Arohanui: Letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand | Page 5

curious thing is that out of the dozens of
jewellers and antique shops in Bournemouth to which the ring might
have been taken for sale, it should be taken to the one where there was
a Bahá'í who recognized it.
I hope that before you leave Scotland you may be able to go to
Aberdeen and see my home people. They would be delighted to see you.
My father's address is Fairford, Cults, (about 3 miles from Aberdeen,
by car or train). He is 86 years of age and rather frail. My sister looks
after him. My two married brothers are Peter Esslemont, 21, Louisville
Avenue (Business: John E. Esslemont, 16 King Street) and W.D.E., 12
Wellbrae Terr., Mannofield. Both of their houses are near the
Mannofield Car Line.
We were very glad to hear of your meetings with the friends at London
and West Moors.
Many thanks for your letter to myself and the excellent snap-shots
enclosed. I am glad you have fallen in love with Sister Challis and hope
you will see her again before you leave. I had a delightful letter
yesterday from Miss Kilford of West Moors, whom I regard as a Bahá'í
grand-daughter, as she was brought into the Cause by Sister Challis
who calls me her Bahá'í father!
We hope Shoghi Effendi will get away soon for a much needed rest.
The Greatest Holy Leaf was rather seriously ill last week, but is a good
deal better again, although very feeble and frail.
I have been advised by the Drs to leave Haifa for the summer months,
as my breathing has lately been troublesome and they think the moist
heat during the summer here would be bad for me. On the same day on
which this decision was arrived at, I received a cordial invitation to go
to a place in the Black Forest for my summer vacation. The Drs
considered this place would be ideal for me and that the sooner I got

away the better, so I leave in 3 days time. My address will be c/o Frau
Victoria von Sigsfeld, Husli, Finsterlingen, bei St Blaisien, Baden,
Germany. I hope to return to Haifa in the latter part of Sept. to resume
my work here.
Shoghi Effendi, the members of the Holy Household and the friends
here join in loving greetings and best wishes.
Your brother in the service of the Beloved, J. E. Esslemont
Mrs Schopflocher arrived here last night after a very successful tour in
Russia, Persia and Iraq.
[From the Guardian:]
My dear co-worker:
I was very glad indeed to learn about your experiences and visit to the
friends and your firm determination to labour unceasingly in the Divine
Vineyard. I will continue to pray for you that all your relatives and
friends may recognise and be illumined with the resplendent Light of
this Divine Revelation. Never feel disheartened and trust me ever your
affectionate, grateful and true brother in the service of the Cause.
Shoghi

(6) November 4th, 1925
Dear Bahá'í Sister,
Shoghi Effendi received your kind letter and wishes me to
acknowledge its receipt. He hopes that on your return to New Zealand
you will obtain divine assistance in your services to the Cause. That
land has been newly opened to the Bahá'í Movement. The work of the
friends therefore, interesting and useful as it may be, is hard and most
exacting to one's patience and energy. It needs great perseverance to
obtain a hearing among the people and draw their attention to this

Blessed Cause. But once that that has been obtained and the way
smoothed then progress becomes increasingly great and the fruits of
your labours appreciated.
Shoghi Effendi is very glad that you have enjoyed your trip to England.
The Friends there though they are few in number, are full of love and
affection, one cannot but feel at home among them.
Shoghi Effendi thanks Miss Nora Lee for the kind contribution she has
made to the Cause. It will be spent for the progress of this movement so
dear to the heart of us all. Enclosed there will be a receipt for that
amount.
Shoghi Effendi and the other members of the family send you their best
Bahá'í love and greeting and wish you success in your services to the
Cause.
Your brother in His Name, Ruhi Afnan
[From the Guardian:]
My dearest fellow-worker:
My prayers accompany you wherever you go. I wish you to be happy,
confident and active. Rest assured of my great admiration of your zeal
and steadfast labours, of my confidence in the success of your splendid
pioneer services and of my eagerness to hear from you about the
progress of your work.
Your true brother, Shoghi

(7) December 5th, 1925
To the publisher of the Bahá'í Magazine, "The