June 8. On this date in 1953, Shoghi Effendi wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada that "an illuminated 'Roll of Honour' on which will be inscribed the names of the 'Knights of Bahá’u’lláh' ...will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh."

June 8. On this date in 1953, Shoghi Effendi wrote to the National Spiritual Assembly of Canada that "an illuminated 'Roll of Honour' on which will be inscribed the names of the 'Knights of Bahá’u’lláh' ...will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh."



Letter of 8 June 1953

8 June 1953 To the National Spiritual Assembly Dear Bahá’í Friends:

Our Beloved Guardian has been greatly encouraged by reports reaching him from all parts of the Bahá’í world; of the victories already gained, and the plans being laid for the prosecution of the Ten Year Crusade.

They have evoked his awe-inspiring, and soul-stirring cablegram of May 28th, calling for the immediate settlement of all the 131 virgin areas of the Plan, just as quickly as possible. He is convinced, that the Friends will arise and translate their enthusiasm into Action, because the Keynote of the Crusade must be Action, Action, Action!

The Beloved Guardian has directed me to write your Assembly to amplify some of the aspects of his dynamic message.

The settlement of these virgin areas is of such an emergency nature, that he feels pioneering in one of them takes precedence over every other type of Bahá’í service—whether it be in the teaching or administrative fields of the Faith. So important is it that the National Assembly may delay initiation of steps to fulfil other phases of the Plan, until all these areas are conquered for the Faith. Nothing, absolutely nothing, must be allowed to interfere with the placing of pioneers in each of the 131 goal countries.

In the United States some 150 people have volunteered for pioneer service, and some of them already are preparing to leave for their posts. The Beloved Guardian fully expects the dear Friends in Canada, to follow this example, and quickly settle the areas allotted to them.

Because of it being the Chief Executor of the Divine Plan, and having so many pioneers available, the Guardian has given permission to the United States to send pioneers into any area of the Globe regardless of whom it may be assigned to. Thus pioneers from the United States may ask permission to settle in one of the Areas assigned to your Assembly. If this is done, you should assist them in every way possible.

There are some general observations which the Guardian shares with you, and then some specific suggestions which are enumerated below.

1. Every individual who has offered to pioneer must be encouraged in every way by the National Assembly.

2. The National Assembly should assist each pioneer, so they may be placed in their post just as quickly as possible.

3. The handling of each application for pioneering service must be expedited, and not allowed to be bogged down for any reason, or in the hands of Committees.

4. The National Assembly should make it their first order of business to follow up actively this most important task. They must make it the first order of business at each Assembly meeting, to see that each application is being processed rapidly. This does not mean the special committees should not handle the details; but it does mean the Assembly itself must review each application at each meeting; and see that the pioneer gets into the field as soon as possible.

5. A large number of pioneers should not be sent to any one country. One, or even two, will be sufficient for the time being. Later on, if supplementary assistance is needed, that of course can be taken care of. The all important thing now is to get at least one pioneer in each of the 131 virgin areas.

6. The National Assembly may exercise its prerogatives and suggest to applicants where their services are most needed. This, of course, applies particularly to pioneers, where a large number wish to go to the same place.

The specific suggestions of the Guardian are:

a. Areas close at hand and easy of settlement should be filled first. Then the areas more difficult, and finally, those which will be difficult.

b. Whenever a pioneer enters a new territory, a cable should be sent at once to the Guardian, giving the name, place, and any pertinent information.

c. A monthly report of progress is to be sent by your Assembly to the Secretary-General of the International Bahá’í Council. Special matters of [a] report nature, for the Guardian, in connection with the plan of settling these 131 areas, should be sent to the Secretary-General of the Council also.

d. This does not mean that any administrative matters in connection with the settlement of pioneers should be handled with the Council. These should continue to be handled with the Guardian direct. The Council is simply to coordinate reports, consolidate them, keep maps up to date, etc. for the Guardian, and your reports will enable them to do this.

e. The Guardian feels the following areas should be easily settled, and he would appreciate your early cable advice of such new victories: Anticosti Island, Baranof Island, Cape Breton Island, Magdalen Islands, Miquelon Island, and St. Pierre Island, followed by other areas in the American Continent. Precedence should, however, be given to those listed above, as they appear the easiest of accomplishment, at the moment.

f. As his dramatic cable indicates, the Guardian will have prepared an illuminated “Roll of Honour” on which will be inscribed the names of the “Knights of Bahá’u’lláh”, who first enter these 131 virgin areas. This “Roll of Honour” will be placed inside the entrance door of the Inner Sanctuary of the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.

From time to time, the Guardian will announce to the Bahá’í world the names of those Holy Souls who arise under the conditions outlined in his message, and settle these areas and conquer them for Bahá’u’lláh.

Now is the time for the Bahá’ís of the world to demonstrate the spiritual vitality of the Faith, and to arise as one soul to spread the Glory of the Lord over the face of the Earth. The Guardian is sure that the Bahá’ís of Canada who have served and sacrificed so long for the Faith, will continue their glorious record by winning many new victories for the Faith.

The Guardian will pray fervently for the Bahá’ís of Canada, and for the success of their efforts.

The Guardian will pray for the members of the Assembly, whose sacrificial efforts he greatly values. Faithfully yours, Leroy Ioas