Approved recommendation regarding treatment of walls. Meeting deficit
budget must have precedence over purchase of land near Hazira owing to
critical situation in Latin America and vital needs in Europe. Steady flow
of pioneers to both continents is the imperative, urgent, sacred task of
the present hour.

[March 29, 1950]

SHRINE ARCADE NEARING COMPLETION

Announce to friends that central panel of north facade, adorned with green
mosaic with gilded Greatest Name, the fairest gem set in crown of arcade
of Shrine, clearly visible from city by day, floodlit by night, is now in
position.

Three corner panels bearing symbol of ringstone erected, presaging
completion of both parapet and arcade on the occasion of approaching
Centenary of martyrdom of the Blessed Bab.

[June 17, 1950]

CENTENARY OF THE MARTYRDOM OF THE BAB

Moved to share with assembled representatives of American Baha'i Community
gathered beneath the dome of the Most Holy House of Worship in the Baha'i
world, feelings of profound emotion evoked by this historic occasion of
the world-wide commemoration of the First Centenary of the Martyrdom of
the Blessed Bab, Prophet and Herald of the Faith of Baha'u'llah, Founder
of the Dispensation marking the culmination of the six thousand year old
Adamic Cycle, Inaugurator of the five thousand century Baha'i Cycle.

Poignantly call to mind the circumstances attending the last act
consummating the tragic ministry of the Master-Hero of the most sublime
drama in the religious annals of mankind, signalizing the most dramatic
event of the most turbulent period of the Heroic Age of the Baha'i
Dispensation, destined to be recognized by posterity as the most precious,
momentous sacrifice in the world's spiritual history. Recall the peerless
tributes paid to His memory by the Founder of the Faith, acclaiming Him
Monarch of God's Messengers, the Primal Point round Whom the realities of
all the Prophets circle in adoration. Profoundly stirred by the memory of
the agonies He suffered, the glad-tidings He announced, the warnings He
uttered, the forces He set in motion, the adversaries He converted, the
disciples He raised up, the conflagrations He precipitated, the legacy He
left of faith and courage, the love He inspired. Acknowledge with bowed
head, joyous, thankful heart the successive, marvelous evidence of His
triumphant power in the course of the hundred years elapsed since the last
crowning act of