Jehovah's Witnesses and the Kingdom Hall Building Projects
The notion that “since 2017 Jehovah’s Witnesses have sold 2 Billion dollars worth of Kingdom Halls in the United States alone” is a misleading claim. In reality, only the Brooklyn, New York properties were sold for over 2 billion dollars, due to the high property value and well-maintained buildings dedicated to Jehovah’s work. Building projects for Kingdom Halls are always ongoing, and this article delves into recent developments and future plans for Kingdom Hall construction.
Background and Value of Brookly New York Properties
Between 2016 and 2019, the Brooklyn New York properties were sold for over 2 billion dollars due to their high property value and exceptional condition. The factory and office facilities covered approximately 8 city blocks, with 2,476,460 square feet [230,071 sq m] of floor space in the early 1990s. The sale reflected the value of these properties rather than any monetary transaction of Kingdom Halls themselves.
Current and Future Building Projects
Building projects are continually underway, and we will highlight a few recent endeavors and ongoing efforts:
New York USA - Ramapo Media Production Project
The massive media production project at Ramapo is progressing rapidly. The Ramapo Town Board recently granted special permits for zoning and site clearing, which is expected to be completed in December 2026. This project signifies significant investment and development for the community and the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization.
South Africa - Remote Translation Office (RTO)
The South African Branch opened a new Remote Translation Office (RTO) for the Venda language in December 2022. This expansion was a significant step in serving a diverse linguistic community and enhancing the organization's translation capabilities.
Spain - Office Renovation
The Spanish branch has recently completed a renovation of one of its office buildings in September 2022. The renovation, which will be mainly used by the Translation Department, is part of a larger branch renovation planned for completion by 2025. This project underscores the commitment to modernizing and upgrading facilities to meet the needs of the expanding membership.
Mexico - Relocation and Expansion
Plans are approved for the relocation and expansion of the 49-year-old Central America branch office in Mexico City. Due to the need for further expansion and upgrades, the existing facility would benefit significantly from a relocation and reconditioning project. Additionally, five new Remote Translation Offices (RTOs) began operating in Mexico in 2022, bringing the total number to 25, highlighting the organization's growing presence and capabilities in the region.
Brazil - Major Renovation Project
A large branch renovation project started in May 2022 in Brazil. This project aims to renovate and upgrade approximately 75,000 square meters [807,293 sq ft], including all of the offices and 650 residence rooms. This modernization initiative showcases the organization's commitment to providing better facilities for its members and the community at large.
Angola - Renovation of Living and Office Space
A renovation project began in June 2022 on a four-story building in Angola. This development will provide additional living and office space for the Angola branch, featuring 57 rooms and 60 offices. Members of the Bethel family are expected to move into this building in February 2024, providing them with better accommodation and workspaces.
New York USA - Visitor Facility
Work is underway on a new two-story, 2,787-square-meter [30,000 sq ft] visitor facility at the Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson, New York. Expected to be completed by the summer of 2023, the facility will feature a museum with three permanent galleries and one rotating gallery, capable of hosting 1,200 daily visitors. This expansion is aimed at enhancing educational and visitor experiences.
Argentina - New Branch Facility
The Bethel family in Argentina moved into its newly constructed branch facility in February 2022. The facility includes an office building with 136 workstations and two residential buildings with 98 rooms. This modern and spacious facility demonstrates the organization's commitment to providing its members with adequate workspaces and living accommodations.
Democratic Republic of the Congo - Construction on New Facility
A new facility was completed in May 2022 in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, serving as the main branch office. This project provides additional resources and infrastructure for the approximately 260 Bethelites in the area, enhancing their ability to serve the community.
Britain - New Bethel Facility
The Britain Bethel family has been moving into a new Bethel facility near Chelmsford, Essex, since 2020. Over 11,000 brothers and sisters had volunteered more than four million hours to restore a 34-hectare property, once a vehicle scrap heap and unregulated dump site. The previous branch, located in Mill Hill, London, was used since 1959 and expanded across a vast area, highlighting the extensive efforts and resources required to maintain and support the organization.
Conclusion
The ongoing and future building projects for Kingdom Halls reflect the organization's commitment to serving and supporting its members. From media production facilities to new educational centers and branch offices, these developments underscore the growth and expansion of the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization. These projects not only improve the physical infrastructure but also enhance the capacity to carry out the organization's mission effectively.
As these initiatives continue, the organization remains dedicated to providing its members with the best possible facilities to fulfill their mission and support the global community.