How did this fascinating movement start? Here before us stands the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses. It represents a global community with a unique history.
The Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses has roots in the Bible Student movement. This movement began in the United States in the 1870s. Christian minister Charles Taze Russell led it. Bible Student missionaries arrived in England in 1881. The first overseas branch opened in London in 1900.
Initially, the group was known as the International Bible Students Association. By 1914, it expanded to Canada and Germany. It also became active in Australia and other countries. After Russell’s death in 1916, the movement divided. Joseph Franklin Rutherford took control. He introduced doctrinal changes. These changes led many long-term members to leave.
But the group experienced rapid growth in the mid-1930s. This was due to new preaching methods. In 1931, the name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was adopted. This further separated them from Russell’s original followers.
Significant organizational changes followed. Congregations worldwide became more centrally controlled. Doctrinal changes included prohibiting blood transfusions. They also stopped using the cross in worship. Celebrations of Christmas and birthdays were rejected too. They began to view Armageddon as a global war by God. This war would destroy the wicked and restore Earth’s peace.
In 1945, the Watch Tower Society amended its charter. It then included preaching about God’s Kingdom. It also became a governing agency for Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Society began sending out missionaries and teachers. Their purpose was public worship of God and Jesus.
Jehovah’s Witnesses faced bans in several countries. These included Canada during World War I. They also included Germany, the Soviet Union, and Australia during World War II. Members suffered persecution and mob violence. This occurred in the United States as well. Between 1938 and 1955, they initiated legal actions. These actions established their right to sell literature. They also gained the right to abstain from flag salute ceremonies. They sought recognition as wartime conscientious objectors.
About 1869, Russell attended a meeting in Pittsburgh. He heard Jonas Wendell speak on Bible prophecy. Wendell’s views were influenced by William Miller. Russell became convinced God would reveal his purpose. He formed an independent Bible study group. He rejected the idea that Christ’s return would destroy the earth. Instead, Christ paid a ransom. This would atone for humans’ sins. Humans could then live forever in perfection. Russell also rejected hellfire.
In 1876, Russell read an issue of Herald of the Morning. It was edited by Nelson Barbour. Barbour had calculated Christ would return in 1874. He and J.H. Paton concluded the return was invisible. Russell rejoiced to find others with similar ideas. He provided Barbour with funds. They wrote a book together.
The book was titled Three Worlds and the Harvest of This World. It was published in 1877. It presented ideas embraced by Jehovah’s Witnesses. It identified the “Gentile Times”. This era of 2,520 years would end in 1914. It also advanced Russell’s concept of “restitution”. This meant all humankind would be resurrected. They would have the opportunity for eternal life.
In 1881, Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society formed. It disseminated tracts and Bibles. Russell was the secretary. William Conley was president. In 1884, Russell became president. He explained the corporation was a business association. It was for spreading the truth.
Russell wrote many articles, books, and sermons. They totaled 50,000 pages. Almost 20 million copies of his books were distributed. In 1886, he wrote The Divine Plan of the Ages. It established his fundamental doctrines.
The first congregations were established in 1879. By 1881, missionaries were sent to England. Overseas branches opened in London in 1900. Others followed in Germany, Australia, and Switzerland. The Watch Tower Society’s headquarters moved to Brooklyn, New York in 1908.
And so, the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses stands as a testament. It reflects the evolving history of a determined religious movement. It overcame challenges and spread its message across the globe.