The detailed report presented by the Temple Committee to the
recent Convention is now being published and copies will very shortly be placed
in the hands of every recognized believer in the United States and Canada and
also of Baha’i Assemblies in other countries.
This report contains a complete financial statement of all
receipts and expenditures made in connection with the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar at
Wilmette. It contains a complete summary of the Temple activities since their
inception in 1909, including the matter of the architect’s contract, statements
by the engineer, and photographs of the Foundation Hall and Mr. Bourgeois’
studio on the Temple grounds.
From the remarkable effects produced by this report upon the
delegates, it is certain that its publication will effectively stimulate a new
and deeper spirit of devotion for the continuance of this edifice dedicated to
the Glory of God.
The friends will be pleased to know that work has already
been begun on the new caretaker’s house from the beautiful design prepared by
Mr. Bourgeois, for which the Convention voted that an appropriation of three
thousand dollars should be made. With the construction of this house, all the
items recommended by the Temple Committee last year, as listed in News Letter
No. 1, have now been carried into effect. As soon as possible, constructive
plans aimed at raising the four hundred thousand dollars necessary for the
first permanent unit of the Temple, in accordance with Shoghi Effendi’s
instructions, will be announced.
The following resolution was unanimously passed by the
Convention delegates after the presentation of the Temple Report by the
secretary of the Temple Committee, Mr. Carl Scheffler: --
“Whereas, the Temple Committee appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly has rendered a report comprising all matters pertaining to the Mashriq’ul-Adhkar from the time of its inception to the close of this fiscal year, and
“Whereas, in the preparation of this report this committee
with consecrated zeal has devoted months of strenuous work to investigation,
research, analysis and compilation, thereby elucidating many involved and
intricate questions and bringing renewed vision concerning the significance of
the Mashriq’ul-Adhkar, and
“Whereas, Mr. Mattison has rendered invaluable assistance in
auditing the accounts of the Baha’i Temple Unity covering a period of over
fifteen years, and
“Whereas, Mr. Alfred Anderson has rendered with
extraordinary firmness, fortitude and devotion most self-sacrificing service,
be it
“Resolved, that the Baha’i Convention of 1925 accept this
report with a unanimous expression of its profound appreciation of the value of
these services to the Cause.”