Centennial of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

Welcome to the Centennial Meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

ODAY, the Watch Tower In Bible times the locations of T Society is known around important happenings were of- the world wherever the work of ten marked as reminders of such Jehovah's Witnesses is known. events and their significance. In 205 countries people are tak- Many of the activities of Jeho- ing in Bible instruction in some vah's Witnesses today had their 190 different languages. Their beginnings in the original class, lives are greatly benefited from or congregation, of Bible Stu- dissemination of Bible truths by dents here in Pittsburgh, Penn- the Watch Tower Society. sylvania. It is thus appropriate that the 100th anniversary of Through the initiative and the the Watch Tower Society be coordinating efforts of this So- Watch Tower Building, ciety, the work that began with held in this city, and that we use 4100 Bigelow Blvd., Pittsburgh the opportunity to reflect on one congregation in Allegheny, Pennsylvania, in the 1870's has what has taken place during the last 100 years with benefit to the spread to 46,235 congregations throughout the world. The So- work ahead. ciety has worked closely with There is, indeed, much evidence the Bible Students, now Jeho- that Jehovah has proved to be vah's Witnesses, during times of with his people and that he has trial and testing from within blessed and established the work and persecution from without, of their hands-accomplished through two world wars and by the instrumentality of the countless local upheavals and Watch Tower Society. There- times of trouble. It has provided fore, in accord with the Jehovah's Witnesses Assembly Hall continuity to the work of re- thoughts of Psalm 78:2-7, it is at Coraopolis, Pennsylvania storing basic Bible truths in appropriate that we use this oc- these last days. casion to relate to the newer This annual meeting, which also generation the "praises of Jeho- marks the 100th anniversary of vah . . . and his wonderful the Watch Tower Society, pro- things that he has done." vides an opportunity of review- ing how well the Society has fulfilled its purpose, and of looking ahead to the work yet to be done.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 L F Watch Tower Society Takes Over a Work Already Begun

HE Watch Tower Society sociates published, in 1873, the T did not create the Bible bookiet The Objmt and Manner Students, nor did it begin the of the Lord's Retum. Four years work of disseminating Bible later a book was published enti- truths and preparing men for tled Three WmlrkF or Plan of Re- the return of Our Lord. The So- demption. In 1879 Russell, along ciety was formed to expand the with fellow contributors, began work already begun by Charles publishing the Wat&mer mag- Taze Russell and his associates. azine under the tirle Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of As a young man Russell fol- '.'y:q--r. lowed the command of Jesus to Christ 3 Presence. ' _& his followers to "keep on the This magazine was published to watch." (Matthew 24:42) He keep to the fore the doctrine of felt strongly that certain de- the ransom and also the bless- nominational creeds, such as ings to come to mankind as a predestination and eternal dam- result of it. The printing of the nation, were contrary to Gd's first issue was 6,000. Russell love. pledged that, in connection Through a search of the Scrip with the publishing of this mag- tures, Russell and several like- azine, they would not beg for minded friends came to un- money but depend entirely on derstand that God purposed voluntary contributions. This to redeem mankind from death principle was als:, applied to al1 through the ransom sacrifice of meetings, which were advertised his only-begotten Son, Christ with the slogan "Seats Free-No Jesus. He also came to see that Collections. " the object of the Lord's return Further nondenominational Bi- was not to destroy but to bless ble research resulted in the pub- al1 families of the earth by lishing of many tracts and pam- means of God's Kingdom, and phlets, some being called Bible that the manner of the Lord's Stzldent's Tracts, Old Theology presence would be invisible as a Quarterb, Tabernacle Teachings, spirit in heaven, not visible in and Food for Thinking Chris- the flesh.-Genesis 12:3; 22: 18. tian~.More than a million cop- To inform others of this timely ies of the last-mentioned pam- information Russell and his as- phlet were distributed.

I WATCH TOWER Centennial In the beginning, messenger discussion and also have pencil boys were sometimes hired to and paper for making notes. distribute literature, but quite This method of conducting early the principle was applied meetings continues down to the that the message be distributed present tirne. by the unpaid, voluntary efforts It was in 1881, during the early of those who believed, servants development of these activities, of the Lord. Already in 1881 a that Zion's Watch Tower Tract cal1 was made in Zion 's Watch Society was formed as a non- Tower for volunteers, preachers. incorporated association, to In 1881 and 1882 it was empha- provide funds and direction for sized in Zion's Watch Towcr that expanding the preaching activi- ail believers should be preach- ty through distribution of Bible ers. For example, the issue of literature. In 1884 it was decided April 1882 stated: "Al1 of Our to incorporate it under the laws people are preachers . . . we were of the Commonwealth of Penn- a11 given the same commission: sylvania so that, as -a legal .- hstru- 'Go ye into ail the world and ment not d-dent upon the preach this glad tiding to every life of any individuals, it could creature.'" In the October 1884 better carry on the work of ex- issue the appeal was made to al1 panding distribution of Bible believers as 'fellow preachers, literature. This was finalized by ministers of the grace of God the Court of Common Pleas . . , let us make full proof of our No. 1 of Allegheny County, ministry.' Pennsylvania, on Decembei: So from the date of its incorpo- b13 1884. ration in 1884, the Watch Tow- By that time the little congrega- er Society was to work closely tion in Pittsburgh, Pennsylva- with the Bible Students, a true nia, had established these basic society of ministers. principles: nondenominational Meetings were held regularly by searching for Bible truths, dis- these Bible Students. They were tributing such in printed form not content to meet just once a by voluntary workers and sup- week like many of Christen- porting this financially by vol- dom's churchgoers. In addition untary contributions. During .. to holding public talks on Sun- the four years the Society had days, they met in smaller groups existed before its incorporation, in homes at other times during nearly 200,000,000 pages of the week. A basic procedure was tracts, pamphlets and books had G put into operation for meetings been printed and distributed. ht,apart from public lectures, And this was only the begin- 1, FOREIGN MISSION II in attendance share in the ning . Watch Tower Society Incorporated for Dissemination of Bible Truths

RTICLE II of the charter ness to the name, word and su- of the Watch Tower Soci- premacy of Almighty God JE- ety States: "The purpose for HOVAH; to print and distrib- which the corporation is formed ute Bibles and to disseminate is, the dissemination of Bible Bible truths in various languages truths in various languages by . . . explaining Bible truths and means of the publication of prophecy concerning the estab- tracts, pamphlets, papers and lishment of Jehovah's kingdom other religious documents, and under Christ Jesus." by the use of al1 other lawful The first office of the Watch means which its Board of Direc- tors, duly constituted, shall Tower Society was in a building at the corner of Federal and !!! !!! Society deem expedient for the further- ance of the purpose stated." Robinson Streets, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the location from The Society was not to seek fi- which Russell had earlier direct- nancial gain but only to finance ed his chain of clothing stores. the spreading of Bible truths. Membership was to consist of The Watch Tower Society con- 1 those who personally supporteci tinued the work of exposing this activity by their contribu- false religious creeds and estab- tions. The Watch Tower Soci- lishing Bible truth. During a ety would continue to be time of growing infidelity in the involved in the preaching world, it presented arguments activities of the Bible Students, against the evolution teaching, later known as Jehovah's Wit- higher criticism and any other nesses. trend designed to . undermine faith in the Bible. In agreement with this principle the charter was amended in In addition to preparing tracts, 1944 to read as follows: "The pamphlets and magazines, Rus- purposes of this Society are: To sell authored a series of books act as the servant of and legal on Bible truths entitled The Mil- - world-wide governing agency lennial Dawn, later called Studies for that body of Christian per- in the Script~res.The Society en- sons known as Jehovah's Wit- couraged al1 the Bible Students nesses; to preach the gospel of to share in voluntary tract dis- God's Kingdom under Christ tribution, either on streets in Jesus unto al1 nations as a wit- front of churches or at people's Bible House, Pittsburgh

WATCH TOWER Centennial homes, putting them under A mission structure at 13-17 the door. Full-time ministers Hicks Street, Brooklyn, New known as colporteurs would York, that had been used by spend their time calling on peo- the Plymouth Congregational ple from house to house and Church was purchased and re- presenting books to them. modeled so that it provided However, this was no book- space for offices, a shipping de- selling campaign but rather a partment and a small printery, preaching of the good news. as well as a large meeting hall lnzricnnrar uawn series with 800 seats on the second In discussing the work of the floor. At nearby 122-124 Co- colporteurs, it was stated in lumbia Heights the former four- Zion's Watch Tower of Decem- story brownstone parsonage of ber 15, 1898: "Nor do the Col- Henry Ward Beecher, who had porteurs merely circulate the been minister for that church, Dawns [bound books] . . . they . . note the interested ones and was purchased for use as residence facilities for the head- al1 in the evenings and help quarters staff of 30. 'hem." So the object was not merely to sel1 books but to For the past 75 years the Watch rouse interest and make return Tower Society has had its world 1isits where possible to help in- headquarters in Brooklyn. :dge. ber 1919 the headquarters were temporarily located in Pitts- By the end of the 1880's there burgh on the second floor of the was a need for increased space, Martin Building at 119 Federal so in 1889 the Watch Tower Street.) In order to hold title to Society moved into their newly Offices anu meeting nail, property in New York State and built, four-story brick building Brooklyn better to administer the needs of it 610-14 Arch Street in Pitts- the growing activities from 3urgh. This building was called Brooklyn, New York, an asso- :he Bible House and served as an ciate corporation was formed nternational headquarters for under New York law by the ;he Watch Tower Society, since name of People's Pulpit Associ- its activities were expanding to ation, now the Watchtower Bi- ~thercountries. ble and Tract Society of New In 1909 it was decided to move York, Inc. This corporation co- the headquarters of the Watch operates closely with the Watch Tower Society to Brooklyn, Tower Bible and Tract Society .New York, which would be a of Pennsylvania. more suitable center for the expansion of the preaching work an an international scale. I First Bethe1 Home, J" 1 Brooklyn 1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Society Enters Publishing Field

ROM 1884, the Watch So a small factory building on F Tower Society had concen- Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn was trated on adrninistering funds rented, and a used web-rotary for expanding distribution of press was obtained (which was Bible literature. The publishing soon named the "Battleship"). of such literature was cased for By the spring of 1920 the Soci- by the Tower Publishing Corn- ety began to print The Watch pany, a firm owned by Charles Towey, as well as a new magazine Taze Russell, which also owned The Golden Age (now Awake!), the "Bible House" on Arch that was designed to reach out to Street, Pittsburgh. many more people with the In April of 1898 the publishing KUigdorn message. In 1922 a rights together with al1 publica- move was made to larger farili- tions and printing materials on ties at 18 Concord Street in hand were donated to the Brooklyn. Additional equip- Watch Tower Society, along ment was instalied and the Soci- with the property. In accepting ety now began to produce this, the Society obligated itself bound books. to publish only materials in har- Fhe years later, in 1927, factory mony with its stated purpose options were moved to even and not to publish any other iarger facilities, a newly con- publications involved with stmcted eight-story building, at different religious views. 117 Adams Street in Brooklyn. The Watch Tower Society con-* This building had ben designed tinued to have the printing of speddyfor our purposes. In books, magazines and booklets order to provide housing for the additional workers needed, I done commercially. However, First rotary press, "BattleshipY' in 1919 the Society decided to the okl buildings at 122 and do the printing and producing 124 Columbia Heights, as well of its literature in its own facil- as that on the newly acquired lot ities using dedicated, voluntary, at 126 Columbia Heights, were nonsalaried workers. Thus, it razed and a new residence build- could continue to produce liter- ing constructed, rising seven ature at low cost and make pos- stories above street level. sible a greater distribution. The As the years passed, additional New York Corporation would buildings were constructed or care for this activity. purchased adjacent to the Factory complex, Adams Street WATCH TOWER Centennial I Adams Street factory. Later the saw the necessity of converting building complex at 25-30 Co- to these latest processes, thus lumbia Heights was obtained for endeavoring to solve the prob- shipping facilities as well as ad- lems connected with producing I ditional space for offices and magazines and other literature storage. The most recent acqui- in many different languages. It sitions are the factory building directed the necessary develop- at 175 Pearl Street and the very ment and set up operations for large building at 360 Furman computerized text entry and 1 Street. For the additional hous- page composition, phototype- World headquarters offices ing, new buildings were con- setting- and offset printing.- stiucted at 107 and 119 Co- The Society now has the capa- lumbia Heights, and later the bility of processing and produc- Towers Hotel was purchased ing literature in some 190 and converted into a suitable I residence building. languages. At present, Society- designed computer entry and Up at Wallkill, New York, the composing equipment is being Society obtained sizable farms, used in 20 different countries. and eventually built large resi- There are now a total of 14 dence buildings there as well as high-speed web-rotary offset factory and office facilities. presses printing publications in Production of al1 forms of Bible Brooklyn and at Watchtower literature continued to grow to Farms, and 25 in 18 other meet increasing needs around branches. Al1 these presses, plus the world. Eventually the Soci- a number of sheet-fed offset ety had in use nearly 70 web- presses, are used in furthering rotary presses: 40 in Brooklyn, the purpose of disseminatiq Bi- 13 at-~atchtowerFarms and 18 ble truths by means of the print- others in nine countries around ed page. the world. In addition, many Al1 of this, together with build- flatbed presses were producing ing up qualified translating de- publications in other countries. partments in many lands, has provided the capability of pub- MEPS computer and By the late 1970's the entire composing terminal publishing industry had gone lishing The Watchtower simul- I over to the more modern com- taneously around the world. puter processing of text, photo- With the January 1,1985, issue, typesetting and offset printing. The Watchtower will publish the In order to continue to produce same articles simultaneously in Bible literature to meet the English and in 21 other lan- growing needs in the preaching guages. of the good news of the King- , the Watch Tower Society , Web-rotary offset press

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Society Pushes Bible Production and Distribution

N addition to publishing ex- The most extensive project has planations of Bible truths, been the result of very close the Society has accomplished a cooperation between the Watch significant work in producing Tower Society and the group of and distributing Bibles. anointed Witnesses making up the New World Bible Transla- In 1896 it published in English tion Cornmittee. Thus: The New Testament, by Rother- ham, 12th edition. In 1950, the Society released in modern English the first volume In 1901 it published the Ho1 3f the New World Translation, man Linear Bible with the Soci- the Christian Greek Scriptures. ety's own marginal notes. By 1960 five volumes of the In 1902 it became the copyright Hebrew Scriptures were com- owner of the Greek-English in- pleted thus making a series of six terlinear edition of the CG- volumes altogether. In 1961 the tian Greek Scriptures entitled New World Translation of the The Emphatic Diaglott, by Ben- HoIy Srriptures was published in jamin Wilson. one volume. In 1907 it published and circu- In 1969 the Society published lated extensively the Bible Stu- Tbe Kingdom Interlinear Trans- dents Edition of the King James lation of the Greek Scripttlres, Version, which contained 500 which presented under the pages of appendix material pre Greek text by Westcott and pared by the brothers. - HOI a literal word-for-word By 1942 the Society was doing transiation into English. its own printing and produced In 1971 a revised edition of the on its own presses copies of the New World Translation was pro- King James Version with margin- duced in larger print with foot- al references and a concordance notes and an appendix. prepared by brothers. In 1984 there was released the In 1944 it printed the American New World Translation Refer- Standard Version of 1901 featur- ence Bible, containing extensive ing the divine name, Jehovah. marginal and footnote refer- In 1972 it published Byington's ences, a word index and appendix material. The Bible in Living English also featuring the name Jehovah. And the Society has just recent-

WATCH TOWER Centennial ly produced the regular-size edi- persona1 instruction in the Bible tion of the New World Transla- for al1 who wish to have it and tion of the Holy Scriptures with this without any payment what- marginal references. soever. As stated in its charter: The Society is continuing its in- "The purposes of this Society terest in Bible publication and are . . . to authorize and appoint

distribution. Already work is be- agents, servants, employees, CC- ing done to produce a small teachers, instructors, evange- pocket Bible, which bas ken lists, missionaries and ministers the desire of many of Jehovah's to go forth to al1 the world Witnesses. In addition, for ail pUblicly and from house to those with limited e~esight house to preach and teach Bible work is ~roceedingon a truly truths to persons willing to lis- large-~rintedition of the New ten by leaving with such persons World Translation in four vol- said literature and by conduct- - ing Bible studies thereon; to im- I- The Society has published t+e PrOve men, men and chil- New World Translation of 'fhe dren mentall~and morally by ~~l~ Scriptures in ~~t~h,Christian ministry work and by French, German, Italian, Japa- charitable and benevolent in- nese, Portuguese and Spanish, struction of the people on the and additional languages are on Bible and incidental subjects." the way. It has published the Christian Greek Scriptures in Danish, Finnish and Swedish; additional language translations

So during the past 34 years the Watch Tower Society has published the New World Transla- tion, in part or in its entirety, in ten additional languages, with total printing and distribution surpassing 40 million copies. But with al1 its effort in the area of Bible production and distribution, the Watch Tower Soci- ety still puts its greatest effort ' into the publication and distri- ,bation of printed explanations qf Bible truths. It also provides

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 F Watch Tower Society Expands Preaching Internationally

ROM its start the Watch Watch Tower for July 1891, was , F Tower Society purposed to consider "what can be done the "dissemination of Bible to forward the spread of the truths in various languages." Al- Tmth among the people of for- ready when it was first formed eign countries." (not yet incorporated) in 1881, This trip convinced Russell that it began to set up funds to pro- he should push for completion vide for the publishing and dis- of the French translation of the tribution of Bible literature in fim volume of the Millennial languages other than English. Dawz series, as well as transla- In 1881 two associates of tions of these books for the Charles Taze Russell traveled to Swedes, Norwegians and Danes. England to arrange for the dis- During the 1890's the message tribution of the pamphlet Fd had spread to many countries of for Thinking Christians. The Europe, with publication of'lit- year before this the work had erature in several languages. already spread to Canada. A branch of the Watch Tower In the early 1880's the Watch Society was established in Brit- Tower magazine mentioned the ain in the year 1900. Other need for publications to aid branches were established in Swedish-speaking and German- Germany in 1903 and in Austra- speaking people in the United lia in 1904. In The Watch Tower States. Swedish literature be- of March 1, 1904, this notice came available in 1883. By 1885 appeared on page two: "This some German literature was j~urnalis published in the available, and there was a re- French, German, Swedish, Dan- quest for translations into Nor- ish and Italian languages." Bethe1 home, Japan branch I wegian. In order to study how to expand In 1891 Russell and some com- further the preaching of the panions began a tour of Ireland, good news on a worldwide basis, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Russell and six brothers made Austria, Russia, Turkey, Greece, a tour around the world in Palestine, Egypt, Italy, Switzer- 1911-12. Upon their return, ar- land, France, Belgium and the rangements were made to pro- Netherlands. One purpose of duce literature in the six princi- this trip, as stated in Zion's pal languages of India as well as

WATCH TOWER Centennial I in Chinese and Japanese. In con- In 1943 the Watchtower Bible trast with the varied missionary School of Gilead was started for activity of Christendom, these the purpose of training full-time brothers concluded: "We know missionaries to expand the nothing to suggest, except that preaching work into al1 the the true Gospel of salvation be earth.-Matthew 28: 19,20. preached-the Gospel of the Today the work of the Watch Branch in South Africa Kingdom of Messiah. "-Mat- Tower Society is being adminis- I thew 24: 14. tered through 95 branch offices In 1914 the second cooperating around the world, with the co- corporation, the International operation of the 70 associated Bible Students Association, was corporations or associations, formed, this time to hold prop- and is conducted on a global erty and carry forward the pub- scale in 205 lands. lishing and distribution of Bible literature throughout the Brit- View of Spain branch -p ish Commonwealth of Nations, I under the direction of the Watch Tower Society. At present, some 70 legally formed corporations and associ- atioi~sare carrying forward the purposes of the Watch Tower Society in many countries around the world. Al1 are serv- Branch home, offices and factory, Australia ing the same purpose, the ad- I vancement of the preaching of God's Kingdom to al1 peoples as man's only hope. Al1 these corporations are phil- anthropic, being supported by voluntary contributions and the services of voluntary workers. The principle on which the Administrative building, Germany branch Watch Tower Society operates is that nobody associated with it receives a salary or has financial gain but receives only room and board and a small allowance to cover basic needs. This principle has been followed by those associated with al1 these societies. Bethe1 home, Canada branch 1

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 L' Watch Tower Society and Congregation Meetings

LREADY in the 1870's the hours were devoted to intensive A Bible Students saw the Bible discussion. need t0 'Orne and Further encouragement for strengthen One in the Watch Tower readers to rneet to- spirit of Hebrews 10:25. In the ge*er vas given in the April Watch Tower of May 1880 this 1881 issue: uWe desire to make observation was made: "Our a for ofice of readers are scattered3 'Orne Areour readers hold regular places and 3, and On 'P rn&ings and services of any Many phces they are tOtaUyup W, whether in churches, halls acquainted with each 'thers orprivate homes . If you have and thus lose the 'ympathy m gathering of this sort, let me comfort which Our Father de- -mmend you to establish one signed should come to them by yoUI own home with your 'the assembling of themselves , gm family, or even a few that together as the mannu of 'Orne q interestedaRead, study, is.' It is His design that we wreand worship together, should 'edify one another,' and two or three are met build each other up in the most the Lord will be in hol~faith.'-Hebrews y, teacher. Such 24, 25. was die character of some of the Then Charles Taze Russell pro- meetings of the church in the posed that he make a tour of days of the Apostles." Contin- certain cities in Pennsylvania, ued encouragement was given to New Jersey, New York and Mas- r& of the Watch Tower to sachusetts, to gather together meet together regularly. the readers in various towns so The Bibk Students in Pitts- that they could become ac- burgh iestablished the pattern of quainted with one another and meetiag rogether two and even- arrange to meet regularly. tdythree times a week. Meet- II Jamestown, Kansas By this time there were about 30 ings on Sunday were public lec- classes, as congregations or tures heM in a rented hall, such groups were called, located in as the Curry Institute Hall on these states as well as Delaware, the corner of Penn Avenue and Ohio and Michigan. Brother 6th Street in Pittsburgh. Apart Russell made regular visits to from the lectures on Sundays, these, and at each place many meetings were held in private Long Beach, California 1

WATCH TOWER Centennial Some Kingdom Halls

homes-in the beginning at the ciety introduced a unifying fea- home of the father of Charles ture with regard to meeting halls I Russell, J. L. Russell, 80 Cedar of Jehovah's people. In 1935 Avenue, Allegheny City. These arrangements were made to con- came to be called cottage meet- stmct a meeting hall in connec- ings. tion with the new branch build- Group meetings in private ing being erected in Honolulu, homes on Wednesdays consist- Hawaii. The president of ed of Prayer, Praise and Testi- the Watch Tower Society, mony Meetings, which have J. F. Rutherford, was visiting developed into Our Service there, and it had been decided to Meetings of today. Later they cal1 the meeting hall "Kingdom also arranged "Dawn Circles" Hall" so as to keep God's King- on Friday evenings where they dom to the fore. From that time studied from the early books of on Jehovah's Witnesses the the Society called MiIlennial world over have called their Japa: Dawn series. At these home congregational meeting centers i meetings al1 in attendance were Kingdom Halls. encouraged to share in the dis- Today, there are thousands of cussion by giving comments. these Kingdom Halls around the Meetings also included prayers world, built by voluntary work- and the singing of hymns. ers of Jehovah's Witnesses and As groups increased in size var- financed by voluntary contribu- ious meeting halls were rent- tions. These halls are not ornate, ed, sometimes even available churchlike buildings, but rather church buildings being used. modest meeting halls with com- However, whatever halls were fortable seating, good lighting Dominican RepubIic - -7 used were not considered and ventilation, suitable for churches but meeting halls for gatherings of people to receive presenting talks and other forms Bible instruction. In recent of Bible instruction. Sometimes years, by means of good organi- suitable buildings were pur- zation and cooperation, Jeho- chased by the Bible Students lo- vah's Witnesses have in some cally, but generally the halls instances built such a meeting were rented, some on a perma- hall on a two-day weekend. nent basis. Various names were Though property and building given to these, such as a local costs have skyrocketed, the designation followed by the building of needed meeting halls word "Tabernacle," for example in the United States and Canada "Brooklyn Tabernacle," "Lon- is now being aided by a special don Tabernacle. " building fund administered by However, the Watch Tower So- the Watch Tower Society.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Societ

Conventions

OR years the first conventions were held when Bible Students in Pittsburgh invited other Watch Tower readers to have fellowship wi&, them in the spring in conneaion with observing the Mernorial of Christ's death. Special train fares were arranged, and local Bible Students themselva provided lodging and me& for the visitors. As the number grew, needed rooming accommoda- tions and meals were arranged at very reasonable rates. These conventions were encour- aging periods of spiritual re- freshment, intensive Bible in- eruction being provided for several days. They contimied to grow in size until in 1892 a total of about 400 met together from 20 different staies and a prov- ince of Canada. In 1893 it was decided to hold a national convention on August 20-24, in ' Chicago, Illinois, at the same time that the Columbian Expo- sition, or world's fair, was scheduled. Reduced rail fares were available then. The Chicago program pattern of morning and afternoon meetings, with discourses and an- swering of Bible questions, is still basically being followed. A total of 360 attended and 70 were baptized. Baptism by total immersion had become a regular feature at conventions. After the turn of the century the Society began to arrange for several conventions around the country to serve the needs of the growing number of Bible Students. These were served by Russell, who traveled from city to city in a special railroad car. Later it was arranged for a larger number of brothers to accompa- ny Brother Russell to these conventions on a special train and these participated in convention New Ji* publicity. A great public witness New Y*, was given by these conventions fQSt through the years, and al1 the brothers were built up and greatly strengthened. Charles Taze Russell died on October 31, 1916, and was succeeded as president of the Watch Tower Society by Joseph Franklin Rutherford of Mis- souri. During the following years the Bible Students were severely tested by persecution, including the wrongful impris- onment of eight responsible brothers associated with the So- ciety. By 1919 these brothers had been - released and a convention was I Polo Grounds scheduled for Cedar Point, Ohio, September 1-7, 1919. Over 6,000 brothers assembled, and the convention proved to be a great occasion for strength- ening and encouragement. Those in attendance were re- Y minded of their obligation to Washington, D.C., in 1935, the In 1950, 1953 and 1958 the So- announce the incoming glori- witnesses cried for joy to learn ciety arranged for large interna- ous Kingdom of Messiah. that the "great crowd" men- tiond conventions, al1 held at Another convention was held at tioned at Revelation chapter 7 New York's Yankee Stadium. Cedar Point, Ohio, September was a class to be gathered out The Polo Gsounds stadium was 5-13, 19L2. At this from the old world now, to sur- alm inc1u~io1958. The num- Rutherford, president of vive the great tribulation and to ber in attemhpce grew from the society, boldly exposed the gain everlasting life on earth. 123,707 in-lW to 253,922 in recently established League of In 1942, 51 convention cities Nations as a human scheme were tied in with the key city of doomed to failure and urged al1 Cleveland, Ohio, at a time when to put their trust in Go~'sKing- it rnight seem that World War II cOuntrier in dom in the hands of the invisi- would climax in ~~~a~~dd~~.dance was 67 &@O, but 123 ble reigning King from heaven, However the thrilling talk, in 1958. Christ Jesus. He urged al1 to "Peace-Can It Last?" given by The purpose of af8i &se con- "advertise, advertise, advertise, the Watch Tower Society's ventions has been tw-gthen the King and his kingdom." third president, Nathan Jehovah's people, trâWtPlem in The of annual conven- H.Knorr, pointed forward to a organization and expasid the tiens held from 1922 throu& postwar period of comparative public preaching. The pttern 19-28 gave great impetus to the peace and increased activity for of the program and organiza- preaching work, and resulted in Jehovah's Witnesses. tion of these conventions was seven striking resolutions ex- l-he international at followed in other countries. pressing Gad's judgment Cleveland, Ohio, in 1946, em- Arranging afinternationaf series against Christen- phasized the evidence of expan- of conven.tions, where delegates and this world. of sion of Bible education on al1 from ma~yrountries travel these were continents. At this time the from one -vention to anoth- throughout Christendom. Consoiation magazine, which er, has dso <&en featured. Be- At Columbus, Ohio, in 1931, had previously succeeded The gin& h fiiY51, &se interna- the long-remembered feature of Golden Age, was replaced by tiod convention series have the convention was the enthu- Awake! to awaken people fur- been W every few years and siastic adopting of the new ther to the significance of the havpserved greatly to strength- name "Jehovah's Witnesses." At times in which we are living. en the understanding and the unity of God's people al1 around the earth. Al1 these conventions have been arranged under the supervision of the Pennsylvania Watch Tower Society, and the work of operating these conventions is done by voluntary, non-salaried workers and supported by voluntary contributions. --_-_--- - istrict- Conv~---_--, Diego, California, 1984

WATCH TOWER Centennial Watch Tower Society Scriptures, completed in 1960, Makes Jehovah's Name Known the name ~ehovahappears 6,973 times, in every place where the Hebrew tetragrammaton (;rl;r7) occurs in the original text. HAT really motivated ing with the prophecy of Eze- Then in 1961 the Society pub- w the organizer of the kiel, which prophecy gave lished the book "Let Your Name Watch Tower Society, Charles prominence to Jehovah's name. Be Sanctzjied, "containing exten- Taze Russell? It was his realiza- Further attention to this was sive information about Jeho- tion that church dogmas of pre- given in a book published in vah's name as used in the Bible 1934 with the title Jehovah. Ar- destination and eternal damna- and the importance of making tion were contrary to the Bible's ticles in The Watchtower contin- known that name. Again, in teaching of God's love. When ued to magnify Jehovah's name 1971, the Society published the he saw this, he determined to and the need for it to be sancti- book entitled "The Nations Shall preach the truths about God's fied before ail nations. Know That Z Am Jehovah" loving purposes toward man- In harrnony with this the Penn- kind far and wide. -How?, which presented fur- sylvania Watch Tower Society ther information on Jehovah's From their continuing study of decided in 1944 to amend its name and purpose from the charter, Article II, to include as the Scriptures, he and bis asso- prophecy of Ezekiel. ciates came to have greater ap- its ppurpose the following: "to preciation for God, his name preach the gospel of God's king- This year (1984), at the "King- and his four attributes of power, dom under Christ Jesus unto al1 dom Increase" District Conven- wisdom, justice and love. Ap- nations as a witness to the name, tions, the Society released a propriately, Jehovah's name was word and supremacy of Al- 32-page brochure entitled The used in the Three Worlds (pub- mighty God JEHOVAH." Divine Name That Will Endure .A lished in 1876), as well as in the The name JehoVA was restored Forever, dealing specifically with second issue of The Watch Tow- to its proper place in the Bible Jehovah's name. The Watch er, and it was further explained text 237 times the New World Tower Society, with al1 its inter- in the July and August issues of Translation of the Christian national publishing resources, 1882. Greek Scriptures, published in will continue to make known Through the years Jehovahjs 1950. Throughout the New Jehovah's name and purpose to name has been kept to the fore World Translation of the Hebrew the nations.-Psalm 83: 18. in the publications of the Soci- ety, and its use has intensified, especially after the Bible Stu- dents around the world adopted the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" in 1931. In 1931 and 1932 a series of . three books entitled Vindication 1, II and III, was published, deal-

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Society Expands Education

NE of the expressed pur- al1 mdes associated with the poses of the Watch Tow- congregatim as an encourage- er Society is "to improve men, ment and assisamce to them to women and children mentally study and trab helvesto be and morally by Christian missionary work and by charitable and benevolent instruction of the people on the Bible and incidental, scientific, historical Prophets," wi& a ml1 text- and literary subjects; to estab- book by that &*,an effort lish and maintain private Bible to provide specdisq&,pining Princi al textbooks used in Theocratic schools and classes for gratui- in speaking. ., hinistry School, 1943-1984 . - tous instruction of men and women in the Bible, Bible literature and Bible history." Even before the Society was founded, the Bible Students in Pittsburgh had set a pattern for such instruction at Christian meetings. The first national convention outside of Pitts- speaker5Fp& on the platform burgh, namely the one in Chi- and f-se to house. There cago, Illinois, in 1893, included was &qy+ction in the use of a special school for full-time vario+pJe translations, Bible colporteur ministers. Many con~cesand dictionaries, times readers of The Watchtower and a study of Bible history. were encouraged to qualify This Theocratic Ministry themselves for giving public S&d was put into operation talks and Bible instruction to in dl congregations in June larger groups. 1943 and continues to this time, One effort was made through training ministers worldwide. what was called the V. D. M. ar- Then, on February 1, 1943, rangement. These initials repre- Brother Knorr, as president of sented Verbi Dei Minister, or t,he Society, inaugurated the Minister of the Word of God. first class of the Watchtower The program consisted of a Bible School of Gilead in a questionnaire made available to building located on Kingdom ,..,,, ,.,,,.,am, Brooklyn, New York, 1984 f WATCH TOWER Centennial Farm, near South Lansing, New land. Today there are more than York. This was a school for the 159,000. special training of full-time In Argentins there were 790 ministers t0 qualify them t0 publiShers back in 1947 travel to foreign cOuntries as Gilead missionaries first arrivedo Kingdom Ministry School miüionaries and expand Bible Today there are over 49,000. education in those countries. Two classes of about a hundred SO as to equip over~.eersto Pro- students completed the course vide better spirituai supervision each year. In 1960 the school in congregations, the Watch was moved to facilities at the Tower Society in 1959 prepared Society's Brooklyn world head- and ~u~emisedthe conducting of Kingdom Ministry Schools in al1 countries. Updated re- During the past 41 years the fresher courses are provided Watchtower Bible School of from tirne to tirne. Gilead has conducted 77 classes and sent out more than 6,000 FolIowing the Pattern of the in- rnissionaries trained to teach struction for colporteurs that people the Bible. Under the su- WaS arraflgd back in l8939 the pervision of the Watch Tower Watch Tower Society operates Society, these missionaries have arOund the world Pioneer Ser- spearheaded the expansion of vice Sch~lSfor the training of ~ibl~education throughout full-time pioneer ministers. Central and South America, the In order to help many illiterate Orient, the South Pacific and people to take in Bible knowl- Africa, and have accomplished edge effectively, the Society has n~uchin Europe. Some exam- set up reading classes in a num- pies of the results of their work ber of countries and taught can be seen below: thousands upon thousands to When Gilead School started in read and write- 1943 there were 126,329 pub- In harmony with the charter of lishers in 54 lands. Today there the Watch Tower Society, are over 2,600,000 publishers in this instruction has been given without charge. When Gilead graduates were first sent to Mexico in 1944 there were 2,545 publishers. To- day there are over 150,000. Gilead missionaries were sent to Brazil in 1945, when there were 394 publishers reporting in that

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Society Defends the Good News 1 in the Courts

1 "Through almost constant lit- preaching of the good Bible literature on the streets igation [Jehovah's Witnesses THEnews has resulted in oppo- and from house to house. In ~ have] made possible an ever- 1 sition today as in the days of the 1933 throughout the United 1 increasing list of precedents apostles. As far back as 1889, States there were 268 arrests, but concerning the application of and again in 1910, the Society by 1936 the annual number of the Fourteenth Amendment found it necessary to advise the arrests had grown to 1,149. to freedom of speech and re- Bible Students of their legal In addition, from 1940 to 1944 ligion . . . And so, a body of right to distribute Bible litera- precedent crystallizing rules ture, while at the same time it there were 2,500 incidents of regarding the limits of en- encouraged them to be consid- mob action in 44 States, requir- croachments by the States has erate of others. ing legal efforts to have offend- been developing. To this de- ers punished and thereby re- l During World War 1, opposi- velopment Jehovah's Witness- strained from their lawlessness. tion to the activities of the Bible es have contributed the most, Students led to the banning of If Jehovab's Witnesses had been both in quantity and in sig- the Watch Tower Society's affil- required to fight for their rights nificance. "-Bill of Rigbts Re- iate society in Canada, and in on an individual local basis oiew, The American Bar Asso- the United States to the impris- alone, they would have found it ciation, 1942 oning on false charges of eight difficult or impossible to get prominent CO-workers of the qualified legal assistance. Even Pennsylvania Watch Tower So- when available it was often pro- ciety, including its president, hibitively expensive. The presi- "It is plain that present con- Joseph F. Rutherford. Persistent dent of the Society, Joseph stitutional guarantees of per- legal action on the part of asso- F. Rutherford, a lawyer himself, sonal liberty, as authoritative- ciates outside of prison eventu- had the Society set up a legal ly interpreted by the United ally led to their release and to office to provide assistance and States Supreme Court, are far their complete exoneration fünds, and to coordinate the broader than they were before from al1 charges. efforts of Jehovah's Witnesses the spring of 1938; and that in the fight for their constitu- During the 1930's persecution most of this enlargement is to tional rights through the courts. be found in the thirty-one of Jehovah's Witnesses mush- Jehovah's Witnesses cases roomed again in the United An effort was made to get the (sixteen deciding opinions) States, especially arising from cases out of the lower courts and of which Love11 v. Ci9 of laws requiring the compulsory into higher courts so that a bul- GrzJEn was the first."-Judge flag salute by children in wark of favorable decisions E. F. Waite, Minnesota Law schools, and also laws that could be established that would Review, 1944 would tax, restrict or prohibit stem this interference with Our outright the preaching of the work. So it was decided that Bible and the distributing of these laws would be challenged, either because they were being two occasions the Supreme applied contrary to the constitu- Court reversed itself in favor of "A state may not impose a tion or because they were in Jehovah's Witnesses. charge for the enjoyment of themselves unconstitutional. If While attention has been given a right granted by the feder- the lower courts ruled against to the significance of the battle al constitution. . . . The pow- them, the Witnesses would pay in the courts, acknowledgment er to impose a license tax on no fines but would go to jail must be given to the front-line the exercise of these freedoms instead. They would keep ap- fighters, al1 those of Jehovah's is indeed as potent as the ~ealingthe cases as high up in Witnesses who continued to ex- power of censorship which the court system as possible in ercise their rights of freedom of this Court has repeatedly order to get precedent decisions. religion and freedom of the struck down."-U.S. Su- The Society's legal office, in co- press, who put up with being preme Court, Murdock v. operation with lawyers around arrested and spending time in Pennsylvania the country, took up the fight the courts and in jails so that for freedom of speech and free- these issues could be tested in dom of worship. Al1 congrega- the higher courts. tions were supplied with avail- "Freedom to distribute infor- The Society's legai office contin- mation to every citizen wher- able court decisions as well as ues to coordinate activities legal advice on how to deal with ever he desires to receive it is around the country in defense so clearly vital to the preser- police officers, how to plead and of the constitutional right to how to conduct themselves in vation of a free Society that, preach the good news from putting aside reasonable po- court. These matters were re- house to house. In addition, hearsed over and over again at lice and health regulations there have been many cases in- of time and manner of distri- Service Meetings. Some local volving rights to build King- officials would even cornplain bution, it must be fully dom Halls and Assembly Halls. preserved."-U.S. Supreme that the Witnesses knew more Court, Martin v. City of about the law than they them- Through the years the Society's Strictbers selves did. legal office has also rendered assistance to many other branches From 1935 to 1950 there were around the world, resulting in some 10,000 arrests and 190 cas- the lifting of bans and also legal- es taken up on appeal. There ly establishing the work of were 28 different kinds of laws preaching. At present there are in hundreds of towns that were about 40 countries where the rendered invalid, and a total of Watch Tower Society's activi- 150 state supreme court cases ties are restricted and the work were won. By 1955 the United of Jehovah's Witnesses has been States Supreme Court had de- driven underground, but the cided 50 cases involving Jeho- preaching of the good news con- vah's Witnesses, resulting in 23 tinues. favorable decisions involving 37 cases and 10 unfavorable decisions involving 13 cases. On -Some legal advice provided for Jehovah's Witnesses I Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Society Uses Many to Expand Preachi

HE Watch Tower Society The Photo-Drama presented the was chartered primarily to explanation of Bible truth from Photo-Drama projection system T make extensive use of the priùt- the tirne of creation, the fa11 ed page, but it was also to make into sin, the promises of God to Puse of "al1 other lawful means" redeem man and His dealings that the directors would deem through history until the mil- expedient. lennial restitution. It is believed In addition to using its own to have been viewed by more publications, the Society ar- than 9,000,000 people through- ranged to have sermons of oat North Arnerica and Europe, Charles Taze Russell published as wgïl ;ls many others in places in newspapers. In cooperation aiagnqd. the world. It took two with the Society a syndicate of @e& d 5300,000 to complete brothers was formed that reg* -y of the scenes larly supplied Brother Russell's &ed. Yet admis- sermons to many newspapers ~-~asr.~~ad no collections throughout the United States, were takeh. Canada and Europe. Accordmg By 1922 radio stations were be- to The Watch Tower of Decem- ginning to broadcast daily. That ber 1, 1916, "More than 2,000 year the president of the Watch newspapers, with a combined Tower Society, Joseph F. Ruth- circulation of fifteen million erford, began to make use of the readers, at one time published radio to spread the truth, the his discourses. " first broadcast lecture being Other means of reaching the "Millions Now Living Will people were used. In 1912 work Never Die." In February of was begun on what has been 1924 the Watch Tower Society called "the first epic motion pic- began operating its own radio ture." This was the "Photo- station, WBBR, on Staten Is- Drama of Creation." It ap- land, New York. Its broadcasts peared 13 years before other were devoted exclusively to Bi- sound pictures were produced, ble, and Bible-related, subjects. and offered a combination of Soon other stations were used to motion and still pictures syn- spread Bible truths. By 1933 the chronized with a recorded lec- Society's president was Iikelv----- ture. It was presented in a series the beit known speaker on ri- I of four two-hour sessions. dio. Now 408 stations werp ka- J. F. Rutherford broadcasting from WBBR

WATCH TOWER Centennial ing used to carry the truth to use on 19,600 sound machines, six continents-including the reaching out to 13,070,426 lis- countries of Argentina, Austra- teners. lia, Canada, China, Cuba, However, for the last 40 years France, South Africa, Estonia, the greatest emphasis has been Uruguay, Alaska, Hawaii, Phil- placed on the personal ministry, ippines as well as the United with each one of Jehovah's Wit- States. In that year, 23,783 Bible nesses being qualified to witness talks were transmitted. Phonographs used in directly to people at their homes house-to-house ministry However, religious opposition and on the streets. A limited use increased, and this had great in- has been made of movie and fluence on broadcasting sta- slide presentations in recent tions, making continued effec- years, but the persona1 ministry ' tive use of radio broadcasting is what has been emphasized. nearly impossible. Finally, the In order to bring Bible truths to Society voluntarily withdrew its those who are bhd or who have general use of the radio, though very poor eyesight, the Watch WBBR continued its broadcast- Tower Society has set up a ing of the truth in the New Braille department that regular- Sound cars send out public York City area. Throughout its ly produces Be Watchtower in message 35 years of radio broadcasting Braille. There has also been pro- the Society never once solicited duced a Braille edition of the donations. New WmId Translation of the The 1930's witnessed other Christian Gseek Scriptures, as means used to spread the King- well as a nurnber of books deal- dom message. Portable electrical ing with Bible subjects. In addi- transcription machines were de- tion, a large-print edition of the veloped to reproduce radio- study articles of The Watchtower . broadcast recordings at public is published. and private gatherings. Sound Since 1978 the Watch Tower cars were used to send forth the Society made use of yet another The Kingdom message in Braille Kingdom truth along the streets technological advance to spread and in public places. And, final- Bible knowledge-tape record- ly, lightweight, portable phono- ings and cassettes. The Society graphs were developed to play operates a recording studio and specially produced 4 1/2 minute has set up tape duplication de- recorded Bible lectures, and partments in Brooklyn and oth- these were used by the Witness- er countries, and to date these es in their house-to-house visits. have produced over 18 million Reports show that in 1938 there cassettes containing recordings were a total of 430,000 discs of the Bible and books explain- with lectures in 16 languages in ing Bible teachings. Cassette recordings spread Bible knowledge

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Watch Tower Society 1s Accomplishing Its Purpose

HE Watch Tower %b%

printed page. Has it carr

lets, magazines, books a bles that have been pub and distributed.

Society has maintained an erated in Brooklyn and th 95 branches around the

the needs connected

rhood of more than 000 active Witnesses of ah. There were about it has worked to suppo~t* ,000 in attendance at the preaching of the good Mefiorial of Christ's death in has been interested in 1984 and who are showing in- up people spiritually. terest in God's promises.

1879-1918 419,194,085 (Mags, iqcl ) 10,150,665 429,344,750 1919-1 983 2,364,604,245 5,514,682,225 508,660,881 8,387,947,351

TOTALS 2,783,798,330 5,514,682,225 518,811,546 8,817,292,101 The book to Etern copie!

WATCH TOWER Centennial So whereas we have witnessed a remarkable advancement of technology of every sort in the world, the Watch Tower Soci- ety and al1 associated with it have freely made use of such technology to build up the spiritual lives of people and to help men, women and children to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit: love, joy, peace, long- suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. -Galatians 5:22,23. These people are known worldwide for their high moral stan- dards, their honesty and truth- fulness, their respect for and obedience to the laws of the land where they reside. Truth- fully it can be said that the Watch Tower Society is carrying out its purpose: "to improve men, women and children mentally and morally by Christian missionary work and by charitable and benevolent instruction of people on the Bible and incidental scientific, historical and literary subjects."

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Octqber 6, 1984 Faithfulness to Its Purpose Ensured by Faithful Men

CORPORATION is only vised the editorial committee of A a legal instrument, and the Watch Tower that would what it accomplishes wiil be de- continue the work following his termined by those persons 7Kho death that if it was necessary to support it and those who skdect any replacements, "purity in managing its affairs. When of Me, clearness in the truth, the Watch Tower Society ,? d foi God, love for the breth- incorporated, voting rnembey m~and faithfulness to the Re- ship was opened to anyone m 'hershall be prominent char- had contributed at least $119& aekristics of the one elected." the funds of the Society. hher urged that neither idea was to limit the mendm4 . nor members of the ship to those who had a gen ' ommittee be con- interest in advancing the 1p any other publica- pose of the Society and who rnanner or degree. no interest in persona1 gain. SA& :"As for com- When selecting traveling r I think it wise to sentatives (Pilgrims) for thed e Society's course of ciety the qualifications M.. &-a respect to salaries looked for in these men, 3- 7- none be paid; that mere- lined in Zion's Watch F@ .#y rasonable expenses be al- (September 1, 1894), .&r&{ Gwed [food, shelter and a mod- 9 "unexceptional character, erate allowance] to those who f .- ished with the truth; of ni&& serve the Society or its work in ness-that they might nût any manner." These provisions puffed up and thus be iajwmd were to ensure that only men of themselves, while seeking - devotion to the Lord and the help you; of clear concepticma& purposes of the Society would the Lord's great plan and eL, #have influence on the Society's imbued with its spirit; . . operation. known fi de lit^ '0 the T~ ensure that the rnembers of of mind whO seek to this corpontjon be men devat- preach themselvesy but cd to the purpose of the Watch -net to air their Own hion'- Tower Society, Article V of its edge, but Word in its sirn- ,..brterwas dmended in 1944 to plicity and power." state: "Its mernbers shall be only Charles Taze Russell also ad- men who are mature, active and

WATCH TOWER Centennial faithful witnesses of Jehovah." corporations that have been There are at present 439 mem- formed. bers from al1 states of the United This is not mentioned to eulo- States and 78 other countries gize or to praise anyone, but it around the world. Al1 of these is appropriate to acknowledge are faithfully advancing the the indebtedness of the Watch purposes of the Watch Tower Tower Society to al1 those loyal Society, many full time. dedicated brothers and sisters A testimony to the caliber of who, in connection with their faithful men who have served service to the Most High God, with the Watch Tower Society Jehovah, have cooperated with can be seen in the fact that dur- the Watch Tower Society in car- ing a period of 100 years only rying out its purposes from four different men have served those early days in Pittsburgh in the responsible position of until now. Jehovah has used president of the Society. The men and women of faith to car- first three presidents of the So- ry out his work in modern times ciety, Charles Taze Russell, Jo- just as he did centuries ago. seph Franklin Rutherford and Jehovah has surely proved to be Nathan Homer Knorr, served with his peaple during the past many years faithfully until their 100 years-and in this connec- death and never deviated from tion has made good use of the their devotion to Jehovah and Watch Tower Bible and Tract his purposes. The president now Society of Pennsylvania. We serving, a nonagenarian, Freder- can be confident that he will ick William Franz, has a record continue to make good use of of 71 years of faithful and loyal this legal instrument in carrying service to Jehovah and in full on the preaching of the good support of the purposes of the news of the Kingdom through- Watch Tower Society. out al1 the world as a witness to The other six brothers currently al1 nations right down to the end serving on the Society's board of the present system of things. of directors, plus the additional -Matthew 24:14. seven brothers who together make up the 14 members of the Governing Body of Jehovah's A few of the many faithful brotlhers who have cooperated closely with the ! Watch Witnesses, each have a record of Tower Society in carrying out its purposes more than 40 years of faithful, dedicated service to Jehovah. These preside over the worldwide activities ofJehovah3sWit- W. E. Van Amburgh nesses and the various nonprofit

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, October 6, 1984 Tour Sheet of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania , , Places Related to Activities of the Watch Tower Society and Jehovah's Witnesses.

1. JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ASSEMBLY HALL OF PITTSBURGH, Located in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, four miles now addressed as located in the North 9. UNITED CEMETERY. Jehovah's Wit- north of Greater Pittsburgh Internation- Commons just north of Allegheny Cen- nesses do not revere burial places, but al Airport. Completed April 10, 1976. ter complex. Outstanding special meet- some desire to visit the Watch Tower 2. MAR^^^ BUILDING, 119 ~~d~~~lings conducted by Brother Russell were Society's burial plot where C. T. Russell Street. The second floor was nsed as tem- held here. was buried. Turn right off Perrysville porary headquarters for the Watch Tow- Avenue on to Cemetery Lane. The Unit- er Society in 1918-19when the Brooklyn '. THE was located at ed Cemetery is the last cemetery on this office was closed down. 610 Arch Street, Allegheny, now demol- road. A few yards beyond the replica of ished. Headquarters of the Watch Tow- a pyramid is a driveway that takes one 3. STORE BUILDING, 200 Federal Street, er Society from 1889 until 1909 when near the Society's plot. formerly numbered according to the side the Society's offices were moved to THE WATCH TOWER street as 151 Robinson Street. This was Brooklyn, New York. The Allegheny 4100 Bigc1ow B1vd'3 Pittsburgh' Offi- the location of the haberdashery store of congregation met here in the large hall cial address of the Watch Tower Bible joseph ~~~~~lland charles upstairs. This former building was locat- L. T. R~~- and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. The sell. It also became the first office of about in the middle of the present zionls watch T~~~~and ~~~~t society Town Houses that are part of the Alle- is the Kingd0m Hall where four of the present Pitts- 1881 gheny Center complex. when it was formed in and later burgh congregations regularly meet. incorporated in 1884. 7' GARDEN THEATRE' l0 W. North 11. CIVIC ARENA, downtown. Special an- 4. WATCHTOWER AUDITORIUM, cor- enue' Meeting placc of the Allegheny nual corporation meetings of the Society ner of Suismon and Middle Streets. Now congregation and Pittsburgh brothers were held here in 1967 and 19,2. a Catholic Church. The brothers from from 1920 to 1932. the Pittsburgh area met here from 1932 12. THREE RIVERS STADIUM has bcen to 1941. 8. KINGDOM HALL, 1046 South Side Av- used for district conventions. enue. New meeting place of the Alleghc- 5. CARNEGIE LIBRARY-MUSIC HALL ny congregation, the first congregation 13. MT. WASHINGTON, elevation 1,100 BUILDING, formerly addressed on Fed- of Bible Students (Jehovah's Witnesscs) feet. Scenic Point overlooking the great- eral Street and still standing, though in the United States. er Pittsburgh area.

WATCH TOWER Centennial