The pattern repeats. The delay of the eschatological end means focussing on building the Kingdom of God on earth with 'churches' and 'cathederals.'
Wow, great comment. History is repeating itself! We were taught as Witnesses that the first-century Christians expected the end to come in their lifetime. (The lesson was that we should keep on the watch just like they did; even though they were wayyy off, this time the end was really truly close, honest!) Now, as we enter the second century of our Lord's presence (the year "100 AD2"?) in this new form of Christianity, the religion is getting ever more situated and comfortable. The Kingdom Halls are going to get nicer so they're more inviting to the public. No more meeting in private homes like the earliest Christians did. The doctrine has possibly finished its first century of growing pains and is getting streamlined to last for the long-term.
I wonder, though, if 2,000 years from now anyone will know what the Jehovah's Witnesses are. Can history really repeat itself with a new religion in the age of science, or is this going to be an abortive effort that dies out in the face of modern skepticism?