memory of both the Báb and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, should constitute the leading features of this historic Convention. For it should be borne in mind that in the year 1944 we celebrate not only the termination of the first century of the Bahá’í Era, but also the centenary of the birth of the Bahá’í Dispensation, of the inception of the Bahá’í cycle, and the birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and commemorate as well the fiftieth anniversary of the establishment of the Bahá’í Faith in the Western world. No effort, nor any sacrifice can be deemed too great to insure the decisive, the brilliant success of the celebrations which this historic year, of such manifold significance, must witness. He Who in the past has, in diverse ways and on so many occasions, graciously and unfailingly guided, blessed and sustained the members of this privileged community will, no doubt, continue to aid and inspire them to carry to a victorious conclusion the unfinished tasks which still confront them, and will enable them to crown their labors in a manner that will befit their high destiny. March 28, 1943 BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITIES OF EAST AND WEST Successive reports, proclaiming the American believers’ brilliant feat, the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the Temple, their historic exploits in the spiritual conquest of every Republic of Latin America, as well as their impending victory to be won through the establishment of the structural basis of the Bahá’í administrative order in the Virgin States and Provinces of North America, are thrilling the Eastern communities of the Bahá’í world with delight, with admiration and with wonder. Ninety-five Persian families, emulating the example of the American trail-blazers of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh, have recently forsaken their homes and followed in the footsteps of pioneers already departed from Persia yesterday evening to hoist its banner in the adjoining territories of Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Sulamaniyyih, Ḥijáz and Bahrein Island. Local Assemblies have been founded in Kashmir Valley in the extreme north and in Madras Presidency in the extreme south, as well as in Haydarabad, the leading stronghold of Muslim orthodoxy in India. The National Bahá’í Administrative Headquarters of the Egyptian believers are nearing completion. A similar institution is in process of establishment in India’s capital city, Delhi. A Guest House, adjunct to the newly built Administrative Headquarters of the Bahá’ís of ‘Iráq, has been constructed. Bahá’í communities of East and West are arising in the fourth year of the devastating conflict in the full strength of their undisruptable solidarity, resolved to write, through immortal deeds, further glorious pages in the last Chapter of the first Bahá’í Century.