The Watchtower, December 1, 1924
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WT.0 f»TS.
Report from South America ......
Work in Australasia ____________...
Work of the Colored Branch__
No. 23
Upon the earth distress of nstions with perplexity; the sea and the waves (the ’^^’^JSibp^aken^^'when yeTeethese thinS’bemn co'comLs hen the things coming upon the earth (society); for the powers of the heavens (eccleslasticsni)l shal1 be s ak X _M'tt. 24:33;Mark 13-29- Luke 21:2'>-34.
know tbst the Kingdom of God is at hand. Look up, lift up your heads, rejoice, for your redemption nrawern mg .
Nvl. XLV
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6053—Dec. 1, 1924
CONTENTS
Annual Report for 1924
Report of Financial Report of Report of Report of
Reports Reports Reports Reports Reports Reports
ROfK'OFAGES
Otho; Jrfdalien t
no man ay
a h'kNrcM roa Ai 'Vr/»
the Brooklyn Office Statement for 1924 .......
the British Branch .......
the Canadian Branch Central European Office
from from from from from from
Scandinavian Countries ... Eastern Europe ...............
the Near East ......._..........
Africa..............................
the Far East ...................
West Indies and Vicinity
356 ...358 ...358
359 .360 ..363 ..364 ..365 ..365 ..366 ..366 ..366 ..367 ..367
"I will stand upon my watch and will set my foot upon the Tower, and will watch to see what He will fay unto me, and what answer I shall make to them that oppose me."—Hahakkuk t:L
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS Journal !s one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and Of the coming of its traveling representatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” are topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who w’ould merit the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Verbi Dei Minister (V. I>. M.), which translated Into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teachers. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a ransom, [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2 : 6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills; 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Ward of God, its further mission is to “make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . .has been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3 : 5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest Gubjectien to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine’wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we affirm, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in hi$ service; hence our decisions relative to what may and what may not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people in grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge oui; readers to prove all its utterances by the infallible Word to which reference is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through which, uneu finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 28:14; Galatians 3:29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ's atonement for sin, progresses; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ready, the great Master Workman will bring all together in the. first resurrection; and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout; the Millennium.—Revelation 15 : 5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,” “a ransom for all,” and will be “the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in doe time”.—. Hebrews 2:9; John 1: 9; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she may be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his glory as his joint-heir.—1 John 3:2; John 17:24; Romans 8:17; 2 Peter 1:4.
That tl\e present mission of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future work of service; to develop in herself every grace ; to be God’s witness to the world ; and io prepare to be kings and prie&ts in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12: Matthew 24; 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ’s Millennial kingdom, the restitution of all that was lost in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the hands of their Redeemer and his glorified church, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23; Isaiah 35.
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WATCH TOWER.BIBLE 6-TRACT SOCIETY
18 CONCORD STREET O 0 BROOKLYN, NY. U-SA
Foreign Offices : British: 34 Craven Terrace, Lancaster Gato, London W. 2; Canadian: 38-40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario; Australasian: 495 Collins St., Melbourne, Australia; Bonth African; 6 Leke St., Cape Town, South Africa.
Please Address the Society in Every Case.
YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE: United States, $1.00 ; Canada AND MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, $1.50; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA, and South Africa, 7s. American remittances should be made by Express or Postal Money Orders, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British, South African, and Australasian remittances should be made to branch offices only. Remittances from scattered loieign territory may be made to the Brooklyn olhee, but by international Postal Money Orders only. (Foreign translations of tins journal appear in several languages)
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editorial committee, at least three of whom have read and appi-oved as truth each and every article appearing in these columns. The names of the editorial committee are; J. F. Rutherford, W, E. Van Amburch, J. Hemery, R II. Imrber, C. E Stewart. Terms to the Load’s Poor: All Bible students who, by reason of old age or other infiriniiy or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the Berean studies.__
Notice to Subscribers: We do not, as a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renewal or for a new subscription. Receipt and entry of renewal are indicated within a month by change in expiration date, as shown on wrapper label.
Entered as Second Class Matter at Brooklyn, N.Y. Postoffice., Act of March 3-J
I.B.S.A.. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
By Means of “The At-one-ment”
STUDY IX: “BAPTISM, WITNESS, AND SEAL’’ Week of Jan. 4 ... Q. 43-48 Week of Jan. 18 ... Q. 55-60 Week of Jan. 11... Q. 49-54 Week of Jan. 25 ... Q. 61-66
“STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES”
These Studies (books) are recommended to students as veritable Bible keys, discussing topically the vital doctrines of the Bible. More than fourteen million copies are in circulation, in eighteen languages. There are seven volumes in the series, handsomely bound in maroon cloth (size 5" x 7 g"), gold stamped, printed on dull finish paper. There are over 3.000 pages in the set, and the English volumes sell for only $2.50, postpaid. Write for information regarding the other languages.
CHANGING SECRETARIES
Classes are requested not to change Secretaries at election time, unless such change should be necessary. If a change is made, the Pilgrim Department should be notified promptly. Change of address of the Secretary should also be reported to the Pilgrim Department without delay. Mail is frequently delayed because of failure to inform us of change of Secretaries and their addresses. Where this is possible, it is desirable that a Brother living in the city act as Secretary, not someone who has a rural address.
BETHEL HYMNS FOR JANUARY
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1S3
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
AND HERALD OF CHRIST’S PRESENCE
Vol. XLV December 1, 1924 No. 23
ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1924
"And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." “The kingdom of heaven is at hand."—DanielS: JfJ/.; Matthew 10:7.
THE proof seems clear that the God of heaven is majestically moving forward in the work of establishing his kingdom; that we are now in the time of the fulfilment of the words of the prophet Daniel, as above stated. No one will have anything to do with the work of setting up that kingdom except those who are in harmony with God. Each one who possesses ability (by that meaning a measure of the holy spirit) will have a portion to do with the kingdom according to his ability. It is certain that the part of those who have to do with it at all is to preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand! They bring no profit to Jehovah nor the Lord Jesus; but these are witnesses that Jehovah is God, that Jesus is King, that the kingdom is here. To give this testimony to the peoples of earth is a divinely-given privilege and duty to those who are in full harmony with the Lord.
This Society, serving as a servant of the Lord, has been trying during the fiscal year ending 1924 to perform its privileges and duties in the proclamation of the message of the kingdom. Modestly, then, we claim to be participating in the establishment of the kingdom to that extent. We count this the greatest privilege that could be granted to any creature. Those who appreciate this privilege have entered into the joy of the Lord and realize that the joy of the Lord is their strength.
While neither the law of the land nor the charter of the Society requires an annual report to be made, it is the privilege of the President of the Society to make such report to other brethren on the earth concerning the work done during the year. No one on earth has done anything great in the name of the Lord, but the work that the Lord has accomplished through his people is marvelous in our eyes. Particularly is this true when we take into consideration that only a handful of people has been engaged in the work. Some who have failed to use their talents have had the same removed and given to others. The work has gone grandly on, to the glory of the King. All glory and honor is due the heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus; and when we take a retrospective view of what has been accomplished during the past year we mark increased evidences that the kingdom of the Lord is being established.
During the year the enemy has not been idle, but has diligently pressed the fight against the people of God. This is to be expected; and happy is the lot of those who are permitted thus to share in the sufferings of Christ Jesus our Plead. These recognize that tribulation develops patience, broadens our experience, and brightens our hopes. Through all the experiences the Lord has been the stay and shield and protection of his people. Truly he has brought his church into a large place and delivered the faithful ones, because he delighted in them.
At the end of this fiscal year we can truly say, with David: “Thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle.” (Psalm 18: 39) The year has been one of great encouragement, because we have observed the hand of the Lord in the work of the Society. His truly consecrated ones, all of whom jointly compose the Society, have been joyfully giving a witness. The mass of matter to consider in the yearly work makes it impossible to give a full and detailed report herein. The report therefore contains only the salient features that prominently appear.
ORGANIZATION
Proper organization is absolutely essential to success in any work. Especially is this true concerning the kingdom work. The Scriptures plainly show that all of the work done that is approved by the Lord must be done orderly. He is not a God of confusion, but a God of order. Every one in the Lord’s organization is expected to work as opportunity is afforded. He it not to be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit in the Lord’s service. Jesus declared: “My Father work-eth hitherto, and I work.” (Jolin 5:1?) All who are pleasing to the Lord, therefore, must work, as he gives them opportunity. To the end that his work on earth might be accomplished in harmony with the Lord’s will, effort has been made to organize and conduct the same on the plan of efficiency. Of course it is never so efficient but that improvement can be made.
The main office of the Society, from which the work generally is directed, is situated at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York. The operative offices of the American activities are at 18 Concord Street, Brooklyn, with a number of branch offices under their respective managers situated in various parts of the earth.
It is the duty of the executive office at Brooklyn to handle all the official correspondence from all the branch offices, and to have general supervision over the finances and to direct the expending of the same in the various countries of earth, and to keep in close touch with the work in America as well as the foreign branches, as well as to exercise a general supervisory control over the same. There is a close sympathetic relationship between the home office and the branch offices, and the Lord is directing it all. It is rather difficult for one to have in mind the scope of the work by a mere casual consideration of what is being done. The suggestion is made that while considering the facts set forth in this report the reader take a map of the world and refer to it in connection with the reports from the various countries. In giving this report we will set it forth under the heading of the name of the respective branch offices. Some of these offices manage the work of several languages in several countries, as will be observed.
BROOKLYN
From the Brooklyn office the Society’s work within the United States is conducted in the English language; and in addition thereto departments in foreign tongues are maintained, and the work is directed under one general manager.
For several months in advance the work is mapped out, and endeavor is made for each department to move exactly on time and in harmony, so as to enable the greatest results to be obtained for the effort put forth. In the performance of our part in announcing the kingdom, the work consists chiefly in bringing to the people a knowledge of the Lord’s plan. To accomplish this, books and literature must be produced and placed in their hands at the lowest possible cost.
FACTORY
During the year it was found that the space for manufacturing our books and printing other literature was inadequate. To facilitate the work we took over the entire floor space of the building occupied, and now occupy the basement, in which are installed the large printing presses, and six floors above that, one of which is used for the office.
The production of the printing plant at 18 Concord Street during the year was as follows:
Volumes of bound books and booklets ....... 3,582,295
The Watch Tower, number of copies printed.. 1,092.000
The Goi.uen Age, number of copies printed .... 1,816.900 “Proclamation” (Los Angeles, 1923) ________________ 13.478.409
Handbills printed for classes .............................. I,0i0,300
Handbills in foreign languages ............. 698.900
In addition to the presses employed at 18 Concord Street by the Society, we installed printing presses at the following points: St. Louis, Chicago, and Oakla.nl, California. These have printed handbills for the classes since being installed, as follows:
St. Louis ............. 992.009
Chicago __________________________________________________________________________ 553.00.)
Oakland ________________________________________________________________________ 300.000
The production shows a decided increase over that of 1923. The total amount of pieces of literature, books, booklets, tracts, etc., printed during the year from Brooklyn was 24,482, 895.
DISPOSITION OF BOOKS
The publications produced in bound volumes and sent out from this office to classes, colporteurs and branches, including Studies in the Scriptures, Scenarios, “The Harp of God,” etc., during the year, totals 985,811 volumes, in the English language alone. Booklets produced and shipped out during the same period, 1,294,085; Watch Tower Reprints, 2,223 sets. Added to this is “The Way to Paradise”, 40,781 volumes. This- does not include, of course, the “Indictment'” printed immediately following the end of the fiscal year, which will appear in the next report.
The “Proclamations” from the Los Angeles Convention were printed and distributed throughout the earth to the total of about fifty million copies in various languages.
FIELD WORKERS
During the year there have not been so many workers in the field as last year, even though a greater work has been accomplished. This indicates that the Lord’s work must go grandly on; and if some find it necessary to slack their hand, or if others, because of indifference, turn aside, the Lord will increase the ability of those who are willing to work, that the work may go forward. During the year 1923 there was a weekly average of 1? 90 workers in the field service. During the year 1921 there was a weekly average of 1064 workers in the field.
The colporteurs are really the ones that bear the burden of the battle. The Lord has added his blessing. During the year the colporteurs and auxiliary colporteurs sold 7,394 more sets of Studies in the Scrip-Tt'KES than did all of the organized classes in the country. The following shows the comparative sales:
Classes, sets of Studies in the Scriptures............32,195
Isolated colporteurs, sets of Studies —---------------12,787
Class colporteurs, sets of Studies ...........-............... 4.221
Auxiliary colporteurs, sets of Studies .—............... 2,581
Driving the year the combined sales of English and foreign language books disposed of from this office were as follows:
Studies in the Scejitubes, Scenarios, etc----------627.685
“The Harp of God'’ ................ . ..556,218
“A Desirable Government” ----------------------------------------741,449
“Millions” book ........................ 93.735
Miscellaneous booklets ______________________________________-........709,066
“The Finished Mystery” (paper-bound) ....
“The Divine I'lan” (paper-bounCt) . --------------------
“The Way to Paradise” ........ -......... 40,781
MAtch Tower Reprints --------------------------
Grand Total.................. 2,774.923
The number of persons who engaged in the work at Brooklyn headquarters during the year 1924 has averaged 110.
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
In addition to the English work carried on at the Brooklyn headquarters is that conducted in the following foreign languages: Arabic, Armenian. French. German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Polish, Ru-’sian, and Ukrainian. In addition to the languages last above mentioned, this office prints books and literature in the following languages: Bohemian, Croatian, Hawaiian, Japanese, Lettish, Roumanian, Spanish, and Yiddish
CONVENTIONS
During the fiscal year fifteen well-advertised conventions of English-speaking people were held in the United States. The general convention was held at Columbus, Ohio, which has heretofore been reported in The Watch Tower. These conventions have served as a great stimulus to the brethren everywhere and in binding closer together the hearts of those who are engaged in the service of the Lord.
WORLD-WIDE WITNESS
The Society during the year has pursued the policy of setting certain dates for world-wide witnessing, on which dates the classes in every part of the earth, in all languages, were asked to arrange for public meetings. This has been done with splendid success, and has had much to do with getting a knowledge of the divine plan into the minds of the people. The fact that the brethren at the same time all over the earth are speaking on the same subject is encouraging to them, and gives a wider advertisement of the kingdom message. The Lord’s blessing has been upon, this; and we believe it to be the Lord’s will that we continue in the same way of acting on the same day in regard to the same matter.
For each one of these public meetings the sub-title at least has been, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” This has become a sort of “trade mark” of the Bible Students; and all over the earth the people know that the Bible Students are the ones who proclaim this message.
PILGRIM SERVICE
The Pilgrim brethren have faithfully pursued their work, looking after the interests of the kingdom committed to their hands. The Pilgrim work in the United States, directed from the Brooklyn office, has been participated in during the year by 102 English-speaking brethren. The general attendance at the regularly advertised public meetings has increased during the year. There have not been quite so many meetings held ;■< during the year before, but this has been offset by the number of lectures broadcast by radio. In addition to the public witness, the Pilgrims have made regular visits to the classes to encourage them and to build them up on their most holy faith. A detailed statement of the Pilgrim work follows:
Number of visits made
Number of public meetings _____________________________
Total attendance at public meetings........................629,100
Number of class meetings
Total attendance at class meetings 565,745
Total number of miles traveled ____________________________....726,730
Foreign and Colored Departments
Number of Pilgrims in service during year ....
Number of visits made
Number of public meetings .....
Total attendance at public meetings __________________. ..117,928
Number of class meetings .....
Total attendance at class meetings.........................107,059
Total number of miles traveled ....... 252,862
PUBLIC WITNESS
The public witness in the United States has been well maintained throughout the year. The classes everywhere have done nobly in this regard. At great expense to themselves they have procured halls, extensively advertised meetings, and thus proclaimed the message of the kingdom. On the reverse side of many of the handbills has been printed a brief tract which, in itself, has been a large witness.
In view of the fact that the classes spent so much money for the local witness, their contributions to the Society’s main office were necessarily reduced.
FINANCIAL
We acknowledge with profound gratitude and thanksgiving the manner in which the Lord has looked after his work this year from the financial viewpoint. Being enabled to produce our own books, we have also been able to sell them at a greatly reduced price, for much less than they would have been sold otherwise; and it has been the endeavor as nearly as possible to make the sale of these books cover the expense of manufacture, etc., leaving a wider field for the use of contributions, particularly in foreign lands.
During the year the Society has expended in the foreign field cash to the amount of $118,321.10. In addition thereto a large number of books has been furnished to the foreign offices. Thus we see that the American brethren have been greatly privileged to help stricken Europe and other parts of the earth in giving a witness to those who could not otherwise have it. We share their joy. In fact, our joy is double because we have been permitted to help to bless them.
The brethren have been liberal with their contributions to the “Good Hopes” fund. These have been small, as individual amounts, but have mounted up when all were added together. Appended hereto is a summary of the financial statement prepared and filed by the Treasurer of the Society, as follows:
RECEIPTS
To balance from 1923---------------------------------$ 1,624.47
To “Good Hopes” donations__________________ 230,796.24
To deficit 1924 ------------------------------------ 4,126.68
$236,547.39
EXPENDITURES
By general conventions _______________________________$ 16,686.89
By Pilgrim work ___________________ 38.9S8.64
By publicity, public lectures, etc_____________________ 37,250.55
Free literature 25,300.21
By foreign work --------------------—................ 118,321,10
$236,547.39
CORRESPONDENCE
During the year letters and cards to the number of 199,218 have been received, and 277,259 dispatched.
RADIO
It is with much pleasure that we can now announce that the Society owns and maintains a radio broadcasting station, situated on Staten Island, New York, and designated by the Government as Station WBBR, our name for it being “Watchtower”. This station has been in operation since February 24, 1924.
It has been suggested by some of the brethren that it is exceedingly interesting to note that the first time the public discourse “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” was delivered was at Los Angeles, California, February 24, 1918. Six years later, to a day, February 24, 1921, the “Watchtower” radio station put on its initial program. We feel that the Lord’s hand is clearly in this matter.
Reports that come frequently from far away distances show that many are hearing the message of truth. We have good reports from Maine and Canadian points on the northeast, and from Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, on the northwest and west, and clear to the southern border of the United States, the station having been heard on the Pacific coast. Quite a large number of books has been placed by reason of the station.
It is impossible to tell how many hear, but it is certain that within a radius of one hundred miles of the station there were a year ago, according to report, 500,000 receiving sets. This number must be greatly increased by this time. The possibility of the size of the audience of a radio station is tremendous. It is hoped that by the permission of the Government we can soon use greater power and greatly improve the efficiency of this radio station.
Another station is now in course of construction at Chicago, and we hope soon to have it in operation. The Lord will see to it that the message of the kingdom goes to the people in his own good way and in his own due time. We believe that the radio is the most economical and effective way of spreading the message of the truth that has yet been used. It is suggested that even though the numbers engaging in the service may greatly decrease, the Lord will use the radio to spread the message just the same. We should learn this lesson that nothing can interfere with the message of the kingdom; and that if one neglects his privileges to give the witness in the way the Lord has granted him the opportunity, he may expect that opportunity to be removed and the Lord to use some other way to put the message out.
The Society has urged upon the brethren activity in the service, knowing that this is not for the benefit of the Lord, but for the benefit of the brethren themselves. The privilege of engaging in the service cannot be overestimated. We hope the brethren everywhere will be stimulated to increased activity to their own joy.
It is noted that only those who are actively engaged in the service according to opportunity are really rejoicing in the Lord. It is a fulfilment of the Lord's Word: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.”—Nehemiah 8:10.
If the Lord sees fit to build other radio stations for the spreading of the truth, he will provide the money in his own good way. It will be our privilege to participate in building these stations and spreading the message as he opens the door of opportunity.
LONDON, ENGLAND
From the London office the work is carried on throughout England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The results for the fiscal year are gratifying indeed. With pleasure we quote from the local manager’s report, as follows:
“I have the honor to give you the British Branch report of the actixities in this part of the field. The report is good in that it is the b*-st we have been able to send from London. Last year's figures are increased in respact to sales to the extent of more than 100,000 books; and what is satisfactory and encouraging is that the increase is nearly all in the larger books, the Studies, and ‘The Harp of God.’ The larger sale of the Studies is made possible by reason of the lowering of the price to the public, which in turn, is made possible by the fact that you supply these at a much lower cost than we could produce them here. The brethren have been much heartened as they have been enabled to place so many sets of eight volumes in the hands of the people. The newer, smaller booklets, ‘World Distress’ and ‘A Desirable Government,’ have been very acceptable to the workers as also to the public. The sales still keep up, and we are confidently looking for a great increase during the coming year.
“Service. The service work is, of course, doing by far the greatest part in the output of the books. There is as yet no limit to the possible service; for experience here proves the same as in other places, namely, that territory can be gone over again and again with an increase of sales. There are still some classes who have not wakened up to the fact that the Lord has privileged those who know the truth to be his messengers, his heralds of the kingdom and of his presence. There are now 322 Classi's on our list, but there are only 260 who have undertaken this service for the Lord. We wonder why they do not rouse themselves.
“Colpobteub. The colporteur work keeps steadily on. There is always a wide field for this service; and now that the books are so cheap, and the noise of the witness is going abroad and people are beginning to realize that the I. B. S. A. people are the only ones with a message, the work of canvassing is not nearly so difficult as it was when the work was unknown and when there was but little need beyond that of clearing away theological difficulties. The cry is still, ‘The harvest is great, but the laborers are few.’
“Brother Rutherford’s visit to Britain, with the accompanying conventions and public meetings, was the outstanding feature of the year. Without doubt the brethren were stimulated in an uncommon measure by that visit, and the good results were immediate and permanent. Perhaps the next noticeable feature was the convention recently held in Glasgow, certainly the best attended there. It was with great spirit the convention congregation adopted the Columbus resolution. The Lord is surely amongst his people here also.
“I have never known the British friends to be so united or in such good heart in their purpose to serve the Lord. ‘The Harp’ is a wonderful help to the work. Owing chiefly to it we have paid our way during the year.”
A summary of the output of literature by the British Branch during the year is as follows:
Studies in the Scbiptubes.................... 86.251
“The Harp of God”_____________________________ 123.740
“Millions” books...................... 32,050
“Can the Living Talk with the Dead?” books___________3,379
Scenarios, “The Way to Paradise,” etc. ---------------- 10,085
"World Distress” and “Desirable Government” booklets ........... 67,022
Other booklets....................... 32,795
Total 355,322
Proclamations and various tracts........................ 4,132,881
Folders (carrying the message) ................. 4,086,700
Letters received .................... 33,908
Letters dispatched -------------------------------------------------------- 52,419
Public meetings ...
Attendance at public meetings.............................— 106,712
Pilgrims in regular service............................—-
Classes visited
Class meetings __________________________________-......................—- 4,970
Attendance at class meetings .................. 181,451
Colporteurs ........ —
Auxiliary colporteurs
Classes engaged in service work........
An analysis of the reports shows that the colporteurs have done the major portion of the work in placing the books in the hands of the people. Great is their privilege. Surely the Lord loves them greatly. The colporteurs should be much encouraged to press on in the work the Lord has given them to do.
CANADA
The Canadian branch of the Society is situated at Toronto. The territory embraced within the management of this office includes all the provinces of Canada and Newfoundland. There is also directed from this office, in addition to the work in the English language, the French, German, Polish, and Ukrainian activities among the people of each province speaking the respective languages mentioned.
An examination of the facts relating to this branch office shows a decided increase over the work of 1923. The increase in all the books and booklets placed in the hands of the people was 271,709, which is an increase of 82.25 percent over that of the previous year. This is a very good criterion. When the people read they employ the best method of getting an understanding of the Lord’s kingdom into their minds. The subscription list of The Watch Tower has increased during the year to the number of 1,060 new subscribers. The free literature distributed totaled 991,971 pieces; and in addition to this, of the Los Angeles “Proclamation” there were 927,372 copies distributed.
Throughout this territory during the year there were 370 more public meetings held than in the previous year; and the increased attendance was 20,781. During the year 1,547 public meetings were held, with a total attendance of 166,119. Class meetings numbered 1,868, with a total attendance of 84, 920. Seven Pilgrim brethren were regularly engaged in the service throughout Canada during the year. In addition to this there were nine auxiliary Pilgrims, to say nothing about the class elders who served other meetings. These traveling brethren covered 161,780 miles.
The total number of books and other pieces of literature sold during the year was 271,709. The classes generally throughout the territory are in good spiritual condition and actively engaging in promulgating the message of the kingdom. During the year there has been an increased number of colporteurs in the field, the total being 53 actively engaged in this blessed service. These have had many hardships, but have faced their difficulties heroically and done their work with glad hearts. At times they have been reviled and persecuted, refused lodgings, found it necessary to sleep in the open; but they have met these experiences with glad hearts.
Quebec is the French populated section. A number of colporteurs have been in that field during the year. Every town and city having a population of one thousand or more has been canvassed by the colporteurs, and has had free literature distributed; and in many of the places public witnesses have been given. Those opposed are complaining that their places are being turned upside down. Catholics in particular have used their power to stop the activities there. They appealed to the courts, and failed. Priests headed mobs, and assaulted the brethren with sticks. But this in no wise deterred this little army of the Lord’s followers from pressing on with the work, and the Lord has protected and blessed them. Many French-speaking people in that part of the world are awakening to the fact that the Lord has something better in store for them than what they have heard heretofore.
Work among the Germans throughout Canada has greatly increased during the year. There are now 55 German classes in Canada, having regular Pilgrim visits and service in the German language. There has been a decided increase in the amount of literature distributed amongst them.
In Western Canada is a colony of Ukrainians. The Methodists appointed a committee to travel among them and make a report. This committee gave a glowing report of the large field, and recommended the publication of literature in the Ukrainian language to distribute among them. Our Society immediately profited by the suggestion, published and caused to be distributed a large number of tracts and booklets and to send brethren into the community for Pilgrim visits. There were few interested at the beginning; but at the time of this report there are 49 places requesting regular Pilgrim visits and service in the Ukrainian language.
The Polish population of Canada is probably less than 50,000, but a great interest has sprung up among these people during the past twelve months, and this interest is increasing.
The increased work has necessarily increased the duties and obligations of the office force, but these have joyfully worked overtime, both in the office and in the printing department to meet the demands for the truth. Our printing equipment established at Toronto during the past year has been a great aid in preparing the message.
It is gratifying to report that the brethren throughout Canada have a keen appreciation of their privileges of service, and are manifesting the zeal and enthusiasm peculiar to the house of the Lord. Those brethren manifest a keen appreciation of God’s arrangement in the Church, and are striving to do with their might their respective duties and to cooperate with and honor those whom the Lord honors.
The report from far-away Newfoundland shows a good spiritual condition of the brethren there, most of whom are fisher folk, who are actively engaged in spreading the message of the kingdom.
Withal the Lord has greatly blessed the work in Canada during the fiscal year, for which we are grateful to him.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND
The office at Zurich, Switzerland, is known as the Central European Office. The general management of the work is conducted from there relating to the following countries: Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and Italy; also the Polish work in Northern France. Because of the diversified languages, each one of these countries makes regular monthly reports and more frequent specific reports to the Central European Office, which acts as a general clearing house and makes regular monthly reports to the home office at Brooklyn. This enables the machinery of the work to go more smoothly.
Switzerland has a mixed population of German-speaking and French-speaking people. The German work of Switzerland is specially handled by the Zurich office, while that among the French-speaking people is handled at the Bern office. Excluding the Canton of Bern, the other portion of Switzerland has a population of about two million persons, a large percentage of whom are Catholics. In this district during the past year there has been a great increase in the sale of literature, the sale of “The Harp of God” increasing 500 percent. More than a million copies of free tracts were distributed. From the manager’s report we quote as follows:
“The Society’s activities in this little country have been graciously blessed of God. No other part of Europe paid so liberally and willingly for the Society’s books and this notwithstanding great opposition to and persecution of the colporteurs.”
INCREASED EQUIPMENT
Switzerland is so well located for the handling of work in Central Europe, and the demand for literature is so great, that it seemed pleasing to the Lord that the equipment for the work be greatly enlarged. Consequently the Society purchased a lot of ground immediately across the street from that on.which is situated the Society’s house and printing press in Bern; and there is now in course of construction a four-story building with full basement, 95 by 50 feet, with a tunnel under the street connecting the two buildings, and a tunnel connecting the new main building with a smaller building on the same lot. In the basement of these buildings is being installed other machinery for the printing of literature. In addition to other presses of the Society there is a large two-color rotary press; and a new two-color rotary press is about completed and ready for installation; and these two presses alone, running at full capacity, turn out an average of 16,000 copies of The Golden Age per hour.
There are now more than fifty brethren engaged in the work at the Bern office; and as soon as the new quarters are complete, it is the purpose to increase the number to upwards of a hundred. This new building is being erected by brethren, while the money for the material is furnished by the Society. It will be a splendidly equipped plant when completed, and will furnish a tremendous amount of free literature and books for all Central Europe, particularly the countries just named. The construction of this plant and the furnishings are under the immediate supervision of the Central European Office.
BERN, SWITZERLAND
From Bern,Switzerland, is directed the French work among the French-speaking people of Switzerland, France, and Belgium; also the Polish work in France. The printing plant is under the direct management of the Bern office, and here are printed and manufactured the Studies in the Scriptures and other books and booklets of the Society published in the French and German languages; and in addition thereto books are published in Italian, Greek, Polish, and a number of other languages.
The printing for the Central European Office and the countries under the supervision of that office is done at this plant, except a portion of the printing done in Germany at Magdeburg. The brethren in America can get some idea of the scope of the work done from the Bern office when we understand that the work there today is greater than the work in Brooklyn ten years ago.
At the Bern printing plant is published and distributed The Golden Age in French, to which there are now approximately 45,000 subscribers, Also the publication of The Golden Age in the Polish language has been just begun. A large number of Polish people reside in Northern France, and there has been a tremendous interest in the truth there during the year. Public meetings held by Pilgrim; brethren have been well attended and a great amount of literature taken.
The French-speaking people are becoming more interested in the truth than in the past. A great many of them read The Golden Age, and buy and read the booklets and Studies in the Scriptures and other books; and the French work during the fiscal year has had a steady and healthy increase.
In the French Pilgrim service during the year 1924 there have been seven brethren regularly engaged; while ten brethren engaged in the regular colporteur work, and 1,304 in the voluntary colporteur work, which we usually call class work. There have been held 2,327 class meetings, with a total attendance of 114,495, and 161 public meetings, attended by 16,585. Following ia a record of the literature sold:
Studies in the Scriptubes ■ ■ __ 6,505
“The Harp of God”10,203 “Millions” books 15,722
Other booklets 34,407
Bibles 679
Pieces of free literature distributed______1,876,600
Photo-Drama exhibitions-------------- 34
Attendance at Photo-Drama exhibitions 55,875
Letters and cards received 8,403
Letters and cards dispatched--------------------7,249
The Golden Age (German edition) 770,135
The Golden Age (French edition)___________ 459,939
“Proclamation” (1923) distributed ______________ 3,067,500
Books and booklets manufactured during the year
at Bern printing plant 2,320,000
AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND
The Society’s branch office at Amsterdam is under the management of a local manager, and also under the supervision of the Central European Office. The Dutch have never taken particularly to the truth until within the last two years. The President of the Society addressed a large public meeting at Amsterdam in the early spring, in which great interest was shown; and during the year 5,984 books have been placed in the hands of the people, besides 1,055,000 copies of free tracts and other literature. Fourteen public meetings have been held, and 155 class meetings. Two colporteurs were regularly engaged in the work and one regular Pilgrim, who traveled 12,400 miles during the year, visiting the interested and organizing classes.
While the brethren are small in numbers here, comparatively speaking, they are exceedingly zealous. “The Harp of God” in the Dutch language is now off the press; and the brethren in Holland are just beginning an active drive, and expect shortly to place a large number of these volumes among the people. It can be truly said that there has been a splendid witness given throughout Holland during the year, far greater than at any time in the past.
MAGDEBURG, GERMANY
At Magdeburg is the headquarters of the German work, under a local manager, and this in turn under the direction of the Central European Office. There has been a tremendous increase in the work in Germany during the past twelve mow ths. The year 1923 showed a great increase, but 1924 shows even a greater. It was at the end of the year 1923 that the Magdeburg office was established. Since then the property has been improved, a large basement prepared for the printing presses; and in addition to the presses, binding machinery and other machines, the Society has purchased and is installing a large rotary press, which will turn out a great deal of literature, in the form of magazines, pamphlets and books.
A convention was held at Magdeburg last spring, at which time a public meeting was held, attended by 17,000, the address being given by the President of the Society as already reported in The Watch Tower. Since then the class in Magdeburg has increased more than 300, and the increase is still continuing. From the reports submitted by the manager of the Central European Office we quote as follows:
“In Germany the work proceeds in leaps and bounds. We had a banner year, and all hands have been busy. The Increased activity, however, has stirred up the enemy, both within and without, which has caused trouble for the Lord’s people. But this has not hindered the work. It is God’s work, and therefore the devil hates it; but he cannot interfere with it. He hates the leading brethren and causes misery for them whenever possible. Nevertheless, the work goes grandly on to God’s praise.”
From the report of the local manager of the Magdeburg office we quote the following:
“In sending you the annual report for Germany from October 1, 1923 to the end of September, 1924, we eall to your attention the fact that the books sold and lectures held, as reported, cover only a period of nine months, for the reason that a part of the period embraced by this annual report was the time of the greatest financial crisis in Germany. In that time there was no good selling of books, and no favorable opportunity to hold public meetings.
“While the year 1923 shows a monthly sale of about 11, 000 Studies in the Scriptures, the year 1924 shows about 20,000 sold monthly. During 1923 the average monthly sale of ‘Millions’ books was 29,000. This book has been largely replaced by the ‘World Distress’ and ‘Desirable Government’ booklets in the work during 1924, which have been placed among the people to the extent of more than 110,000 copies monthly.
“With each issue of The Watch Tower there has been an increase of approximately 6,000 copies; and an increase of 100,000 copies for The Golden Age.
“The small number of public meetings is accounted for in the fact that the attendance at meetings for the interested increased from about 7,000, in the aggregate, tn more than 25,000; and the total attendance at meetings of newly organized classes increased from 30.000 to 38,000, as a result of the public lectures held during 1923, organization of classes and arrangement of meetings for interested friends.
“The increased sale of literature has meant an increase in the amount of work done at the Bible House in Magdeburg. For example, during the last three months of 1923 the shipping department dispatched 636 parcels, while during the first three months of 1924 4,174 parcels were dispatched. To facilitate the quick distribution of the stock of literature, nine shipping depots have been established in as many favorably situated German cities. Often it is scarcely possible for us to keep up with the enormous amount of labor. New workers are continually coming, yet the hunger of the people is great. We ask the Lord that the year 1925 may show the same increase as in 1924.
“There are in Germany at present 462 places which are visited regularly by the Pilgrim brethren; and additionally these brethren serve classes in the German-speaking communities of Switzerland, Austria, and Czechoslovakia. Difficulties were sometimes encountered in connection with this service during the occupation of the Ruhr district by the French.
‘ The number of brethren in the classes who engage in the service work is constantly Increasing, and with much joy the brethren go out to proclaim that the kingdom is at hand. We are very happy to have so great a part in this wonderful work. Our prayer is, that God may continue to give us that privilege, and make us more fit to glorify his name and to serve his beloved people in his wonderful work. For your help, which we have always received in generous measure, and without which it would have been impossible for us to obtain these results, we would not neglect to thank you heartily in this connection, praying that the Lord might continually bless you and all your true coworkers for the blessing of his work and people, even aS he has done hitherto.”
A summary of the work done in Germany during the period mentioned above is appended:
DISTRIBUTION OF LITERATURE
Studies in the Scriptures.......................... 187.572
“The Harp of God” ..__________________________________________________ 220,219
“Millions” book ............... 232,212
“Can the Living Talk with the Dead?” ................ 20,155
“World Distress” booklet ...... 634.990
“A Desirable Government”.............. 210.000
Other books ............. —......—.......—..................... 181,803
The Watch Tower, each issue_______________________________ 26.000
The Golden Age, each issue ..............................—. 175,000
Free literature ............. 6.000.000
Public meetings..................... 2,855
Attendance at public meetings ...... 605,611
JIeetings for interested friends _______________________—...... 25,292
Attendance at meetings for the interested______ 4,740,061
Class meetings _____________________________________________________________ 3S,70t
Attendance at class meetings________________________________ 1,595,829
Pilgrims in the service...................... -..........—
Colporteurs .
Class workers -........... —------
From a previous report by the local manager for Germany we quote the following:
“The work in Germany progresses wonderfully. The sale of literature, particularly ‘’The Harp of God,’ is astonishing. Editions of 100,000 books are too small. We have distributed so many copies of ‘The Harp’ that we could keep a press continually at work on printing that book and nothing else. At present we are printing on our great press a million copies of the ‘Desirable Government’ booklet.
“Subscribei-s to The Golden Age at present number 175, 000, and the list is constantly increasing. We are now provided with an automobile, which aids us greatly in the work.”
The trouble among the German people increases the demand for something to comfort their hearts; and they find nothing that brings this comfort aside from the good tidings of great joy of the kingdom message. Our brethren there continue in zeal peculiar unto the house of the Lord, and the great King of kings is blessing them in their hearts and in their efforts to serve him and to advertise his kingdom.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
At Vienna, Austria, is the Society’s local office under the local manager and the supervision of the Central European Office. Notwithstanding the public opposition in Austria, the truth has made great strides, especially in the distribution of free literature, the public witness and the Pilgrim service. When it is remembered that the truth was taken to Austria only a short time ago, the results are exceedingly gratifying. During the year the sales of literature have been as follows:
Studies in the Scriptures __________________________
“The Harp of God” ..................................................—. 5,958
“World Distress” booklet ............ —
Bibles ............................................................
Other books and booklets ........................... 10,931
Free literature distributed................... - 420,000
Public meetings
Attendance at public meetings................... 10,000
Semi-public meetings ..........—.........-
Attendance at semi-public meetings ...................— 31,280
Class meetings ........................—-------------
Attendance at class meetings ........................... 20,400
Colporteurs in the field
Auxiliary colporteurs.......................-
In addition to the brethren in charge of the office at Vienna, three Pilgrims from Germany have visited Austria during the year. The brethren in Austria are rejoicing as they see the old powers crumbling and the kingdom of our Lord majestically going forward.
MOST, CZECHOSLOVAKIA
The Czechoslovakian work, though young in years, is showing a healthy growth. The housing problem was so difficult that it became necessary to purchase a house for the office and for the residence of the brother in charge and those who assist him in the work.
During the year there have been placed in the hands of the people of the bound books and the booklets 16,542 volumes; free tracts distributed, 205,000 copies; public discourses delivered, 28; attended by approximately 61, 000; class meetings, 702, with a total attendance of 20,000. There have been six brethren engaged in the Tegular colporteur service and two in the regular Pilgrim service. Letters received, 1,381; dispatched, 975.
PINEROLO, ITALY
Por a long time it was difficult to make any progress in Italy. It is now with joy we report that the work is moving well in that country. There are four colporteurs regularly in the field all the time, and they are doing well. The Italian brother in charge of the local office at Pinerolo is a very zealous worker, and the Lord is blessing his efforts.
In Italy the printers are not permitted to print anything unless they sign their name to it; and they are held responsible for its contents. When the management of the Italian office received recently a copy of the “Indictment” and desired to prepare it for distribution, he presented it to the governmental authorities, who inspected it and readily gave him permission to have it printed and distributed. When presented to the printers they inspected it and readily agreed to publish it.
Many more are becoming interested in the truth, and much literature is being taken and many books placed. In addition to the Volumes of Studies in the ScripTubes in Italian that have been sent there, as well as the “Millions” books and other literature printed, the Bem office has recently printed for distribution in Italy 25, 000 copies of the “Desirable Government” booklet. Bicycles have been provided for three colporteurs, who are traveling through the country distributing literature and selling books. We have great hopes for a wide spread of the truth in Italy in the near future.
OREBRO, SWEDEN
The work throughout Sweden is managed from this office. The report for the fiscal year is gratifying indeed. From the manager’s report we quote:
“Although this field is In some respects hard, we are of good courage and are more determined than ever, by the Lord’s grace, to continue to work in the present fulfilment of his prophecy as recorded in Matthew 24:14. We know of no organization or body of men in the world now preaching the gospel of the kingdom except the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society.”
During the year twenty brethren have been engaged in the Pilgrim service, and thirty-seven in the colporteur work. A number of conventions were held throughout Sweden, greatly to the upbuilding of the friends. Public meetings held, 2,459, with a total attendance of 176,247. Letters received, 11,010; letters dispatched 13,903. Studies in the Scriptures, “Harp of God” and other books and booklets sold during the year, 153, 833 copies; 1923 “Proclamation” distributed, 522,720 copies. Total number of copies of The Watch Tower published during the year, 219,350; The Golden Age, 179,188 copies; Swedish Service “Bulletin” distributed, 9,182; paper Scenarios, 11,726; other tracts, catalogs, etc., 45, 940, making a total of 988,106 pieces.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK
From Copenhagen is directed the work of Denmark. We quote from the report of the manager:
“There is a tremendous amount of prejudice against our message and work. The clergy continue the warning against us. Some years ago our work was termed a general plague or scourge by these opponents; and by this time we have reason to believe that they feel it so, even more keenly. Notwithstanding the opposition, the results of last year’s work are greater than at any time in the past. There are more classes in the country, and more profess consecration. The work is increasing.”
Public meetings held .......................... 397
Attendance ________ 49,450
Class meetings ....................... 925
Attendance ........................... 23,426
Two have been regularly engaged in the Pilgrim service, while others have done extension work. Seven have been regularly in the colporteur service, with five auxiliary colporteurs. In addition to this, many groups of friends from the classes are doing work. The number of books put forth during the year was 18, 245; and 100,000 copies of the 1923 “Proclamation” wmn distributed.
HELSINGFORS, FINLAND
The work in Finland is under the supervision of this office. From the report of the manager we quote:
“As you see from the summary of the work done, the work has prospered in Finland, and we can only praise the dear Lord for all his marvelous goodness to us.”
Studies in the Scriptures and other books
put out during the year __________________________________________47,782
(This is nearly double the number reported during the previous year.)
Free literature distributed ...... 510,898
Public meetings held
Attendance _________________________________________________________________ 159.901
Class meetings .............................................
Attendance .............. 31,859
Pilgrims in the service ................................................... ... 11
Colporteurs ........................................—..........-
Class workers................................ —.......-
CHRISTIANIA, NORWAY
The work for Norway is conducted from this point. From the report of the local manager we quote:
“The work is greater this year than it was last. Some of the friends have permitted their hands to slacken, bul many other new ones have come in and the work has increased.”
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