Valíyu’lláh Varqá Passes; Son Appointed
Profoundly grieved by loss of outstanding Hand of Cause of God, exemplary Trustee of Ḥuqúqu’lláh, distinguished representative of most venerable community of Bahá’í world, worthy son, brother of twin immortal martyrs of the Faith, dearly beloved disciple of Center of the Covenant. Shining record of his services extending over half century enriched the annals of Heroic and Formative Ages of Bahá’í Dispensation. His reward in Abhá Kingdom is inestimable. Advise you to erect on my behalf befitting monument at his grave. His mantle as Trustee of funds of Ḥuqúq now falls on ‘Alí Muḥammad his son. Instruct Rawhani Ṭihrán to arrange befitting memorial gatherings in capital and provinces to honor memory of mighty pillar in cradle of Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. Newly appointed Trustee of Ḥuqúq is now elevated to rank of Hand of Cause.
[November 15, 1955]
Passing of George Townshend
Deeply mourn the passing of dearly loved, much admired, greatly gifted, outstanding Hand of Cause George Townshend. His death on morrow of publication of his crowning achievement robs the British followers of Bahá’u’lláh of their most distinguished collaborator and Faith itself of one of its stoutest defenders. His sterling qualities, his scholarship, his challenging writings, his high ecclesiastical position unrivalled by any Bahá’í in western world, entitle him to rank with Thomas Breakwell and Dr. Esslemont, one of three luminaries shedding brilliant luster on annals of Irish, English and Scottish Bahá’í communities. His fearless championship of the Cause he loved so dearly, served so valiantly, constitutes significant landmark in British Bahá’í history. So enviable a position calls for national tribute to his memory by assembled delegates and visitors at forthcoming British Bahá’í Convention. Assure relatives of deepest loving sympathy in grievous loss. Confident his reward is inestimable in Abhá Kingdom.
[March 25, 1957]