In the first half of 1951, George A. Luning, a graduate of Gilead School’s twelfth class, was assigned to Panama. On June 1 he became Panama’s second branch overseer. However, Brother Luning soon became ill and was unable to continue for more than a few months. So George Papadem, previously branch overseer in Cuba, was sent to Panama and became the third branch overseer here. But Brother Luning remained in Panama as a missionary.

Early in 1955, Brother Papadem was transferred to the branch office in Mexico and Archie Raper, who had been in circuit work here for some time, was appointed as branch overseer in this country.

NEW BRANCH FACILITIES

In 1957 we received authorization to construct a new branch office and missionary home having a Kingdom Hall with a seating capacity of some three hundred. This structure was ready for dedication when Brother M. G. Henschel visited us in January of 1958. The missionary family, as well as those in the office, and all the local congregations were delighted with the fine new facility. It proved to be a real boon to the advancement of the Kingdom work in Panama.

Growth of the Kingdom-preaching work in Panama also has increased the need for literature storage space. First in 1970, and again in 1975, some expansion and remodeling work was done at the branch office to meet this need. Mainly, this work was done by brothers who contributed their time and energy. We had thought that the building completed in 1958 would provide ample storage space, but we did not foresee the almost unbelievable increase in the quantity of literature that would be placed in spreading the good news in this land. Today, with about three times the original space, we still lack sufficient room to keep on hand a two-year supply of Bibles, books and booklets. If necessary, we are willing to make further adjustments so that an adequate supply of Bible literature will be on hand for the preaching work in Panama.