Letter of 7 July 1956

Shoghi 7 July 1956 Dear &Baha'i Friends:

Under separate cover, I am sending you the latest design of Mr. Teuto Rocholl, which has been carefully reviewed by the Beloved Guardian.

Also enclosed in the same package is a design for the German Temple, prepared by Mr. Charles Remey, which likewise has been very carefully reviewed by the Guardian.

The Guardian feels that the German National Assembly may now make their selection from either of these two, of the design for the German Temple. He says you are free to chose either Mr. Rocholl's or Mr. Remey's design.

In making your selection, you must of course, bear in mind the cost factor; that the building should not cost more than $300,000.

As soon as you have made your decision, will you please cable me so I can inform the Guardian.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers--and sends his loving Greetings.... +P271 7 July 1956 Dear &Baha'i Friends:

The Guardian has directed me to advise you that he appreciates your having established the Assistant Secretary of the NSA in the &Hazira in Frankfurt. The Guardian wishes you to bear this important matter in mind, for in time, the full Secretariat must be established in the &Hazira.... 7 July 1956 Mrs. Anna Grossmann:

The June 1956 issue of "Pflanze und Garten" issued in Darmstadt, Nicolaiweg 9, has an article on the Faith, and a number of photographs of the Gardens and Shrine of the &Bab, as well as the Mansion at &Bahji.

If you have not already seen it, you will wish to secure copies. At the same time, will you please send me for use here, 6 copies. It is not necessary to send the entire magazine for all six, simply the pages dealing with the Article. Two magazines will suffice, the other four to be the pages only.... 8 July 1956 Dear &Baha'i Sister:

Referring to my letter of yesterday, with regard to the design for the German Temple.

My letter should have specified, that the latest revised plan of Mr. Rocholl, No. 102-F is the one which should be considered for selection, and no former plans of Mr. +P272 Rocholl. In other words, the choice is left to the NSA of Germany, as to whether they select Mr. Rocholl's design No. 102-F, or Mr. Remey's design.... 27 July 1956 Dearly Beloved Co-workers:

I telegraphed you today, at the direction of the beloved Guardian, the wish that your Assembly, now concentrate closely, on the securing of the new site for the Temple.

Now that you have determined on the design for the Temple, it is most important that you secure the land on which it is to be built.

The Guardian feels this is a task of the utmost importance, as time is rapidly passing on, and he fears that if the work on the Temple is not started soon, it will not be completed during the Ten Year Crusade, which would be a sad state of affairs.

The Guardian will be happy to learn at an early date, of what progress you have made with regard to the location of the Temple.... 31 July 1956 Dearly Beloved Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write you in connection with the Temple design for Germany, and the activities in connection therewith.

1. The Guardian feels your Assembly should not announce the selection at this time, to the Friends. You should, quietly, review the matter carefully, and ascertain +P273 what the cost of construction will be. It may be if the expense is out of line with the amounts available, then some other considerations will have to be given.

2. You should concentrate all your energies on the securing of the Temple location. This is important, as the Temple cannot of course be started, until the land is purchased.

3. When you have the arrangements made for the land purchase, and have the costs of the Temple construction, let the Guardian know, and he will advise the next step.

4. The Guardian will announce the selection of the Temple design to the &Baha'i World, after all these matters are settled.

The Guardian hopes you will be able to expedite all these matters, as he feels, as I have written previously, there is no time to be lost, if the Temple is to be completed before the close of the Ten Year Crusade.

The Guardian sends you his loving greetings.... 26 August 1956 Dear &Baha'i Sister:

Your loving letter of July 17th was duly received, and its contents presented to the Beloved Guardian.

For the Endowment in Austria, no more than $1,000. should be spent. I cabled you with regard to the gift of Mr. ... NSA, and if so, his contribution cannot be accepted. full name. This information is necessary as he may be an individual whose voting rights were withdrawn by the ... NSA, and if so, his contribution cannot be accepted. As soon as I have his first name and initials, I will be able to tell, and will then let you know definitely. +P274

Your report for the year 112 in English has been sent on to the Guardian, for his study and perusal.... 24 September 1956 (Summer School) Dear &Baha'i Friends:

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of August 17th, signed by those present at the Summer School, and has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was happy to see that the Hands of the Cause were represented there, also that &Baha'is from different countries were present.

The friends can gain much spiritual reinforcement by drawing on the inner strength of their &fellow-Baha'is; and the Guardian hopes those who went to Esslingen this summer received this renewed power from mingling with other &Baha'is; and returned to their homes more determined than ever to carry forward in the speediest and most efficient manner possible--the work of the World Spiritual Crusade.

He appreciates the prayers of the friends, and sends you all his loving greetings....

[From the Guardian:]

May the Spirit of &Baha'u'llah sustain you in your splendid activities, aid you to acquire a fuller grasp of the fundamental and distinguishing features and teachings of our beloved Faith, and lend a great impetus to its onward march,

Your true brother,