by expatbrit 5 Replies latest jw friends
I can't believe I don't know this! Obviously I was never really good JW material.
Why is it Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, but Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York?
Watch Tower and Watchtower. Why the different usage?
First person to answer gets a prize.
Expatbrit
expedience
Let me guess ...
DUring the separation proceedings between Russell and his wife, Russell organized the New York corporation to move assets and control away from his soon-to-be separated spouse.
Here's the timeline of name changes for both...I assume that the PA Society was already established with the "Watch Tower" and the NY Society was initially established with the "Watchtower" designation that coincided with the change in the WT magazine in 1939 to "Watchtower." PA changed in 1955 and NY in 1956...perhaps the difference was to maintain a separation in identity.
WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF NEW YORK, INC.
Peoples Pulpit Association. Formed in 1909 in connection with the Society’s moving of its principal offices to Brooklyn, New York. In 1939 the name was changed to Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc. (WT magazine also changed to THE WATCHTOWER AND HERALD OF CHRIST’S KINGDOM) Since 1956 it has been known as Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society. First formed in 1881 and then legally incorporated in the state of Pennsylvania on December 15, 1884. In 1896 its name was changed to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Since 1955 it has been known as Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
Also, "Watch Tower" is more confusing and ambiguous for the reader. You could be speaking to someone, ie. "Hey Tower, watch this, I'ma gonna place two sets of magazines at this door,... Watch Tower, waaatch!" Or, one might get the idea that it is spiritual instruction from a "Tarzan" type character, as in: "Me, Watch Tower, you sell book, ugh.
expatbrit,
you must have been a better one then me, I never noticed.
