Vision of the Future
“The Louhelen School . . . will grow in the future to be a seat of Bahá’í education.”
—From a letter dated April 10, 1947, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to individuals.S
Shoghi Effendi Rabbani, who guided the Bahá’í World Community from the Holy Land in Haifa, Israel from 1921 until his death in 1957, was authorized to interpret the writings of Bahá’u’lláh, his Great-Grandfather during the period of his Guardianship of the Bahá’í International Community. Shoghi Effendi’s extensive writings, translations and interpretations of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings provided guidance for the rapidly growing Faith during Louhelen’s most formative years, and continue to provide inspiration for its future growth.
“. . . this institution [Louhelen Bahá’í School] . . . is fair to develop into one of the leading and most promising cultural centers of the Cause throughout the United States.”
“[Postscript]: May the Almighty enable you to consolidate your achievements and to widen their range, and deepen their beneficent influence on the hearts and minds of all who are connected with this noble and magnificent institution.”
— From a letter dated June 24, 1937, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual.
— Postscript by Shoghi Effendi.
“The Guardian hopes that Louhelen will increase its Bahá’í activities in every way possible, and spread abroad the benign influence of the love for and dedication to the service of humanity for which it stands. . . .
He cherishes great hopes for the futures of this Bahá’í Center.”
— From a letter dated July 6, 1942, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to individuals.
“He sincerely hopes that as years go by the Louhelen Ranch will develop to be . . . a great center for the reunion of the friends and the spread of the spirit and teachings of the Cause.”
— From a letter dated November 16, 1931, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual.
“The services rendered by Louhelen School are growing more and more important, and he rejoices to see the friends flocking there, Summer and Winter, to study, exchange ideas and grow closer to each other.”
— From a letter dated March 13, 1946, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Bahá’ís who attended the Louhelen Session of January, 1946.
The Universal House of Justice, the body elected to govern the Faith following the passing of Shoghi Effend in 1957, has provided specfic guidance for Louhelen’s programming.
“. . . The School can be an effective and attractive but simple and unluxurious center in which can be given courses specializing in the Bahá’í teachings on parenthood, family life and the upbringing of children; courses to train believers how to organize and conduct Bahá’í classes for children; courses for youth to deepen their understanding of the Faith and their devotion to Bahá’u’lláh; seminars and courses in which many of the questions that trouble and interest youth can be discussed and answered from the Bahá’í point of view; and courses that will prepare believers for pioneering and travel-teaching as well as any other courses for adults, youth and children suitable for a Bahá’í Summer or Winter School’s sessions and weekend activities.”
— Universal House of Justice, February 22, 1978
