“Early in 1921, the Board appointed a materials committee, consisting of Mr. W. S. Maxwell, Mr. E. R. Boyle, Mr. A. B. McDaniel, Mr. Louis Bourgeois and Mr. H. J. Burt, Chairman, to study the questions of materials to be used in the construction of the Temple, having particular reference to the exterior material.

“A preliminary report was made on April 22, 1921, and a final report on February 18, 1922. These reports are on file with the Board. Mr. Bourgeois and myself visited St. Louis and Nashville and I visited Washington and New York, as well as a number of points at and near Chicago, gathering information regarding materials. Some samples of terra cotta and artificial stone have been exposed to the weather at the Temple site since 1922.

“There are a number of miscellaneous items in connection with the work that are worth recording:

“About the time construction was started, the Village of Wilmette was contemplating a change in the location of Sheridan Road in order to partially eliminate the dangerous curve along side of the Temple property. A shifting of the Road approximately 30 ft. westward at the maximum point was substantially agreed upon by all parties at interest but was not put into effect. The Temple building was located, however, to provide for the possible contingency of this change being made at some future date, so that when made, it would not detract from the general plan of the Temple grounds.

“It was desired that the most used entrance to the Temple should be toward Acca. In order to establish this accurately, astronomical observations were made to establish the true meridian through the center of the Temple and from this the correct position of this entrance established.

“The original model of the Temple was exhibited by special permission in the Art Institute of Chicago from March 8 to April 5, 1921, and by shifting its location the exhibition period was extended from April 5 to May 2.

“A common field stone to mark the location of the Temple building was planted at the site by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the time of his visit to Chicago in 1912. The location of the stone has been carefully preserved so that a suitable marker can be placed at the spot in the completed structure.

“It should be borne in mind that a considerable amount of work is required to prepare plans for proceeding with the construction and that I am not at this time authorized to proceed with this work so ample notice should be given.

“I think I need say nothing regarding the desirability of proceeding with the work as soon as arrangements can be made for so doing, for I know that all connected with it, as well as the residents of the North Shore district, are anxious to see this magnificent structure carried forward to completion.