the most sublime Faith in mankind's spiritual
history.

--Shoghi

[July 7, 1950]

OPENING DOOR TO PILGRIMAGE

Announce to friends the delivery after more than fifty years of key to
Qasr Mazra'ih by Israel authorities. Historic dwelling place of
Baha'u'llah after leaving Prison City of Akka now being furnished in
anticipation opening door to pilgrimage.

--Shoghi

[Cablegram, December 16, 1950]

FORMATION OF FIRST INTERNATIONAL BAHA'I COUNCIL

Proclaim National Assemblies of East and West weighty epoch-making
decision of formation of first International Baha'i Council, forerunner of
supreme administrative institution destined to emerge in fullness of time
within precincts beneath shadow of World Spiritual Center of Faith already
established in twin cities of Akka and Haifa. Fulfillment of prophecies
uttered by Founder of Faith and Center of His Covenant culminating in
establishment of Jewish State, signalizing birth after lapse of two
thousand years of an independent nation in the Holy Land, the swift
unfoldment of historic undertaking associated with construction of
superstructure of the Bab's Sepulcher on Mount Carmel, the present
adequate maturity of nine vigorously functioning national administrative
institutions throughout Baha'i World, combine to induce me to arrive at
this historic decision marking most significant milestone in evolution of
Administrative Order of the Faith of Baha'u'llah in course of last thirty
years. Nascent Institution now created is invested with threefold
function: first, to forge link with authorities of newly emerged State;
second, to assist me to discharge responsibilities involved in erection of
mighty superstructure of the Bab's Holy Shrine; third, to conduct
negotiations related to matters of personal status with civil authorities.
To these will be added further functions in course of evolution of this
first embryonic International Institution, marking its development into
officially recognized Baha'i Court, its transformation into duly elected
body, its efflorescence into Universal House of Justice, and its final
fruition through erection of manifold auxiliary institutions constituting
the World Administrative Center destined to arise and function and remain
permanently established in close neighborhood of Twin Holy Shrines. Hail
with thankful, joyous heart at long last the constitution of International
Council which history will acclaim as the greatest