Forrestville Hyde Park Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses

How often do you think about the year 1914? Probably not very often. But for the Forrestville Hyde Park Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses, this year holds immense significance. They believe that Jesus Christ began ruling invisibly in heaven in October 1914. This belief is a cornerstone of their faith. Let’s take a closer look at this congregation right here on South Wabash Avenue. Forrestville Hyde Park Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses is one of many congregations in Chicago and around the world. They are known for their active presence in most countries. What sets them apart is their strong belief in evangelism. You might have encountered them distributing literature like The Watchtower and Awake! Their mission is to share their beliefs and start “Bible studies” with those outside their faith. Their ultimate goal is to have the student become a baptized member of the Forrestville Hyde Park Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses. Interestingly, they report that millions of Bible studies are conducted globally each year, resulting in approximately 300,000 new baptisms. You might be surprised to learn that they don’t believe in celebrating religious holidays like Christmas and Easter. They also refrain from observing birthdays, national holidays, or other celebrations that they see as honoring anyone other than Jesus. They view these customs as having pagan origins or promoting nationalism. Their focus remains firmly on their faith and their worldwide brotherhood that transcends national and ethnic boundaries. They consider themselves a united community dedicated to spreading their beliefs and preparing for Armageddon, which they believe is imminent.