Messages to Canada | Page 7

the members of this
community, on the morrow of its having attained an independent,
national existence, have arisen to execute the Plan designed for the
furtherance of its interests and the consolidation of its newly-born
institutions, the zeal and resolution which have characterized the
prosecution of the task entrusted to their care, the notable success they
have already achieved in the initial stages of their enterprise, have
served to heighten my feelings of admiration for those who have
directed its course and participated in its unfoldment, and to evoke the
unstinted praise of all sister communities in both the East and the West.
A GREATER UNANIMITY IN SACRIFICE REQUIRED
Though much has been achieved in the course of the two years that
have elapsed since the formulation of the Plan, the objectives that the
members of this struggling, youthful and valiant community have set
themselves to attain are still far from being fulfilled. Though the
process of the multiplication of Bahá'í centres, over the length and
breadth of so vast a territory, has been, steadily and speedily, gathering
momentum, the number of groups that have achieved Assembly status
is still relatively insignificant, while the pioneer activity designed to
awaken and stimulate the interest of the Eskimos in the Faith and enlist
their support may hardly be said to have been vigorously and
adequately launched. The call to which this newly-fledged community
has been summoned is admittedly urgent and challenging. The
character of the tasks alloted to it is, in many respects, unique. The
resources at its disposal for the discharge of its peculiar responsibilities
are no doubt as yet inadequate. The obstacles that stand in its way and
obstruct its path seem almost insurmountable. Its membership, when
viewed in relation to the range over which it operates, is no doubt
wholly inadequate yet the spirit which has consistently animated the

members of the entire community, and the energy and determination
which have distinguished their elected representatives in the discharge
of their sacred duties, are such as to fortify the hopes which I, as well as
their fellow-workers in both hemispheres, have cherished in our hearts,
since the inauguration of their first collective enterprise in a land so
rich in promise, so vast in its potentialities, and so honoured by the visit
of the Centre of the Covenant Himself as well as by the glowing
references made to it by Him in His immortal Tablets.
As the centenary of the birth of Bahá'u'lláh's prophetic Mission
approaches, as the first historic Plan, signalizing the birth and rise of a
highly privileged community, the sole partner of its great sister
community in the South in the prosecution of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Divine
Plan, gathers momentum and enters the concluding stages in its
evolution, a dedication even more conspicuous than that already
manifested in the hour of the launching of the Plan must needs be
displayed by all those who are called upon to participate in its
prosecution. A sterner resolve, a nobler heroism, a greater unanimity in
sacrifice, a further intensification of effort must be manifested, as the
first stage in the evolution of the mission of the Canadian Bahá'í
Community draws to a close, and paves the way for the inauguration of
still more splendid enterprises along the path laid down for them by the
unerring hand of the Author of the Divine Plan.
That this community will never relax in its high endeavours, that the
vision of its glorious mission will not be suffered to be dimmed, that
obstacles, however formidable, will neither dampen its zeal or deflect it
from its purpose, is my confident hope and earnest prayer. He Who
watches over its destinies, from Whose pen testimonies so significant
and soul thrilling have flowed, will no doubt continue to direct its steps,
to shower upon it His loving bounties, to surround it with His constant
care, and to enable it to scale loftier heights on its ascent towards the
summit of its destiny.
With a heart brimful with gratitude for all that this community has so
far achieved, and throbbing with hope for the future exploits that will
distinguish its record of stewardship to the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, I pray

that by its acts, this community will prove itself worthy of the trust
confided to its care, and the station to which it has been called.
Your true and grateful brother, SHOGHI.

Letter of January, 1951
January, 1951.
SHRINE OF THE BÁB
To the Treasurer of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of
Canada.
Your letter of September 13 has reached the beloved Guardian, as well
as the contribution made by the N.S.A. of Canada and some of the
friends towards the construction of the Báb's Shrine, a receipt for which
I am enclosing.
He is pleased to accept this loving