![]() ![]() In 2015 it was announced to elders in the United States that new Kingdom Halls worldwide would all be based on one of three similar design plans, depending on the required size. In areas of repeated or reputed vandalism, particularly in cities, some Kingdom Halls are built without windows to reduce the risk of property damage. Ī Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall may originate from the renovation of an existing structure, such as a theater or non-Witness house of worship. The act of constructing a Kingdom Hall in this manner after the initial foundations are laid is called a quick-build. Witnesses in many countries use a number of standard designs for construction that can be built in just a few days. The construction crews of Kingdom Halls and larger Assembly Halls consist of volunteering Jehovah's Witnesses, sometimes from other countries, who have been pre-approved for work on construction sites. Construction Ī Kingdom Hall under construction in Bishopsworth, Bristol, UK Disaster relief ĭisaster relief efforts of Jehovah's Witnesses are typically channeled through permanent local Disaster Relief Committees under the various branch offices, and are staged at Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls as close as practical to the disaster area. Depending on family preference and local custom, a Kingdom Hall funeral may or may not have the casketed deceased present. The family of the deceased may ask any respected male member of the congregation to conduct the service, which involves a simple Bible-based discourse. Funerals įuneral services may be held in a Kingdom Hall if the body of elders considers that "the deceased had a clean reputation and was a member of the congregation or the minor child of a member". Kingdom Halls are not used for wedding receptions or other social events. Witness couples may choose to be married elsewhere for personal or practical reasons. Jehovah's Witnesses attach no special significance to a Kingdom Hall wedding over a secular service. A couple sends a request in writing to the congregation's " service committee", which assesses whether the couple is "in good standing, living in harmony with Bible principles and Jehovah’s righteous standards" and that they approve of the members of the couple's wedding party, the groomsmen and bridesmaids. Kingdom Halls may be used for wedding ceremonies of Witness-baptized couples. ![]() See also: Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses § Students Weddings In areas where the literacy rate is low, congregations may arrange to use Kingdom Halls to conduct literacy classes, which non-Witnesses may also attend. Kingdom Halls are also used for sessions especially developed for particular areas of service, such as the Pioneer Service School for full-time preachers, and the Kingdom Ministry School for elders and ministerial servants. Kingdom Halls may also be used to teach sign language or other language classes. Witnesses usually meet in Kingdom Halls for preparation and prayer before engaging in their door-to-door ministry. There are discussions of specially prepared study articles in The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. ![]() Meetings held in the Kingdom Hall include Bible readings and public talks on matters such as the Bible, family life, Christian qualities and prophecy. Meetings usually open and close with song and prayer. Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses practices § WorshipĬongregations typically meet in their Kingdom Halls two days each week for worship. Undignified behavior is considered inappropriate during their religious events, even if the facility is an entertainment venue. Larger Assembly Halls or Convention Centers of Jehovah's Witnesses, or any rented arena or stadium used for larger gatherings of Jehovah's Witnesses are regarded 'as a large Kingdom Hall'. Where there is more than one auditorium, each auditorium or the entire structure may be referred to as "a Kingdom Hall". Some Kingdom Halls have multiple auditoriums to allow more than one congregation to conduct meetings simultaneously. A Kingdom Hall typically has a library, contribution boxes, and a literature counter, where publications are displayed, stored and dispensed. This text can be displayed in several languages if the Hall is used by foreign-language congregations. An annual yeartext, or "theme scripture", which is the same for all congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, is prominently displayed inside each Kingdom Hall. As Witnesses do not use religious symbols, such are not displayed on or in Kingdom Halls. Kingdom Halls are typically modest, functional structures with practicality in mind. A Kingdom Hall in Biddulph, United Kingdom
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