New Kingdom Hall - A long wait

[On the huh]

It was about 18 years ago a decision was made to have a new kingdom hall.  A search was launched to find suitable land for a hall.

 

Nothing!

 

A few years later and the RBC became the LDC.  The LDC agreed that we needed a new place, and took over the project and the search.

 

Still Nothing!

 

About 10 years in, and we received news from the LDC.  It was not what we expected and a little disappointing.  After years of searching and failing, they decided to, rather than relocated o a new hall, they would refurb the existing one.  It was disappointing because we had high hopes for a new building in a better location.  Plans were drawn up.  It was to be a major refurb with big structural changes, taking 8 months to complete.  We were put on the list, waiting for a date.

 

2020, and in lockdown.  The project on hold.  Unbeknownst to us at the time, the LDC started to reinvestigate the possibility of a new build.  Casting their nets wider and searching every pocket of land.  But sadly, nothing.  Back to plan B.

 

2022 and the project is back on.  2023 and planning permission was sought and granted.  2024 and we got a start date - March 2025.  The date was postponed until August 2025 and to be completed by March 2026.

July 2025, we had our last meeting at the Kingdom Hall.  It was a sad and happy occasion.  Within the next week, the place was cleared and stripped.  Ceilings, lights, av system, carpets and chairs all removed.  All ready for the project team to move in and begin.  No going back now!

 

August 2025.  The project was been put on hold because of a "development".  The LDC team move on to other projects, leaving us with no Kingdom Hall.

March 2026.  Good news! A building has been purchased!  It is only 20 years old.  Built by, and until recently used by, the Plymouth Brethren.  Its a really nice building by the looks of it and only needs minor works doing to it.  Plenty of parking spaces too.  As it is already a place of worship, we are good on that front too - no seeking a change of use.

 

Soon we hear more about the building and the new project.

[truce]

Keep us posted,  and don't forget to send pictures when you can. Does this mean your congregation is currently sharing a hall with another congregation?

[On the huh]

Yes we a sharing with another congregation.  Its a bit of a drive there.

Just heard, August is the possible start date with completion by November.

[On the huh]

Getting closer.  Start in 2 weeks.  H&S meetings being held for those volunteering.

[TheKid23]

Jehovah always does things at the right time! I’m sure one day you’ll look back and understand why it took so long! 

[jdcarlson]

2 hours ago, TheKid23 said:

Jehovah always does things at the right time! I

 

This is so true.

 

In the past I had the privilege of working with the Legal Deparment on some tax matters. If I have counted correctly, over the years I accumulated 16 weeks of temporary Bethel Service.

I know the Society does not pay taxes. But there are certain 'Hoops' any tax exept organization has to "jump through" to keep their exempt status. So, a Certified Public Accountant may still have reason to interact with the legal department to be sure Jehovah's Oranization is "giving to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar" and to keep Jehovahs Earthly Organization above reproach.

 

Some of the matters covered took 10 years to work through. There were other projects that turned out not to be feasible or useful, and went nowhere.

 

One matter concerned the change of one word in a departmental instruction. That took two years befor it was finalized.

 

Many things can come us that can delay a project, or make a project not feasible.  To me that demonstrates the thoroughness of everything Jehovah's Organization does. I saw many examples of research and documentation on the part of Jehovah's Earthly Organization that would be considered "way over the top" by worldly Attorneys, CPAs, Engineers, Architects, etc., and any of the worldly professionals with whom I have worked locally. The "professionaism" and absolute care exercised by Jehovah's Organization is just one more example of the GB doing their VERY BEST to make sure everything is done "just so"  -  the same way Noah built the ark.

 

Seeing the care and research that has gone on in the few sitiutions where I have had the privilege of working with ones at Bethel, when I watch the episodes of The Good News Accordng to Jesus I marvel about how much research had to go into the production to be absolutely certain that everything was presented as accurately as possible.

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

 

Edited 15 hours ago by jdcarlson

[Mike047]

We see Jehovah's hand in all of these developments. Purchase of land, planning permission, Wallkill, Ramapo and other projects are proof enough of that. We see Jehovah and Christ Jesus preparing us for what is yet to come. May we all prove ready.

[bvr]

14 hours ago, jdcarlson said:

 

This is so true.

 

In the past I had the privilege of working with the Legal Deparment on some tax matters. If I have counted correctly, over the years I accumulated 16 weeks of temporary Bethel Service.

I know the Society does not pay taxes. But there are certain 'Hoops' any tax exept organization has to "jump through" to keep their exempt status. So, a Certified Public Accountant may still have reason to interact with the legal department to be sure Jehovah's Oranization is "giving to Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar" and to keep Jehovahs Earthly Organization above reproach.

 

Some of the matters covered took 10 years to work through. There were other projects that turned out not to be feasible or useful, and went nowhere.

 

One matter concerned the change of one word in a departmental instruction. That took two years befor it was finalized.

 

Many things can come us that can delay a project, or make a project not feasible.  To me that demonstrates the thoroughness of everything Jehovah's Organization does. I saw many examples of research and documentation on the part of Jehovah's Earthly Organization that would be considered "way over the top" by worldly Attorneys, CPAs, Engineers, Architects, etc., and any of the worldly professionals with whom I have worked locally. The "professionaism" and absolute care exercised by Jehovah's Organization is just one more example of the GB doing their VERY BEST to make sure everything is done "just so"  -  the same way Noah built the ark.

 

Seeing the care and research that has gone on in the few sitiutions where I have had the privilege of working with ones at Bethel, when I watch the episodes of The Good News Accordng to Jesus I marvel about how much research had to go into the production to be absolutely certain that everything was presented as accurately as possible.

 

Thanks,

 

Jim

 

 

I infinitely concur.