Hi sir82!
There was a "Questions From Readers" in the late 40's or early 50's, something about whether JWs are to be considered a "religion".
Is it these two Questions from Readers from 1951?
"In the past we regarded 'religion' as anything that was against God’s will. Now many brothers are using the expressions 'true religion' and 'false religion' to make a distinction. Is this advisable?"
Which was followed five months later by:
"Why has the Watchtower Society suddenly approved the use of the word 'religion' relative to the worship of Jehovah’s witnesses?"