THE MINISTRY OF THE CUSTODIANS 1957-1963



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 Introductory Sections,  1957,  1958,  1959,  1960,  1961,  1962,  1963,  End Sections

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(Communication)(Date of Communication)PAGE
Preface xix
The Hands of the Cause of God xxii
Introduction 1
1957
Message from Haifa Nov. 6, 1957 25
Official Statement from the Hands of die Cause in the Holy Land, Haifa Nov. 15, 1957 26
"Baha'i Hands meet for Obsequies", press report, Haifa Nov. 18, 1957 26
Official Statement from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land, Haifa Nov. 19, 1957 27
Hands of the Cause, Unanimous Proclamation of the 27
Bahji Nov. 25,1957 28
Affidavit of Corinne True Nov. 30, 1957 30
Hands unanimously constitute a body of nine Hands at the World Centre Nov. 25, 1957 31
Resolution of the Hands defining duties of the nine Custodians, BahjiNov. 25, 1957 32
Resolution of the Hands defining functions of the nine Custodians and the International Baha'i Council Nov. 25, 1957 34
Proclamation from the First Conclave Nov. 25, 1957 35
Press Release from the World Centre Nov. 1957 39
Statement to all National Spiritual Assemblies from the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land Dec. 2, 1957 40
Unanimous Pledge of Loyalty from 26 National Spiritual Assemblies to the Hands and Custodians 41
Cable announcing all properties in Bahji legally registered Israel Branch American National Spiritual Assembly Dec. 5, 1957 50
Cable appealing to believers to ensure success forthcoming five Intercontinental Conferences Dec. 11, 1957 50
The Passing of Shoghi Effendi by (Amatu'l-Baha Ruhiyyih Khanum,Dec. 22,1957 51
Cable, fulfilment of Shoghi Effendi's plans for Bahji,Dec. 25, 1957 51

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1958
All Baha'i religious festivities suspended for nine months Jan. 1, 1958 55
To All Who have left their homeland to pioneer Jan. 5, 1958 55
To the Intercontinental Conference, Kampala Jan. 23-28, 1958 56
Cable to American Hands and National Spiritual Assembly regarding the statement "A New Baha'i Era" Feb. 3, 1958 60
To the Hands of the Cause in the Holy Land from the United States National Spiritual Assembly regarding "A New Baha'i Era" Feb. 4,1958 61
To the Members of the National and Regional Spiritual Assemblies East and West Feb. 13, 1958 61
Cable to the American Hands regarding statement "A New Baha'i Era" Feb. 16, 1958 64
To the Hands and National Spiritual Assembly of the United States regarding the statement "A New Baha'i Era" Feb. 17, 1958 64
To all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting statistical information March 4, 1958 66
To the Hand of the Cause Horace Holley regarding the statement "A New Baha'i Era" March 10, 1958 66
To all Hands of the Cause regarding the work of the Custodians and the other Hands March 21, 1958 67
To the Intercontinental Conference, Sydney March 21-24, 1958 72
Cable inviting "believers contribute special memorial fund beloved Guardian" April 19, 1958 76
To Annual Baha'i Conventions,Ridvan Message 1958 76
Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of France Ridvan 1958 86
Pledge of loyalty from the National Spiritual Assembly of France to the Hands and Custodians 90
Cable, death of Ahmad Sohrab April 27, 1958 90
To the Intercontinental Conference, Chicago May 2-4, 1958 90
To all Hands of the Cause June 12, 1958 98
Statement of the Hands of the Cause regarding the Guardianship June 12, 1958 100
To the Intercontinental Conference, Frankfurt July 25-29, 1958 102
Nine months after the passing of the Guardian, message of the Custodians to the Baha'i world Aug. 8, 1958 106
Custodians notify Hands date of the next Conclave, November 21st Aug. 11, 1958 108
To all National Spiritual Assemblies, the passing of Shoghi Effendi should not be officially commemorated Aug. 11, 1958 109

+xi

Cable announcing the reopening of pilgrimage Aug. 24, 1958 110
To European National Spiritual Assemblies regarding distribution of funds contributed at the Frankfurt Conference Aug. 31, 1958 110
To the Intercontinental Conference, Singapore Sept. 21-29, 1958 111
To various National Spiritual Assemblies regarding erection of the monument on the Guardian's resting-place Oct. 17, 1958 116
Cable to the Baha'i world announcing completion of the monument on the Guardian's resting-place Nov. 1, 1958 117
Conclave Message to the Baha'is of East and West Dec. 6, 1958 117
Message of the Custodians to all Hands Dec. 26, 1958 123
1959
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding goals still to be achieved Jan. 6, 1959 129
To all Hands of the Cause conveying general news of the Baha'i world March 17, 1959 131
To Annual Baha'i Conventions,Ridvan Message 1959 134
Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Turkey Ridvan 1959 148
Election of the South Pacific Regional National Spiritual Assembly Ridvan 1959 151
Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Burma Ridvan 1959 155
Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Austria Ridvan 1959 158
Cable, progress of the global Crusade June 7, 1959 160
Cable announcing identification and transfer of the remains of the Bab's cousin June 14, 1959 161
Custodians notify Hands date of next Conclave, October 23rd June 30, 1959 161
Request to new National Spiritual Assemblies for Resolution regarding the Custodians of the Faith Sept. 2, 1959 162
Cable, appeal to German Baha'i Community for pioneers Sept. 2, 1959 163
To all Hands of the Cause forwarding suggested agenda for the next Conclave Sept. 11, 1959 163
To all recently formed National Spiritual Assemblies regarding purchase Temple sites Oct. 8, 1959 164
Cable, removal of remains of the father of Baha'u'llah and reinterment in Baha'i burial ground Oct. 9, 1959 165

+xii

Cable announcing Horace Holley and John Ferraby as Custodians Nov. 5, 1959 165
Conclave Message to the Baha'is of East and West Nov. 7, 1959 165
To all National Spiritual Assemblies, Hands' appeal for letters from the Guardian to be sent to the World Centre Dec. 4, 1959 171
Appeal to all Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual Assemblies to win the Guardian's Crusade Dec. 22, 1959 171
1960
Letter of the Custodians to all Hands of the Cause Jan. 8, 1960 177
To all Hands forwarding first Newsletter issued by the Custodians Feb. 11, 1960 178
To all National Spiritual Assemblies forwarding from the Hands their first World Centre Newsletter Feb. 11, 1960 178
News from the World Centre Feb. 11, 1960 178
To All National Spiritual Assemblies regarding semi-annual statistical reports Feb. 21, 1960 183
To Annual Baha'i Conventions,Ridvan Message 1960 183
Cable to all Hands and National Spiritual Assemblies repudiating Remey claim April 28, 1960 196
Letter to Remey enclosing Hands Holy Land cable April 30, 1960 197
To the National Spiritual Assembly and believers of France regarding the visit of Hand of the Cause A. Q. Faizi May 5, 1960 197
Letter of Hands in the Holy Land to all Hands and National Spiritual Assemblies, with enclosures May 10, 1960 198
To all Hands of the Cause reporting Mr. Faizi's visit to France May 14,1960 202
To all Hands of the Cause and National Spiritual Assemblies from the Custodians, messages expressing loyalty to the Hands May 28, 1960 204
To all Hands of the Cause reporting election of new French National Spiritual Assembly and requesting all Hands send written personal rejection Remey claim June 15, 1960 208
To all National Spiritual Assemblies, unanimous rejection by all National Spiritual Assemblies of Remey claim July 5, 1960 209
To all Hands notifying them of the date of the next Conclave and reporting Remey situation July 7, 1960 210
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing the passing of Hand of the Cause Horace Holley July 13, 1960 217
To all Hands forwarding Newsletter issued by the Custodians July 21, 1960. 218

+xiii

To all National Spiritual Assemblies forwarding Newsletter issued by the Custodians July 21, 1960 218
News from the World Centre July 21, 1960 219
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing expulsion Remey July 26, 1960 223
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies repudiating Remey's unfounded claims Aug. 3, 1960 223
To all Hands of the Cause appreciating their prompt approval expulsion Remey Aug. 9, 1960 224
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the situation of the Faith in the Middle East Aug. 27, 1960 228
To all Hands of the Cause forwarding suggested agenda for the next Conclave Aug. 31, 1960 229
Appeal to the Baha'is of East and West for upsurge of activity Sept. 7, 1960 229
To all National Spiritual Assemblies refuting statements of Remey Oct. 15, 1960 231
Cable announcing corner-stone first European Baha'i Temple to be laid in Frankfurt, Germany on Nov. 20th Oct. 29, 1960 236
Conclave Message to the Baha'is of East and West Nov. 4, 1960 237
Ballot papers for election of the International Baha'i Council mailed to all National Spiritual Assemblies Nov. 13, 1960 245
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing the passing of Hand of the Cause Clara Dunn Nov. 21, 1960 245
Cable, occasion laying corner-stone Mother Temple of Europe, congratulations to German National Spiritual Assembly Nov. 24, 1960 245
1961
To all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting confirmation of receipt of ballot papers Jan. 1, 1961 249
To all National Spiritual Assemblies suggesting send congratulations on early completion Mother Temple of Africa Jan. 4, 1961 249
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing laying of the corner-stone of the first European Baha'i Temple Jan. 12, 1961 249
Dedication of the Mother Temple of Africa Jan. 14, 1961 250
Cable informing die Baha'i world of the dedication of the Mother Temple of Africa Jan. 24, 1961 253
To all National Spiritual Assemblies appealing for funds to build the Mother Temple of Europe Feb. 12, 1961 253

+xiv

To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the election of 21 new National Spiritual Assemblies in Latin America March 6, 1961 255
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies enumerating unprecedented victories past year March 13, 1961 256
Cables to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing the passing of Hand of the Cause Corinne True April 4 and April 6, 1961 257
To Sponsoring Regional Assemblies of Latin American Conventions enclosing Ridvan Message April 10, 1961 257
To Annual Baha'i Conventions,Ridvan Message 1961 258
Message of the Custodians to the 21 new National Spiritual Assemblies of Latin America Ridvan 1961 274
Acknowledgements of receipt of ballots for the election of the International Baha'i Council various dates 282
Cable announcing membership of the elected International Baha'i Council April 25, 1961 282
Cable instructing previous message (April 25th) be shared with all Hands and National Spiritual Assemblies April 26, 1961 282
Cable to American National Convention expressing admiration their spirit and services May 1, 1961 282
Request to new National Spiritual Assemblies for Resolution supporting the Custodians of the Faith May 23, 1961 283
Cable announcing formation 21 Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies and other victories May 28, 1961 284
Hands in the Holy Land welcome the International Baha'i Council members June 25, 1961 285
Program of joint meeting of the Hands in the Holy Land and the International Baha'i Council 285
Assignments of the International Baha'i Council June 25, 1961 286
Cable to the Baha'i world announcing first meeting of Custodians and newly-elected International Baha'i Council June 25, 1961 286
Excerpts from Minutes of first full International Baha'i Council meeting June 25-July 5, 1961 287
Cable announcing election of officers of the International Baha'i Council June 29, 1961 291
To the 21 National Spiritual Assemblies in Latin America stressing imperative need for both teaching and economy July 7, 1961 291
To all Hands of the Cause conveying news of activities of the Hands and recent victories July 8, 1961 293
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding voting rights July 16, 1961 295
To all Hands of the Cause forwarding suggested agenda for the next Conclave July 17, 1961 297

+xv

Hands in the Holy Land introduction to the World Centre NewsletterJuly 31, 1961 298
To all 21 Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies regarding teaching and expansion Aug. 3, 1961 299
To all National Spiritual Assemblies suggesting greetings be sent on historic occasion dedication Baha'i Temple, Sydney Aug. 8, 1961 301
To all Hands of the Cause from the Custodians, general news Aug. 12, 1961 301
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding pioneers' remaining at their posts (with enclosure) Aug. 30, 1961 303
To all Hands of the Cause from the Custodians, general news Sept. 5, 1961 304
To various National Spiritual Assemblies regarding the Baha'i situation in Turkey Sept. 14, 1961 306
Dedication of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes Sept. 15, 1961 309
Cable informing the Baha'i world of the dedication of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes Sept. 18, 1961 312
Conclave message to the Baha'is of East and West Nov. 5, 1961 313
Cable, on occasion 40th anniversary passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha, urging believers hold special prayers for mass conversion Nov. 6, 1961 323
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding pilgrimage to the World Centre Dec. 10, 1961 324
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding World Congress Arrangements Committee Dec. 10, 1961 324
To the 21 Latin American National Spiritual Assemblies regarding Baha'i literature Dec. 24, 1961 325
To all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting that "revered" not be associated with Hands' names Dec. 25, 1961 326
To all Hands of the Cause conveying general news of the Baha'i world Dec. 27, 1961 327
1962
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing the passing of Hand of the Cause Amelia Collins Jan. 1, 1962 333
To all Hands and National Spiritual Assemblies regarding who is eligible to attend the International Convention Feb. 22, 1962 333
To all National Spiritual Assemblies, semi-annual reports needed not later than March 15 for Ridvan Message Feb. 22, 1962 334
A Newsletter has been issued from the World Centre, at different periods and under different headings, for well over 50 years.

+xvi

To Sponsoring Regional Spiritual Assemblies of 11 European Goal Countries enclosing Ridvan Message April 12, 1962 334
To the Indian National Spiritual Assembly's representative attending the first Baha'i Convention of Ceylon April 13, 1962 335
Election of the first National Spiritual Assembly of Ceylon, message to the inaugural Convention April 1962 336
Cable congratulating European Teaching Committee, sixteen years service April 20, 1962 338
Baha'i world informed Local Spiritual Assemblies may be constituted any time between Ridvan 1962-1963 April 20, 1962 339
Cable to Annual American Baha'i Convention Ridvan 1962 339
To Annual Baha'i Conventions,Ridvan Message 1962 340
To Conventions for the election of the 11 independent European National Spiritual Assemblies,Ridvan Message 1962 352
Cable praising world-wide labours American Baha'i Community April 28, 1962 360
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies enumerating remarkable victories past year May 11, 1962 360
To all Hands of the Cause notifying them Hasan Balyuzi will serve as provisional Custodian July 13, 1962 361
Cable, Hands postpone date of next Conclave July 24. 1962 362
To the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Goal Countries of Europe regarding winning their goals July 27, 1962 362
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding maintaining goals won during the World Crusade July 27, 1962 363
To all Hands regarding the forthcoming Conclave, the International Convention and the World Congress July 27, 1962 364
To all National Spiritual Assemblies urging the Baha'is to arise and complete the Crusade goals Aug. 16, 1962 365
To all Hands of the Cause conveying general news of the Baha'i world Aug. 22, 1962 366
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States concerning the Morocco Case Aug. 22, 1962 368
Cable to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States and the National Spiritual Assembly of France concerning the Morocco Case Aug. 26 and 28, 1962 369
Cable appealing to the Australian Baha'is to arise and win their home-front goals Sept. 3, 1962 369
To all National Spiritual Assemblies requesting semi-annual reports by Sept. 30th Sept. 5, 1962 370
To all Hands of the Cause regarding Remey sympathizers in Chile Sept. 7, 1962 371

+xvii

To all Hands of the Cause regarding use of the Long Obligatory Prayer Sept. 13, 1962 372
To the National Spiritual Assembly of the United States concerning the Morocco Case Sept. 23, 1962 373
To all Hands of the Cause conveying general news of the Baha'i world Sept. 26, 1962 374
To all Hands of the Cause reporting Chilean Baha'is denounce Remey Oct. 10, 1962 375
To all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing Hands will publish statistical pamphlet for World Crusade Oct. 11, 1962 377
Cable to all National Spiritual Assemblies announcing Central and East African National Spiritual Assembly area has over 50,000 Baha'isOct. 12, 1962 378
Conclave Message to the Baha'is of East and West Nov. 4, 1962 378
To all National Spiritual Assemblies sending ballot papers and instructions for election Universal House of Justice Nov. 4, 1962 390
Cable to the Baha'i world sharing news of latest victories and statistics Nov. 7, 1962 393
To all National Spiritual Assemblies, allocation of delegates Nov. 8,1962 394
To all National Spiritual Assemblies regarding publicity policy for 1963 Ridvan events in Haifa and London Nov. 25, 1962 395
Cable to Baha'i Wilmette conveying sentences in the Morocco Case and advising action to be taken Dec. 17, 1962 397
Cables to all National Spiritual Assemblies in Europe and to North West Africa concerning the Morocco Case Dec. 23, 1962 397
Cables to all National Spiritual Assemblies in the Western Hemisphere and 12 National Spiritual Assemblies in Africa, Asia and Australasia concerning the Morocco Case Dec. 23 and 26, 1962 397
Cable to Baha'i Wilmette informing appeal filed in Morocco Case Dec. 25, 1962 398
To specific National Spiritual Assemblies requesting them and their Local Spiritual Assemblies to write directly to the Moroccan Ambassador Dec. 27, 1962 398
1963
To 37 National Spiritual Assemblies informing them of the increase in number of delegates for their National Conventions Jan. 27, 1963 403
To all Hands of the Cause forwarding suggested agenda for the next Conclave Feb. 18, 1963 403

+xviii

To the International Baha'i Council, three Hands appointed to consult with Congress Arrangements Committee March 8, 1963 405
To all Hands of the Cause forwarding preliminary draft of the World Congress program March 11, 1963 405
List of National Spiritual Assembly members, 25 March 1963, the Electoral College of the Universal House of Justice 406
Cable expressing admiration, gratitude to Chief Executors of the Divine Plan on achievement of Guardian's goals April 1, 1963 413
To the National Spiritual Assemblies of the United States and Europe, information on the Morocco Case April 4, 1963 414
Conclave Message cabled to the Baha'is of East and West April 9, 1963 420
Hands of the Cause to the International Baha'i Council expressing appreciation their services and valuable collaboration April 12,1963 421
Cabled message to the Baha'i prisoners in Morocco April 15, 1963 423
Cable to Persian Baha'is expressing eve Most Great Jubilee Hands' admiration and gratitude April 15, 1963 424
Cable to Persia requesting assure believers 'Iraq loving remembrance Holy Shrines April 19, 1963 424
Program of the First International Baha'i Convention for the election of the Universal House of Justice April 21-23, 1963 424
Cable announcing election of the Universal House of Justice and names of its members April 21, 1963 425
Resolution of the Hands of the Cause regarding conduct of their affairs at the World Centre and abroad May 9, 1963 426
Cable to Annual Baha'i Conventions, Ridvan Message May 19, 1963 427
To the Hands in the Holy Land from the Universal House of Justice conveying its official address May 26, 1963 428
To all Hands of the Cause conveying Ridvan Message May 27, 1963 428
Hands Holy Land statement to Universal House of Justice recording events first historic International Baha'i Convention June 7, 1963 429
Universal House of Justice to Hands Holy Land informing them their functions as "Custodians" are terminated June 7, 1963 430
To all Hands of the Cause enclosing legal termination Custodian's functions June 14, 1963 430

(End Sections)

Declaration by the Custodians releasing their powers to the Universal House of Justice 433
Reference Sources 437
Index 439-
485






Click on any of the numbers below to jump to a specific page of Ministry of the Custodians:

Introductory Pages:   i   ii   iii   iv   v   vi   vii   viii

Contents (this page above):   ix  x xi xii xiii xiv xv xvi xvii xviii

Preface and "Hands of the Cause":   xix xx xxi xxii xxiii xxiv

Introduction:     1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

1957:      25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

1958:      55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128

1959:      129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176

1960:      177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248

1961:      249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332

1962:      333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402

1963:      403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436

Reference Sources:      437 438

Index:      439-485



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