A Picture of the First Bethel

by Wild_Thing 12 Replies latest jw friends

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  Wild_Thing

  Here is a picture of 124 Columbia Heights in Brooklyn that Russell purchased when he moved his operations to Brooklyn. It belonged to another preacher, Henry Ward Beecher, before he died. Russell also bought his other properties that Beecher had on Hick street, which I guess would be the first assembly hall. I was wondering if anyone knew if there was any connection between Russell and Beecher besides Russell just buying all his properties. It seems weird that he would buy that much property from the same person, and for the same purposes. The home on Columbia Heights was called "Beecher Bethel" before Russell bought it. After Russell bought it, it just became "Bethel" of the "House of Bethel".

  This picture appeared in the Feb. 20, 1909 edition of The Brooklyn Daily Eagle right after it was sold to Charles Taze Russell.

  
  

  Also, here is the listing that appeared in the paper before it was sold, if you want to know details about the inside. I just found it interesting.

  
  
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  dropoffyourkeylee

  Great photo.

  Henry Ward Beecher was quite famous in his time, even more so was his daughter Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin.

  I don't believe there was any ideological kinship between Beecher and Russell, though if I am wrong someone will comment on it.
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  Wild_Thing

  That is amazing! Thanks for that information, dropoffyourkeylee! I had no idea he was Harriet Beecher Stowe's father. That's pretty fascinating!
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  cofty

  Thank you!

  If only it had never expanded beyond those humble beginnings. It was always nonsense but I think there was a sincerity about it back then. Now it doesn't even pretend not to be cynical.
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  Finkelstein

  The WTS wouldn't be today a world wide billion dollar Corporation if it wasn't for this sly devious corrupt dog.

  Noting that he broke the direction laid out by C T Russell in his will concerning what should be done with the Watchtower Corporation after his passing.

  
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  Pete Zahut

  Interesting find W.Thing.

  Wasn't Henry Beecher, Harriet's Brother, though?
  
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  Witness 007

  When I turn 80 I want a picture of the last Bethel...with me mooning it!
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  steve2

  The Watchtower Bible & Tract Society survived Russell's death in 1916 and its subsequent internal squabbles because of one man - and one man alone - Joseph Rutherford.

  If it had not been for his shrewdly winning over of key figures in the Watchtower Society and subsequent ruthless usurping of the established board of directors, that Society would have splintered into oblivion, as happened to the many offshoots that broke away in disgust from Rutherford.

  Anyone who harbors the lovely delusion that "Jehovah's organization" was ever a loving organization need only read about Rutherford's words and deeds to know he suffered absolutely no dissension and viciously slandered all who disagreed with him.

  His legacy lives on in the modern organization, in particular its unrelenting pursuit of unity above all else.

  "By this all will know you are my disciples if you goose-step in strict unity with my commands".
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  dropoffyourkeylee

  Thanks Pete, yes, Wikipedia shows that Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher were siblings, their father was Lyman Beecher, also a famous minister.
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  Watchtower-Free

  bttt