphant Festivities of Holy Year, Aug. 19, 195350
Roll of Honor, Sept. 20, 195350
Asian Intercontinental Conference, Oct. 1953163
Triple Announcement on Conclusion of Holy Year, Oct. 1953169
Hands at New Delhi Conference to Aid in Attaining Goals, Oct. 1953171
Further Additions to Roll of Honor, Oct. 14, 1953172
Twenty-One Virgin Areas, Nov. 11, 195352
World Crusade Forges Ahead, Dec. 7, 195354
Hand of Cause Appointment, Dec. 7, 195355
Fast-Dwindling Band of Covenant-Breakers, Dec. 16, 195353
Appeal for Pioneer Settlement, Feb. 8, 195455
Hand of Cause Appointment, Mar. 19, 195457
Roll of HonorÐAdditional Inscriptions, Mar. 21, 195457
Institution of Hands of the Cause, Apr. 6, 195458
A Divinely-Guided Faith, Apr. 195460
Glad Tidings, May 4, 195467
A Succession of Victories, Oct. 1, 195469
Administrative Seats of Divinely-Appointed Institutions, Nov. 27, 195473
International Archives Building and Design for Temple in Persia, Mar. 20, 195575
Achievements of Second Year of Ten Year Plan, Apr. 195576
AchievementsÐSupplementary Report, Apr. 30, 195585
Prayers for Faith in Persia, Apr. 30, 195586
Appointment to International Bah‡'’ Council, May 4, 195586
Implications and Requirements, May 26, 195586
Archbreaker of Bah‡'u'll‡h's Covenant, June 3, 195587
World-Wide Reverberations, Aug. 23, 195588
Val’yu'll‡h Varq‡ PassesÐSon Appointed, Nov. 15, 1955173
Hand of Cause Appointment, Nov. 15, 195591
So Significant a Victory, Apr. 195691
Passing of George Townshend, Mar. 25, 1957174

George Townshend PassesÐAgnes Alexander Appointed Hand of Cause, Mar. 27, 1957174
Evidences of the Resistless March of World Crusade, Apr. 1957102
Epoch-Making Victory Won Over the Covenant-Breakers, June 3, 1957120
Call to Hands of Cause and National Assemblies, June 4, 1957122
Restitution of Bah‡'’ Properties in Persia, June 8, 1957124
Remains of M’rz‡ Buzurg Transferred, July 17, 1957175
Purification of Haram-i-Aqdas, Sept. 6, 1957124
Announcement of Series of Five Intercontinental Conferences and Appointment of Eight Additional Hands of the Cause, Oct. 1957124
Index177




Introduction

      From early 1922 until 1950, the letters and cablegrams written by Shoghi Effendi in his capacity of Guardian of the Bah‡'’ Faith were addressed to individual National Spiritual Assemblies or national Bah‡'’ communities conveying directives or explanations of matters reported to him as Head of the Faith and Interpreter of its Message. For example, the letters written to the American Bah‡'’ community between 1927 and 1932 were later published under the title, Bah‡'’ Administration. A later series of letters sent to America were published as, The World Order of Bah‡'u'll‡h.
      In 1950 the Guardian changed his emphasis from the needs or activities of national Bah‡'’ bodies to the Bah‡'’ world community, culminating in his initiation of the Ten Year World Crusade launched in 1953 and for the first time calling upon the participation of all Bah‡'’s in one common world plan. These letters likewise announced the establishment of the International Bah‡'’ Council and the institution of Hands of the Cause.
      The present volume reprints the major communications which Shoghi Effendi addressed to the Bah‡'’ world from April 25, 1950 to his last general letter dated October, 1957.
      For Bah‡'’ readers they possess unique importance in reporting the achievements of the World Crusade and determining its progressive unfoldment to the year 1963, the Centenary of Bah‡'u'll‡h's announcement to the followers of the B‡b of His prophetic Mission as the One whose coming the B‡b foretold. The World Crusade is not only establishing the Faith of Bah‡'u'll‡h throughout the world, but is also preparing the way for the formation of the Universal House of Justice, the goal and apex of the new world order of Bah‡'u'll‡h.
      For students of religion this volume attests the vitality of the Faith of Bah‡'u'll‡h and demonstrates its power to unite men and women of all national and cultural backgrounds in a common worship, a common understanding of the purpose of human existence and a common consecration to create the unassailable foundation of world justice and world peace.
      Loyal to their respective governments, and recognizing the



Divine Mission of all prophetic founders of the religions of the past, the Bah‡'’s stand above the traditional enmities and violence of the old order in its inevitable collapse and offer mankind the Message of God revealed for this "time of the end."
HORACE HOLLEY

Wilmette, Illinois

      Editorial Note: The victorious achievements of the Ten Year Crusade were celebrated at the Most Great Jubilee in April and May 1963, which commemorated the Centenary of the Declaration of Bah‡'u'll‡h's Mission. Two historic events transpired during that time: the International Convention, convened in Haifa, Israel, to elect the first Universal House of Justice; and the World Congress held in London, England.
      A supplementary collection of messages has been added in this edition, including those addressed to the first historic Intercontinental Teaching Conferences called by Shoghi Effendi and held in Africa, America, Europe and Asia.
BAHç'ê PUBLISHING TRUST
1971




Index

Abdu'l-Bah‡ potentialities of consolidation endowed by, 76 predictions of universal commotion, 103 progress along path traced by, 102 teaching comments, 38 Temple landscaping envisaged by, 109 'Abdu'l-Bah‡'s Divine Tablets or Plan Crusade impetus from, 50-52, 104 "forging ahead," 76 Africa areas to be opened, 27, 138 areas opened, 134 Bah‡'’ Court requested for Egypt, 139 Bah‡'’s of continent to unite in teaching work, 140 believers enrolled, 62, 71, 85, 93, 110, 133, 134, 141 believers praised, 135, 136 centers, 62, 71, 106 consolidation requested, 139 countries and territories settled, 137 Haz’ratu'l-Quds in Johannesburg, Tunis, Kampala, 27, 139 Kampala International Conference: B‡b's portrait to be shown, 134; Guardian's message to, 135-140 local assemblies: goals, 134; formed, 85, 141 Nakhjav‡n’, 'Al’, praised, 134 National Conventions, first for three new regions, 71, 72 National Endowments, 139 NSA's (3 new), formation of, 102, 138; incorporation of, 139; jurisdiction of, 72 pioneer achievements, 133, 134, 136, 137 pioneers from America, 30; from British Isles, 11 progress reported, 71, 77, 78, 93, 110 Publishing TrustÐCairo, 139 Temple land for Cairo, Kampala, Johannesburg, 138 translation and publication requested, 138 tribes represented, 62, 71 Alexander, Agnes, appointed Hand, 174 Amatu'l-Bah‡ Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, 47, 132 America achievements, 65, 66, 96 Bah‡'u'll‡h's Birthday to be celebrated (1952), 45 believers: activities, duties, praise for, 30-35; called to higher service, 28, 33 Intercontinental Conferences (1953) 25, 26, 33, 140-156 Jubilee (1953), 25, 26, 33 fivefold celebration, 140, 141 Persian persecution aid, 89, 97, 109 pioneers from, 50 progress in entire continent (1893-1953), 143 San Francisco Council of Churches, 96 special events and service, 96-98 U.S. goals attained, 80, 81 U.S. Temple dedicated, 140 U.S. Ten Year Plan, 109, 110 AqdasÐ See Kitab-i-Aqdas Archives Building heralds administrative seat, 74 land purchased, 73 progress, 64, 75, 76, 95, 108 "Ark" (in Tablet of Carmel), 64 Asia Intercontinental Conference and Jubilee (1953), 163-169 Shoghi Effendi praying for achievements, 171 Austerity period, 5, 9, 10 Auxiliary Boards, 44, 58, 59, 63, 83, 127, 128, 139, 160, 168 funds forÐ See Funds B‡b, Shrine of the contracts, 3, 11, 131, 133 construction reports, (1950) 5, 6; (1951) 9, 14, 15, 131; (1952) 21, 22, 26, 29; (1953) 47, 48, 50, 134, 135, 140, 141, 148, 156 edifice completed, 63, 169 funds requested, 31, 32 B‡b, Son of the, "sacred dust" moved to Sh’r‡z, 85 Baghd‡d, World Congress planned there, 43 Bah‡'’ centersÐ See Centers Opened Bah‡'’ Courts, 42, 167 Bah‡'’ Faith developments since 'Abdu'l-Bah‡'s passing, 18-20 emergence from obscurity in Persia, 89, 90 first International Bah‡'’ Council, 7, 8 progress reported, 25-28, 91, 102, 146-148, 162-171 protection of, by Hands, 123 Bah‡'’s and Bah‡'’ groups (See also Convention Messages) called to arise, 35-39, 49, 67, 73, 84, 85, 102, 112, 120 encouraged and praised, 3, 40, 41, 48, 49, 162 Bah‡'u'll‡h quoted, 38, 101, 117 Bah‡'u'll‡h, Shrine of, 42, 46 Haram-i-Aqdas (Outer Sanctuary)Ð See also World Center additions and improvements, 64, 95, 108, 109, 135 covenant-breakers evicted, 124; lose suit, 121 fund started, 78 Buzurg, M’rz‡ (father of Bah‡'u'll‡h), remains transferred, 174 Centers opened all colors classified, 148 continental reports, 3, 68, 75 progress reports, 67-70, 92, 96, 105, 106 Collins, Mrs Amelia, Hand of the Cause, 14, 71, 81, 112, 170 International Council member, 8, 22, 47 ConferencesÐ See Teaching Conferences ConsolidationÐ See also Convention Messages all territories, 40-45; Asia, 167; Europe, 160 Continental FundsÐ See Funds Convention Messages 1950. 3-5 1951. 10-13 1952. 25-28 1953. 140, 141 1954. 60-67 1955. 76-86 1956. 91-102 1957. 102-120 Council of Churches (San Francisco), 96 Countries opened (See also Territories), 51, 147, 148 Covenant-breakers 'Abdu'l-Bah‡'s grandchildren, 16 activities reviewed, 24, 25, 121, 122 Archives Building site released, 73, 74 Avarih, 53, 54 Falah, 53, 54 Fareed, 53, 54 Majid'd-D’n, 16, 87, 88, 94 Mansion given to Bah‡'’s, 45, 46 Nayer Afn‡n, 24, 25 reverses and defeat of, 10, 11, 29, 31, 66, 73, 74, 87, 88, 94, 108 Riaz, 16 Ruha, 16 Ruhi Afn‡n, 16, 48 Dependency of Mashriqu'l-Adhk‡r in Wilmette, 42, 65, 70, 118 Ecclesiastical forces in Persia vanquished, 104 Elsenhower, President appealed to, in Persia persecutions, 89, 97 Prayer for America sent to, acknowledged, 96 EndowmentsÐ See also Haz’ratu'l-Quds, Holy Places, Temples, World Center properties 1950: Anchorage, Auckland, Port Said, 4 1952: Crusade goals, capital cities, 43 1953: Asia, 148, 167 Europe, 141, 160 global list, 149, 150 U.S., 149, 150 1955: U.S. and around world, 80-82, 86 1956: Home of Maxwells, Canada, 94 land acquired, 93-96 more must be added, 99, 100 1957: American and Pacific areas, 110, 111 established in 50 countries, 112 increases reported, 107, 116 international, must be increased, 109 EuropeÐ See also Convention Messages, pioneers, etc. Crusade outlined, 158-160 culture reviewed, 161 developments, 157, 158 Intercontinental Conference, Stockholm, 23 Message to Conference, 157-162 teaching projects unfolded, 31, 32 Funds Continental established, 59, 63 contributions for Shrine of the B‡b, 6, 9, 10 Shrine of Bah‡'u'll‡h, 78 Crusade goals, 49, 55 contributions from American Bah‡'’ Community, 31, 98 Amelia Collins, 81, 112, 170 Guardian, 112, 156, 163 Roy Wilhelm, 48 Haz’ratu'l-Quds, 70, 71 Huqœqu'll‡h, 174 International Center, 13, 14 Persian persecutions, 90 Shrine of the B‡b, 6, 9, 10 Shrine of Bah‡'u'll‡h, 78 Temples and sites Baghd‡d, 81, 171 Cairo, 81 Frankfurt, 65, 81, 163 Johannesburg, 81 Kampala, 81 Mt. Carmel, 48 New Delhi, 81, 171 Panama, 65, 81, 156, 163 Rome, 156, 163 Stockholm, 163 Sydney, 65, 81, 171 Tihr‡n, 80 Toronto, 163 Wilmette, 5, 13 others, 171 see also Temples Giachery, Ugo, 169 Hands of the Cause, 148 appointments: 1st, 20; 2nd, 21; 3rd, 132, 133; 4th, 55; 5th, 57; 6th, 91, 174; 7th, 174; 8th, 127 Auxiliary Boards, 44, 58-60, 128 Guardian's special representatives, 46, 47, 72, 73, 128, 129, 172 new mission (protection), 122, 123 praised, 30, 31, 46, 58-60, 170 Haram-i-Aqdas, 149Ð See also Shrine of Bah‡'u'll‡h and World Center Properties Hautz, Larry, 46 Haz’ratu'l-Quds Africa, 21, 27, 43, 93, 132 Americas, 43, 68, 93, 99, 100 Asia, 43, 93, 167 Australasia, 43, 93 Europe, 43, 65, 93, 99, 100, 141, 160 Islands, 94 funds for, 68, 70, 71 progress, 107, 112 History Adamic cycle, 153-155 Administrative Order, 74 B‡b, 22, 47, 48 Bah‡'u'll‡h, 33, 34, 46, 47, 164, 165 continents: Africa, 24 Americas, 88-92 Asia, 164, 168 Europe, 157, 158, 161 Crusade turning point, 101 early review, 19 first century reviewed, 142, 143 Persian persecutions, 88-92, 147 progress, 147 prophecies fulfilled, 103, 104 Temple in Wilmette dedicated, 47 territories opened in each ministry, 61 Holy Days, 4, 12, 27, 107, 150 Holy Family B‡b's son, 85 B‡b's wife, 71 Bah‡'u'll‡h's father, 175 resting places of, 74, 100 Holy Places B‡b, 65, 71, 80, 104, 118, 171 Bah‡'u'll‡h, 28-30, 65, 96, 118, 171 See also Shrines of the B‡b and Bah‡'u'll‡h, Mazra'ih, World Center Property Holy Year, 17, 32, 33, 39-45, 51 IncorporationÐ See Local and National Spiritual Assemblies Indians (American), 62, 110 Intercontinental Conferences Africa, 17, 26, 33, 35, 41, 63, 124, 134-140 America, 17, 25, 26, 33, 35, 41, 63, 125, 140-156 Asia, 18, 26, 33, 35, 41, 62, 125, 163-169, 171 Australia, 124 Europe, 17, 18, 23, 26, 33, 35, 41, 62, 125, 157-162 Guardian's special representatives, 46, 47, 128, 129 mementos sent by Guardian, 129 Intercontinental cooperation, 144 International Archives Building- See Archives Building International Bah‡'’ Council announcement and purpose, 7-9, 13 function and duties, 7, 46, 47, 149 members and officers, 22, 26, 86 Ioas, Leroy, Hand of the Cause, 46, 170 êr‡nÐSee Persia Israel contact with authorities, 7-9, 12 contact with President and other high officials, 64 Israel Branches of NSA's, 43, 64, 68, 79, 95, 139, 160, 167, 168 President and wife visited Shrines, etc., 68 Prime Minister visited Wilmette, 26 sovereign state and effect on Faith, 13, 14, 19 Jubilee Centenary announced, 16-18, 25, 26, 33 Kit‡b-i-Aqdas to be codified, 42 Kiyani, contribution of, 141 Knights of Bah‡'u'll‡hÐ See Pioneers LanguagesÐ See Translation Lesser Peace, 74, 75 Local Spiritual Assemblies incorporation, 85, 99, 100 multiplication urged, 32, 99, 100 new to be formed, 83-85 progress reported, 65, 77, 78, 106 women's membership rights in Egypt, 12 Marriage authority gained, 4, 107 see also Convention Messages Mashriqu'l-Adhk‡rsÐ See Temples Maxwell, Sutherland, Hand of the Cause, 6, 94, 132, 169, 170 Mazra'ih, 7-9, 12 National Spiritual Assemblies Africa, 21, 43, 71, 72, 137-140, 172 Alaska, 82, 144, 145 America, 11, 26, 43, 82, 144, 145, 149 Asia, 27, 43, 82, 166, 172 Australia, 43, 172 Canada, 3, 11, 149 Europe, 13, 22, 23, 43, 82, 149, 159 New Zealand, 82 Haz’ratu'l-Quds planned, 93, 94 hostility, warning of, 123 incorporation, 43, 100, 160, 167 Israel BranchesÐ See Israel women's membership rights in Egypt, 96, 97 New territoriesÐ See Territories Persecution of Faith and members, 123 see also Persia PersiaÐ See also Temples appeals to noted individuals and organizations for help in persecutions, 89, 97 ecclesiastical forces vanquished, 104 persecutions and property damage, 88, 90-92 prayers for protection, 86 properties restored, 124 Pilgrimage resumed, 132 Pioneers "Knights," 49, 51, 55, 57, 68, 69, 92, 105, 113, 172, 173 needs, 32, 49, 56, 58, 69, 107, 162, 171 praise for, 56, 69, 113 progress reports, 50, 51, 86, 97, 162, 170, 171 Roll of Honor, 49, 51, 68, 172, 173 Plans (teaching)Ð See also 'Abdu'l-Bah‡'s Plan British Isles, 4; in Africa, 26 Europe, 32 Latin America, 32 Persia, 4, 12 prosecution and success of all, 13, 40 World CrusadeÐ See World Spiritual Crusade President ElsenhowerÐ See Eisenhower Progress of Faith, 3-5; see also Bah‡'’ Faith and Convention Messages Publishing Trusts Germany, 160 India, 96, 167 Persia, 43 "Pupil of the eye," 136 Races and groups, 62, 77, 78, 93, 147, 148, 160 see also Indians and names of continents Ransom for early sufferings, 34, 35 Rœh’yyih Kh‡num, Amatu'l-Bah‡, 47, 132 Shrine of the B‡bÐ See B‡b, Shrine of Shrine of Bah‡'u'll‡hÐ See Bah‡'u'll‡h, Shrine of Teaching activities, 30, 49, 66, 67 Teaching Conferences, 4, 12, 23, 24, 27, 96 institutes and conferences listed, 113-115 see also Intercontinental Conferences Teaching PlansÐ See Plans Temples Frankfurt, 65, 70, 100, 111, 112, 159 Kampala, 67, 90, 111, 112 Sydney, 65, 111, 112, 166 Wilmette, 4, 11, 13, 28, 30, 32, 47, 65, 110, 149 sites and plans for, 94 Baghd‡d, 70, 166 Johannesburg, 70 Mt. Carmel, 12, 13, 63, 95, 149 New Delhi, 70, 166 Panama, 65, 67, 156, 163 Rome, 159, 163 Stockholm, 94, 159 Tihr‡n, 75, 80, 165 Toronto, 163 Ten Year PlanÐ See World Spiritual Crusade Territories (virgin) goals, 42-44, 158-160, 166, 167, 173 progress reports, 3, 11, 25, 26, 28, 51, 52, 55-57, 60, 61, 68, 69, 76, 77, 92, 105, 162, 163, 173 Time Periods Adamic Cycle, 153, 154 Bah‡'’ Cycle Apostolic Age, 74, 120 Formative Age anniversary of B‡b's ascension, 11; and Bah‡'u'll‡h's revelation, 16-18 Bah‡'’ century, second, 1st decade, 3; 2nd decade, 60-67 epochs, 13, 19, 61, 153, 154 events reviewed, 31, 35, 91, 104 Golden Age, 74, 75, 155, 156 Townshend, George, Hand of the Cause, 174 Translation of Writings, 3, 11, 12, 26, 61, 62, 77, 93, 106, 147, 160, 167 Twin cities, shrines, etc., 8 United Nations bonds strengthened, 4, 5, 12, 27, 28, 43 plea to, persecutions in Persia, 89, 90 response to plea, 97, 98 Varq‡, Val’yu'll‡h, Hand of the Cause, 173, 174 Women (right to serve) in Egypt 12, 96, 97; in Persia, 43, 65 World Center development (with that of Israel), 13, 14 development of institutions, 41, 42 progress reports, 8, 9, 63, 78, 79, 94, 95, 134, 135, 148-150 Qiblih of Bah‡'’ World, 32, 108, 109 World Center Property Bahj’, 26, 29, 30, 32, 42, 45, 46, 63, 64, 95, 108, 109, 149, 150 Mt. Carmel, 10, 11, 15, 16, 24, 26, 48, 63, 64, 70, 71, 73, 74, 78-80, 95, 108, 109, 149, 150, 170 World Civilization (predicted), 155, 156 World Spiritual CrusadeÐ1953-1963 announced, 48, 140, 144, 146, 153 goals, 48, 49, 98-100, 129, 130, 144-155, 157-161, 163, 168, 169 mass conversion ahead, 101 Muslim animosity aroused, 122, 123 participation of Bah‡'’ world, 73, 151, 153 progress reports, (1953) 50, 51, 54, 55; (1954) 60-67; (1955) 76-86; (1956) 92-98; (1957) 102-120, 125-127 purpose, 152, 153 World Congress, 151, 152 see also Intercontinental Conferences