The
circular base of the Temple, known as Foundation
Hall, was used for Bahá'í meetings as early as 1922.
However, it was 1928 before interior and exterior
improvements made it suitable for public gatherings.
Meanwhile, the Bahá'ís worked to raise funds needed
to continue construction. In 1929, Shoghi Effendi
set an inspiring example by donating a magnificent
silk carpet from the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh. By March
1930, in spite of the U.S. stock market crash and
the Great Depression, funds were available to begin
work on the concrete and steel superstructure. Although
a fire at the site in January 1931 caused $50,000
in damage, the superstructure was complete by May
of that year, bring the Temple outline into view.
