Which is why the decline this year in number of congregations in countries like the United States and Germany is so promising in terms of the prospects for overall JW decline.
here--in the isle of wight--in the UK--over the last few years..the following has occurred.
Cowes congregation had withered--so was disbanded and merged with the Newport congregation. the hall was sold off.
Newport had 2 congregations sharing a hall ( a former holy roller church )
Ryde hall is now up for sale ( half a £ million )--because of diminishing membership. the congregation will share the Newport hall.
Sandown and Shanklin share a hall.
Freshwater has its own hall.
so there will be just 3 halls left here.