Historic Poland Conventions

In October 1987, at the annual meeting of the Pennsylvania Corporation of the Society, it was announced that in 1989 international conventions would be held in Poland. At that time few people realized how significant these gatherings would prove to be. Both Chorzów and Poznan hosted the conventions simultaneously on August 4-6; then Warsaw did so on August 11-13.

It was estimated that 140,000 persons from 22 countries would be attracted to these spiritual feasts. However, the total attendance came to 166,518, and the number of countries exceeded the original estimate.

For two weeks straight, starting on July 28, the airport in Warsaw was just buzzing as day after day Polish brothers welcomed delegates arriving from all parts of Europe as well as from Japan and North America. Some delegates traveled as much as 7,000 miles [11,000 km], mostly by rail, for six days and six nights. Visitors came from Siberia, Kazakhstan, the Caucasus, and the Baltic States, as well as from the Ukrainian Republic. Despite the delays experienced due to the vacation season and other problems, the brothers were not deterred. They were just delighted to come together for this spiritual festivity.

As to the delegations from Western Europe, Japan, and North America, the Orbis Congress Bureau, the official Polish travel agency, acknowledged that this was the largest single movement of international visitors ever to tour Poland and attend conventions. These officials were greatly impressed by the fine conduct of the brothers as well as the efficient organization.

The cooperation of the authorities was greatly appreciated. At air, bus, and train terminals, Polish convention workers received kind assistance from officials and their staff.

While some 12,000 were accommodated at hotels in the various convention cities, there were upwards of 60,000 delegates that our local brothers housed in private homes and apartments, Kingdom Halls, school dormitories, and tents. One congregation of 86 publishers accommodated over 500 visitors. Another congregation of 146 publishers in the western suburb of Warsaw hosted 1,276 delegates.

On Friday morning at each convention, traffic flow on all the main thoroughfares leading to the stadium was clogged with delegates. Streetcars arrived loaded with chattering, happy Witnesses. Chartered buses filled with our brothers from surrounding cities and towns parked in preassigned places. Other Witnesses came on special trains. Convention lapel cards were everywhere.

At the three conventions, specially designated sections were set aside for foreign delegates. Large groups came from various countries, especially Czechoslovakia. Many from the Soviet Union who were visiting friends and relatives were also present.

Special Features of Program

Since the conventions were international in scope, reports were heard from some 25 different countries. Portions of the program were translated simultaneously into as many as 16 different languages, and each language group could hear the program clearly without interference from other language sections in the stadium. A man in the audio profession who was consulted on how to carry out this arrangement said: “It is impossible to amplify the sound of the stadium in such a way that the participants can simultaneously listen to the program in 16 languages.” Nevertheless, our brothers did just that, and all were able to listen attentively to members of the Country Committee of Poland and to Governing Body members.

The release of two tracts in the Polish language on Saturday afternoon came as a big surprise. It was the first time that the brothers in Poland had a convention release. The release on Sunday morning of the brochure Should You Believe in the Trinity? was an even greater surprise. For Poland, this publication will be a most effective instrument in exposing this false doctrine and helping honesthearted people to know the truth about the one true and living God and his Son, Christ Jesus.

The baptism on Saturday was a moving sight. At each convention city when the candidates rose to answer the two questions put to them by the speaker, tremendous applause rocked the stadium. Never before had so many been baptized at conventions in Poland. Tears of joy welled up in the eyes of all!

The atmosphere at these three conventions was unforgettably impressive for several reasons. First, it was such a joy and privilege to be in these large stadiums sharing fine spiritual food from Jehovah’s table as arranged by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) And how heart-stirring it was to sit next to brothers from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, East Germany, the Soviet Union, Yugoslavia, and other places, who in the past had not had opportunity to meet with large groups of fellow believers!

One Soviet visitor said: “For many years we have been waiting for this day, and now we are here at this international convention. We find it difficult to grasp all of this and take it all in. It is like a dream. It is impossible to express in words everything we have seen and heard. When we saw the gigantic, bowl-shaped stadium full of people and heard the music, our eyes filled with tears. And the prayer​—while all of us were motionlessly united—​it sent cold shivers down our backs. It was so solemn and unanimous. This convention in Warsaw is such a splendid and grand event that only the new world will be better. We will always remember these wonderful days. It is something one cannot forget. Special thanks and glory be to our Creator, Jehovah God!”

The August 16, 1989, edition of the Polish newspaper Życie Warszawy said concerning the convention held in the Dziesieciolecia Stadium in Warsaw: “Those who worship Jehovah God​—as they themselves say—​greatly value their gatherings, which are certainly a manifestation of unity among them. . . . And something else​—as regards orderliness, peacefulness, and cleanliness, convention participants are examples to imitate.”

Truly the sense of brotherhood, love, and joy in being together is difficult to describe. It is understandable, then, why at each convention city the brothers lingered after the concluding talk​—not wanting to leave, not wanting to forget the moment. Their confidence and faith is that in the not-too-distant future, the whole earth will be filled with those who love and serve our Grand Creator Jehovah unitedly.

For those who had the privilege of being in attendance at the Poland conventions in the summer of 1989, the words of Psalm 70:4 are truly appropriate: “May those exult and rejoice in you, all of whom are seeking you, and may they say constantly: ‘God be magnified!’​—those loving your salvation.”

[Chart on page 18]

Poland District Conventions of 1989

CITY DATE ATTENDANCE BAPTISM

Poznan August 4-6 40,442 1,525

Katowice August 4-6 65,710 2,663

Warsaw August 11-13 60,366 1,905

TOTALS 166,518 6,093

[Pictures on page 19]

Slaski Stadium in Chorzów, near Katowice, was jammed with conventioners; and multitudes were baptized

[Pictures on page 20]

Delegates from Eastern Europe were thrilled to be among the vast throngs who attended the Poznan convention, where the new brochure “Should You Believe in the Trinity?” was released in the Polish language

[Pictures on page 21]

The stadium in Warsaw was packed with delegates from 28 countries. Here portions of the program were translated simultaneously into 16 languages. Standing is the French translator along with the Polish speakers