1954-2003

Restoration of the Temple
Caring for the massive structure of the House of Worship is an awe-inspiring task. Faced with problems such as water leakage and concrete deterioration, the National Spiritual Assembly called on Bahá'í experts from around the United States for assistance. In 1983, twenty-five engineers, architects, and contractors were invited to visit the Temple for a three-day meeting during which they thoroughly examined the building, identified its needs, and formulated a restoration plan.

As a result of the study, three crucial needs were identified: repair of the leaking skylight, replacement of the concrete at the base of the dome, and a thorough cleaning of the interior and exterior. Robert Armbruster became the project manager of the restoration project, which progressed without significant disruption to the visitors and workers at the Temple.

The first challenge tackled was the skylight, where seventeen hundred of the twenty-four hundred panes of glass were broken. These were replaced and new framing and gaskets installed. The roofing and gutters were also replaced.

Replacing damaged concrete presented unique challenges, since the ornamental concrete used for the Temple had been invented at the time the House of Worship was built. However, advances in the field made it possible for even more durable concrete to be produced. This phase of the project took seven years to complete. Quarries all over North America were searched to find quartz stone that matched the color of the Temple, and a special mix of concrete was developed. Custom molds were created to conform to the distinctive shapes of the building. Methods were devised for casting and finishing the concrete panels. The new pieces were attached with stainless steel hardware for extensive durability. As they were installed, devices for protecting the concrete from water damage were also put into place. Each piece of equipment was carefully stored for future use.

In the cleaning phase, a fine mist of water was used to dissolve the mineral deposits. Specially sized and shaped hoses were developed to fit every detail of the building. A special cleaning fluid was used to remove algae, lichen, and fungus. Mountain-climbing techniques were adapted to enable workers to suspend themselves from the Temple with ropes and harnesses while cleaning every inch of the exterior. Inside the Temple, workers suspended from ropes vacuumed dust from every crevice, working at night so as not to disturb Temple visitors during the day. Rust stains caused by water leakage from the old skylight were also removed.

During this period, the Visitors’ Center was also remodeled. New educational displays, a new theater, and an elevator to provide access for the handicapped to the Temple auditorium were added.

The entire project garnered extensive commendation from the construction industry. The Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois selected it as the 1994 Preservation Project of the Year. The International Concrete Repair Institute named it the 1993 Repair Project of the Year. An industry journal called it the most significant architectural repair project for the years 1990-1995. The Construction Specifications Institute and McGraw-Hill Publications gave it the First Place Award for the Advancement of Construction Technology in Repairs and Renovations. And the Structural Engineering Association bestowed an Award of Merit.

In 1996, the $6 million project was completed. To assure systematic future maintenance of the Temple, a specialized staff was put in place to conduct thorough inspections, keep careful records, and perform timely preventive maintenance.

Kingdom Project
The Kingdom Project is the National Spiritual Assembly’s comprehensive development plan for the American Bahá'í community. Individual Bahá'ís and Bahá'í communities contribute funds to support its essential initiatives.

In addition to funding restoration of the Temple and its gardens and the creation of a new Visitors’ Center, Kingdom Project plans include the establishment of a foundation for a Temple endowment fund to meet future needs, improvements at permanent Bahá'í schools, and launch of the Bahá'í Publishing imprint to produce Bahá'í books for the general public.

The restoration of the Temple gardens will include elements of the original plan developed by Herbert Dahl and approved by Shoghi Effendi that were not implemented in the 1950s due to lack of funds. Reflecting pools will stretch out in front of the Temple on two sides. Each of the nine fountains will be rebuilt with new tile, plumbing, and lighting. Garden seating will be added to enable visitors to rest, reflect, and enjoy the view of the Temple. New irrigation and lighting systems will be installed. New trees, plants, and flowers will be planted, including varieties specified by Hilbert Dahl in his original garden plan. The complete effect will provide Temple visitors with an even more serene and welcoming atmosphere in which to pray and meditate.

Terraces of the Shrine of the Báb
In its unique setting on the slopes of Mount Carmel, the Shrine of the Báb attracts worldwide attention. Its majestic golden dome and graceful white lines provide a stunning resting-place for the remains of the Báb, the Prophet Who heralded Bahá’u’lláh and was martyred in 1850 by a firing squad in Tabríz, Iran. Bahá’u’lláh Himself designated the spot for the Shrine on Mount Carmel. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá oversaw construction of a simple mausoleum and placed the Báb’s remains to rest there in 1909. After ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing, Shoghi Effendi erected the superstructure of the Shrine, which was completed in 1953. It is one of the two holiest spots on earth for Bahá'ís, second only to the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh at Bahjí, near ‘Akká, Israel.

Nine rudimentary terraces were built below the Shrine in the 1930s. Over the years, additional land adjacent to the Shrine was acquired. Work to complete the terraces began in 1990, led by architect Fariborz Sahba. Mr. Sahba explains, “The Terraces have been designed to create an appropriate setting and approach for the Shrine of the Báb. The Shrine is envisaged as a precious gem, for which the Terraces provide the setting, like a golden ring for a precious diamond.”

With the completion of the Terraces in 2001, thousands of Bahá'ís gathered in Haifa for a joyous celebration. On the evening of May 22, more than 3,000 Bahá'ís from some 180 countries witnessed the majestic ceremony that marked the opening of the Terraces. Also present were more than 650 dignitaries from Israel and international embassies, as well as about 100 members of the media. Others around the world watched via satellite and webcast. The ceremony included the performance of two orchestral works composed for the event. Just after sunset, the lights on the nineteen terraces were gradually illuminated in a dramatic display.

The Terraces symbolize the Báb and His first eighteen followers. Stretching a full kilometer up the face of the mountain, they provide a serene atmosphere for visitors. Gently flowing water, fountains, dignified ornamental details, and a wealth of flowers, shrubs, and trees invite the contemplative spirit. Mr. Sahba notes, “Our intention has not been merely to build just a beautiful garden. Beautiful gardens are everywhere. But these gardens are spiritual gardens.”