April 4. On this date in 1947, Shoghi Effendi wrote the Bahá'ís of Stuttgart "He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase."

 

April 4. On this date in 1947, Shoghi Effendi wrote the Bahá'ís of Stuttgart "He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase."

4 April 1947

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Stuttgart. Dear Bahá'í Friends:

The letter you wrote our beloved Guardian, dated Jan. 11th, 1947, was received, as well as the report you enclosed of the meetings held in Stuttgart, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf.

He was very pleased to see that there are now as many as 95 believers there, and he hopes this number will steadily and rapidly increase. All the Bahá'ís, new and old alike, should devote themselves as much as possible to teaching the Faith; they should also realize that the atmosphere of true love and unity which they manifest within the Bahá'í Community will directly affect the public, and be the greatest magnet for attracting people to the Faith and confirming them.

In considering purchasing the Schwarz home as a future headquarters for the Stuttgart Bahá'ís, (a plan which he fully approves of) he urges you to, at the same time, bear in mind the responsibility of all the Bahá'ís--in Stuttgart and elsewhere--towards the purchase and maintenance of a National Headquarters; this is of the utmost importance, and when such a headquarters is established it will greatly stimulate the work all over Germany, Stuttgart included. It takes precedence over local Community activities.

He assures you all, and all the Stuttgart believers, of his most loving prayers for the advancement of your Bahá'í labours...

P.S. He was delighted to see you are doing teaching work in neighbouring towns; this is a very important service to the Cause.

In the Guardian's own handwriting:

May the Beloved bless your meritorious efforts, guide and sustain you in your activities, aid you to extend the range of your deeply appreciated services, and enable you to proclaim the verities of His Faith, and help in the consolidation of its nascent and God-given institutions,

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi