A Cramped Branch Office

Growth in the publisher ranks meant a greater demand for literature and an increasing number of congregations for the branch office to serve. The little garage warehouse connected to the office was becoming overtaxed. The office was also becoming crowded as more personnel was required to handle the swelling load of correspondence.

The office on Pensacola Street, which had served the interests of Jehovah’s people in Hawaii for nearly 50 years, was now just too small. Being situated in a densely populated area of central Honolulu, expansion on the same site was prohibitive. Hence, a search was initiated for a suitable location for an expanded, new branch office.

In 1985 a local real estate agent sent a flier to the branch office advertising a 1.12-acre [0.45 ha] lot for sale with a 25,000-square-foot [2,300 sq m] building, formerly a supermarket, on it. The location was ideal, right near the airport and downtown Honolulu. Although another party had agreed in principle to purchase the property, with the Governing Body’s approval, the brothers on the Branch Committee contacted the agent to present an offer. Surprisingly, the first party withdrew from the negotiations. In further apparent evidence of Jehovah’s hand in the matter, the property owner was very favorable toward Jehovah’s Witnesses. In a few short months, the transaction was completed, and in November 1985, the deed was handed over to the Society.

Converting a former supermarket into a branch office, warehouse, Bethel Home, and two Kingdom Halls posed an interesting challenge. The brothers in Hawaii had never taken on a construction project of that magnitude. A building committee was appointed, architectural plans were drawn up, and various construction departments were arranged. There was complete confidence in the readiness of the local brotherhood to provide the necessary skills and labor to accomplish the task. But, of course, it was recognized that the foundation on which the success of the project rested was best expressed by the psalmist at Psalm 127:1: “Unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it.”

“Just Like Building Solomon’s Temple!”

In order to inform everyone regarding the branch office building plans, special meetings were held beginning in February 1987 at seven locations statewide. Over 5,000 gathered at the Waikiki Shell. The brothers on the building committee explained what had already been accomplished, and they outlined the construction schedule, which was targeted to begin on March 1, 1987.

Work began in earnest. Literally thousands of brothers and sisters on Oahu and on other islands arranged their affairs to have a share. Some traveled to the site on weekends, others for longer periods. Many Witnesses on Oahu graciously opened their homes to workers traveling from the neighboring islands. During the peak construction period, about 150 volunteers came on weekdays and 250 to 300 on weekends.

Though the work was strenuous and the hours were long, a willing and happy spirit prevailed. The emphasis was placed on spirituality. The text was considered daily, and The Watchtower was studied each week. Biblical talks were given regularly, with the entire work force in attendance.

The cooperation of various tradesmen and of scores of ready laborers resulted in the work’s flowing smoothly to completion. One volunteer worker commented: “This is just like building Solomon’s temple!” Well, there was quite a difference between Solomon’s temple and the new branch building. The temple was in part overlaid with gold on a structure that was “prefabricated,” so there was little noise in its construction. The branch building was built with cement, wood, steel, and a lot of noise. However, one thing was similar​—the same spirit that moved the temple workers in Solomon’s day was motivating the brothers and sisters in Hawaii. An attractive branch building rose out of a vacant, dilapidated supermarket. Almost a miracle!

Despite the consuming activity related to branch construction, five publisher peaks were reached in 1986. At the end of that service year, two new congregations were formed. There were three publisher peaks in 1987, and three more congregations were established. By July 1987 the structure was completed. The following month branch office operations were transferred to the new location.

Falling Rain​—Rising Spirit

Rain was falling early in the morning on April 3, 1988, in Honolulu, but the spirit was not dampened for the 5,870 gathered in the Neal Blaisdell Center for the branch dedication program. Another 2,838 brothers, assembled on Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii, were tied in by telephone line for the day-long program originating in Honolulu. The Branch Committee coordinator reviewed the history and progress of the Kingdom work in Hawaii. Those publishers preaching in the islands for over 38 years were seated in the front rows of the arena, and they heartily agreed with the speaker’s comment that Jehovah had richly blessed His people in Hawaii.

A 30-minute slide presentation, simultaneously shown at each assembly location, documented the transformation of the former supermarket into a new branch office. Each of the four visiting members of the Governing Body took his turn in speaking to the large audience. In a stirring delivery, Daniel Sydlik described Jehovah’s righteousness as being as unchangeable and constant as the mountains. (Ps. 36:6) Lyman Swingle encouraged the audience to “Count Your Blessings” in harmony with Psalm 144:15b. Lloyd Barry drew a parallel between the rejoicing that accompanied the celebration of the Festival of Booths and modern times when true worshipers are similarly celebrating the great ingathering being accomplished by Jehovah. (Lev. 23:40) In his dedication discourse, Milton Henschel stated: “Our God is a God of purpose, and in his dealings he manifests supremacy. This dedication of the new branch facility is part of the purpose of Jehovah. We want to recognize how this new building will be used in connection with Jehovah’s will.”

As this very special day of worship drew to a close and the crowds were united in the closing song and prayer, their sentiments were like those of the Israelites after the dedication of Solomon’s temple. They went to their homes “rejoicing and feeling merry of heart over all the goodness that Jehovah had performed.” (1 Ki. 8:66) It was a grand spiritual event, a real milestone in the 70-year history of Jehovah’s people in Hawaii.

[Picture on page 107]

Branch office and Kingdom Hall, located on Pensacola Street, served the Kingdom interests for nearly 50 years, until August 1987

[Pictures on page 108]

Former supermarket that was converted into branch office, warehouse, Bethel Home, and two Kingdom Halls was dedicated April 3, 1988