WELCOME TO THE
WORLD
HEADQUARTERS
OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
AND THE UNITED STATES BRANCH OFFICE
B ROOKLYN
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
BROOKLYN. Headquarters was moved from Allegheny, Pennsylvania, to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909. The organization began printing some of its own Bible literature in 1920 when a printery was established on Myrtle Avenue. In 1927 the printery was relocated to 117 Adams Street where, for decades, it cared for the needs of the United States and many other countries. Later, regional printeries were set up to produce Bible literature for different parts of the world.
WALLKILL. In 1963 the first of several farms was acquired near Wallkill, New York. Over the years, these farms have produced veg- etables, fruits, meat, and dairy items for the Bethel family.
When printery space in Brooklyn became inadequate, some printing of The Watchtower and Awake! began at Wallkill in 1973. Then, in 2004, the entire United States printing opera- tion was moved from Brooklyn to Wallkill. In 2010, magazine production for North America was moved to the Canada branch.
PATTERSON. The 680-acre property at Pat- terson, New York, was acquired in Decem- ber 1984. The complex of 28 buildings has been fully functional since 1995. Patterson is home to various Theocratic Schools, such as Gilead School, the School for Branch Commit- tee Members and Their Wives, and the School for Traveling Overseers and Their Wives. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
VISITING HOURS: Visitors are welcome to take a guided tour of the United States branch office facilities. Tours are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours begin every half hour.
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania fo-E Us
s
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
B ROOKLYN NEW YORK
NEW JERSEY
CONNECTICUT
HuivdRson er
LongIslandSound
Brooklyn to Patterson 70 miles, 1 1/2 hours Patterson to Wallkill 54 miles, 1 1/4 hours Wallkill to Brooklyn 90 miles, 2 hours
W ELCOME!
Welcome to the world headquarters of Jeho- vah’s Witnesses and the United States branch office. We hope that you enjoy your visit. The three complexes located in Brooklyn, Wallkill, and Patterson are called Bethel, meaning
“House of God.” (Genesis 28:19, footnote) This
is a fitting Scriptural name because all those
who live and serve here are dedicated to Jeho-
vah God and devote themselves full-time to
promoting the work of Kingdom preaching.
In over 239 lands, there are now approx-
imately 8,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah, who
are carrying out the commission Jesus gave his
disciples—to preach the good news of God’s
Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) To
organize this work, there are approximately 90
branch offices worldwide—all serving under
the direction of the Governing Body of Jeho-
vah’s Witnesses. The Governing Body, its help-
ers, and world headquarters departments are
located here in the United States. Other depart-
ments operate under the supervision of the
United States Branch Committee.
WELCOME TO THE
WORLD
HEADQUARTERS
OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
AND THE UNITED STATES BRANCH OFFICE
B ROOKLYN
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
BROOKLYN. Headquarters was moved from Allegheny, Pennsylvania, to Brooklyn, New York, in 1909. The organization began printing some of its own Bible literature in 1920 when a printery was established on Myrtle Avenue. In 1927 the printery was relocated to 117 Adams Street where, for decades, it cared for the needs of the United States and many other countries.
Later, regional printeries were set up to produce Bible literature for different parts of the world.
WALLKILL. In 1963 the first of several farms was acquired near Wallkill, New York.
Over the years, these farms have produced veg- etables, fruits, meat, and dairy items for the Bethel family.
When printery space in Brooklyn became inadequate, some printing of The Watchtower and Awake! began at Wallkill in 1973. Then, in 2004, the entire United States printing opera- tion was moved from Brooklyn to Wallkill. In 2010, magazine production for North America was moved to the Canada branch.
PATTERSON. The 680-acre property at Pat- terson, New York, was acquired in Decem- ber 1984. The complex of 28 buildings has been fully functional since 1995. Patterson is home to various Theocratic Schools, such as Gilead School, the School for Branch Commit- tee Members and Their Wives, and the School for Traveling Overseers and Their Wives. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
VISITING HOURS: Visitors are welcome to take a guided tour of the United States branch office facilities. Tours are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tours begin every half hour.
˘ 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania fo-E Us
s
W ALLKILL
P ATTERSON
B ROOKLYN NEW YORK
NEW JERSEY
CONNECTICUT
HuivdsonR er
LongIslandSound
Brooklyn to Patterson 70 miles, 1 1/2 hours Patterson to Wallkill 54 miles, 1 1/4 hours Wallkill to Brooklyn 90 miles, 2 hours
W ELCOME!
Welcome to the world headquarters of Jeho- vah’s Witnesses and the United States branch office. We hope that you enjoy your visit. The three complexes located in Brooklyn, Wallkill, and Patterson are called Bethel, meaning
“House of God.” (Genesis 28:19, footnote) This is a fitting Scriptural name because all those who live and serve here are dedicated to Jeho- vah God and devote themselves full-time to promoting the work of Kingdom preaching.
In over 239 lands, there are now approx-
imately 8,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah, who
are carrying out the commission Jesus gave his
disciples—to preach the good news of God’s
Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) To
organize this work, there are approximately 90
branch offices worldwide—all serving under
the direction of the Governing Body of Jeho-
vah’s Witnesses. The Governing Body, its help-
ers, and world headquarters departments are
located here in the United States. Other depart-
ments operate under the supervision of the
United States Branch Committee.
Each weekday morning, the Bethel family comes together to consider a Bible text using the booklet Exam- ining the Scriptures Daily. A chairman presides over this 15-minute discussion, which is opened with prayer.
Members of the family are assigned to comment on the text. Following the discussion, breakfast is served.
On Monday evenings, the entire Bethel family gathers to study the Bible with the help of The Watch- tower. At times, there are special programs after the Watchtower Study. These Bible discussions each weekday morning and on Monday evenings are an important part of Bethel life.
New arrivals attend the Bethel Entrants’
School and are expected to read the entire Bible during their first year. Each member of the family also makes time for personal Bible study. There are a number of librar- ies at Bethel, containing the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other refer- ence works. Members of the family fre- quently use these facilities for study and for meeting preparation.
Bethel family members also have a personal share in the Kingdom-preaching work. They attend various nearby congre- gations, where many of them serve as elders and ministerial servants. ˇ
B IBLE I NSTRUCTION
Members of the United States Bethel family live in residence buildings at Brooklyn, Wallkill, and Patterson.
They are provided with rooming, meals, and a small monthly allowance to assist them
with their personal expenses. They can truly be called a family because of their unity in serving their heaven- ly Father, Jehovah God. As a family they work together, enjoy meals to- gether, and study the Bible together.
A number of necessary tasks are performed in the Bethel Home. For example, some members are assigned to the kitchen, where they prepare nutritious meals for the entire family to enjoy in the spacious and comfort- able dining rooms. Thus, the family benefits from a well-balanced diet in a wholesome environment. Other members do cleaning and housekeep- ing, while others attend to the laun- dry. These assignments contribute to the family’s high standard of cleanli- ness, which is a hallmark of Bethel homes throughout the world.
Much effort is involved in main- taining the various properties and equipment used by the branch. Vari- ous shops care for the mechanical, electrical, and other maintenance needs of the facilities. ˇ
B ETHEL H OME
Each weekday morning, the Bethel family comes together to consider a Bible text using the booklet Exam- ining the Scriptures Daily. A chairman presides over this 15-minute discussion, which is opened with prayer.
Members of the family are assigned to comment on the text. Following the discussion, breakfast is served.
On Monday evenings, the entire Bethel family gathers to study the Bible with the help of The Watch- tower. At times, there are special programs after the Watchtower Study. These Bible discussions each weekday morning and on Monday evenings are an important part of Bethel life.
New arrivals attend the Bethel Entrants’
School and are expected to read the entire Bible during their first year. Each member of the family also makes time for personal Bible study. There are a number of librar- ies at Bethel, containing the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses and other refer- ence works. Members of the family fre- quently use these facilities for study and for meeting preparation.
Bethel family members also have a personal share in the Kingdom-preaching work. They attend various nearby congre- gations, where many of them serve as elders and ministerial servants. ˇ
B IBLE I NSTRUCTION
Members of the United States Bethel family live in residence buildings at Brooklyn, Wallkill, and Patterson.
They are provided with rooming, meals, and a small monthly allowance to assist them
with their personal expenses. They can truly be called a family because of their unity in serving their heaven- ly Father, Jehovah God. As a family they work together, enjoy meals to- gether, and study the Bible together.
A number of necessary tasks are performed in the Bethel Home. For example, some members are assigned to the kitchen, where they prepare nutritious meals for the entire family to enjoy in the spacious and comfort- able dining rooms. Thus, the family benefits from a well-balanced diet in a wholesome environment. Other members do cleaning and housekeep- ing, while others attend to the laun- dry. These assignments contribute to the family’s high standard of cleanli- ness, which is a hallmark of Bethel homes throughout the world.
Much effort is involved in main- taining the various properties and equipment used by the branch. Vari- ous shops care for the mechanical, electrical, and other maintenance needs of the facilities. ˇ
B ETHEL H OME
GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT. This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world. It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications. MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Book and Bible signatures are gathered, bundled, and stacked on pallets automati- cally. The sheetfed presses print book covers, endsheets, letterheads, and envelopes. One of these presses can print up to 15,000 full-color sheets an hour.
Bindery. One of two bind- ery lines is more than a quarter of a mile long and is made up of 33 machines connected by 70 conveyors. The line can produce up to 50,000 books a day.
Book parts (called signatures) are collated, bound,
and trimmed. Then the covers are attached. Cartons of
GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/
CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.
This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world.
It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications.
MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Book and Bible signatures are gathered, bundled, and stacked on pallets automati- cally. The sheetfed presses print book covers, endsheets, letterheads, and envelopes.
One of these presses can print up to 15,000 full-color sheets an hour.
Bindery. One of two bind- ery lines is more than a quarter of a mile long and is made up of 33 machines connected by 70 conveyors. The line can produce up to 50,000 books a day.
Book parts (called signatures) are collated, bound,
and trimmed. Then the covers are attached. Cartons of
GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/ CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT. This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world. It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications. MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Book and Bible signatures are gathered, bundled, and stacked on pallets automati- cally. The sheetfed presses print book covers, endsheets, letterheads, and envelopes. One of these presses can print up to 15,000 full-color sheets an hour.
Bindery. One of two bind- ery lines is more than a quarter of a mile long and is made up of 33 machines connected by 70 conveyors. The line can produce up to 50,000 books a day.
Book parts (called signatures) are collated, bound, and trimmed. Then the covers are attached. Cartons of
FARM DEPARTMENT. The farms provide fruit, vegeta- bles, and beef for the United States Bethel family. In addi- tion, this department cares for the landscaping that en- hances the appearance of the facilities.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION. This department stores and dis- tributes food for the Bethel families in the United States.
This arrangement simplifies the task of providing quality meals.
PRINTERY. The printery at Wallkill includes a graphics department, a pressroom, a bindery, and a shipping department.
Graphics Department. Photographs, artwork, and text
are arranged as they will appear in print using MEPS as well as commercial software. After the pages have been checked and approved for printing, the electronic files are sent to the plate room, where printing plates will be pro- duced for each of the four basic colors of offset printing:
cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
Pressroom. The pressroom includes two web-offset press- es and two sheetfed offset presses. The web presses have automatic splicers that make paper-roll changes without slowing or stopping the operation of the press. These two presses can each print up to 94,000 brochures or signa- tures an hour.
finished books are automatically sealed, labeled, and stacked onto a pallet, ready to be shipped. The second bindery line assembles and pack- ages as many as 100,000 books a day.
Deluxe Bibles are produced by feeding them into a gilding machine in which silver-colored foil is applied to the edges of the pages by means of heat and pressure. Up to 14,000 Bibles a day can be gilded. After covers are attached, each Bible is shrink- wrapped and packed for shipment.
Shipping Department. Literature re- quests from more than 15,000 congrega-
tions in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean are processed each month. A computer system determines the number of cartons need- ed for the shipment, assigns each literature item to a car- ton, and directs the workers to the storage location of the literature item. On average, 2,800 cartons of literature are sent to congregations each day. A portion of the literature produced in the print- ery is exported to countries all over the world, usually by ocean freight. The remainder is shipped directly to con- gregations or to literature distribution centers, normally by means of commercial carriers. ˇ
W ALLKILL
ART DEPARTMENT. Under the oversight of the Writing Committee, the Art Department prepares illustrations for our publications. A designer develops a pleasing layout after reviewing preliminary text for a publication. Photo- graphs, paintings, or digital artwork are obtained to illus- trate the subject. Creating an image may involve research, model selection, costumes, props, makeup, lighting, and design work. A growing archive of images—presently numbering more than 215,000—is maintained in a com- puter database for rapid retrieval. Proposed artwork is in- corporated into the layout and presented to the Writing Committee for approval. Once the images are adjusted, they are sent to the Graphics Department in Wallkill, where further preparations for printing are made.
THEOCRATIC
SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT.
The theocratic schools at Patterson are supervised by the Teaching Committee.
The Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was es- tablished in 1943 for the purpose of training missionaries. Some Gilead graduates may also be sent out as circuit overseers or may be as- signed to serve in branch offices. Jehovah’s Witnesses in special full-time service are selected from around the world to attend a five-month course that includes an in-
depth study of the Bible and Bible-related history. Gilead students also receive extensive training in the field minis- try and in matters related to theocratic organization.
Several other schools provide training for Branch Com- mittee members and their wives, as well as for traveling overseers and their wives. This has deepened their appre- ciation for Jehovah’s organization and has helped them to accomplish their ministry more fully.
AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICES. Under the oversight of the Teaching Committee, this department prepares audio re- cordings of the Bible, books, The Watchtower, Awake!, con- vention dramas, and sound tracks for videos and other materials. Audio/Video Services also produces video pro- grams for Bethel departments and a variety of videos for public release.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Serving under the direction of the Coordinators’ Committee and the United States Branch Committee, the Legal Department provides assis- tance to branches worldwide when it becomes necessary to establish or defend the rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In addition, this department helps with legal transactions that are necessary to operate the United States branch.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT. This department, under the oversight of the Branch Committee, handles correspon- dence from traveling overseers, elders, pioneers, and oth- ers regarding congregation and field service activities in the United States branch territory. The scheduling of cir- cuit assemblies and regional conventions is handled here. The Service Department also receives and tabulates field service reports from congregations within the United States branch territory.
SIGN LANGUAGE. This department produces video publications for the deaf. It also supports the production of video publications into some 70 other sign languages around the world.
TEXT PROCESSING SERVICES. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, this department uses MEPS to format text and images into pages. Text Processing Services formats electronic files of the publications for dis- tribution in Watchtower Library and at www.jw.org. In addi- tion, Braille publications are produced in 16 languages using the Watchtower Translation System.
WRITING CORRESPONDENCE. Serving under the direction of the Writing Committee, this department an- swers letters from thousands of individuals each year who have questions on Scriptural matters or who request Biblical advice. ˇ
P ATTERSON
FARM DEPARTMENT. The farms provide fruit, vegeta- bles, and beef for the United States Bethel family. In addi- tion, this department cares for the landscaping that en- hances the appearance of the facilities.
FOOD DISTRIBUTION. This department stores and dis- tributes food for the Bethel families in the United States.
This arrangement simplifies the task of providing quality meals.
PRINTERY. The printery at Wallkill includes a graphics department, a pressroom, a bindery, and a shipping department.
Graphics Department. Photographs, artwork, and text
are arranged as they will appear in print using MEPS as well as commercial software. After the pages have been checked and approved for printing, the electronic files are sent to the plate room, where printing plates will be pro- duced for each of the four basic colors of offset printing:
cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
Pressroom. The pressroom includes two web-offset press- es and two sheetfed offset presses. The web presses have automatic splicers that make paper-roll changes without slowing or stopping the operation of the press. These two presses can each print up to 94,000 brochures or signa- tures an hour.
finished books are automatically sealed, labeled, and stacked onto a pallet, ready to be shipped. The second bindery line assembles and pack- ages as many as 100,000 books a day.
Deluxe Bibles are produced by feeding them into a gilding machine in which silver-colored foil is applied to the edges of the pages by means of heat and pressure. Up to 14,000 Bibles a day can be gilded. After covers are attached, each Bible is shrink- wrapped and packed for shipment.
Shipping Department. Literature re- quests from more than 15,000 congrega-
tions in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean are processed each month. A computer system determines the number of cartons need- ed for the shipment, assigns each literature item to a car- ton, and directs the workers to the storage location of the literature item. On average, 2,800 cartons of literature are sent to congregations each day. A portion of the literature produced in the print- ery is exported to countries all over the world, usually by ocean freight. The remainder is shipped directly to con- gregations or to literature distribution centers, normally by means of commercial carriers. ˇ
W ALLKILL
ART DEPARTMENT. Under the oversight of the Writing Committee, the Art Department prepares illustrations for our publications. A designer develops a pleasing layout after reviewing preliminary text for a publication. Photo- graphs, paintings, or digital artwork are obtained to illus- trate the subject. Creating an image may involve research, model selection, costumes, props, makeup, lighting, and design work. A growing archive of images—presently numbering more than 215,000—is maintained in a com- puter database for rapid retrieval. Proposed artwork is in- corporated into the layout and presented to the Writing Committee for approval. Once the images are adjusted, they are sent to the Graphics Department in Wallkill, where further preparations for printing are made.
THEOCRATIC
SCHOOLS DEPARTMENT.
The theocratic schools at Patterson are supervised by the Teaching Committee.
The Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was es- tablished in 1943 for the purpose of training missionaries. Some Gilead graduates may also be sent out as circuit overseers or may be as- signed to serve in branch offices. Jehovah’s Witnesses in special full-time service are selected from around the world to attend a five-month course that includes an in-
depth study of the Bible and Bible-related history. Gilead students also receive extensive training in the field minis- try and in matters related to theocratic organization.
Several other schools provide training for Branch Com- mittee members and their wives, as well as for traveling overseers and their wives. This has deepened their appre- ciation for Jehovah’s organization and has helped them to accomplish their ministry more fully.
AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICES. Under the oversight of the Teaching Committee, this department prepares audio re- cordings of the Bible, books, The Watchtower, Awake!, con- vention dramas, and sound tracks for videos and other materials. Audio/Video Services also produces video pro- grams for Bethel departments and a variety of videos for public release.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Serving under the direction of the Coordinators’ Committee and the United States Branch Committee, the Legal Department provides assis- tance to branches worldwide when it becomes necessary to establish or defend the rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In addition, this department helps with legal transactions that are necessary to operate the United States branch.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT. This department, under the oversight of the Branch Committee, handles correspon- dence from traveling overseers, elders, pioneers, and oth- ers regarding congregation and field service activities in the United States branch territory. The scheduling of cir- cuit assemblies and regional conventions is handled here.
The Service Department also receives and tabulates field service reports from congregations within the United States branch territory.
SIGN LANGUAGE. This department produces video publications for the deaf. It also supports the production of video publications into some 70 other sign languages around the world.
TEXT PROCESSING SERVICES. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, this department uses MEPS to format text and images into pages. Text Processing Services formats electronic files of the publications for dis- tribution in Watchtower Library and at www.jw.org. In addi- tion, Braille publications are produced in 16 languages using the Watchtower Translation System.
WRITING CORRESPONDENCE. Serving under the direction of the Writing Committee, this department an- swers letters from thousands of individuals each year who have questions on Scriptural matters or who request Biblical advice. ˇ
P ATTERSON
GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/
CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.
This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world.
It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications.
MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Book and Bible signatures are gathered, bundled, and stacked on pallets automati- cally. The sheetfed presses print book covers, endsheets, letterheads, and envelopes.
One of these presses can print up to 15,000 full-color sheets an hour.
Bindery. One of two bind- ery lines is more than a quarter of a mile long and is made up of 33 machines connected by 70 conveyors. The line can produce up to 50,000 books a day.
Book parts (called signatures) are collated, bound, and trimmed. Then the covers are attached. Cartons of GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares
spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/
CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.
This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world.
It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications.
MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
Book and Bible signatures are gathered, bundled, and stacked on pallets automati- cally. The sheetfed presses print book covers, endsheets, letterheads, and envelopes.
One of these presses can print up to 15,000 full-color sheets an hour.
Bindery. One of two bind- ery lines is more than a quarter of a mile long and is made up of 33 machines connected by 70 conveyors. The line can produce up to 50,000 books a day.
Book parts (called signatures) are collated, bound, and trimmed. Then the covers are attached. Cartons of GOVERNING BODY. The Governing Body prepares
spiritual food and gives direction to the Kingdom- preaching work throughout the earth. (Matthew 24:14, 45-47; Revelation 12:17) The Governing Body operates through six committees: Coordinators’ Committee, Per- sonnel Committee, Publishing Committee, Service Com- mittee, Teaching Committee, and Writing Committee.
BRANCH COMMITTEE. The United States Branch Committee oversees the preaching work of over a million of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the United States and numerous islands.
WRITING DEPARTMENT. Under the direction of the Writing Committee, material is prepared that will be pub-
lished worldwide. Considerable research is done before the material is organized and put into written form. Sources are submitted for each fact or quote that is used. The com- pleted text is thoroughly checked and proofread for spell- ing, grammar, and accuracy, after which it is reviewed by the Writing Committee. Approved text is sent to branches around the world so that it may be translated.
COMPUTER DEPARTMENT. This department main- tains the computer systems that are used at Bethel. It maintains the systems for telephones, e-mail, word pro- cessing, and file storage. The Computer Department also assists other branches with the design and maintenance of their computer systems.
OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION. Under the direc- tion of the Coordinators’ Committee, this office provides news agencies with accurate information about Jehovah’s Witnesses, clearing up any misunderstandings regarding their beliefs and ministry. The Office of Public Informa- tion also distributes news releases that report on the activi- ties of Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world.
WEB PUBLISHING. This department maintains our of- ficial Web site, www.jw.org. Online articles provide con- cise, clear answers to questions about the Bible and Jeho- vah’s Witnesses. Publications are available for download in more than 600 languages.
WORLDWIDE DESIGN/
CONSTRUCTION DEPART- MENT. This department helps direct the designing, engineering, constructing, and maintaining of branch facilities, missionary homes, Assembly Halls, and King- dom Halls worldwide.
REGIONAL DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT.
This department prepares construction documents and budgets; monitors quality, safety, and costs; assigns inter- national servants and volunteers; and provides mainte- nance training for projects approved in the Americas and numerous islands.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION SERVICES. Under the di- rection of the Service Committee of the Governing Body, this department provides information and direction for branch Hospital Information Desks around the world.
It maintains a database of medical articles on alternatives to blood transfusions and makes pertinent information available to medical and legal professionals.
HOSPITAL INFORMATION DESK. This department provides Hospital Liaison Committees throughout the United States with the latest research on bloodless medical treatment. In turn, elders serving on these committees make this information available to doctors who are willing to treat Witness patients without the use of blood.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of the Writing Commit- tee. The Translation Services Department provides support to translators worldwide by arranging for linguistic train- ing, by answering questions, and by providing background research information requested by the translators. There are now some 3,100 members who assist with the translation work in over 130 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have pro- duced publications in about 700 languages.
MEPS (Multilanguage Electronic Publishing System) PROGRAMMING. This department works under the direction of the Writing Committee to develop and main- tain software that is used to produce our publications.
MEPS software includes Watchtower Library, Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY, JW Library, the Watchtower Transla- tion System, and programs that assist in the preparation of Braille and sign languages. ˇ
B ROOKLYN
WEB PUBLISHING OFFICE OF PUBLIC
INFORMATION
