High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska

(31) July 24, 1956

(31) July 24, 1956

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of June 27th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

You must feel proud of the achievements in Anchorage, and in Alaska generally. He himself is very happy over, and proud of, the work accomplished there, particularly in recent years.

You should not worry about attacks on the Faith, as these in the end cannot but result in the further growth of the Faith. You should face the coming formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska with joy and confidence, as it will rest on a firm and promising foundation.

He will remember all the members of the Spiritual Assembly in his prayers, that their labours in the Cause of God may be richly blessed. He also assures you of his prayers.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh, whose cause you and your fellow-workers serve with such love, zeal and devotion, guide and sustain you, aid you to lend, in the days to come, an unprecedented impetus to the spread of the Faith, and the multiplication of its institutions, and win memorable victories.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(32) August 1, 1956

(32) August 1, 1956

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of recent date, has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

The Beloved Guardian is most hopeful that the Friends on the “Home Front” will arise with renewed effort, and win many seeking souls to the Faith. He hopes you will be the means of bringing eternal life to many.

He assures you of his prayers in your behalf.

He sends you his loving Greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(33) September 16, 1956

(33) September 16, 1956

Teaching Committee for Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of August 8th, enclosing a list of the Bahá’ís who attended the Fairbanks Conference conducted by the Alaska Teaching Committee, as well as a program of the Conference, has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was especially pleased to see that a number of different localities were represented at this gathering.

He hopes the spirit generated there will strengthen the believers in the different areas and encourage them to carry forward the work with even greater energy than before. There is much to be done before the rapidly approaching historic election of their own National Spiritual Assembly. The Guardian feels the members of the Teaching Committee and all the friends are very conscious of this fact, and urges them to leave no stone unturned to gain new believers, and also to do all in their power to assist in the further consolidation of the Faith throughout that important land.

He appreciates the devoted efforts of each one of the friends, and assures them all of his prayers.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless the splendid work now being achieved in Alaska, guide the steps of the valiant friends laboring in that land, and enable them to win memorable victories in the days to come.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(34) October 22, 1956

(34) October 22, 1956

Bahá’í Assembly of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of September 30th has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution you have sent to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

Teaching is the keynote of spiritual success today. Those who arise and teach will be guided and confirmed, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit will be with them. The Guardian sincerely hopes you will join most actively in this spiritual crusade, and win many souls to the Faith.

The Guardian rejoiced at the success of your teaching work, and is happy that the Faith is spreading in that far off, but important city. He will pray that you will reach your goal, so that you may then spread into new cities.

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

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(35) December 20, 1956

(35) December 20, 1956

To the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of December 3rd was received by the Beloved Guardian. He has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The beloved Guardian is hopeful the friends will arise, each and every one, with renewed vigor and spiritual power, to teach the Cause of God. Everywhere the goals of the Ten Year Crusade are being won, with exception of teaching on the Home Fronts. The Guardian hopes you will be most active in this great spiritual upsurge in the teaching work, and win many seeking souls to the Faith.

(36) April 12, 1957

(36) April 12, 1957

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Will you please deliver to the Convenor of the Alaska Bahá’í Convention the enclosed envelope containing the Guardian’s Message to the friends and which is to be read to them at Convention.

To gain time this is being sent thru Rome and mailed by a Pilgrim.

With Ridván greetings,
R. Rabbani

P.S.—The Guardian requests that you acknowledge receipt of this communication by cable to him.

(37) April, 1957

(37) April, 1957

To: Delegates and Visitors assembled at the Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

I welcome, with joy, pride and thankfulness, the convocation, on the northern fringes of the Western Hemisphere, and in a region that must needs play a prominent part in the shaping of the destinies of mankind, of the first Alaskan Bahá’í Convention. So auspicious an event constitutes an important milestone in the progressive unfoldment of the Bahá’í World Spiritual Crusade, and represents the fruition of the valiant efforts exerted, in the course of several decades, by the American Bahá’í Community, which has striven so steadfastly to ensure the emergence of independent Bahá’í Communities in that hemisphere.

So great a triumph, crowning so much patient and painstaking labour, won at the hour when the Bahá’í World Spiritual Crusade is entering the second year of the third phase in its irresistible unfoldment, must be celebrated through the initiation of a subsidiary Six-Year Plan on the part of the newly-formed Alaskan National Spiritual Assembly, for the purpose of speedily increasing the number of the followers of the Faith; of multiplying its Centres; of adding to its existing Local Spiritual Assemblies; of inaugurating a National Bahá’í Fund; of establishing a Summer School; of initiating local Bahá’í endowments; of incorporating the newly-emerged National Spiritual Assembly as well as all firmly grounded local spiritual assemblies; of obtaining recognition for the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate, as well as the Holy Days on which work is forbidden; of stimulating the conversion of both the Eskimos and American Indians, and of purchasing a plot of land to serve as the site for the future Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of Alaska.

I appeal to the members of the American National Spiritual Assembly to persevere in their highly laudable endeavours on behalf of a Community so small yet so valiant and promising, and to ensure by every means in their power the steady development and consolidation of the institutions of an Order to whose rise and establishment they have so conspicuously contributed.

May the process now set in motion gather momentum in the years lying ahead, through a liberal effusion of the grace of Bahá’u’lláh, and may those whose privilege it is to stimulate its development, be guided in every step they take, and fulfill every desire they cherish for its ultimate consummation.

Shoghi

(38) May 16, 1957

(38) May 16, 1957

To the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of May 5th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The contribution made by your new Assembly to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

It is fitting that one of your first actions should be the dispatch of this remittance, as it links your new spiritual body directly with the work being done at the World Center of the Faith.

The Guardian is well pleased with the diligent services of all the Alaska friends, reaching the present goal of a National Assembly. May the friends now arise with renewed vigor, and with the new spirit released, win many more souls to the Faith. More Bahá’ís, more Centres, more Assemblies is the dominating spirit of service for the friends during the remainder of the Ten Year Crusade.

The Guardian will pray for you, and for the success of your labours for the Cause of God.

He sends his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(39) May 20, 1957

(39) May 20, 1957

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Our beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you on his behalf and inform you that the Hand of the Cause, Mr. Varga, will shortly be forwarding to your assembly the equivalent of five hundred English Pounds, as the Guardian’s contribution to your newly established National Fund.

He hopes that, in the formulation of your plans, particular attention will be given to the all-important teaching work, the foundation of all the activities of the Faith and the most urgent task facing the friends in this critical period the world is passing through.

You may be sure he will pray for your success.

With Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

(40) May 28, 1957

(40) May 28, 1957

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The Beloved Guardian has instructed me to write your Assembly in connection with the important goal of your six year plan, of purchasing or acquiring the site for the future Bahá’í Temple in Alaska.

No publicity of any type should be given this matter at this time, but the Committee should proceed with its work quietly and wisely. They should simply try to purchase a piece of land, without indicating its purpose. No contact should be had with the Government.

If your Assembly is not incorporated, or your local Assembly, then the land can be registered in the name of individuals appointed by the National Assembly.

Before actual purchase is made, the Guardian would appreciate advice as to the location, size of land, cost, etc. This you can send to him through me.

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

(41) June 4, 1957

(41) June 4, 1957

The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your loving letter of May 15th was received by the Beloved Guardian and he has directed me to acknowledge it in his behalf.

The contribution made by the friends in Ketchikan to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The establishment of the new National Spiritual Assembly in Alaska must be a source of great gratification to those of you who have labored so long and diligently in the establishment of the Faith in that very important country. This great blessing likewise carries with it many serious responsibilities. The greatest responsibility today is the diffusion of the Divine Fragrances and the establishment of the Faith far and wide. The Guardian hopes therefore that the Members of your Assembly will arise with renewed vigor and not only spread the Faith more firmly in Ketchikan, but will spread your energies to surrounding areas so that new lights of Divine Guidance may be established in the various centers.

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

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(42) June 30, 1957

(42) June 30, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer the letters received, with enclosure, from the Assembly’s Recording Secretary and from the Secretary, and dated as follows: May 4, 7, 29 and June 11.

He is very happy to see the eagerness with which this new historic Body has embarked upon its tasks, and he wishes you to know that he is particularly pleased with the Alaska Community. He admires the lively spirit animating it and which indeed has animated it for years—the spirit of optimism and joyous service, and its determination and courage. He has recently heard many fine things about the friends there and the work they are doing from Mrs. Florence Mayberry, all of which have encouraged him to cherish the very highest hopes for the future of the work in that vast territory.

He hopes your Assembly will devote special, constant attention to encouraging the friends in their teaching work, and facilitate their tasks. As the new National Assemblies are being formed, he feels it incumbent upon him to issue a word of warning to avoid rules and regulations and tying the believers’ work up in red tape. Over-administration can be even worse for the Faith at this time than under-administration. The believers are, for the most part, young in the Cause, and if they make mistakes it is not half as important as if their spirit is crushed by being told all the time—do this and don’t do that! The new National Body should be like a loving parent, watching over and helping its children, and not like a stern judge, waiting for an opportunity to display his judicial powers. The reason he points this out to you is that constantly, for the past twenty years and more, he has been pointing this out to the old and tried National Assemblies, and he does not want the younger bodies to make the same mistakes. Individual cases should be dealt with as they arise, according to the Teachings, of which the believers have quite sufficient available to handle all of their problems at this time, and no more additional rules and regulations need be introduced.

The friends should be helped to overcome their problems, deepen in the Faith, and increase their unity and their love for each other. In this way you will find that your work goes ahead speedily, and that the National Body is like the beating of a healthy heart in the midst of the Community, pumping spiritual love, energy and encouragement out to all the members.

As regards the question you asked about a Summer School, there is no reason why a property should either be rented or bought for this purpose. You can arrange to hold a Summer School in any suitable place where the friends can find accommodation, and a hall can be rented for its sessions. This is what they have done in England for many years to great advantage. It is a simple and economical way of holding the School. The primary purpose of the School is to deepen the knowledge of the friends in the Teachings, to enable them to consort, as Bahá’ís, with each other, and to confirm any contacts who may have attended. The School may be held during the winter season or any other time of the year.

As regards local endowments, these can be a piece of land, or a building offered or purchased in any place in Alaska. However, as the friends have six years in which to accomplish their Plan, and the most important work of all is the teaching work, he would not advise that they begin by spending their money on these projects, unless somebody has a piece of land or a building which they wish to give. The site for the Temple is much more important. It should be near the capital of Alaska within easy distance, or preferably in it, so that the friends can gather there, when the Temple is built for their services. If the twenty-acre National Endowment is suitably close to the city, it can be used as the Temple site, and another piece of land, smaller in area, and anywhere in Alaska, be acquired as the National Endowment.

He is delighted to see that you are approaching your tasks with so much enthusiasm, and awaits news of wonderful victories from that promising northern territory.

He feels your Assembly should bear in mind, and call to the attention of the friends, the importance of the Iron Curtain territories not yet open. Whoever feels the urge to dedicate themselves to arising and going to one of the satellites or republics of the Soviet Union, should be encouraged to do so.

He hopes to receive much good news during the coming months of the progress of the work there, and assures you all of his prayers for your success.

With loving greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers:

The formation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska signalizes the erection of yet another pillar designed to support, and reinforce the foundation of the future Universal House of Justice, and marks a milestone of far reaching significance in the history of the evolution of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the North American continent. I rejoice at this remarkable evidence of the vitality of the Faith which animates the members of the small yet highly promising community of His followers in that far off northern region of the globe, a region destined to play an important role in shaping the spiritual destinies of the great Republic of the west of which it forms a part, and to contribute, in no small measure, to the establishment of the institutions of His World Order throughout the American continent.

The task now facing this highly promising, spiritually dynamic community, at the hour of its emergence as an independent member of the embryonic World Bahá’í Commonwealth, is truly formidable; the responsibilities which it valiantly shoulders, at this crucial hour in its evolution are sacred, heavy, manifold and inescapable. The tests and trials which it must, sooner or later, experience in the course of its unfoldment and consolidation will severely challenge its spirit and resources. The path which it must tread ere the full evidence of its latent capacities are manifested will be long, tortuous and stony. The indomitable faith which now so powerfully animates its members, however, will, beyond the shadow of a doubt, enable them to overcome whatever obstacles may confront them in the future, and ensure the ultimate attainment of their high destiny.

The Six Year Plan, to which this community is now committed, and which should be regarded as the chief and immediate instrument designed to ensure the triumphant conclusion of the initial stage in the unfoldment of its destiny, must be energetically prosecuted however great the sacrifices involved, and must receive the concentrated, the continuous and prayerful consideration of its national elected representatives. All must participate in furthering its interests and in ensuring its ultimate and complete success.

Every effort must be exerted to increase steadily the number of avowed adherents of the Faith in that Territory, to multiply its centres, to consolidate its local Assemblies, to incorporate the firmly grounded amongst them.

The establishment of Bahá’í endowments and of a summer-school, and the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly itself, must be simultaneously and efficiently carried out. Steps must likewise be taken to obtain recognition of the Bahá’í Marriage Certificate and of the Bahá’í Holy Days from the civil authorities concerned. Nor must the vital obligation of converting as speedily as possible, both the Eskimos and the American Indians, who, as time passes, must assume a notable share in the diffusion of the Faith and the establishment of its rising Order in these regions, be, under any circumstances neglected; and last but not least, the selection and purchase of a site for the Mother Temple of Alaska, in the city of Anchorage or its suburbs, must be carefully considered and suitable action taken at the earliest opportunity.

The endeavours which the highminded, youthful hearted, deeply consecrated members of this community will exert must be such as to excite the unqualified admiration of their fellow believers in Bahá’í communities in both Hemispheres. The sacrifices which must be made will, no doubt, if they rise to this occasion, merit the applause of the Concourse on high and draw forth a still fuller measure of the promised blessings of the Author of the Divine Plan Himself.

That the members of this community may neither falter nor fail, that they may set an example worthy of emulation of their fellow-workers in all continents of the globe, that they may achieve such feats, in the course of the attainment of their high objectives, as shall eclipse the past achievements of their spiritual brethren in the North American continent and throughout Latin America, is the object of my constant prayer for them in the Holy Shrines as well as my heart’s most cherished desire.

Shoghi

(43) July 6, 1957

(43) July 6, 1957

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of June 7th was duly received by the beloved Guardian and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The Spirit of confirmation is descending in torrents on all those who arise to teach in a devoted and consecrated manner. Never before have so many victories been won in the teaching field as are being won all over the Bahá’í world at this time.

Alaska has developed very remarkably in the past years. With the establishment of the new National Spiritual Assembly of Alaska in Ridván of this year, the Guardian is hopeful that the friends will arise with renewed effort and spread the Faith far and wide. A new spirit has been released due to the establishment of the National Assembly and the friends should seize their opportunity while they still have the chance and win many souls to the Faith.

The Guardian will pray for you and for the success of your work. He sends his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(44) July 12, 1957

(44) July 12, 1957

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

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of May 29th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is very happy to learn that your Assembly now has an endowment of its own. This will give the Faith a greater prestige and standing there. The spiritual vitality shown by the friends in Alaska pleases him greatly.

(45) July 14, 1957

(45) July 14, 1957

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Tanana Valley

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of June 15th, in which you quoted the cablegram sent by your Assembly to Írán; and has instructed me to acknowledge it on his behalf, and to tell you he greatly appreciates your prompt response to his request.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

(46) July 19, 1957

(46) July 19, 1957

Convention Secretary

First Annual Convention of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of June 11th together with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He appreciates having the Minutes of this Convention.

The Guardian has high hopes for the rapid progress of the Faith in Alaska, and feels confident that, as the believers arise to shoulder their new responsibilities, adequate strength and guidance will be given them to accomplish the tasks set before them.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty guide your steps in the path of service, and aid you to further the vital interests of His Faith.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(47) August 8, 1957

(47) August 8, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your loving letter of July 6th was received by the beloved Guardian and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf.

The contribution made by your National Assembly to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

The Guardian feels that it is proper for your Assembly to make a contribution to the International Fund because it links more closely the activities of the National Assembly with the World Center of the Faith and through you all the Bahá’ís in Alaska.

Alaska has won many great victories for the Faith in the past, but the Guardian feels sure now that the National Assembly has been established, the victories to be won in the future will be far more glorious and far more effective for the spread of the Faith.

He will pray for you and for the success of your work. He sends each and every one his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(48) August 15, 1957

(48) August 15, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you that he was very happy to note from your recent letter the practical way the National Assembly has gone about settling their goals for this year, and will pray for their success.

He deeply appreciates the gift Mrs. Huffman and her husband have made of the Temple site for Alaska. This fulfills one of Alaska’s important goals—only a few months after the birth of the new National Spiritual Assembly.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

(49) August 17, 1957

(49) August 17, 1957

The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Ketchikan

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of July 15th was duly received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed herewith.

The Divine Confirmations are descending in torrents on those who arise to teach. At this critical time in the history of the Faith, teaching is the one Bahá’í service that is Confirmed.

The Guardian hopes that you will therefore arise with renewed effort to take your part in this great crusade now sweeping the world. America has been called upon by the Master to play the preponderating role in this great World Crusade which is moving forward with increasing momentum. Thus more Bahá’ís must be confirmed in the United States, that America may achieve its Spiritual Destiny.

The Guardian will pray for you and for the success of your teaching work. He sends you his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(50) August 18, 1957

(50) August 18, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your recent letters have been received and the change of the P.O.B. noted.

(51) September 8, 1957

(51) September 8, 1957

Bahá’í Community of Ketchikan, Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of August 15th was received by the beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it on his behalf. The contribution which you have made to the International Fund is greatly appreciated. Receipt is enclosed.

Spiritual success can be won today, only by teaching the Faith of God. The people are seeking, dying from spiritual thirst. The Bahá’ís must disseminate the Water of Life freely, so seeking souls may find eternal life.

If the friends arise with consecration, devotion, and zeal—so the Holy Spirit may descend through them, to those who are wandering the deserts of material chaos—they will be surprised at the victories which will be won.

The Guardian hopes you will take a most active part in this quickening of mankind. May the blessings of the Holy Spirit, and its confirming power be with you at all times.

The Guardian will pray for you, and for the success of your work. He sends his loving greetings.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas

(52) September 9, 1957

(52) September 9, 1957

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian is very anxious to secure information as to the Indian tribes (native), which have been contacted by any of the believers in your area; or of course if there are any believers from these Tribes, that would be even more interesting.

Can you prepare a list showing the number of Tribes that have been contacted, and of these Tribes, the number who have become believers. This would be very interesting information.

Can you secure it at an early date and send it on to me for the beloved Guardian.

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

(53) September 18, 1957

(53) September 18, 1957

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Fairbanks

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of July 28th with enclosures has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He greatly appreciates your prompt action in sending the cable to Írán. The believers in Fairbanks are all remembered by him, and he prays for the success of the teaching efforts of each one.

He also wishes to assure Kathryn and Marzieh Alio of his prayers for the recovery of Mrs. Volz.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my loving prayers for your success and spiritual advancement,

Your true brother,
Shoghi