High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska Part 5

(17) April 23, 1954

(17) April 23, 1954

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

Dear Baha'i Friends:

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

In regard to the matters you raised in it, he feels that the Haziratu'l-Quds should be inside the city limits. Ten miles from the town is too far out to be practical.(6)

The first thing is to acquire, if possible, either a building site or a building; but pending the possibility of doing this, which no doubt will involve considerable expenditure, he advises you to go on augmenting the Haziratu'l-Quds Fund.

He would like you to please forward him a list of all the places where there are Baha'is throughout Alaskan territory, specifying whether it is an a.s.sembly, a Group or an isolated Centre.

Although he attaches great importance to the opening of new Centres throughout any territory, including, of course, Alaska, he wishes you to give special attention to sending a pioneer to Point Barrow, beyond the Arctic Circle. He feels that there is a great significance in having believers serving so far north; and he hopes that one of the friends will be able to secure some employment there and proceed to act as a pioneer in this highly meritorious field.

All the news that you gave him was good news, and he appreciated it deeply.

You may be sure that his loving prayers will surround you and all the friends, as they labour to carry the Faith throughout Alaskan territory, and to hasten the day when it will have its own independent National Spiritual a.s.sembly.

With Baha'i love, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless your efforts, guide your steps, and enable you to win great victories in the service of His Faith.

Your true brother, Shoghi

(18) January 28, 1955

(18) January 28, 1955

Spiritual a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Baha'i Sister:

Your letter of January 19th, written on behalf of the Spiritual a.s.sembly 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 a.s.sembly 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 Bahji.

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

With warm Baha'i love, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring 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 a.s.sembly of the Baha'is of Anchorage

Dear Baha'i 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 Haziratu'l-Quds.

Please convey the loving greetings of the Guardian to all the Alaska Baha'is; and a.s.sure 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 a.s.sembly.

His prayers are ever with the friends as they pursue their n.o.ble task.

With warm Baha'i greetings, R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

a.s.suring 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