To all National Spiritual Assemblies
Dear friends,
The Universal House of Justice has been deeply moved and its
hopes have been raised high by the many messages of love, devotion and eager
anticipation which have been received from National Conventions and National
Spiritual Assemblies.
Two decisions have been taken by the Universal House of
Justice involving a further development of the institutions at the World
Centre. The former offices of the International Bahá'í Council at 10 Haparsim
Street being inadequate for the far greater volume of work facing the Universal
House of Justice, it has been decided to take over the whole of this building
(until now called the Western Pilgrim House) as the seat, for the present time,
of the Universal House of Justice.
This decision made it necessary to find other accommodation
for the western pilgrims and led directly to the second decision. After careful
consideration of the alternatives the House of Justice has decided that the
time has come to take the significant step, anticipated by our beloved
Guardian, of housing all pilgrims in one place. It was found possible, by
slight alterations, to accommodate all pilgrims, without lessening the number,
in the former Eastern Pilgrim House and its adjacent buildings. We have
therefore established one Pilgrim House, at the Bahá'í Gardens on Mount Carmel.
The friends should note that this is where they should go on arrival.
All friends whose pilgrimages have been confirmed for 1963-64 are therefore expected. There are still vacancies after December 1963, but only a very few before that date.
We have asked the Hands of the Cause residing in the Holy
Land to continue to be responsible for the programme of the pilgrims while they
are here, but letters requesting permission to come should be addressed to the
Universal House of Justice.
With loving greetings,
In His Service,
The Universal House of Justice
(Messages from the Universal House of Justice, 1963-1986)
