A new version of the Bahá’í Reference Library is now available. This ‘old version’ of the Bahá’í Reference Library will be replaced at a later date.

The new version of the Bahá’i Reference Library can be accessed here »

Messages to Canada

  • Author:

  • Shoghi Effendi

  • Source:
  • Bahá’í Canada Publications
  • Pages:
  • 276
Go to printed page GO
Pages 18-19

Letter of 10 March 1927

10 March 1927

To an individual believer

Dear Bahá’í Friend,
The beloved Guardian has asked me to write to you on his behalf, and to tell you how very pleased he is that you have been able to form a Spiritual Assembly in Vancouver, after the inspiring visit of Mrs. Maxwell.

1
He will earnestly pray for confirmation and blessing for your Assembly, that its members may become ever more detached and illuminated, so that all may become living witnesses to the truth, and may be enabled to spread widely the knowledge of these Divine Teachings which are now so vitally necessary for the healing of the spiritual sickness of the world.
Please accept my warm good wishes for your Assembly. Many years ago, about thirty years ago I should think, I visited your beautiful city! It was then fully planned out, but few houses were built.

Your sincere fellow-worker in this great service,

Ethel J. Rosenberg

[From the Guardian:]

My dear co-worker:

I cannot let this letter go without adding a few words in person and assure you of the great joy and encouragement which your letter has brought me. I will most lovingly and fervently pray for your group that it may grow from strength to strength and develop into a radiant and powerful centre of Divine Guidance and fellowship. Persevere in your efforts and let not inevitable obstacles dishearten you in your pioneer labours.

Your true brother and well-wisher,

Shoghi
1.May Ellis Maxwell—spiritual mother of the Canadian Bahá’í community, became a believer in 1898, visited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Haifa in 1899 and returned to Paris to found the first Bahá’í centre on the European continent, married Sutherland Maxwell and settled in Montreal in 1902, achieved “the priceless honour” of a “martyr’s death” in Argentina in 1940. For a review of the vast range of her contributions to the Faith in Europe and America, see The Bahá’í World Vol. VIII, 631–642, In Memoriam.  [ Back To Reference]