ESCONDIDO – The Escondido Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses returned to full operation as more than 1,700 recently attended the first in-person religious conference held there in nearly three years, driving an economic boost to the community.
“Making a proactive nationwide decision to close our houses of worship to in-person events protected both our congregants and our communities,” Robert Hendriks, U.S. representative for Jehovah’s Witnesses, said. “However, our in-person assemblies and conventions are a highlight of our annual calendar and an important part of our worship. We are excited to be back.”
Local Jehovah’s Witnesses are also eager to return to Escondido as they stay at local hotels, shop in stores and dine at restaurants when they convene for programs at the assembly hall.
Mark Robinson and his family have been attending the Escondido Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses for 37 years.
“We are thrilled and extremely excited to be attending again and enjoying programs that leave us encouraged, refreshed and invigorated,” Robinson said.
When the assembly hall was renovated in 2013, Robinson was among the many volunteers to lend a helping hand.
“I participated in organizing support services, including providing for more than 75,000 meals, construction clean-up, safety, and spiritual programs,” Robinson said.
The Christian denomination now operates 45 assembly halls across the United States, including seven in California. While many of these assembly halls are also used for annual three-day conventions during the summer months, the Witnesses generally contract with private and public arenas and large convention centers to accommodate more attendees from a wider geographic region.
Entry at all events is always free. You may find more details on the organization’s official website, http://jw.org.
Submitted by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
