El Salvador

“Hail the Theocracy, ever increasing! Wondrous expansion is now taking place.” On Saturday, November 12, 1988, 22,091 voices joined together to sing those stirring words in celebration of the dedication of the new branch office and Bethel Home in the Central American country of El Salvador.

The office and residence complex, from its hilly, suburban vantage point, overlooks the capital city, San Salvador, and has a view of several of the volcanoes for which the country is famous.

Brother John Barr, a member of the Governing Body, spoke warmly on the theme: “The Song of Theocracy’s Increase.” The program also featured colorful folk dances presented by a hundred local brothers and sisters.

Over 300 visiting brothers, representing nine different countries in North and Central America as well as Europe, were able to share in the joy of the dedication program. This included several of the 326 IVCWs who had had a large share in the construction.

[Pictures on page 28]

Four separate buildings surrounded by lush tropical gardens make up the 96,000-square-foot [8,900 sq m] Bethel complex in El Salvador. The complex has a new lobby and a dining room seating 200, as well as rooming for 72 Bethel volunteers