(7) November 19th, 1945

(7) November 19th, 1945

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of Aug. 6th brought great joy to the Guardian’s heart. It has taken it some time to reach him but he has instructed me to answer it at once.

He was particularly pleased to hear of the weekly radio broadcasts you are giving, and feels that this cannot but have a marked effect on the progress of the Cause in Alaska, both visibly and spiritually.

Although there are many souls ripe to receive the message, there are many others who, though they are not able to recognize its import at present, will take the seed into their hearts, and there it will ultimately germinate. Radio reaches so many people and thus is of the utmost importance.

It was very kind of you to think of sending gifts to the Guardian made by Eskimos, and he will value them as tokens of your love and the handiwork of a people whom he is most anxious should receive the Divine Message.

He hopes that your Assembly will endeavour to reach the Eskimos with the Message; he fully realizes how difficult a task this is, but it is also one of great importance. If but one of these souls should become truly enkindled, he or she could then teach others in their own language and a manner suited to their minds.

Assuring you all of the loving appreciation of your devoted services, and his ardent prayers for the success of your labours.

Yours, with warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-workers:

It is always a joy to hear from you. I truly admire the spirit that animates you, as well as your remarkable achievements in the service of our beloved Faith. You truly deserve the praise of the Concourse on high. Persevere in your noble and historic task, and rest assured that the Beloved is well pleased with you.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(8) December 17, 1951

(8) December 17, 1951

To the Bahá’ís who attended the Alaska Convention.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of December 3rd has reached the beloved Guardian; and he was very pleased to receive the assurance of your determination to persevere in the work of the Cause, and achieve all the goals set before the American Bahá’í Community.

He was also very happy indeed to know that all Alaskan Bahá’ís had been present. He considers this a great achievement. When we consider that not so many years ago, there was not a single Bahá’í in Alaska, we can truly say: “What hath God wrought!”—and with thankful hearts rededicate ourselves to the work of His Faith.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my deepest appreciation of the sentiments you have expressed, and of my loving, my ardent and continued prayers for the extension and consolidation of your highly meritorious activities,

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(9) February 3, 1952

(9) February 3, 1952

Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Our beloved Guardian has received your letter of January 17th, enclosing the loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb from the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage District; and has instructed me to answer on his behalf, and to send you the attached receipt.

He very deeply appreciates your gift toward the completion of this most holy enterprise, which is serving to draw the devoted believers in all lands closer to the Center of their Faith.

Naturally he is most happy to hear of the growth of the Faith in your land, and it cannot be otherwise when there is such firm resolve and determination to serve, and such harmony among the devoted believers.

He assures you all of his loving prayers for you at the Holy Shrines.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless you and your fellow-workers in Anchorage, sustain and protect you, reward you for your contribution and services to the Faith, and aid you to enrich the splendid record of your achievements.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(10) February 9, 1953

(10) February 9, 1953

The Bahá’í Community of Anchorage.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of January 7th, expressing appreciation of the action of the beloved Guardian in arranging for Rúhíyyih Khánum, accompanied by the Vice-President of the International Council, Amelia Collins, to be present at the All-America Teaching Conference and the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Chicago, has been received by him. He has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter on his behalf.

The Guardian feels that the four forthcoming Conferences are the most important gatherings ever held in the Faith to date.

The Conferences will bring together representatives of the entire Bahá’í World, representing twelve national communities, made up of numerous racial and religious backgrounds.

The purpose of the Conferences will be the world-wide propagation of the Faith. They will lay the foundations of the service of the Bahá’ís of the world for the great ten year Crusade ahead—which, God willing, will be consummated in the fulfillment of the prophecies of Daniel, and the achievement of the initial goals set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, whereby the world will be flooded with the Glory of the Lord.

The Guardian attaches great importance to the Conference to be held in Wilmette, and he sincerely hopes as many of the believers as possible will attend.

The Guardian will pray at the Shrines for the friends in Anchorage.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(11) March 24, 1953

(11) March 24, 1953

To the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Just a little note to assure you our beloved Guardian received your Naw-Rúz greeting, which he appreciated very much.

Great things lie ahead of the Bahá’ís in Alaska, and he will pray that they may attain their goals speedily and worthily.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

(12) March 30, 1953

(12) March 30, 1953

To the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of January 23rd has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it in his behalf.

The Guardian feels the Dedication of the Temple, and the Intercontinental Teaching Conference to be held immediately thereafter, will mark a most important historic milepost in the development of the Faith in America, and the world. It will close the epoch of Temple Building, and open the 10 year period of World Crusade, during which time, the Faith will be established over the face of the earth.

The Guardian is happy Rúhíyyih Khánum and Vice-President Collins of the International Bahá’í Council can attend to represent him. He hopes as many of the Friends as possible will be present.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
I am,
Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas, Asst. Secretary

(13) August 5, 1953

(13) August 5, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has asked me to write the Friends of Alaska on his behalf, and explain to them that he is following very closely their activities in Alaska.

He attaches the very greatest importance to the services which are being rendered by the Bahá’ís in that land.

The future of Alaska is so important that he has set as one of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly in Alaska, notwithstanding its present or future political relationship with the United States.

This great gift which has come to Alaska likewise calls for great sacrifice and service. The Guardian feels the Bahá’ís of Alaska fully realize the heavy responsibilities devolving upon them and will arise with a superhuman effort to spread the Faith throughout the length and breadth of the country. He will welcome advice of the opening up of new cities and centers throughout Alaska, which will lay the foundation stones on which the future National Assembly can be built. The only way this can be done is for the Friends to “scatter” as the Master foretold, and settle in new cities, areas, etc.

A copy of this letter is being sent to the American National Spiritual Assembly, so that they might assist the friends of Alaska to fulfill their spiritual mission and help their country attain its spiritual destiny.

Please send a copy of this appeal of the Guardian to each Believer in Alaska.

The Beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each and every one of the Bahá’ís in Alaska. He assures you of his prayers at the Holy Shrine in your behalf, that every obstacle may be removed from your paths, as you prosecute this sacred mission.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(14) August 5, 1953

(14) August 5, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has asked me to write you on his behalf, concerning settlement in Kotzebue, in the Arctic Circle.

He has learned that one of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage, or Alaska, has gone or is going soon to Kotzebue, and he wishes full information in connection therewith. He would like to know who the pioneer is, when he settled, or if not settled, when he will do so.

The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to this project, and he asks that your Assembly assist the pioneer in every way possible.

The Guardian asks that you give his love to the pioneer either in or enroute to Kotzebue, and assure him, the Guardian will pray for him; that the Divine Confirmations may be with him, that every obstacle may be removed from his path, and that he will achieve new victories for our Glorious Faith.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(15) November 23, 1953

(15) November 23, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of September 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Bahá’ís of Alaska have always proved themselves full of initiative and devotion; and he feels sure that they will successfully accomplish their goal of having an independent National Assembly before the end of the ten years.

He feels that if Mrs. Wells can go to Kotzebue next Spring, it would be excellent. The ideal of course is for the friends to obtain work before they go to new places, if at all possible, and in this way not deplete their resources or be a burden on the Fund.

The Guardian was also very happy to hear that the Caldwells are still in the Aleutian chain, as he attaches the greatest importance to this very difficult post. He urges your Assembly to give them all the encouragement you can, and to impress upon them the importance of remaining there.

You may be sure he will pray for the progress of your work in the holy Shrines; and no doubt the National Assembly will give you every assistance it can. As you know, it has heavy demands made upon it at present, in order to get the pioneers out to their posts; and the consolidation work will undoubtedly be taken up later on.

With warmest Bahá’í greetings to you all,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to promote continually the vital interests of His Faith, and win great victories in its service.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(16) March 18, 1954

(16) March 18, 1954

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian is following very closely the activities in connection with the Ten-Year Crusade throughout the entire Bahá’í world. He has been encouraged by the reports reaching him from all centers.

The Guardian is happy over the development of the Faith in Alaska. Inasmuch as one of the very important goals of the Ten Year Crusade is the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly for Alaska, the Guardian is hopeful that the friends will very seriously undertake the establishment of the Faith in the important cities, and the development of as many assemblies as possible. This can be accomplished best, of course, by “scattering” from the larger communities, and in settling in new areas.

The beloved Guardian was greatly encouraged to learn through a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell addressed to me, that at the Alaska State Convention on December 6th, a fund was started for the Hazíratu’l-Quds. The Guardian attaches great importance to the development of the Hazíratu’l-Quds even before there are prospects for the establishment of the National Assembly. The Guardian is arranging for a gift to this fund of $500 as his personal contribution. It will be sent you by the Treasurer of the American N.S.A. He hopes this will stimulate the friends to contribute to this important fund, as time goes on.

The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to all the friends in Alaska.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Secretary-General
International Bahá’í Council

(17) April 23, 1954

(17) April 23, 1954

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of April 6th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

(18) January 28, 1955

(18) January 28, 1955

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of January 19th, written on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of the Anchorage Recording District, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to send you this note in reply.

He was indeed happy to hear that the Anchorage Recording District Assembly is now incorporated, thus broadening still further the foundations of the Administrative Order of the Faith.

He would appreciate receiving a copy of your Certificate of Incorporation, to be added to the many now on display in the Mansion of Bahjí.

The devoted services of the dear friends there are deeply appreciated, and he sends his loving greetings to you all.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for the success of the efforts which you and your fellow-workers are exerting for the promotion of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(19) March 1, 1955

(19) March 1, 1955

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of June 25, 1954, with enclosure, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was indeed happy to learn that, through the dispersal of the friends in Anchorage to three other cities, the goal set by the Alaska Teaching Committee for the last year was achieved. This is indeed most encouraging news.

The rapid expansion of the Faith in Alaska has delighted the heart of the Guardian. The way the believers have scattered in order to create new Centers, shows their great devotion and courage.

He is now looking forward to the time when the friends there will have their own Hazíratu’l-Quds.

Please convey the loving greetings of the Guardian to all the Alaska Bahá’ís; and assure them of his deep appreciation of their sacrificial services, and their determination to broaden the basis of their Faith in that country. All these efforts will hasten the day when Alaska will have its own National Spiritual Assembly.

His prayers are ever with the friends as they pursue their noble task.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for the success of your deeply appreciated endeavours for the promotion of our beloved Faith,

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(20) May 7, 1955

(20) May 7, 1955

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of April 6th with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The contribution you enclosed from the Bahá’ís of Anchorage Recording District is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

The Guardian greatly appreciated receiving the incorporation papers from the Anchorage District Assembly. He feels the incorporation of this Assembly an historical event. He likewise appreciates the map which you sent showing the area involved in the recording district, as well as the location of the Bahá’í property. So far as the use of the land is concerned, this is something which will have to be determined as time goes on, and particularly when Alaska establishes their National Assembly.

The Guardian sincerely hopes all the friends in Alaska will redouble their teaching efforts, so that the Faith may become firmly established. The work of the Alaska Bahá’ís has so encouraged the Guardian that he has announced the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly for Alaska in 1957. It is evident that intensive teaching work must be done between now and that date, so that there will be a sufficient number of Assemblies and a wide enough basis of the Faith throughout Alaska to build up a proper foundation for this crowning institution.

The challenge has now come to the Alaska Bahá’ís. We all hope and pray they will be assisted in their strenuous efforts.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends you his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(21) July 1, 1955

(21) July 1, 1955

Northern Peoples Teaching Committee

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of May 2nd with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He appreciates receiving the pamphlet and the photograph which you sent him.

He considers it would be a great service to the Faith if you can arrange to have some of the literature translated into other of the more widely used dialects, and especially Aleut. He also approves of your following the idea of the book published in English entitled: “A Bahá’í Child’s Song Book,” where you feel that is desirable.

The Guardian greatly values the services of your Committee in their devoted efforts to bring the Faith to the native people of Alaska, and assures you of his prayers for the abundant success of your labours.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless, guide and sustain you, and enable you to enrich the record of your splendid services to His Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(22) August 26, 1955

(22) August 26, 1955

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letters of July 15 and 23, with enclosures, have been received by the beloved Guardian; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He regrets the delay in receiving your letter of the 15th, as it prevented his sending a cabled message on the occasion of the dedication of the Hazíratu’l-Quds of Alaska.

He rejoices over this important step forward on the way to the formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska. He considers the progress of the Faith in Alaska remarkable.

The Guardian urges the friends to exert even greater efforts, especially in the teaching and enrollment of the Eskimos.

He remembers all the dear friends in Alaska in his loving prayers.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved guide, aid and protect you in your high and historic endeavours, assist you to extend rapidly the range of your meritorious activities, and win memorable victories in the service of His Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(23) September 16, 1955

(23) September 16, 1955

Teaching Committee for Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of August 17th, with the sheet enclosed showing the names of those who attended the first All Alaskan Summer Teaching Conference.

The progress of the work in Alaska is very gratifying to him. He would like your Committee to assure those who attended this Teaching Conference of his prayers for the success of their labours.

It is the Guardian’s deep hope that, in countries where the friends may teach freely, a mighty, sustained teaching effort may be exerted. If the Faith progresses rapidly in such countries, this will in a measure compensate for the setback it has suffered in Persia, because of the recent terrible persecutions.

He attaches great importance to Alaska; and he hopes the friends there will rise to great heights, in the days to come, in their teaching activities.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, and aid you to promote, at all times, the vital interests of His Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(24) December 7, 1955

(24) December 7, 1955

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

This is just a note to acknowledge, on behalf of the beloved Guardian, receipt of your letter of October 9th, as well as the three photographs enclosed.

He is happy that the Bahá’ís are so well installed in their new Hazíratu’l-Quds, and will pray for you all.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless you and your dear fellow-workers, and enable you to lend a great impetus, in the coming months, to the onward march of the Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(25) December 25, 1955

(25) December 25, 1955

To the friends who were present at the Alaska State Convention.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter, signed by all those who were present at the Convention on December 4th; and this is just a note on his behalf to urge you all to redouble your teaching efforts, so that Alaska will have a firm foundation for its National Assembly.

With Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless your high endeavours, guide and sustain you, and aid you to lend a great impetus to the onward march of the Faith in that promising country.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(26) February 2, 1956

(26) February 2, 1956

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of January 9th has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution which you have sent to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herein.

The Hosts of the Supreme Concourse are in marshall array, poised between Earth and Heaven ready to rush to the assistance of those who arise to Teach the Faith. If one seeks the confirmation of the Holy Spirit, they can find it in rich abundance in the Teaching Field. The world is seeking as never before, and if the Friends will arise with new determination, fully consecrated to the noble task ahead of them victory after victory will be won for the Glorious Faith of God.

The Guardian will pray for the quickening of the teaching work in Alaska. A great upward surge is essential in that great country, as it is soon to have its own National Assembly. May the Friends arise with resolve, dedication and consecration. Then surely great results will be achieved. The Guardian sends you his loving Greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(27) May 3, 1956

(27) May 3, 1956

The Bahá’í Community of Ketchikan, Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of April 24th has been received, and the beloved Guardian was delighted over the formation of your Assembly.

(28) May 14, 1956

(28) May 14, 1956

Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of April 23rd was received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to respond to it on his behalf. The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herein.

The spirit of the time is the teaching of the Faith in new areas, particularly on the home front. The Guardian sincerely hopes you will be most active in this field, so that many seeking the light of divine guidance in your area, may be led to the Fountain of Immortality.

The Keynote of success in the teaching field is study of the Word, Prayer, Meditation; and then action. Above all, perseverance in action. When these steps are followed in the realm of self-sacrifice, success will be achieved.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(29) May 23, 1956

(29) May 23, 1956

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of May 15th, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

(30) June 22, 1956

(30) June 22, 1956

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Brother:

Your loving letter of June 8th, on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan, Alaska, came duly to hand; and the beloved Guardian directed me to respond to it on his behalf. The contribution to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

The Guardian is very appreciative of the excellent work being done by the Bahá’ís of Alaska in preparing for their National Assembly. The pioneering services are highly meritorious, and will be richly blessed by the ever watchful Master. The friends should redouble their efforts during the short remaining period, so there may be many more Bahá’ís in that important area, when the National Assembly is formed.

The Guardian assures you, each and every one, of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas