Dear Bahá'í Friends:
The Beloved Guardian has directed me to respond to your recent letter to him, with regard to the Temple design, etc.
The Guardian likes the adjustments Mr. Rocholl has made in his design, and now approves of the drawings you have sent him. Therefore you should now proceed, within the following limitations.
No changes should be made further in the design. If it is necessary to reduce the size in order to keep within the limit of financial resources, that is permissible, but no change in the size or proportions should be made.
As previously advised, the Guardian feels this Temple must be constructed at a cost of not to exceed $300,000. He is willing to consider raising this limit by $20,000, to cover furnishings, etc. or at the very outside $30,000.
Now it is necessary for your Assembly to study the matter, and decide how to proceed to construct the Temple within this money limit. The Temple must be financed by the Bahá'ís of the world, and with the heavy expenditures everywhere, economy must be exercised in all our undertakings, and limits of budgets set.
The important thing now is to build a House of Worship, which will bring untold spiritual blessings, wide publicity, and let us hope, a rapid increase in the number of Bahá'ís and Centers.
As I have indicated, if it is necessary to decrease the size of the structure, that is satisfactory, but no change in design or proportions should be made to the main structure of the building.
This $320,000 figure, refers to the completed Temple, including fittings and equipment.
Of course, the Temple cannot be built until the land has been secured. He requests and urges that your Assembly expedite this important matter in every way possible. He is fearful, if work on the Temple is not started at an early date, it may be impossible to build the Temple in Germany during the Ten Year Crusade.
He assures you of his prayers in your behalf. He sends his loving Greetings.... P.S. The questions of materials to be used, he leaves to your Assembly. You should endeavor to use such materials as are not too expensive, and yet satisfactory for the Temple.