10 February 1955
Dear Mrs. Grossmann:
Your loving letter of December 27th is here on my return from Europe.
I am under the impression you asked me when in Germany whether the message of our Beloved Guardian of November 27th, should be shared with the Friends. In any event, the Guardian surely does wish this important message shared with all the Friends. While the wording of the last paragraph might seem a little obscure, yet the Guardian’s intention was that all National Assemblies should be sent a copy, and they in turn release it to the Friends.
We have corrected the records to show that the number of declared Adherents to the Faith in Iraklion, Crete is one, and not two....
10 February 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed that I write you in connection with the Temple project for Germany.
He is anxious to receive the latest word with regard to the purchase of the site for the Temple, hoping all the problems have now cleared up, or will soon be cleared up and ownership be vested with your body.
He also feels that you should proceed with the preparation of designs for the Temple, which he understands you will arrange by means of a competition of architects. He feels you should proceed with this phase of the Temple regardless of the question of land ownership. Time is moving along rapidly, and he hopes it will not be too long before the design is chosen.
In passing, there is one point to be mentioned; and that is that the Temple in Wilmette does not constitute a pattern for other Temples, nor does it represent a new type of Bahá’í architecture. Therefore it is not necessary for your architects to endeavour to follow that pattern. What should be done is to follow the Master’s instructions as to the Temple, and then create something that will be desirable and appropriate for your area....
23 February 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very closely watching the development of the Ten Year Crusade on all fronts. One of the goals of the second phase of the Ten Year Crusade is the incorporation of local and national assemblies.
The Guardian is hoping that your National Assembly may take this important matter in hand, so that during the coming Bahá’í year, as many as possible of your local assemblies will become incorporated. He feels this is a very important activity, and one which you should follow up just as closely as possible.
Will you please send me a report for the Guardian of any activities along this line which are underway; and if not, what can be done to set such a program in motion.
It is needless for me to comment of course on the fact that another one of the major objectives of the second phase of the Ten Year Crusade is the multiplication of Bahá’í centers, and particularly the development of Bahá’í groups into assemblies. The way in which this can be best accomplished is by the Bahá’ís in the larger centers dispersing to weak areas or to entirely new centers.
The Guardian sends you his loving greetings....
23 February 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Please refer to copy of my letter of April 20th to Dr. Giachery, with a copy to you, with regard to specifications for Bahá’í Temples.
The Beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you, explaining that while the question of a Dome for a Bahá’í Temple, is not specified in the Teachings, yet he feels that for the Temple in Germany, you should plan a building with a central Dome. He thinks it would enhance the beauty of the structure now being planned for Frankfurt....
8 March 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious to secure, as quickly as possible, data concerning the Hazíratu’l-Quds which have been acquired in connection with the goals of the Ten Year Crusade. To this end, he would very greatly appreciate your sending me by return air mail the information concerning the Hazíratu’l-Quds in Vienna.
He would like to know the area of land involved, the size of the building, so far as number of rooms is concerned, the original purchase price of the Hazíratu’l-Quds, the expenses of the transaction, and then the total cost.
The Guardian asks that this be sent to me by return air mail....
11 March 1955
Dear Bahá’í Sister:
Your loving letter of February 25th has just come to hand.
It was a great pleasure for me to have been able to visit the friends in Frankfurt and Stuttgart; and we will long remember the loving hospitality which was extended to us by all the friends.
I do not know what more can be done in behalf of... Certain members if the American N.S.A. are in close touch with the authorities in Washington; and if they have written you that nothing more can be done, I think that is the last word; at least I have nothing more which I can suggest.
Please give my deep love to all the members of the National Assembly....
29 March 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
On April 21st we will enter the last year of the second phase of the Ten Year Crusade. As you know, one of the objectives of this second phase is the rapid multiplication of Assemblies, Groups and Centres throughout the world.
During the past year, a great deal has been accomplished by the friends in their efforts to disperse from the large centres of population in order to build up the goal cities and establish new centres. However we have not accomplished a great deal in the way of increasing the number of Bahá’ís, nor the number of Spiritual Assemblies.
The beloved Guardian sincerely hopes you will make it a point of major study and consideration on the part of your Assembly, so that the entire Community may lend itself to the accomplishment of this great goal during the coming year. Foundations must be laid for many more Assemblies. The friends must disperse from the large centres of population. Our teaching work must become so sanctified and penetrating that many, many souls will be confirmed. The friends should go forward on this great task in a very determined manner in order to establish as many new Assemblies during the coming year as are possible.
In letters which have come to the beloved Guardian, he has noted the friends feel there is no need to establish new Assemblies until 1963.
The Ten Year Crusade ends in 1963; but as many of the goals should be won as quickly as is possible. It should certainly be clear to all of the friends that we cannot hold off on winning the various goals of our tasks until the last year of the Crusade. They should be won just as quickly as possible. Furthermore, there are many tasks of the Crusade which the Guardian is not launching until preliminary goals have been won. For instance, it would be impossible to establish National Assemblies in all of the areas proposed until there are more Bahá’ís, more Groups and more Assemblies in those countries.
On the home front, further tasks are dependent upon the winning of victories now. The Guardian hopes the keynote of the teaching work on the home front during the current year will be the dispersion of the friends on an unprecedented scale, and the winning of as many Assemblies as is possible....
20 April 1955
Dear Ugo:
I have your favor of April 10th, telling of your visit with the German Architect, Prof. Dr. Bartning, and his explanation to you of the elements to be incorporated in the new Temple for Germany.
The Beloved Guardian explains that there is no requirement for one window to be oriented toward the East. In fact, he feels this should not be done; otherwise it will take on a practice of the Moslems with regard to their prayer niche, etc. I am sending a copy of this note to the German NSA, so they will understand.
The Guardian has also indicated that there is nothing in the teaching requiring one dome for the building, in fact, any dome. It is of course more beautiful, generally to have a dome, or even domes, but that is not a necessary requirement of the Temple.
Likewise the Guardian indicates, it is not essential that there be nine doors.
The real requisite is that the building should be circular in shape, having nine sides; that there should be nine gardens, walks, etc....
1 May 1955 (Convention)
DEEPLY APPRECIATE MESSAGE. URGE DELEGATES ROUSE ALL COMMUNITIES EXERT SUPREME EFFORT COURSE LAST YEAR SECOND PHASE CRUSADE MULTIPLICATION CENTERS ASSEMBLIES CONSOLIDATION ALLOTED NEWLY OPENED TERRITORIES INTENSIFICATION TEACHING ACTIVITIES INCORPORATION ASSEMBLIES ESTABLISHMENT ENDOWMENTS PUBLISHING TRUST. URGE CONCENTRATION EXTENSION WORK AUSTRIA EXPEDITE PRELIMINARIES CONSTRUCTION TEMPLE SUPPLICATING ABUNDANT BLESSINGS
SHOGHI
1 July 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian was very happy indeed to learn of the confirmation of an additional Bahá’í in the Island of Crete.
The Guardian is very anxious to know the racial background of the new Bahá’ís in these new areas. I am wondering therefore if you could let me know what the nationality is of the first new Bahá’í in Crete, as well as this second Bahá’í.
The Guardian is anxious to know if either one of these two are pure Greek stock....
2 August 1955
Dear Bahá’í Sister:
Your letters of June 11, July 16 and 22, August 30, October 12 and 17, November 2 and 17 and December 10, 1954; and January 31 and February 19, April 28 and May 21, 1955, with their various enclosures, have all been recived by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As the work of the Ten-Year Crusade steadily grows, he finds it more and more difficult to correspond with the National Assemblies frequently; and indeed is wondering what will be the situation in a few years’ time, when we have so many additional National Bodies. This explains why you have not heard from him before.
He was very happy to hear that the Vienna Hazíratu’l-Quds has been purchased, as this eliminates one of the important goals assigned to your Assembly under the Ten-Year Plan. He will be pleased to see photographs of the building.
He feels that your action in advising the Crete pioneers to be very discreet in all respects, and your decision to correspond with them for the time being through their parents, were very wise.
The friends who have gone forth to new lands cannot be too careful. Unless they can stay long enough to convert at least a small group of people, who will be firmly grounded in the Faith, and continue to work if they are forced to leave, a great deal of time and money will have been wasted, and the progress of the Plan suffer a serious setback.
He will certainly pray for the pioneers there, for their protection and their guidance. They should by all means persevere and act discreetly.
He was very satisfied to hear of the progress made at the Teaching Conference held in Frankfurt under the aegis of the European Hands. He feels sure that this helped to stimulate and coordinate the work. Association and consultation, as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá so repeatedly emphasized, have a great effect on the friends, and enable them to see the work of the Cause as a whole, rather than as a small local enterprise in which their personalities and other people’s personalities often conflict; and challenge them to arise and go forth into new fields, in order to spread the Faith far and wide.
The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to the Temple enterprise. He feels that if, for any reason, you do not win the case and get permission to build the Temple on the land you have already chosen, a new piece of land must be speedily bought. He is hoping that the case will be satisfactorily settled, and that there will be no necessity for you to look further.
The preparation of designs for the Temple he feels, however, should not wait upon the conclusion of the court case. It is going to take some time to receive designs, to forward them to him for his advice, and to incorporate any possible changes that may be deemed necessary, if one of the designs is found satisfactory. He therefore advises you to open the competition as soon as you can, and not lose any more time.
He wishes at this juncture to stress to your Assembly the need for economy. The Temple must naturally be a dignified and worthy edifice. He does not consider that any of these modernistic experiments in architecture are at all suitable for a building of this nature, lacking as they so often do, beauty and dignity.
He also considers that the building should be a relatively small one, both because of the size of the Community in Germany, and the financial resources of the Faith at present. The most important thing of all is to build this first Temple on European soil.
In the days when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was urging the American Bahá’ís to build the first Mashriqu’l-Adhkár of the western world, He repeatedly emphasized that it could be a modest building, and that the important thing was the spiritual element that this House of Worship in the name of Bahá’u’lláh should be raised in the heart of America. The same thing applies now to your Temple in Germany. Size and pretentiousness are not important. The important thing is that the building should be speedily erected, and be a financial possibility, not placing, as the American Temple, a terrible strain on the friends for years to come.
He is happy to see that the German friends have been able, during the last few years, to move about much more, attend conferences in other European countries, go forth as pioneers, and gradually increase the number of centres in Germany and Austria. He attaches the greatest importance to this because one of the main tasks of your Assembly is to insure that Austria will have an independent National Assembly by the end of the Plan; and she cannot do this unless she multiplies her Spiritual Assemblies in order to build a broad foundation for the National Body. He hopes you will constantly encourage the Vienna Bahá’ís and the isolated believers in Austria to increase their teaching activities, to strengthen the work of the Faith, to pioneer in new centres, and, above all, to be united; as unity is one of the greatest forces at our disposal for achieving the work of the Cause.
He assures you one and all that he remembers you most lovingly in his prayers in the holy Shrine, and supplicates for the removal of every obstacle in your path and the attainment of all your goals....
P.S. The Guardian wishes particularly to thank you all for your loving message to him on the occasion of Ridván, which he appreciated receiving very much. He assures you all that he prays that great victories may attend your efforts to spread the Faith and consolidate its foundations.
[From the Guardian:]
Dear and valued co-workers:
The steady extension and consolidation of the activities in which the members of the Bahá’í communities in Germany and Austria are so devotedly, so unitedly and strenuously engaged, have greatly cheered my heart, heightened my admiration for them, and reinforced my hopes for the triumphant conclusion of their collective enterprises undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Ten-Year Plan.
By virtue of the important position they occupy in the heart of the European continent; singled out for special favours by the Center of Bahá’u’lláh’s Covenant among their sister communities in that same continent; distinguished through the appointment of two Hands of the Cause from among their members; entrusted with the tremendous and sacred responsibility of erecting the first Bahá’í House of Worship on European soil; displaying, on the morrow of the ordeals which have for so long and so cruelly afflicted them, a virility, a courage, a fidelity worthy of emulation by their sister communities not only in neighbouring lands but throughout the Bahá’í world, these twin communities, destined through their common language, racial characteristics and traditions to play a notable and distinct part in the world-wide progress of the Faith in both the European and Asiatic continents, must continue to forge ahead, with inflexible resolve, unshakable faith, undimmed vision, and unabated vigour, along the road leading them to the fulfilment of their high destiny.
The steady increase in the number of the adherents of the Faith in both countries and the multiplication of isolated centres, groups and local assemblies is a task of primary importance to which they must direct special attention during the last year of the second phase of this world-embracing spiritual Crusade. Equally vital in sacredness and importance is the definite settlement of the issue that has arisen in connexion with the purchase of the site of the future Temple in the neighbourhood of Frankfurt, as well as the selection of its design, as essential preliminaries to the excavation of its foundations and the erection of its structure. Both of these require the concentrated and sustained attention of the elected representatives of these communities, whose task is to expedite this pre-eminent undertaking destined to exert a far-reaching spiritual influence on the fortunes of the Faith not only in Germany and Austria but throughout the European continent and even far beyond its borders.
Still another obligation that must under no circumstances be lost sight of or neglected is the incorporation of definitely established local assemblies in these two adjoining countries, a process that will greatly consolidate the administrative foundations of the Faith and enhance its prestige in the European continent.
The adoption of special measures by these same elected national representatives, designed to hasten the emergence of an independent National Spiritual Assembly in Austria, is yet another duty which calls for urgent and earnest consideration on their part and one which, if worthily performed, will lend a tremendous impetus to the progress of the Faith in a country occupying so central a position in Europe, so rich in its past history, and blessed by the footsteps of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
The splendid work accomplished by German pioneers in virgin territories in both the North and South of Europe, auguring well for the accomplishment of a similar mission in the Eastern territories forming part of their alloted task under the Ten-Year Plan, must be jealously safeguarded and continually reinforced, as it constitutes a prelude to the victories that must needs be won, in the course of future Plans, on the eastern confines of that continent and even as far afield as the heart of Asia.
Nor must the establishment of the projected Bahá’í Publishing Trust be delayed, as it constitutes one of vital objectives of the Crusade on which the German Bahá’í community has embarked.
No sacrifice can be deemed too great for the attainment of these shining goals and the winning of such precious prizes. The members of these closely knit communities must arise as never before, and brace themselves for a still greater output of energy, and a still more convincing display of those qualities that have distinguished their stewardship to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and prepare to enter victoriously upon the third phase of the Ten-Year Plan during the concluding months of this current year.
The tragic sufferings afflicting their brethren in Bahá’u’lláh’s native land, involving a setback in the projects of this persecuted community for the erection of its Mother Temple in Ṭihrán, must reinforce their resolve to speed the erection of a corresponding House of Worship in the heart of Europe. The efforts of their national elected representatives, strenuous as they have been in recent months, must be doubled, nay trebled, in order to offset, in this particular and most important field, the inevitable and deplorable delay in the accomplishment of so meritorious, so momentous and historic a task.
Unperturbed by the clamour of inveterate, powerful and malicious adversaries in the land of the birth of their Faith; undaunted by the opposition which exponents of religious orthodoxy are, to a lesser degree, now beginning to show in their own homeland, these same elected representatives, must press forward, resolutely, and confront and speedily surmount whatever obstacles now stand in their path.
Theirs is a responsibility which, at this historic and crucial stage in the evolution of their precious and beloved Faith, they can neither minimize nor neglect. Theirs is a God-sent opportunity to demonstrate, at this grave hour through which the overwhelming majority of their brethren are passing, the incorruptible character of their faith, the indomitable spirit which animates them, the sublimity of the principles which motivate their action, providing thereby an abiding and sorely needed consolation to the victims of the brutal, the wide spread and repeated persecutions engulfing so many of their co-religionists in the cradle of their Faith.
That they may prove themselves worthy of their high calling; that they may set an inspiring example to their co-workers in both Hemispheres, through the number and quality of their accomplishments; that they may discharge, in their entirety, the manifold responsibilities assured under a Plan constituting so notable a stage in the accomplishment of the Glorious mission envisioned for them by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is the object of my unceasing prayers when supplicating at the threshold of His Shrine.
May His watchful, His sustaining and ever loving Spirit guide every step they take, bless every effort they exert, and fulfil every hope they cherish, in the pursuit of the victories they have resolutely set themselves to achieve.
Shoghi
23 September 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian is very anxious indeed to have the latest word in connection with the purchase of the Templeland in Germany, and the development of the design for the Temple.
Can you write me by return mail, letting me know just what the status is of both these very important matters?
He is anxious that the work on the Temple be expedited in every way; as he is fearful if the work does not begin soon, it may be found impossible to complete the task within the Ten Year period.
If you will write me, giving full details, it will be greatly appreciated by him....
23 September 1955 (Summer School)
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
This is just a brief note to acknowledge, on behalf of the beloved Guardian, your letter of August 21st.
He often remembers the dear friends in that land in his loving prayers; and supplicates that they may receive the necessary strength and guidance to carry forward in a befitting manner their share in this particular phase of the World Spiritual Crusade....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Beloved bless your continued and meritorious efforts and services, and enable you to extend continually the scope of your accomplishments,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
30 September 1955
GUARDIAN RECEIVED ONE PACKAGE TEMPLE DRAWINGS ARE THESE ALL SUBMISSIONS OR ARE OTHERS ENROUTE LOVING GREETINGS....
20 October 1955
YOUR CABLE OCTOBER 15 PRESUME DECISION TEMPLE DESIGN HAS NO BEARING ON COURT DECISION OCTOBER 26 IS THIS CORRECT? DO YOU HAVE ADVANCE INFORMATION AS TO WHAT DECISION WILL BE? GUARDIAN HAS MADE NO DECISION BUT SEEMS PREFER AZAMAT BY HOPFER STUTTGART. PLEASE CABLE PROPOSED HEIGHT AND WIDTH. HAVE YOU ANY IDEA COST OF CONSTRUCTION....
19 October 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
I cabled you at the instruction of our beloved Guardian today as follows:
“Your cable October 15 presume decision temple design has no bearing on court decision October 26 is this correct? Do you have advance information as to what decision will be? Guardian has made no decision but seems to prefer Azamat by Hopfer Stuttgart. Please cable proposed height and width. Have you any idea of cost of construction”.
As the cable indicates, it is my understanding that the decision with regard to Temple design has nothing to do with the decision in the court case, but that you wished the Guardian’s decision in order to assist in appropriate publicity. We hope and pray that the decision will be favorable.
In reviewing these specifications which you have set up for the Temple, the Guardian wishes to call your attention to the fact that you have included some items in the specifications which are not necessary, and in fact are definitely not a part of a Bahá’í Temple, as follows:
Your No. 14—Assembly Hall. The Temple is for worship only, and no Assembly Hall is permissible. (In America the basement of the Temple has been temporarily used as a Foundation Hall.) This has been due to the long time taken to construct the building etc.
No. 17—Conference Rooms. Inasmuch as the Temple is for worship only, conference rooms are not required.
No. 18—Library and Archives. These facilities are not required nor desirable in a House of Worship.
No. 19 and 20—Kitchen Facilities. These are not required, as food is not to be served in the Temple. The Temple is for prayer and worship only.
No. 27—Air Raid Shelters. These are not required.
No. 30—Caretaker’s House. This is not required at the present time, as the caretaker can sleep in one of the spare rooms of the Temple.
The Guardian feels it important to direct your attention to the fact that the Temple must be built just as economically as possible, and to provide only the facilities which are prescribed for a House of Worship. The Cause is under such heavy expense at the present time that we cannot undertake the construction of buildings which require too great an outlay of funds.
The Guardian would appreciate your having some preliminary estimates made just as quickly as possible of what it would cost to build the Temple designated as “Azamat”. He likewise would like you to send him now just as many details as possible concerning the construction of this building, materials to be used etc.
I presume by the time this letter reaches you, you will have cabled the proposed height and width.
The Guardian would greatly value your giving him the detailed information regarding “Azamat” just as promptly as possible....
28 October 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
Your letter of September 26th has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
As you know, he is most happy that the believers in Vienna have their own Center, and that in a short time it will be ready for Bahá’í service.
These important institutions of the Faith are in themselves great teachers. The spirit of love and unity among the friends in discussing, arranging and carrying out the activities of the Faith in their Hazíratu’l-Quds, will become as a magnet which will attract to them divine bounties. The Guardian is hoping from this Center the Faith will be carried, not only throughout Vienna, but to other cities in Austria as well....
[From the Guardian:]
May the Almighty, Whose Cause you serve with such courage, devotion and perseverance, guide and sustain you, and aid you to render His Faith notable services in the days to come,
Your true brother,
Shoghi
10 November 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friend:
The beloved Guardian has reviewed very carefully your recent letter dealing with the designs for the Temple to be built in Germany. He wishes the following explanations to be made to you, and I am therefore enumerating them, so that there may be no misunderstanding.
1. The Guardian has not definitely chosen the Temple design “Azamat” as the one for the Temple in Germany. Of the submissions which have been made up to this time, he feels this is the one that is best susceptible of development for the final design of the Temple. He wishes it clear however that up to the present he has not definitely accepted this design.
2. The Guardian does not wish to interfere unduly with the national tastes nor the actions of the National Assembly; but he attaches the utmost importance to the Temple in Eschborn, as this is the first Temple in Europe, and the only one to be constructed in Europe during the Ten Year Crusade. Therefore he feels that this House of Worship must represent throughout Europe the dignity and spirit of the Faith.
3. The Guardian therefore feels that we should not accept an ultra-modern building, which represents more or less the current spirit of the time, rather than the delicate architectural beauty which the spirit of the Faith should engender.
4. The Guardian would be happy if your Assembly could produce a design of a building, graceful in outline, with a dome. If they can do this he will be very pleased. The main thing for the architect to consider is the mass of the building, the outline of the building and its architectural beauty. Most of the sacred buildings, including the Temple at Wilmette, include elements of the previous schools of architecture in an ensemble that seems to present something new. He thinks the architects should study the graceful mass of the Wilmette Temple, of the design of Mr. Remey for the Temple on Mt. Carmel, and the Shrine of the Báb, as well as the outline of the domes of important buildings, particularly the dome of St. Peters in Rome. In this way they will get an idea of proportions which they feel are suitable. The details and the style is somewhat secondary and is left to the architect’s taste.
5. The ten year period of the Crusade is running along very rapidly; and the Guardian therefore hopes that your Assembly will present him with your final views in connection with the Temple design at a very early date; otherwise he is fearful this most important project will not be consummated within the Ten Year period.
The beloved Guardian was very sorry to learn of the illness of Dr. Mühlschlegel. He wishes to assure you and likewise to assure Dr. Mühlschlegel of his loving prayers for Dr. Mühlschlegel’s complete recovery. He values Dr. Mühlschlegel’s services very highly, and he hopes he will soon be able to again become most active in the Bahá’í work....
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends each his loving Greetings.
November 19551
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian has instructed me to write you in connection with your recent letter to him concerning the Temple to be built in Germany.
The beloved Master has not given very many details concerning the House of Worship. He has written in tablets, however, that the building must be round, and be 9-sided. The Guardian feels that at this time all Bahá’í temples should have a dome. In other words, the instructions of the Master to have a round, 9-sided building must be very carefully carried out; but in addition the Guardian feels the Temples built now should likewise have a dome.
The Guardian sees no objections to asking other architects to collaborate with the architect of the design “Azamat”. However it should be understood that the Guardian does not wish this collaboration or adaptation to result in the ultra-modern type of building which is the motif of the submissions which have been made, and which he has rejected.
The Guardian advises that the 2 designs which are favored by your Assembly and the architects of Germany are not acceptable; and therefore correspondence with regard to these designs is no longer necessary.
Time moves on, and the Guardian therefore hopes that the result of the collaboration and adaptation of the Azamat design will be presented to him in the near future.
The Guardian has no objections of course to new designs being presented; but they must carry with them the dignified spirit of the Faith, and must be in keeping with the distinction and honor which comes to the temples now being built being the first in their respective continents.
My letter of November 10th outlines in a little more detail what the Guardian has in mind for Bahá’í temples; and he hopes that something suitable may soon be found for a temple in Germany.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings....
23 November 1955
Dear Bahá’í Friends:
The beloved Guardian has received your letter of November 8th, reviewing further the question of the Bahá’í Temple in Germany.
Your letter crossed my communication to you of last week. The Guardian has asked me to write you further, making the following points:
1. He does not approve of either design No. 11335 or Cupola.
2. As I have written you previously, he feels that the only submission which has come to him which lends itself to adjustment for the Temple in Germany is the design “Azamat”.
3. As outlined in my letter of last week, the Guardian does not object to your arranging for another architect to collaborate with Mr. Hopfner. However in this collaboration, the general design of the Temple “Azamat” should be continued; and under no circumstances should it be changed to resemble the ultra modern architectural type of building which was the motif of the other submissions.
4. As the Guardian has indicated, previously, this building need have seating capacity of only 500 or 600 people.
5. It should be a more modest structure, as has been outlined in previous correspondence. The Guardian feels the height should be not over 30 meters, and the other proportions of the building should be cut down accordingly.
6. The Guardian feels the cost should run about $300,000 or a little more; certainly on the outside not more than $400,000.
Therefore in revising the plan, it should be simplified in such a way as to bring the cost down,—to a figure near $300,000.
It is noted in the details of the “Azamat” there are a number of things still included, which certainly could be gotten along without, for the time being.
With the elimination of the Assembly Hall in the basement, the elimination of the tea kitchen and dining room, as well as conference rooms, library, archives and the other rooms contemplated, this should make a rather material reduction in expense. Likewise the caretaker’s quarters should be eliminated, as the caretaker could probably live in the basement for the time being. Elevators need not be considered.
The basement floor of the Temple in Chicago is cement; and it would seem if cement is suitable for that Temple, it would be satisfactory for the Temple in Germany.
Three years of the Crusade are practically over. The Guardian hopes therefore that he will receive at an early date the revision which is proposed of the “Azamat” design, which should not be materially changed, but may be simplified so that work may proceed at an early date on the construction. The Guardian is fearful if this matter continues to drag, the Temple may not be completed during the period of the Ten Year Crusade.
The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings....