Restoration of the Mother Temple of the Antipodes

With much delight, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia has announced the Dayspring of Light Project - to undertake the restoration of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Sydney, a Continental House of Worship and the mother temple of the Antipodes.

The Bahá'í temple in Sydney, Australia, has stood as an architectural marvel and a spiritual symbol of unity for the global Bahá'í community since its opening in 1961. The impact of this “silent teacher” has extended far beyond national borders and news of its planned restoration marks a momentous chapter in its journey for Bahá'ís worldwide.

For the Bahá'ís of the South Pacific, the temple holds a special significance, serving as a beacon of connection and inspiration. Since its doors opened, it has provided a tangible representation of shared spiritual heritage, and it has served as a refuge and guide for countless individuals seeking solace and inspiration. For the Bahá'ís of New Zealand, the establishment of the House of Worship in Sydney further solidified the bond of a shared commitment to the principles of the Faith. Many believers from New Zealand travelled to Australia for its opening more than 60 years ago, and subsequently to attend conferences, meetings and events in the vicinity of the temple as well as worship services within its sanctified precincts.

As Bahá'ís in Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere offer prayers for the restoration, we can reflect on all that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár signifies as a beacon of unity for mankind, and as a symbol of the connection between worship and service. It gives powerful encouragement for all who are the well-wishers of humanity and are working for Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for the world.

*Dedication of the Continental Bahá’í House of Worship of Australasia (Sydney, Australia), 16 September 1961. Source: Bahá’í Media Bank “Copyright © Bahá’í International Community”*

Shared below is the announcement of the Dayspring of Light Project and an invitation to pray for the success of this major undertaking.

Announcing the Dayspring of Light Project - A message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’is of Australia

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Australia conveys its loving greetings to its sister Assemblies and is delighted to announce the Dayspring of Light Project to undertake the restoration of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár in Sydney- a Continental House of Worship and the mother temple of the Antipodes. This project will respond to a number of needs including the replacement of the Temple steps, restoration of the edifice and beautification of the tranquillity zone surrounding the House of Worship.

In advancing this project, the National Assembly is mindful of the exhortation of Bahá’u’lláh: “Build ye houses of worship throughout the lands … Make them as perfect as is possible in the world of being”. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá described the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as “one of the most vital institutions of the world”. The Temple was successfully completed and opened in September 1961. Since then, hundreds of thousands of visitors have enjoyed the gardens, trod the paths and bowed their heads in prayer in the Temple’s sanctified interior.

With the passage of more than six decades, the physical elements of the property need refreshment and repair to facilitate the continuation of the mission of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár as a spiritual centre for families and the community, inspiring them as they continue their journey towards Bahá’u’lláh. The Universal House of Justice has approved the “beautiful and befitting” design prepared by the principal architect appointed by the National Assembly. The National Assembly will share further details of the project in due course.

The National Assembly invites you, and the friends across our continent, to offer the following prayer, from which the name of this project has been drawn, for the success of this major undertaking:

O God, my God!
Lowly, humble, and tearful, I turn my face unto the Kingdom of Thy mercy and the realm of Thy singleness and fervently entreat Thee at the Threshold of Thy oneness to assist Thy true lovers to offer their contribution to the rearing of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkár in that land—that from this edifice, the splendours of His light may be shed abroad in every direction, and the joyous cries that extol and magnify Thy name may be raised at morn and eventide, ascending upward towards Thy celestial Concourse and Thine all-glorious Horizon.
O Lord, my God! Cause me to hear the accents of their voices and the lamentations of their hearts, despite the great distance that separateth this nearer side of the valley and that “faraway side,” in order that my spirit may rejoice, my heart be gladdened, mine eyes be consoled, my whole being tremble for joy, and mine inmost essence be filled with bliss at such an outpouring of grace, at such manifest splendour.
O Lord, my God! Open wide the doors of Thy blessings unto every soul who ariseth to make offerings for this exalted edifice, this wondrous House of Prayer, this Dayspring of light. Verily art Thou the Omnipotent, the Mighty, the Powerful, the Tender, the Gracious.
(‘Abdu'l-Bahá, From a Tablet—translated from the Arabic)

With loving Bahá’í greetings,

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHÁ’ÍS OF AUSTRALIA INC.