of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá clearly indicate the erection of a material building: “The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, though outwardly a material foundation, is possessed of spiritual effect and causes the union of hearts and the gathering of souls. . . . Praise be to God! The erection of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár has a great effect in all grades (or states). It was tested in the east and so evidently and plainly was it proved good (that) even when in a village a house was called the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, it possessed a different effect. How much more its building and organization.” Furthermore, he says, “The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is the most important matter and the greatest divine institute. Consider how the first institute of his holiness Moses, after his exodus from Egypt was the ‘Tent of Martyrdom’ which he raised and which was the traveling temple. It was a tent which they pitched in the desert wherever they abode, and worshipped in it. Likewise, after his holiness Christ—May the spirit of the world be a sacrifice to Him—the first institute by the disciples was a temple. They planned a church in every country. Consider the Gospel, (i. e., read it), and the importance of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár will become evident. I hope that all the beloved of God, collectively, on the continent of America, men and women, will strive night and day until the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is erected in the utmost solidity and beauty.”
And again: “Today, the establishment of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is of paramount importance, but hereafter it shall not be so. This is the beginning of organization; it is like unto the first church founded in Christianity; it is an expression of the elevation of the Word of God.”
While in London, on his first European trip, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá told Mr Charles Mason Remey that “its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation, for that reason it is the most important of all foundations; from that spiritual foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance.”
To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said: “To have it built is most important. Some material things have spiritual effect, and the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár is a material thing that will have great effect upon the spirits of the people. Not only does the building of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár have an effect upon those who build it, but upon the whole world.” “In the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, services will be held every morning and the words of Bahá’u’lláh only are to be read.”
While in Ramleh, Egypt, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assured Mr. Percy Woodcock that “The most important thing in this day is the speedy erection of the edifice. Its mystery is great and cannot be unveiled as yet. In the future it will be made plain.”
During the sojourn of Mr. and Mrs Charles Haney in the prison home of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, he said: “When the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, with its accessories, is established in the world, aside from its religious or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization. Aside from the religionists, who will feel its influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover, it contains divine wisdom, spiritual effects upon the intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident.”
This important point was made clear to a pilgrim visiting him, namely, that “The organization of worshipping places is not simply for drawing near to God, but it is to concentrate
the word of spirit of God
