High Endeavours: Messages to Alaska

by Shoghi Effendi

Edition 1, (September 2006)

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Contents

EXCERPTS FROM TABLETS OF THE DIVINE PLAN

“I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg perfect...”

To the Assemblies and Meetings of the believers of God and the maidservants of the Merciful in the United States and Canada.

Upon them be Bahá’u’lláh El’ Abhá

He is God!

O ye blessed souls:

I desire for you eternal success and prosperity and beg perfect confirmation for each one in the divine world. My hope for you is that each one may shine forth like unto the morning star from the horizon of the world and in this garden of God become a blessed tree, producing everlasting fruits and results.

Therefore I direct you to that which is conducive to your heavenly confirmation and illumination in the Kingdom of God!

It is this: Alaska is a vast country; although one of the maidservants of the Merciful has hastened to those parts, serving as a librarian in the Public Library, and according to her ability is not failing in teaching the Cause, yet the call of the Kingdom of God is not yet raised through that spacious territory.

His Holiness Christ says: Travel ye to the East and to the West of the world and summon the people to the Kingdom of God. Hence the mercy of God must encompass all humanity. Therefore do ye not think it permissible to leave that region deprived of the breezes of the Morn of Guidance. Consequently, strive as far as ye are able to send to those parts fluent speakers, who are detached from aught else save God, attracted with the fragrances of God, and sanctified and purified from all desires and temptations. Their sustenance and food must consist of the teachings of God. First they must themselves live in accordance with those principles, then guide the people. Perchance, God willing, the lights of the most great guidance may illumine that country and the breezes of the rose garden of the love of God may perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants of Alaska. Should ye become confirmed in thus rendering such a service, rest ye assured that ye shall crown your heads with the diadem of everlasting sovereignty and at the threshold of oneness you will become the favored and accepted servants.

SUPPLICATION

O Thou Incomparable God! O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! These souls are Thy heavenly army. Assist them and with the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse, make them victorious; so that each one of them may become like unto a regiment and conquer these countries through the love of God and the illumination of divine teachings.

O God! Be Thou their supporter and their helper, and in the wilderness, the mountain, the valley, the forests, the prairies and the seas, be Thou their confidant—so that they may cry out through the power of the Kingdom and the breath of the Holy Spirit!

Verily Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty and the Omnipotent and Thou art the Wise, the Hearing, and the Seeing.

—‘Abdu’l-Bahá (April 8, 1916)

PART I

Letters to Individuals, 1939–1943. These were written prior to the formation of the first Local Spiritual Assembly and reflect the early development of the Faith in Alaska.

(1) March 12, 1939

(1) March 12, 1939[1]

Dear Bahá’í Friend,

The Guardian has received your most welcome and inspiring message of the 19th February, and is inexpressibly delighted to know that you have spontaneously offered your services for pioneer teaching in Alaska.[2] He can well imagine the feelings of immeasurable satisfaction and unbounded gratitude with which both the N.S.A. and the National Teaching Committee must have welcomed your determination to teach and establish the Faith in that far-off and hitherto unexplored territory, and he wishes me to express also his own appreciation and gratitude for this remarkable step which you have, notwithstanding the well-nigh insuperable obstacles in your way, been inspired to take to carry the Message to that distant land. The spirit of heroic self-sacrifice, and of unflinching resolve that has prompted you to undertake so noble and sacred a mission, and make such a warm and immediate response to his recent teaching call addressed to the American believers cannot but fill all hearts with admiration and praise, and evoke the memory of those acts of unrivalled heroism, of selfless and unstinted devotion that have characterized the lives of the immortal heroes of the Apostolic age of our beloved Faith.

Though labouring in an age and under circumstances wholly different from those in which those early pioneers of the Cause have been privileged to labour, yet it is that selfsame spirit of entire self-forgetfulness, of whole-hearted and unwavering loyalty, and of absolute consecration that is now, in this Formative period, inspiring you, and all our dear American Bahá’í pioneers, to forsake their all and undergo such privations and suffering in order to speed up and ensure the triumph of the Cause of God.

Rest assured that the Guardian will incessantly and most fervently supplicate on your behalf, that the invisible hosts of the Kingdom may continually reinforce and guide your efforts, and enable you to attain this assuredly high and noble goal you have set yourself to attain in service to Bahá’u’lláh and His Cause.

In the hope that this letter will find you well, happy and well on the way of the realization of your plans, and with most cordial greetings,

Yours ever in His Service,
H. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-worker:

I am thrilled by the news you give me. How proud I feel of the spirit that so powerfully animates you. My prayers will, I assure you, accompany you on your great and historic adventure. Persevere no matter how great the obstacles in your way. Future generations will glorify your deed and emulate your example. The Concourse on high acclaims your resolve and will richly bless your endeavours. Be happy and confident.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(2) February 12th, 1940

(2) February 12th, 1940

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

The Guardian has received your most welcome message of December 31st, and feels truly delighted to know of your recent confirmation in the Faith, and of the pioneer work you are now undertaking in Alaska,[3] in collaboration with our beloved sister Miss Honor Kempton.

He is indeed grateful to you for having offered to teach and establish the Cause in that far off land, and feels confident that through the promised confirmations of Bahá’u’lláh and your own persistent efforts you will eventually succeed in completely attaining your goal.

The various measures you have already taken with the view of giving widespread publicity to the Teachings have been noted with deep interest and appreciation by the Guardian who indeed trusts that they will result in attracting to the Cause people of capacity and understanding.

He would urge you and also dear Miss Kempton to persevere, and through your joint exertions endeavour to pave the way for the formation of a local assembly in Alaska. Rest assured his prayers will be specially offered on behalf of you both, that you may receive ever-increasing strength, capacity and guidance to carry out your high teaching mission to complete success.

With the renewed expression of his abiding gratitude for your devoted services, and with loving greetings,

Yours very sincerely,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

Your letter cheered and heartened me in the conduct of my arduous duties and responsibilities. I rejoice to learn of your high endeavours in that distant field, and I will specially pray with increasing fervour for your protection and success. How great your privilege, how laborious your task, how noble your mission! Do not feel disheartened. Persevere and be confident always.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(3) February 13th, 1940

(3) February 13th, 1940

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

The Guardian has received your most welcome communication of the 31st December, and his heart was greatly cheered and refreshed by the perusal of its contents, and at the evidences of the slow yet steady progress of your teaching work in Alaska.

The very illuminating report you had given him covering the general social and religious conditions prevailing in that land clearly reveals the nature and extent of the obstacles which you have to face and surmount in the prosecution of your teaching task. But surely for such valiant and steadfast pioneers like you there is no difficulty, however seemingly insurmountable, which cannot be effectively overcome, as Bahá’u’lláh is assuredly guiding and reinforcing your labours through the unseen hosts of His Kingdom.

The Guardian was particularly encouraged to know of the contact you have established with the editor of the “Alaskan,” and of his very generous offer to publish in his paper various materials on the Teachings. His hope is that this will prove a most effective medium for the spread of the Cause, and will bring in a large number of earnest inquirers.

Also the Guardian cherishes very bright hopes regarding the bookshop which you have opened in Anchorage, which he trusts will serve to attract widespread attention to the Faith.

Renewing to you his abiding and heartfelt gratitude for your invaluable teaching services, and assuring you again of his continued prayers for the confirmation of your efforts, and also for your own welfare and protection in these dark and gloomy days,

Yours in His Service,
H. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

Your most welcome report brought immense joy to my heart. With feelings of increasing pride, admiration and gratitude I follow your activities and pray continually for your success. Do not relax in your efforts. The Concourse on high is watching over you and the Blessed Beauty will reinforce and guide you.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(4) December 12th, 1942

(4) December 12th, 1942

Dear Bahá’í Sister,

Your letter of Aug. 5th has been received, and the Guardian was very pleased to hear from you. He has instructed me to write and answer you on his behalf, and also thank you for the photographs you enclosed.

He feels that this is a very important opportunity which you have now obtained of teaching the Faith to the Eskimo people,[4] and he hopes your efforts will be crowned with success.

He would not advise you to teach them Esperanto, as we have no way of knowing whether it will ultimately be chosen as the auxiliary language of the world. He thinks the most direct and quickest way of communicating with them in a common tongue should be chosen; in other words either you should learn their language or they yours, whichever will yield the quickest results.

As they are a relatively uncivilized people, unused to the modern cosmopolitan forms of life, and consequently not au courant with the thoughts which to us have become mere commonplace, he would advise you to approach them through love, friendliness, and association, until you are in a position to enter into their confidence, and gradually teach them, in a simple way, the great truths of our Faith.

To confirm them in the Faith should be your main objective, always bearing in mind that faith and belief are different from learning and a full grasp of the implications of such a vast Cause as ours.

You may be sure his loving prayers will be offered for the success of your historic mission, and he will be interested to hear how you are progressing.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my abiding gratitude and appreciation for the magnificent services you are rendering, and for the laudable spirit you are demonstrating in your historic activities and achievements in these days of stress and peril, and assuring you also of my special and constant prayers for the success of every effort you exert, and every step you take in the path of service,

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(5) July 24th, 1943

(5) July 24th, 1943

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

The Guardian was very happy to receive your letter of May 29th; and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

It is with great joy that he welcomes you into the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, and he hopes that you will be the means of attracting many other souls to this glorious life-giving Message.

‘Abdul-Bahá was most anxious that the Eskimo people should be taught the Message of this New Day, and it is a source of happiness to all Bahá’ís that you, a member of that race, have arisen to spread these teachings.[5] God has surely guided your steps and blessed your search for divine Truth.

If people only realized it, the inner life of the spirit is that which counts, but they are so blinded by desires and so misled that they have brought upon themselves all the suffering we see at present in the world. The Bahá’ís seek to lead people back to a knowledge of their true selves and the purpose for which they were created, and thus to their greatest happiness and highest good.

You may be sure the Guardian will pray that you may render the Cause many valuable services and become a gifted and confirmed Bahá’í teacher.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

P.S. It will interest you to know that there are now Bahá’ís active in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and the Eskimo village of Tuluksak, Alaska.

[From the Guardian:]

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your most welcome letter has rejoiced my heart. I extend to you a most hearty welcome into the ranks of the followers of Bahá’u’lláh, and will greatly value your support and cooperation. Your conversion to His Cause is indeed a historic event, and will greatly rejoice the hearts of the believers. I will pray for your success and spiritual advancement from the depths of my heart. Rest assured and be confident.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(6) October 14, 1943

(6) October 14, 1943

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of July 9th has reached the Guardian safely, and he has instructed me to answer it on his behalf.

He feels that the most important thing at the present time is, of course, the establishment of the first Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly of Alaska.

He hopes that, after the assembly is well established and has a sufficient number to maintain its status, you will again be able to do pioneer teaching work among the Eskimos.

Your talk on the Faith in the church of Tuluksak may, indeed, have reached some of them, and left a seed of Truth in their minds.

As the Centenary Celebration of the Faith draws near the Guardian finds himself busier than ever before and barely able to keep pace with his work. However, his thoughts are often with the friends, and he is very proud of their achievements.

He assures you of his deep appreciation of your devoted and self-sacrificing services, and that his loving prayers will continue to be offered on your behalf.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and valued co-worker:

I admire and feel proud of your historic achievements. I am deeply grateful to you and will continue to pray from the depths of my heart for your protection, happiness, and the speedy and full realization of every hope you cherish in such an important sphere of Bahá’í activity.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

PART II

Letters to Bahá’í Institutions. These letters are presented chronologically in their entirety. They trace the strengthening and development of the institutions—National Spiritual Assembly, Local Spiritual Assemblies, Committees and Conventions.

(7) November 19th, 1945

(7) November 19th, 1945

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of Aug. 6th brought great joy to the Guardian’s heart. It has taken it some time to reach him but he has instructed me to answer it at once.

He was particularly pleased to hear of the weekly radio broadcasts you are giving, and feels that this cannot but have a marked effect on the progress of the Cause in Alaska, both visibly and spiritually.

Although there are many souls ripe to receive the message, there are many others who, though they are not able to recognize its import at present, will take the seed into their hearts, and there it will ultimately germinate. Radio reaches so many people and thus is of the utmost importance.

It was very kind of you to think of sending gifts to the Guardian made by Eskimos, and he will value them as tokens of your love and the handiwork of a people whom he is most anxious should receive the Divine Message.

He hopes that your Assembly will endeavour to reach the Eskimos with the Message; he fully realizes how difficult a task this is, but it is also one of great importance. If but one of these souls should become truly enkindled, he or she could then teach others in their own language and a manner suited to their minds.

Assuring you all of the loving appreciation of your devoted services, and his ardent prayers for the success of your labours.

Yours, with warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-workers:

It is always a joy to hear from you. I truly admire the spirit that animates you, as well as your remarkable achievements in the service of our beloved Faith. You truly deserve the praise of the Concourse on high. Persevere in your noble and historic task, and rest assured that the Beloved is well pleased with you.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(8) December 17, 1951

(8) December 17, 1951

To the Bahá’ís who attended the Alaska Convention.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of December 3rd has reached the beloved Guardian; and he was very pleased to receive the assurance of your determination to persevere in the work of the Cause, and achieve all the goals set before the American Bahá’í Community.

He was also very happy indeed to know that all Alaskan Bahá’ís had been present. He considers this a great achievement. When we consider that not so many years ago, there was not a single Bahá’í in Alaska, we can truly say: “What hath God wrought!”—and with thankful hearts rededicate ourselves to the work of His Faith.

With Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring you of my deepest appreciation of the sentiments you have expressed, and of my loving, my ardent and continued prayers for the extension and consolidation of your highly meritorious activities,

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(9) February 3, 1952

(9) February 3, 1952

Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District.

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Our beloved Guardian has received your letter of January 17th, enclosing the loving contribution for the Shrine of the Báb from the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage District; and has instructed me to answer on his behalf, and to send you the attached receipt.

He very deeply appreciates your gift toward the completion of this most holy enterprise, which is serving to draw the devoted believers in all lands closer to the Center of their Faith.

Naturally he is most happy to hear of the growth of the Faith in your land, and it cannot be otherwise when there is such firm resolve and determination to serve, and such harmony among the devoted believers.

He assures you all of his loving prayers for you at the Holy Shrines.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Beloved bless you and your fellow-workers in Anchorage, sustain and protect you, reward you for your contribution and services to the Faith, and aid you to enrich the splendid record of your achievements.

Your true and grateful brother,
Shoghi

(10) February 9, 1953

(10) February 9, 1953

The Bahá’í Community of Anchorage.

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of January 7th, expressing appreciation of the action of the beloved Guardian in arranging for Rúhíyyih Khánum, accompanied by the Vice-President of the International Council, Amelia Collins, to be present at the All-America Teaching Conference and the dedication of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Chicago, has been received by him. He has asked me to acknowledge receipt of your letter on his behalf.

The Guardian feels that the four forthcoming Conferences are the most important gatherings ever held in the Faith to date.

The Conferences will bring together representatives of the entire Bahá’í World, representing twelve national communities, made up of numerous racial and religious backgrounds.

The purpose of the Conferences will be the world-wide propagation of the Faith. They will lay the foundations of the service of the Bahá’ís of the world for the great ten year Crusade ahead—which, God willing, will be consummated in the fulfillment of the prophecies of Daniel, and the achievement of the initial goals set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the Tablets of the Divine Plan, whereby the world will be flooded with the Glory of the Lord.

The Guardian attaches great importance to the Conference to be held in Wilmette, and he sincerely hopes as many of the believers as possible will attend.

The Guardian will pray at the Shrines for the friends in Anchorage.

With warm Bahá’í greetings,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(11) March 24, 1953

(11) March 24, 1953

To the Bahá’ís of Alaska

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Just a little note to assure you our beloved Guardian received your Naw-Rúz greeting, which he appreciated very much.

Great things lie ahead of the Bahá’ís in Alaska, and he will pray that they may attain their goals speedily and worthily.

With warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

(12) March 30, 1953

(12) March 30, 1953

To the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your loving letter of January 23rd has been received by the Beloved Guardian, and he has directed me to acknowledge it in his behalf.

The Guardian feels the Dedication of the Temple, and the Intercontinental Teaching Conference to be held immediately thereafter, will mark a most important historic milepost in the development of the Faith in America, and the world. It will close the epoch of Temple Building, and open the 10 year period of World Crusade, during which time, the Faith will be established over the face of the earth.

The Guardian is happy Rúhíyyih Khánum and Vice-President Collins of the International Bahá’í Council can attend to represent him. He hopes as many of the Friends as possible will be present.

With loving Bahá’í greetings,
I am,
Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas, Asst. Secretary

(13) August 5, 1953

(13) August 5, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The Beloved Guardian has asked me to write the Friends of Alaska on his behalf, and explain to them that he is following very closely their activities in Alaska.

He attaches the very greatest importance to the services which are being rendered by the Bahá’ís in that land.

The future of Alaska is so important that he has set as one of the goals of the Ten Year Crusade, the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly in Alaska, notwithstanding its present or future political relationship with the United States.

This great gift which has come to Alaska likewise calls for great sacrifice and service. The Guardian feels the Bahá’ís of Alaska fully realize the heavy responsibilities devolving upon them and will arise with a superhuman effort to spread the Faith throughout the length and breadth of the country. He will welcome advice of the opening up of new cities and centers throughout Alaska, which will lay the foundation stones on which the future National Assembly can be built. The only way this can be done is for the Friends to “scatter” as the Master foretold, and settle in new cities, areas, etc.

A copy of this letter is being sent to the American National Spiritual Assembly, so that they might assist the friends of Alaska to fulfill their spiritual mission and help their country attain its spiritual destiny.

Please send a copy of this appeal of the Guardian to each Believer in Alaska.

The Beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to each and every one of the Bahá’ís in Alaska. He assures you of his prayers at the Holy Shrine in your behalf, that every obstacle may be removed from your paths, as you prosecute this sacred mission.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(14) August 5, 1953

(14) August 5, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian has asked me to write you on his behalf, concerning settlement in Kotzebue, in the Arctic Circle.

He has learned that one of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage, or Alaska, has gone or is going soon to Kotzebue, and he wishes full information in connection therewith. He would like to know who the pioneer is, when he settled, or if not settled, when he will do so.

The Guardian attaches the greatest importance to this project, and he asks that your Assembly assist the pioneer in every way possible.

The Guardian asks that you give his love to the pioneer either in or enroute to Kotzebue, and assure him, the Guardian will pray for him; that the Divine Confirmations may be with him, that every obstacle may be removed from his path, and that he will achieve new victories for our Glorious Faith.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Assistant Secretary

(15) November 23, 1953

(15) November 23, 1953

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Your letter of September 3rd has been received by the beloved Guardian, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Bahá’ís of Alaska have always proved themselves full of initiative and devotion; and he feels sure that they will successfully accomplish their goal of having an independent National Assembly before the end of the ten years.

He feels that if Mrs. Wells can go to Kotzebue next Spring, it would be excellent. The ideal of course is for the friends to obtain work before they go to new places, if at all possible, and in this way not deplete their resources or be a burden on the Fund.

The Guardian was also very happy to hear that the Caldwells are still in the Aleutian chain, as he attaches the greatest importance to this very difficult post. He urges your Assembly to give them all the encouragement you can, and to impress upon them the importance of remaining there.

You may be sure he will pray for the progress of your work in the holy Shrines; and no doubt the National Assembly will give you every assistance it can. As you know, it has heavy demands made upon it at present, in order to get the pioneers out to their posts; and the consolidation work will undoubtedly be taken up later on.

With warmest Bahá’í greetings to you all,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

May the Almighty bless, guide and sustain you, aid you to promote continually the vital interests of His Faith, and win great victories in its service.

Your true brother,
Shoghi

(16) March 18, 1954

(16) March 18, 1954

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Friends:

The beloved Guardian is following very closely the activities in connection with the Ten-Year Crusade throughout the entire Bahá’í world. He has been encouraged by the reports reaching him from all centers.

The Guardian is happy over the development of the Faith in Alaska. Inasmuch as one of the very important goals of the Ten Year Crusade is the establishment of a National Spiritual Assembly for Alaska, the Guardian is hopeful that the friends will very seriously undertake the establishment of the Faith in the important cities, and the development of as many assemblies as possible. This can be accomplished best, of course, by “scattering” from the larger communities, and in settling in new areas.

The beloved Guardian was greatly encouraged to learn through a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell addressed to me, that at the Alaska State Convention on December 6th, a fund was started for the Hazíratu’l-Quds. The Guardian attaches great importance to the development of the Hazíratu’l-Quds even before there are prospects for the establishment of the National Assembly. The Guardian is arranging for a gift to this fund of $500 as his personal contribution. It will be sent you by the Treasurer of the American N.S.A. He hopes this will stimulate the friends to contribute to this important fund, as time goes on.

The beloved Guardian sends his loving greetings to all the friends in Alaska.

Faithfully yours,
Leroy Ioas
Secretary-General
International Bahá’í Council

(17) April 23, 1954

(17) April 23, 1954

Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í 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 Hazíratu’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 Hazíratu’l-Quds Fund.

He would like you to please forward him a list of all the places where there are Bahá’ís throughout Alaskan territory, specifying whether it is an Assembly, 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 Assembly.

With Bahá’í 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 Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the Anchorage Recording District

Dear Bahá’í Sister:

Your letter of January 19th, written on behalf of the Spiritual Assembly 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 Assembly 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 Bahjí.

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

With warm Bahá’í love,
R. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Assuring 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 Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Anchorage

Dear Bahá’í Sister: