The Unfolding Destiny of the British Bahai Community Part 99

The Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Cardiff, Wales

Dear Baha'i Friends,

Your letter to our beloved Guardian of April 21st was received, after a long delay, and he was most happy to hear of the formation of your a.s.sembly.

With an a.s.sembly in Cardiff, in Edinburgh, and Dublin, the representative character of the Faith in the British Isles is fully established and the National body greatly re-inforced.

He fully realises the difficulties which have attended your work there, and which makes your victory all the more praiseworthy and precious. He urges you to now courageously persevere in your work and ensure that Cardiff has, by next April, a stable members.h.i.+p from which to call on for the Spiritual a.s.sembly's maintenance.

You may be sure that he will a.s.sist you with his prayers, and pray that each and every one of you may be protected and a.s.sisted in your devoted services to the Faith.

With warm greetings,

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers,

The formation of the first Baha'i Spiritual a.s.sembly in Wales is an event of great historical significance. I congratulate you on this splendid achievement which, I trust, will be a prelude to still greater victories in the service of our glorious Faith. I will supplicate on your behalf, the blessings of Baha'u'llah, that your work may prosper, your plans bear abundant fruit, and your hopes realised for the propagation of the Faith and the establishment of its nascent inst.i.tutions.

Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi

Letter of 15 February 1950

15 February 1950

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

Dear Baha'i Friends,

Your letter of January 20th has been received, and our beloved Guardian was simply delighted to get the Welsh pamphlet, he wants twenty-five copies of it sent to him for distribution amongst various Baha'i libraries here, and for our surplus stock. This booklet in their own language will do much to convince sincere Welsh truth-seekers of the respect and consideration with which we Baha'is approach all minorities, also of our devout desire to share with such a talented race the glory of Baha'u'llah's message.

He hopes there will be many new Welsh believers in the coming years, and he a.s.sures you all of his loving prayers for the success of your devoted efforts.

With Baha'i love,

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-workers,

I was so pleased and grateful to receive your welcome letter, and the first fruit of your services and high endeavours for the promotion of our beloved Faith.

I feel proud of the spirit that animates you, and will supplicate the Beloved to bless, and sustain and guide you, and enable you to extend continually the range of your achievements. Persevere, and rest a.s.sured.

Your true brother, Shoghi

Letter of 16 September 1955

16 September 1955

Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Cardiff

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of July 18th with enclosure has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He is delighted with the way the work is progressing in Cardiff, and that there are now nine believers living there.

He particularly values the instant decision made during the Convention, and consequent action taken, by Dr. Miller in leaving an excellent medical practice in Liverpool, to settle in Cardiff, with all it entailed of sacrifice in being separated from his wife, and in being obliged to accept a junior post in a hospital at Cardiff. It is qualities such as these, which the pioneer carries to his new post, which attract a reinforcing power from on High, and enable him to create in the hearts of those who meet him a longing to have what he possesses, and ignite in these new hearts the flame of the love of Baha'u'llah.

The Guardian feels sure his non-Baha'i wife will likewise receive a blessing for her part in this sacrifice, which helped to make this move possible.

He is deeply appreciative of the Welsh translation; and is confident it will prove to be of great a.s.sistance in the promotion of the Teachings in Wales.

With warm Baha'i greetings,

[From the Guardian:]

May the Spirit of Baha'u'llah guide you and your fellow-members, and enable you, in the days to come, to reinforce the foundation that has been laid, and to extend the range of your highly meritorious exertions and accomplishments,

Your true brother, Shoghi

Letter of 30 January 1957

30 January 1957

Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Cardiff

Dear Baha'i Brother:

Your letter of December 29th was received, and the beloved Guardian was very happy indeed to hear that the week-end school had been a success.

He is delighted to see that the Faith is progressing in Wales, and he feels sure that the Welsh people will not only respond to the Message if given opportunity, but contribute to the Faith a distinctive share of their own, when they arise in its service.

He hopes that there will indeed be Welsh Summer Schools in the future.

a.s.suring you of his loving prayers, With warmest greetings,