thirty members in the headquarters family. What a contrast with now! Brother Macmillan stressed the training that Jehovah God is now giving his people. The new building, he said, has been put up for a training work, training that will be carried on into the new world. Referring to his many years as a special representative of the Society, Brother Macmillan said in appreciation of his privileges: “If I had my sixty years of service to do over again, I would work harder, more diligently.”

The Society’s secretary-treasurer, Grant Suiter, followed Brother Macmillan. Brother Suiter spoke on the subject of financing the Society’s buildings over the years. He stressed the fact that the Society’s buildings have always been financed within the New World society. He explained that worldly banks and institutions had offered loans to the Society, but such loans have never been necessary because the brothers have responded so well with gifts and loans. The financing of the Society’s buildings has always been done by Jehovah’s witnesses.

The Society’s vice-president, F. W. Franz, spoke next. “Isn’t this a curious contrast?” he opened. “Here we are on Willow Street and we just sang one of the songs of Zion. Thank God, however, we are not beside the rivers of Babylon and that we have not hung up our harps on the willows there! We are on Willow Street, but we have begun to sing the songs of Zion as a free people, testifying to the loving-kindness of Jehovah God.”—Ps. 137:1-4, AV.

Referring to the expansion of Jehovah’s organization, Brother Franz said: “This place is a symbol of the whole world-wide situation,” one of expansion and glory. The new building, Brother Franz said, is “gloriously beautiful,” reminding us of the psalmist’s words: that everyone in Jehovah’s temple would speak his glory. The new Kingdom Hall, with a capacity of about 750 persons, has a cheerful atmosphere, befitting the New World society. The hall’s richness is enhanced by walnut veneer on all sides and a platform at the north end in the shape of a semicircle that is decorated with two places for live plants.

Referring to the two Bethel buildings, Brother Franz said: “They are not just dormitories; they are working buildings dedicated to the purpose of education. This is the grandest educational institution in all the earth.”

The Society’s president followed with the main dedication address, the entire program taking two hours and a half. After Brother Knorr’s closing prayer, there was an intermission of ten minutes; and then at 10:25 p.m. the Bethel family inaugurated the regular use of the Kingdom Hall by means of their usual Monday evening Watchtower study. It was a most happy day for the Brooklyn Bethel family, and the dedication at Brooklyn Bethel underscores Brother Knorr’s words that “this is the time to expand!”

Questions From Readers

● What stand should children of dedicated Christian parents take in regard to their school’s holiday art activities? What about the Christmas program with its singing of Christmas songs? What about schoolroom birthday celebrations?—M. C., United States.

During a holiday season all students in a school classroom may be required to color or draw pictures relating to that particular holiday. It is part of a classroom assignment, and by simply drawing or coloring the pictures the young student is not indicating that he is commemorating the holiday or is viewing it as of