Planning to entrust to the special representative delegated to attend the
approaching Kampala Conference a portrait of the holy Bab, a replica of
the one deposited beneath the dome of the Ma_sh_riqu'l-A_dh_kar in
Wilmette, to be exhibited to the assembled attendants on the historic
occasion. Confident unveiling may draw newly recruited vanguard of the
ever-swelling host of Baha'u'llah, as well as all participating visitors,
itinerant teachers and settlers, closer to the spirit of the
Martyr-Prophet of the Faith and bestow everlasting benediction on all
gathered at the memorable sessions of the epoch-making Intercontinental
Conference dedicated to the prosecution of the latest, most glorious
crusade launched in the course of eleven decades of Baha'i history.

[January 5, 1953]

Rapid Progress of Twin Sacred Undertakings

On eve of convocation of history-making, long eagerly anticipated African
Intercontinental Conference share with communities of Baha'i world the
joyous news of the rapid progress of the twin sacred undertakings launched
on the Mountain of God and the holy Plain of Akka, destined to culminate
in the erection of worthy sepulchers of the Herald and Author of the
Baha'i Revelation. World-wide celebrations of the Holy Year inaugurated
last October, heightened during course of present month through the
holding of the epoch-making gathering, moving steadily towards climax
during approaching Ridvan festivities, have been greatly enhanced by the
latest developments of the institutions at the World Center of the Faith.

Construction of the third unit of the Bab's Shrine is terminated,
synchronizing with the safe arrival at the port of Haifa of the last
consignment of stones ordered in Italy totaling over thirteen hundred
tons. First section of the brim of the dome, constituting the base of the
topmost tier of the triple crown of the majestic edifice, has been
erected, heralding the placing during Ridvan period of tiles as well as
construction of ribs of the golden dome.

The landscaping initiated at the inception of the Holy Year of thirteen
thousand square meter area immediately surrounding the Qiblih of the
Baha'i world, involving extension of its outer sanctuary, to be designated
henceforth as the Haram-i-Aqdas, is virtually concluded, paving the way,
successively, for the embellishment and extensive illumination of the
entire area and erection of stately portals, presaging the rearing at a
future dat