by Junction-Guy 36 Replies latest jw experiences
Patterson New York is the home of the Watchtower Education Center, im not sure how big it is as it sits on a hill tucked back away from the road. The only thing we were allowed to see was the guard shack, but judging by the brochure that we picked up at Walkill, Patterson too is a very large complex. Both Patterson and Walkill have large signs out front that says "Watchtower".
Dave
Hi Dave!
What does that mean, exactly, 'Watchtower Education Centre?'
Is that educating the witnesses, themselves, the general public?
I have a feeling I've seen pictures of this place in a mag just after it was built. I remember wondering why they needed such oppulence.
If Blondie is around perhaps a picture can be found or anyone with that kind of info. I'm sure this place is totally over the top when it comes to the decor department.
What the hell do they need crystal and murals for with Armageddon right in front of them?
A couple from the cong we used to go to were apparantly 'overcome with wonder' when they visited the place. I think they meant me to be impressed but I still don't understand what the place is 'really' for.
Sort of reminds me of that dreadful hospital in 'Coma' where the patients were all hung in suspended animation from the ceiling. Genevive Bujold just missed the visiting time like you did. Perhaps you should have sneaked in like she did. Would have been one great story!
How we escaped from Patterson!
i googled looking for photos of patterson.. found this ....someones vacation pics of the place
Thanks Candidlynuts!
Do they know Armageddon is coming and that they shouldn't be materialistic. Surely they should be making sacrifices to furthur the preaching of the 'not so good news!'
To think, there are desperatly poor JWs all over the world and this is the way those in charge of the bOrg expect to live.
Reminds me of an article on the persecution some JWs suffered in an Asian country about ten or so years back. Those who could afford to pay the fine did not have to go to prison. Those who could not afford to pay the fine given by the courts to those loyal JWs following the bOrgs instructions, were put in prison in inhumane conditions. I remember reading the article complaining that these men and women had been subject to abuse and intimate examinations by the prison officers. So couldn't that have been avoided if the bloody wealthy WTBTS had paid the fines for these desperatly poor people.
WTBTS you make me sick!
Gill, I think the opulent place you're thinking of is the Stanley Theatre. The WTS didn't build it, they just bought it. They don't have that much class.
Cellist
LOL junction,
that sounds like such a great time! good for you guys!
this is rocking my world this morning. nice...
look forward to more,
TS
Hi Cellist! You're possibly right,however, Patterson isn't exactly 'down market' either.
What is the Stanley Theatre?
Also, could I ask, do people pay to stay at Patterson or is it free? I vaguely remember the JWs I mentioned earlier saying they had to pay to stay there overnight.
Although I accept that most religious organizations have their ornate churches etc, I am surprised to find a sincerely apocalyptic cult having such oppulence. They preach self sacrifice and doing without. There doesn't seem to be much doing without going on at Patterson.
What's with all the models of Jerusalem's Temple? Are they trying to compare their buildings to Solomon's Temple, by any chance?
Did the guards at he gate have GUNS???
Did they put up any of the JW evacuees in the Patterson INN? HL
i googled looking for photos of patterson.. found this ....someones vacation pics of the place
just once i'd like to hear someone say something bad... and show a pic. "this is a model of the temple. the detail of the most holy is pretty lame. wish they'd spend more time on the important stuff..."
bethel
Bethel - for a (corporation) Religion that's meant to be so spiritually deep, they're totally shallow and guided simply by appearances and profit.
Their twisted logic, when I look at places like Patterson, defies belief. They tell the R and F to 'keep their eye simple' when it comes to material things, however do not seem to manage to 'appreciate' a 'simple/poor' life themselves.
Keep giving to your leadership, JWs and this is how they spend the money. Not by furthuring the 'Good News of the Kingdom' but by improving their comfort zone.
There's nothing wrong at all with beautiful surroundings, oppulence and luxury. Bring it on, I say. However, if you're claiming the 'end' is about to occur 'any time now' and that it's 'vital' to spend as much time as possible preaching then what's with the amount spent on material things? There are poverty stricken JWs giving their last coppers to furnish these surroundings. There's something wrong somewhere!
