The Light of Divine Guidance (Volume 1)

The beloved Guardian has received your letter of November 8th, reviewing further the question of the Bahá’í Temple in Germany.

Your letter crossed my communication to you of last week. The Guardian has asked me to write you further, making the following points:

1. He does not approve of either design No. 11335 or Cupola.

2. As I have written you previously, he feels that the only submission which has come to him which lends itself to adjustment for the Temple in Germany is the design “Azamat”.

3. As outlined in my letter of last week, the Guardian does not object to your arranging for another architect to collaborate with Mr. Hopfner. However in this collaboration, the general design of the Temple “Azamat” should be continued; and under no circumstances should it be changed to resemble the ultra modern architectural type of building which was the motif of the other submissions. 249

4. As the Guardian has indicated, previously, this building need have seating capacity of only 500 or 600 people.

5. It should be a more modest structure, as has been outlined in previous correspondence. The Guardian feels the height should be not over 30 meters, and the other proportions of the building should be cut down accordingly.

6. The Guardian feels the cost should run about $300,000 or a little more; certainly on the outside not more than $400,000.

Therefore in revising the plan, it should be simplified in such a way as to bring the cost down,—to a figure near $300,000.

It is noted in the details of the “Azamat” there are a number of things still included, which certainly could be gotten along without, for the time being.

With the elimination of the Assembly Hall in the basement, the elimination of the tea kitchen and dining room, as well as conference rooms, library, archives and the other rooms contemplated, this should make a rather material reduction in expense. Likewise the caretaker’s quarters should be eliminated, as the caretaker could probably live in the basement for the time being. Elevators need not be considered.

The basement floor of the Temple in Chicago is cement; and it would seem if cement is suitable for that Temple, it would be satisfactory for the Temple in Germany.

Three years of the Crusade are practically over. The Guardian hopes therefore that he will receive at an early date the revision which is proposed of the “Azamat” design, which should not be materially changed, but may be simplified so that work may proceed at an early date on the construction. The Guardian is fearful if this matter 250 continues to drag, the Temple may not be completed during the period of the Ten Year Crusade.

The Guardian assures you of his prayers in your behalf, and sends you his loving greetings….