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Founding
The Jehovah's Witnesses movement was founded in 1872 by Charles Taze Russel. Starting as a small bible study group living near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania their main purpose was to find what the bible really teaches. -
The Watchtower
In 1879 Russel began publishing the Watchtower magazine, one of the main ways in which the findings and beliefs of the movement are disseminated. -
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is Founded
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society was founded in 1881 for the purpose of distributing Jehovah's Witnesses' literature such as bibles. -
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Expansion
Overseas branches were opened in London (1900), Germany (1903), and Australia and Switzerland (1904) -
Russel's Death
Charles Russel died in Pampa, Texas during a cross country preaching trip -
Rutherford is Elected
Joseph Franklin Rutherford was elected as Russel's successor in 1917 -
Rutherford is arrested
Following the release of a book named The Finished Mystery in 1917, Rutherford and seven other Watch Tower directors were arrested on charges of sedition. -
Rutherford founds The Golden Age magazine
After being released from prison, Rutherford began publishing The Golden Age magazine in which the Watch Tower began distributing publicly. -
Beth Sarim is Built
Rutherford had a luxury villa built in San Diego, California for the biblical princes who were expected to be resurrected before armageddon. -
Name Change to Jehovah's Witnesses
Rutherford proposed the name change in reference to Isaiah 43:10. -
Rutherford's Death
Rutherford died at Beth Sarim due to carcinoma -
Knorr's Election
Nathan Homer Knorr was elected to succeed Rutherford -
Governing Body Forms
The term "Governing Body" began to be used commonly with terms linked to the Watch Tower Society's board of directors. -
Governing Body Takes Control
The Jehovah's Witnesses movement reorganizes giving the power of presidency to the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.