Haifa, Israel November 6, 1957
Ruhiyyih Khanum, telephoned me on the evening of November 4th, of the great calamity which had stricken the Bahá'í world, in the passing of our dearly beloved Guardian, in London, during the early morning hours of November 4th.
During our conversation it was decided I would remain in Haifa and take all precautions to protect the Holy Places, the Guardian's apartment, where all his records were kept, and the Faith from attack by the enemies of the Faith here.
The following actions were taken:
1. The Guardian's apartment and office had been locked, so no one could enter it during his absence. We assured ourselves that it was carefully locked, and barriers were placed in front of the door so no one could enter. We then locked and put iron bars across the door to the entrance of the living quarters. These iron bars were padlocked. All the keys to the apartment were then sealed in an envelope, which envelope was signed by Sylvia Ioas Jessie Revell, Ethel Revell and Leroy Ioas and placed in the safe of my office, in such a way that if the envelope was tampered with in any way, it would be seen immediately.
We then arranged for the Guardian's trusted servant to sleep outside the doors of the apartment and office; likewise another trusted servant to sleep at the foot of the steps, so no one could gain access to the area.
During the daytime, we maintained extra Bahá'ís in the building, so no access could be gained.
2. The Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh was guarded night and day, and one of the Bahá'ís slept in the Shrine each night.
3. The same action was taken with regard to the Shrine of the Báb.
4. The same action was taken with regard to the Mansion at Bahji.
The sealing of the Guardian's apartment and office was done in the presence of the four members of the International Council here, who have signed this document, in attestation thereof.
Leroy C. Ioas
[Signed as follows]
Leroy Ioas
Sylvia Ioas
Ethel Revell
Jessie Revell
(Custodians, Ministry of the Custodians, p. 22)
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