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 »

Unfolding Destiny

  • Author:
  • Shoghi Effendi

  • Source:
  • UK Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1981 edition
  • Pages:
  • 490
Go to printed page GO
Pages 136-137

Letter of 18 February 1940

18 February 1940
Dear Mr. Hofman,
The Guardian wishes me to write and thank you for your welcome communication of January 29th with its various enclosures, all of which he was indeed most gratified and encouraged to read.
As you have not mentioned having received his general letter of December 21st written in connection with the transfer of the sacred remains of the Purest Branch and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s mother to Mt. Carmel, I am taking the liberty of sending you on his behalf another copy which, I trust, will reach you safely….
The Guardian welcomes your suggestions to send a memorial of the late Lady Blomfield for publication in the next issue of the 137 “Bahá’í World”, Vol. VIII, and wishes you to send him in addition a good photograph of her for reproduction in the same volume.
Also he would appreciate your sending him a brief account of Mrs. Thornburgh-Cropper’s Bahá’í life and services together with her photograph for publication in the same issue of the Biennial.
The passing away of these two long-standing believers has indeed robbed the Cause in England of two of its most distinguished members, and the English Bahá’í Community is certainly the poorer now that it has been deprived of their ready and invaluable support.
The departure of Sitárih Khánum in particular is to be deeply mourned, not only by the members of the Faith throughout England, but by so many of her fellow-believers abroad, and the Guardian himself feels most keenly the loss of so precious and faithful a co-worker, who, in the early days following ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s ascension, had proved of such invaluable assistance to him in the discharge of his heavy duties and responsibilities….
[From the Guardian:]
Dear co-workers,
I wish to reaffirm my deep sense of gratitude and admiration for the splendid manner in which the English believers are discharging their duties and responsibilities in these days of increasing peril, anxiety and stress. Their tenacity, courage, faith and noble exertions will as a magnet attract the undoubted and promised blessing of Bahá’u’lláh. They have, at a time when the basis of ordered society itself is rocking and trembling, laid an unassailable foundation for the Administrative Order of their Faith. Upon this basis the rising generation will erect a noble structure that will excite the admiration of their fellow countrymen. My prayers for them will continually be offered at the Holy Shrines.
Gratefully,
Shoghi