The Fateful Year of 1923

GA 259 — 1 May 1923, Dornach

The English Friends' Initiative for an International Assembly of Delegates in Dornach

[Even before the report written by H. J. Heywood-Smith about the Annual General Meeting of the Anthroposophical Society in Switzerland on April 22 was sent out by the Society in a circular dated May 14, Heywood-Smith had sent a short report to the Friends in England with the following cover letter dated May 1: “Haus Friedwart, Dornach, May 1, 1923

Enclosed is a brief report on the General Assembly of the Anthroposophical Society in Switzerland. You will see from it that Dr. Steiner hopes that such gatherings will also be held in other countries, when Anthroposophists unite to set themselves a worthy task that the whole world cannot help but respect.

It has been four months since the destruction of the Goetheanum by fire and the consequent homelessness of Anthroposophy, and yet nothing has been done to rebuild the structure. Is it not clear from Rudolf Steiner's earnest words that the worthy task that the Society as a whole should take on and work on with all its strength and energy is the rebuilding of the Goetheanum? Would this not be a positive act in response to the attacks of the enemies of anthroposophy?

Would you call a meeting of the members of the groups as soon as possible and discuss with them what the doctor expects of such a meeting, and if they agree, take a decision to the effect that it is their firm intention to rebuild the Goetheanum in Dornach and that they wish the work to begin immediately. Such a resolution, passed by groups in several countries, would contribute to the fulfillment of the first condition under which the building could be rebuilt. The resolution should be sent to Dr. Steiner, Villa Hansi, Dornach, Switzerland, as soon as possible, for Dr. Steiner asked the members not to leave the assembly room before they had set themselves a real task, but unfortunately the assembly in Dornach ended without this having happened.

With best regards
H.J. Heywood-Smith