My heart is overflowing with joyous gratitude at the magnificent advance 
made in numerous spheres of Bahá’í activity.  The formation of an Assembly 
in the few remaining areas of the North American continent, the consolidation 
of the foundation of the newly-established Assemblies, and the preservation 
of the status of the Bahá’í centers in all Republics of Latin America, 
imperatively demand vigilant care, concentrated attention and further 
self-sacrifice from the vanguard of the valiant army of Bahá’u’lláh.  The 
beloved Faith is surging forward on all fronts.  Its undefeatable, stalwart 
supporters, both teachers and administrators, are steeling themselves for 
noble tasks, braving acute dangers, sweeping away formidable obstacles, 
capturing new heights, founding mighty institutions, winning fresh recruits 
and confounding the schemes of insidious enemies.  The American 
Bahá’í community must, and will at whatever cost, despite the pressure of 
events and the desolating war, maintain among its sister communities the 
exalted standard of stewardship incontestably set during the concluding 
years of the first Bahá’í Century.  The confident spirit, unfaltering 
resolution animating its members, their tenacious valor, elevated loyalty, 
nobleness of spirit and mighty prowess, will, ere the expiry of the century, 
crown with complete victory the monumental enterprises undertaken during the 
course of the fifty years of its existence.  
October 5, 1943