Messages to Canada

  • Author:

  • Shoghi Effendi

  • Source:
  • Bahá’í Canada Publications
  • Pages:
  • 276
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Pages 63-65

Letter of 18 July 1939

18 July 1939

To Beulah S. Proctor1

Dear Bahá’í Sister,
Your most welcome and encouraging letter of the 7th June reporting on your pioneer work in Halifax, Nova Scotia, has duly reached our beloved Guardian and his heart was indeed flooded with joy and gratitude at the determination, and the exemplary spirit of consecration with which you are toiling for the spread and establishment of the Cause in that remote and hitherto unexplored Canadian province, and also at the evidences of the heavenly confirmation which you are receiving in the accomplishment of such a vital and highly-meritorious task. He has noted with deep pleasure the various promising contacts you have already established, and notwithstanding the difficulties with which you will have increasingly to contend in the future, you should confidently, earnestly and resolutely continue to maintain, nay widen and enrich, such associations and contacts, and thus gradually pave the way for the formation of a study group which would eventually develop into a group of interested and confirmed believers, and possibly into a duly-constituted and properly-functioning Bahá’í Assembly in a not too distant future.
Regarding Mr. ...: the Guardian would urge you to strive making him a firm believer, and to create in him the desire to dedicate himself heart and soul to the service of the Cause. Also with regard to your contacting the women’s clubs of Nova Scotia: there would be certainly no objection to your desire to do so, but it would be preferable that you concentrate on a selected few individuals who are sincere and truly receptive and to endeavour confirming them in the Faith. Personal contacts with limited, but eager and spiritually-minded persons, are often much more effective and fruitful than addressing large audiences. In your talks and lectures you should, for the present, avoid referring to labour problems, or to any governmental scheme regarding labour issues, as such considerations might lead you into the discussion of political questions which, of course, as a believer, you should by all means strictly avoid and disregard.
As regards your daughter ...: the Guardian will pray for her that her devotion to the Cause, and her zeal to promote its knowledge may be deepened, and that she may gradually be inspired to take an active part in teaching the Faith. He would advise you not to press her unduly, but to carefully watch over her, so that she may gradually, of her own accord, arise and lend you full support in your teaching work.
As to your wish to enter into some kind of business, so as to be independent financially, while continuing your teaching work: he highly approves of this wish you have expressed which should be indeed the ideal of every Bahá’í pioneer. Assuring you, in closing, of his prayers for the confirmation of your services, and with cordial greetings,

Yours most sincerely,

H. Rabbani

[From the Guardian:]

Dear and prized co-worker:

Your most welcome and inspiring letter brought immense joy to my heart. How proud I feel of your accomplishments, your devotion, your perseverance and determination! Persevere in your historic task, be happy and grateful and never lose heart.

Your true and grateful brother,

Shoghi
1.Beulah S. Proctor—American believer who was the first pioneer, with her daughter, to Halifax (1939), died 1958.  [ Back To Reference]