The inst.i.tution of the National Fund, so indispensable to the vigorous functioning of the multiplying inst.i.tutions of the Faith, must be generously and systematically supported by the rank and file of the believers, however great the financial sacrifice involved, it is through such sacrifice that these inst.i.tutions can exert their maximum spiritual influence, and contribute their full share to the expansion and consolidation of the Faith. To their brethren in the Eastern Zone, so gravely handicapped by the unfortunate disabilities which they have, so long and so patiently suffered, consistent support, in whatever way possible, should be extended, and every avenue should be explored to ensure that the flame burning in those valiant hearts, so heavily burdened by cares and anxieties, will not be extinguished. The no less vital obligation to introduce, however tentatively, the Faith in the territories lying beyond the eastern confines of their homeland, and particularly in the Baltic States, must be promptly and seriously considered, for upon it will, to a very great measure, depend the success of the Mission envisaged for them by 'Abdu'l-Baha, and now confirmed through the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan. The a.s.sistance extended to their brethren and co-partners in Austria, who have lately succeeded in enlarging the scope of their beneficent activities, should, moreover be maintained, nay reinforced, for the purpose of multiplying the local spiritual a.s.semblies, and of hastening thereby the emergence of an independent National Spiritual a.s.sembly in that land. Above all, the burning issue of the purchase of the site and of the construction of the Mother Temple of Europe must be resolutely faced, and, once and for all, definitely settled, even if it becomes necessary to abandon Frankfurt, situated in the heart of their country, and the national administrative headquarters of their Faith, and subst.i.tute for it Stuttgart, as a site, for their first Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar. Whatever is to be done should be expeditiously carried out, for time is fast running out and the Ten-Year Crusade is rapidly and inexorably approaching its midway-point. All eyes, in every continent of the globe where Baha'is reside, are eagerly and anxiously watching, expecting the early and definite settlement of these prolonged negotiations, and prayerfully hoping to witness the first evidences of the rise of the n.o.ble Structure, the erection of which has been entrusted to the largest and one of the oldest national Baha'i communities in the European continent.

The divers and formidable obstacles, challenging the spirit and resources of this long-suffering, firmly based, highly-endowed, much admired community, have been considered and enumerated. The vital and inescapable obligations, calling for immediate resolute action, on the part of all of its privileged members, have been touched upon and sufficiently emphasized. Now, if ever, is the time for action, with practically half of the period alloted for the prosecution of a decadelong Crusade already behind us. The German Baha'i Community, the leading stronghold of the Faith on the European mainland, must not, cannot fail. All its resources, spiritual as well as material, must be mobilized at this hour to ensure the speedy attainment of some of the most glorious objectives of a glorious Crusade.

I fervently plead with its members, particularly with its watchful, painstaking, devoted national elected representatives, to arise as one man and carry to a successful conclusion yet another stage in the unfoldment of their historic Mission.

May He Who through His power called this community into being, nurtured and bestowed upon it His special blessings, crown their present and future efforts with a success that will resound throughout the Baha'i world.

Shoghi

LETTER OF 16 AUGUST 1957

16 August 1957

USE ENGLISH EDITION BASIS TRANSLATION ANSWERED QUESTIONS GRIEVE Pa.s.sING ALBRECHT NAGEL DEVOTED PROMOTER FAITH FERVENTLY PRAYING PROGRESS SOUL KINGDOM APPROVE REVISED DESIGNS TEMPLE URGE EXPEDITE PURCHASE SITE LOVING PRAYERS

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 27 AUGUST 1957

27 August 1957

GRIEVE Pa.s.sING DISTINGUISHED HANDMAID CENTER CONVENANT MUCH LOVED DEEPLY ADMIRED ANNAMARIE SCHWEIZER RECORD NOTABLE SERVICES CLOSING YEARS HEROIC THREE DECADES FORMATIVE AGES BAHAI DISPENSATION IMPERISHABLE REWARD GREAT KINGDOM FERVENTLY PRAYING PROGRESS SOUL

SHOGHI

LETTER OF 3 SEPTEMBER 1957

3 September 1957

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf about.... He has not only received a most unhappy and pitiful letter from him but also letters from some of the German friends who are distressed and unhappy over the severe measures your a.s.sembly has taken as regards his teaching and freedom of movement.

He feels that you should deal with more kindness and leniency in this matter; as far as he understands the accusations against him are because of certain emotional relationships he has had. In such matters wisdom and patience are required. It is only in cases of flagrant immorality that the a.s.sembly must step in and warn the believer in question that they must behave in a way worthy of the Faith. He doubts if ... has conducted himself in such a way. In any case he wishes you to do all you can to help this unfortunate situation and prevent it from becoming a serious issue....

LETTER OF 4 SEPTEMBER 1957

4 September 1957

Dear Baha'i Co-workers:

The Beloved Guardian has cabled you a short time ago that he approved in the changes in the Temple which had been submitted by you and by Mr.

Rocholl.

The Guardian has directed me to confirm this matter with you so that there might be no misunderstanding. In other words, he feels that the new drawings which you have submitted will be satisfactory. He understands that the building itself will be no higher than thirty (30) meters in accordance with the Town Planning arrangements of the area.

As you know he is most anxious about this very vital Goal of the Ten Year Crusade and sincerely hopes that all of the barriers will now be eliminated and you will soon have authority to begin construction work.

He is praying for you and for the success of your labors. He sends his loving greetings....

LETTER OF 5 SEPTEMBER 1957

5 September 1957

Dear Baha'i Friends:

In a recent letter from ..., he states that he has made an offer to the German NSA to defray the expenses of translating the latest book of Dr.

Townshend, "Christ and Baha'u'llah" and to pay for its publication in German.

As I have written you previously, the Guardian attaches the utmost importance to this book as he feels it will clarify in the minds of everyone the relationship of Christ to Baha'u'llah. It may shock some of the Orthodox religious leaders but at the same time perhaps we have reached the point where a shock will do them good. The Guardian feels that even at the present if there should be some adverse criticism, in the long run the publication of this book and its wide spread will bring about renewed interest and activity in the Faith.

Thus he hopes your a.s.sembly will see that the book is now published at an early date, particularly inasmuch as the expense of publication has been defrayed by....

LETTER OF 22 SEPTEMBER 1957

22 September 1957

Dear Baha'i Brother: