Jehovah’s Witnesses FactSheet

Founder:

Charles Taze Russell

Born 1852 in Pittsburgh, PA

Founded:

Approximately 1876

Also known as:

Originally “International Bible Students Association”

Renamed “Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society” in 1884

Renamed “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society” in 1896

Renamed “People’s Pulpit Association” in 1909

Renamed “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society” in 1909

Renamed “International Bible Students Association” in 1914

Renamed “Jehovah’s Witnesses” in 1931

Note: The name “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was taken to avoid confusion between the Watchtower organization and others who claimed to be the true followers of Russell, calling themselves the Laymen’s Home Missionary Movement and the The Dawn Bible Students.

Founding Occasion:

Russell began a Bible study in 1870 and was later voted “Pastor” by his students

Headquarters:

Brooklyn, New York

Membership:

5,912,492 in 1999

Current Leadership:

Milton G. Henschel

Parent Religion:

Christianity

Sacred Texts:

The Bible (New World Translation)

Official Website:

www.watchtower.org

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