Your letter of January 16th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He thanks you very much for the expression of your sympathy, and for the newspaper clipping you enclosed.

It has indeed been a great loss to the work of the Faith, to lose such a valiant, constant and distinguished Hand as dear Dorothy Baker. It will leave a gap in the pioneer field, as well. No doubt her n.o.ble spirit will be able to a.s.sist and inspire from on high, and this must be the consolation of all her friends and admirers.

He trusts the work in Oxford is progressing steadily; and he a.s.sures you all of his loving prayers in your behalf.

With warmest Baha'i greetings,

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith,

Your true brother, Shoghi

Letter of 23 April 1954

23 April 1954

The Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Oxford

Dear Baha'i Friends:

Your letter of April 9th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

Mrs. Winsten invited the Guardian if possible to view in person her portrait of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Needless to say, he thanked her for her kind invitation, but informed her this would be quite out of the question.

He is very pleased to hear that she has consented to forwarding a photograph through acquaintances of hers, and he will be very interested to see it. He will let you know if he considers the likeness sufficiently good to warrant any of the Baha'is purchasing it. It is a pity to own portraits of 'Abdu'l-Baha which do not in any way resemble Him.

Some time ago you asked him to send you a copy of the description which Miss Campbell brought to Haifa of how the artist made this drawing of 'Abdu'l-Baha. Unfortunately this has been mislaid, and it is not possible for the Guardian to send you a copy. However, the original you may be sure is safe in his papers.

He is very happy to hear of the progress of the Cause in Oxford, such a very important centre from every standpoint. He a.s.sures you all of his loving prayers for the progress of your activities, and for each and all of you.

With warmest Baha'i greetings,

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring you of my loving prayers for you all, and for the success of your efforts for the promotion of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother, Shoghi

Letter of 7 December 1954

7 December 1954

The Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Oxford

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of November 30th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The news of the opening of the Oxford Baha'is' first Centre rejoiced his heart. He was particularly happy to know that this project was consummated and the Centre furnished and made ready for use almost entirely through the united efforts and devotion of the believers themselves.

As you know, the Guardian attaches great importance to Oxford. Now that the friends have a Centre, which in itself will be a means of attracting seeking souls to them to learn of the Faith; and also the Baha'is have made for themselves a teaching plan, he feels confident that the work will go forward there with great strides, and that your community will grow in numbers and in strength.

He will remember you all in his loving prayers in the Holy Shrines.

With loving Baha'i greetings,

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless continually your highly meritorious efforts, and enable you to win great and memorable victories in the service of His Faith,

Your true brother, Shoghi

Letter of 28 February 1955

28 February 1955

The Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Oxford

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of February 13th with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is hoping that the fact that the believers now have their own Centre in Oxford will greatly stimulate the work there, and cause the more rapid expansion of the Faith in this difficult town.

The work done among the University students should be steadily pursued.

Perhaps before long some among their number may determine to accept the Faith and arise whole-heartedly to serve it.

The Guardian a.s.sures you all of his loving prayers, and sends his greetings.

With warm Baha'i love,

P.S. It is not necessary to send a detailed account of the funeral of Mrs.

Langdon-Davies. A short biographical account of her life should be sent by the N.S.A. for "Baha'i World".