Formation of Bible Study Group
Charles Taze Russell and a small group of associates form a Bible study group in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, laying the groundwork for what would become Jehovah's Witnesses.
1870
1879
First Issue of "Zion's Watch Tower"
The first issue of "Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence" is published by Charles Taze Russell, marking the beginning of the movement's literature distribution.
1881
Formation of Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society
Charles Taze Russell establishes the Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society to organize and fund the distribution of religious literature.
1914
Prophetic Significance of 1914
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that 1914 marks the beginning of Christ's invisible reign and the end of the Gentile Times, a pivotal prophecy in their teachings.
1916
Death of Charles Taze Russell
Charles Taze Russell dies, and Joseph Franklin Rutherford becomes the new president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society.
1931
Adoption of the Name "Jehovah's Witnesses"
The group adopts the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" to distinguish themselves from other Bible Student groups and to emphasize their focus on bearing witness to Jehovah.
1942
Death of Joseph Franklin Rutherford
Joseph Franklin Rutherford dies, and Nathan Homer Knorr becomes the new president. Under his leadership, the organization expands its global missionary work.
1945
Ban on Blood Transfusions
Jehovah's Witnesses officially adopt a policy prohibiting blood transfusions, based on their interpretation of biblical passages.
1950
Release of New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is released, offering a version of the Bible that aligns with Jehovah's Witnesses' doctrines.
1975
Expectation of Armageddon
Jehovah's Witnesses anticipate that 1975 could mark the beginning of Armageddon, based on their interpretation of biblical chronology. The year passes without the predicted events, leading to internal reflection and adjustment.
1995
Change in Teaching on "Generation"
Jehovah's Witnesses revise their teaching on the "generation" that will see the end times, moving away from a literal interpretation tied to those alive in 1914.
2001
Launch of JW.org
The official website JW.org is launched, providing a digital platform for literature, videos, and organizational updates.
2012
Relocation of World Headquarters
The world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses is relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to Warwick, New York, marking a significant organizational shift.
2015
New Understanding of "Generation"
Jehovah's Witnesses further refine their understanding of the "generation" teaching, linking it to overlapping generations from 1914.
2020
Global Pandemic Response
Jehovah's Witnesses adapt their ministry work to virtual platforms in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing their evangelism and meetings online.
2024
Continued Growth and Adaptation
Jehovah's Witnesses continue to grow and adapt their practices, focusing on digital evangelism and maintaining their global community through online and in-person gatherings.
