circa 1920
Deeply mourn the passing of dearly loved, much admired, greatly
gifted, outstanding Hand of Cause George Townshend. His death on morrow [1957]
of publication of his crowning achievement [Christ and Baha'u'llah] robs the
British followers of Baha'u'llah of their most distinguished collaborator and
Faith itself of one of its stoutest defenders. His sterling qualities, his
scholarship, his challenging writings, his high ecclesiastical position
unrivalled by any Baha'i in western world, entitle him to rank with Thomas
Breakwell and Dr. Esslemont, one of three luminaries shedding brilliant luster
on annals of Irish, English and Scottish Baha'i communities. His fearless
championship of the Cause he loved so dearly, served so valiantly, constitutes
significant landmark in British Baha'i history. So enviable a position calls
for national tribute to his memory by assembled delegates and visitors at
forthcoming British Baha'i Convention. Assure relatives of deepest loving
sympathy in grievous loss. Confident his reward is inestimable in Abha Kingdom.
- Shoghi
Effendi (‘Messages to the Baha'i World’)
