April 16. On this date in 1925, Palle Bischoff was born. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

April 16. On this date in 1925, Palle Bischoff was born. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

Palle Bischoff was born in Humlebaek, Denmark in 1925. He studied commercial science and obtained a degree in the field. He became a Bahá'í on November 17, 1947, and attended a Feast in Stockholm shortly after his conversion. In 1950 he chaired an evening at the Third European Teaching Conference in Copenhagen, and delivered a talk on Progressive Revelation.

In 1951 Palle was appointed to manage a fishing station at Edgesminde, Greenland for four months and another station in Govkussak in the winter by the Danish government, allowing him to become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to the country. He wrote the following to the Greenland Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:

"It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh will be manifested also in that country"

He opened a ski school after retiring from managing the fishing stations, and lived in Greenland until 1954, when he returned to Denmark.

He served as Chairman of the 1956 Bahá'í Summer School of Moss, Norway. In 1957 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair, and he served on that Assembly until 1963. In 1961 he was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg in Denmark.

In 1964 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and he served on the Assembly, or as an Auxiliary Board Member, until 2000. He was also elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Sollerod in 1964 and served on it until 1998.

The Universal House of Justice noted his "outstanding services" that "earned him an imperishable place in the annals of the Danish Bahá'í community" after his death.

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum referenced Palle Bischoff in a letter dated October 30, 1951, written to the NSA of Canada "The departure of Mr. Bond for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart."

October 30, 1951.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada.
Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably.
The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their tasks, once they do get under way.
PIONEER TO GREENLAND
The departure of Mr. Bond 1 for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff 2 for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart.
Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly determine to do so.
The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over.
He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan.
With Bahá'í love,
R. RABBANI.
1 Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 on).
2 Palle Bischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland (1951-54).

January 24. On this date in 2002, Palle Bischoff died. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

January 24. On this date in 2002, Palle Bischoff died. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

Palle Bischoff was born in Humlebaek, Denmark in 1925. He studied commercial science and obtained a degree in the field. He became a Bahá'í on November 17, 1947, and attended a Feast in Stockholm shortly after his conversion. In 1950 he chaired an evening at the Third European Teaching Conference in Copenhagen, and delivered a talk on Progressive Revelation.

In 1951 Palle was appointed to manage a fishing station at Edgesminde, Greenland for four months and another station in Govkussak in the winter by the Danish government, allowing him to become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to the country. He wrote the following to the Greenland Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:

"It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh will be manifested also in that country"

He opened a ski school after retiring from managing the fishing stations, and lived in Greenland until 1954, when he returned to Denmark.

He served as Chairman of the 1956 Bahá'í Summer School of Moss, Norway. In 1957 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair, and he served on that Assembly until 1963. In 1961 he was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg in Denmark.

In 1964 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and he served on the Assembly, or as an Auxiliary Board Member, until 2000. He was also elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Sollerod in 1964 and served on it until 1998.

The Universal House of Justice noted his "outstanding services" that "earned him an imperishable place in the annals of the Danish Bahá'í community" after his death.

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum referenced Palle Bischoff in a letter dated October 30, 1951, written to the NSA of Canada "The departure of Mr. Bond for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart."

October 30, 1951.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada.
Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably.
The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their tasks, once they do get under way.
PIONEER TO GREENLAND
The departure of Mr. Bond 1 for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff 2 for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart.
Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly determine to do so.
The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over.
He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan.
With Bahá'í love,
R. RABBANI.
1 Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 on).
2 Palle Bischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland (1951-54).

November 17. On this date in 1947, Palle Bischoff converted to the Bahá'í Faith, becoming the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark. He would later become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

November 17. On this date in 1947, Palle Bischoff converted to the Bahá'í Faith, becoming the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark. He would later become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

Palle Bischoff was born in Humlebaek, Denmark in 1925. He studied commercial science and obtained a degree in the field. He became a Bahá'í on November 17, 1947, and attended a Feast in Stockholm shortly after his conversion. In 1950 he chaired an evening at the Third European Teaching Conference in Copenhagen, and delivered a talk on Progressive Revelation.

In 1951 Palle was appointed to manage a fishing station at Edgesminde, Greenland for four months and another station in Govkussak in the winter by the Danish government, allowing him to become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to the country. He wrote the following to the Greenland Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:

"It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh will be manifested also in that country"

He opened a ski school after retiring from managing the fishing stations, and lived in Greenland until 1954, when he returned to Denmark.

He served as Chairman of the 1956 Bahá'í Summer School of Moss, Norway. In 1957 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair, and he served on that Assembly until 1963. In 1961 he was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg in Denmark.

In 1964 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and he served on the Assembly, or as an Auxiliary Board Member, until 2000. He was also elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Sollerod in 1964 and served on it until 1998.

The Universal House of Justice noted his "outstanding services" that "earned him an imperishable place in the annals of the Danish Bahá'í community" after his death.

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum referenced Palle Bischoff in a letter dated October 30, 1951, written to the NSA of Canada "The departure of Mr. Bond for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart."

October 30, 1951.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada.

Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably.

The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their tasks, once they do get under way.

PIONEER TO GREENLAND

The departure of Mr. Bond 1 for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff 2 for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart.

Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly determine to do so.

The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over.

He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan.

With Bahá'í love,

R. RABBANI.

1 Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 on).

2 PalleBischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland (1951-54).

May 17. On this date in 2008, Brigitte Lundblade, who had pioneered to Sweden, Denmark and Estonia and been named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Shetland Islands, died.

May 17. On this date in 2008, Brigitte Lundblade, who had pioneered to Sweden, Denmark and Estonia and been named a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh for the Shetland Islands, died.

Brigitte Hasselblatt was born on January 21, 1923, into a Baltic German family in Tallinn, Estonia. During World War II, the Hasselblatt family was evacuated to Germany, and after the war Brigitte moved to England, where she became a Bahá’í at a summer school in 1950.

In 1953 Brigitte settled in the Shetland Islands, a territory named by Shoghi Effendi in connection with the Ten Year Crusade, and in doing so became a Knight of Bahá'u'lláh.

In 1956 Brigitte went on Pilgrimage and met Shoghi Effendi, who told her to introduce the Bahá’ís Faith to Estonia. Because it was impossible to go to the Soviet Union at that time, Brigitte chose to pioneer to Finland instead.

While in Finland Brigitte married Milton Lundblade, an American Bahá’í of Swedish descent. In 1961 they pioneered again, this time to Denmark, where there son Laurence was born. Because Milton was unable to find work there they soon had to move to the United States. For the next several years Brigitte worked as a school nurse in California. In 1963, their daughter Luise was born in Downey, California.

After her children were grown and her husband had died, Brigitte moved back to Finland as a pioneer in 1984, still waiting for an opportunity to return to Estonia in accordance with Shoghi Effendi's wishes. Her chance finally came in 1988.

Although a handful of people, predominantly Esperantists, had become Bahá’ís in Estonia prior to Brigitte's arrival, her flat in Tallinn quickly became the center of Bahá’í activity in the country. She was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baltic States in 1993 and remained a member of the National Spiritual Assembly of Estonia after it was formed as a separate body in 1999.

On the advice of the Universal House of Justice, she retired in 2006 after many years of service.
Brigitte devoted her final years to writing her memoirs with assistance from a friend, Susanne Pfaff-Grossman. "The Life of a Pioneer" was originally published in German and was then translated into English by Brigitte herself.

Brigitte died on May 17, 2008 and is buried in her native Tallinn.

April 16. On this date in 1925, Palle Bischoff was born. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

April 16. On this date in 1925, Palle Bischoff was born. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

Palle Bischoff was born in Humlebaek, Denmark in 1925. He studied commercial science and obtained a degree in the field. He became a Bahá'í on November 17, 1947, and attended a Feast in Stockholm shortly after his conversion. In 1950 he chaired an evening at the Third European Teaching Conference in Copenhagen, and delivered a talk on Progressive Revelation.

In 1951 Palle was appointed to manage a fishing station at Edgesminde, Greenland for four months and another station in Govkussak in the winter by the Danish government, allowing him to become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to the country. He wrote the following to the Greenland Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:

"It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh will be manifested also in that country"

He opened a ski school after retiring from managing the fishing stations, and lived in Greenland until 1954, when he returned to Denmark.

He served as Chairman of the 1956 Bahá'í Summer School of Moss, Norway. In 1957 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair, and he served on that Assembly until 1963. In 1961 he was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg in Denmark.

In 1964 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and he served on the Assembly, or as an Auxiliary Board Member, until 2000. He was also elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Sollerod in 1964 and served on it until 1998.

The Universal House of Justice noted his "outstanding services" that "earned him an imperishable place in the annals of the Danish Bahá'í community" after his death.

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum referenced Palle Bischoff in a letter dated October 30, 1951, written to the NSA of Canada "The departure of Mr. Bond for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart."

October 30, 1951.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada.
Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably.
The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their tasks, once they do get under way.
PIONEER TO GREENLAND
The departure of Mr. Bond 1 for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff 2 for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart.
Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly determine to do so.
The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over.
He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan.
With Bahá'í love,
R. RABBANI.
1 Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 on).
2 Palle Bischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland (1951-54).

April 5. On this date in 1916, 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote his "Tablet to the Bahá’ís of Canada and Greenland," which is the 5th part of his "Tablets of the Divine Plan".

April 5. On this date in 1916, 'Abdu'l-Bahá wrote his Tablet to the Bahá’ís of Canada and Greenland, which is the 5th part of his Tablets of the Divine Plan, in the garden adjacent to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh, and addressed to the Bahá’ís of Canada — Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Mackenzie, Keewatin, Ungava, Franklin Islands — and Greenland. Included in multiple books, the first five tablets were printed in America in Star of the West - Vol. VII, No. 10, September 8, 1916, and all the tablets again after World War I in Vol. IX, No. 14, November 23, 1918.

On December 23, 1918, 'Abdu'l-Bahá sent his secretary Ahmad Sohrab to the United States to personally deliver the Tablets of the Divine Plan. These collective letters, along with Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet of Carmel and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Will and Testament were described by Shoghi Effendi as "three of the Charters" of the Bahá’í Faith, which along with the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (which Shoghi Effendi described as "the basic laws and ordinances on which the fabric of His future World Order must rest") set the foundation of the Administrative Order. Ahmad Sohrab would later be declared a Covenant-breaker by Shoghi Effendi.

He is God!
O ye daughters and sons of the Kingdom:
ALTHOUGH in most of the states and cities of the United States, praise be to God, His fragrances are diffused, and souls unnumbered are turning their faces and advancing toward the Kingdom of God, yet in some of the states the Standard of Unity is not yet upraised as it should be, nor are the mysteries of the Holy Books, such as the Bible, the Gospel, and the Qur’án, unraveled. Through the concerted efforts of all the friends the Standard of Unity must needs be unfurled in those states, and the divine teachings promoted, so that these states may also receive their portion of the heavenly bestowals and a share of the Most Great Guidance. Likewise in the provinces of Canada, such as Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ungava, Keewatin, Mackenzie, Yukon, and the Franklin Islands in the Arctic Circle—the believers of God must become self-sacrificing and like unto the candles of guidance become ignited in the provinces of Canada. Should they show forth such a magnanimity, it is assured that they will obtain universal divine confirmations, the heavenly cohorts will reinforce them uninterruptedly, and a most great victory will be obtained. God willing, the call of the Kingdom may reach the ears of the Eskimos, the inhabitants of the Islands of Franklin in the north of Canada, as well as Greenland. Should the fire of the love of God be kindled in Greenland, all the ice of that country will be melted, and its cold weather become temperate—that is, if the hearts be touched with the heat of the love of God, that territory will become a divine rose garden and a heavenly paradise, and the souls, even as fruitful trees, will acquire the utmost freshness and beauty. Effort, the utmost effort, is required. Should you display an effort, so that the fragrances of God may be diffused among the Eskimos, its effect will be very great and far-reaching. God says in the great Qur’án: A day will come wherein the lights of unity will enlighten all the world. “The earth will be irradiated with the light of its Lord.” 1 In other words, the earth will become illumined with the light of God. That light is the light of unity. “There is no God but God.” The continent and the islands of Eskimos are also parts of this earth. They must similarly receive a portion of the bestowals of the Most Great Guidance.
Upon you be greeting and praise!

January 24. On this date in 2002, Palle Bischoff died. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

January 24. On this date in 2002, Palle Bischoff died. He was the first Danish Bahá'í to become a Baha'i in Denmark and the first Bahá'í to pioneer to Greenland. He also served on the NSA of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair and the NSA of Denmark.

Palle Bischoff was born in Humlebaek, Denmark in 1925. He studied commercial science and obtained a degree in the field. He became a Bahá'í on November 17, 1947, and attended a Feast in Stockholm shortly after his conversion. In 1950 he chaired an evening at the Third European Teaching Conference in Copenhagen, and delivered a talk on Progressive Revelation.

In 1951 Palle was appointed to manage a fishing station at Edgesminde, Greenland for four months and another station in Govkussak in the winter by the Danish government, allowing him to become the first Bahá'í to pioneer to the country. He wrote the following to the Greenland Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada:

"It is exciting and I pray that I will be able to light the fire of the love of God among the people there so that the unity and harmony of the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh will be manifested also in that country"

He opened a ski school after retiring from managing the fishing stations, and lived in Greenland until 1954, when he returned to Denmark.

He served as Chairman of the 1956 Bahá'í Summer School of Moss, Norway. In 1957 he was elected to the National Spiritual Assembly of Scandinavia and Finland as Vice-Chair, and he served on that Assembly until 1963. In 1961 he was elected to the first Local Spiritual Assembly of Frederiksberg in Denmark.

In 1964 he was elected to the first National Spiritual Assembly of Denmark, and he served on the Assembly, or as an Auxiliary Board Member, until 2000. He was also elected to the Local Spiritual Assembly of Sollerod in 1964 and served on it until 1998.

The Universal House of Justice noted his "outstanding services" that "earned him an imperishable place in the annals of the Danish Bahá'í community" after his death.

Amatu'l-Bahá Rúhíyyih Khánum referenced Palle Bischoff in a letter dated October 30, 1951, written to the NSA of Canada "The departure of Mr. Bond for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by 'Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart."

October 30, 1951.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Canada.
Your letters ... have been received, with enclosures, and the beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.
The Administrative Order is not a governmental or civic body, it is to regulate and guide the internal affairs of the Bahá'í community; consequently it works, according to its own procedure, best suited to its needs. A Bahá'í who does more than visit temporarily a community is considered for our administrative purposes as a resident and can vote and serve accordingly. Students in foreign lands, most obviously not residents, are registered as local Bahá'ís, and therefore entitled to do their share of work and play their part in the local community life. This should be pointed out to ... who seem to be confusing our internal administration with external practices which have no relation to it. As regards their personal attitudes the Guardian, remembering what a devoted worker ... has been in the past, is very sorry to see she is no longer active. He does not feel this will lead to either her happiness or that of ...; for, whenever we compromise with what is noblest and best in ourselves, we are the losers invariably.
The Guardian was delighted to hear the friends are at last responding to the urgent needs of the Plan and going forth as pioneers. Plans are concrete things, and not mere honors, and victories--like all other achievements in life--must be purchased at the cost of persistent efforts! He feels sure the Canadian Bahá'ís, perhaps slow to get under way, will display the counterpart of this British characteristic, and cling like bull dogs to their tasks, once they do get under way.
PIONEER TO GREENLAND
The departure of Mr. Bond 1 for the Arctic made the Guardian very happy; this, as well as the sailing of Mr. Bischoff 2 for Greenland, mark the opening stage of the campaign to carry the Faith to the Eskimos, a plan set forth by `Abdu'l-Bahá and very dear to His heart.
Encouraging as these steps are, they do not take care of the main body of the work--the establishment of new Assemblies and groups. In order to accomplish this the entire Canadian Community will have to rise to a new level of activity, consciousness, and sacrifice, just as did the British Bahá'í Community during their Six Year Plan. Their success is perhaps one of the most remarkable ever achieved in the Bahá'í World because they were few in number, run down in health from the long years of suffering during the war, and poor in financial resources. Their determination, dedication and moral stamina, however, carried them through, and Bahá'u'lláh gave them the victory. He will give the same victory to everyone who shows the same characteristics. Success breeds success, and this same Community, now rightfully proud and conscious of its importance, is carrying on its African work in a brilliant manner. The Canadian Bahá'ís, more prosperous, less restricted, and equally capable, can accomplish just as much if they unitedly determine to do so.
The response made by the Canadian friends to the Guardian's appeal for support of the Shrine work has touched him very much. He wishes to thank all those who contributed for their loving generosity, and to assure them that their cooperation in this wonderful task has added to the spiritual beauty of an Edifice already so Holy and so beloved by all the believers the world over.
He wishes you all every success in the discharge of your arduous duties, and is praying for a marked quickening in the pace of the Five Year Plan.
With Bahá'í love,
R. RABBANI.
1 Jameson Bond--first pioneer to the Canadian Arctic (District of Keewatin 1950, District of Franklin 1951-63, with Mrs. Gale Bond from 1953 on).
2 Palle Bischoff--Danish believer, the first pioneer to Greenland (1951-54).