I'm a little shocked they would go this far, then again Jehovah's quickening the pace...?
I was at my last day of the Spanish 2-Day Circuit Assembly when they went over the announcements, one of them the economic report. It did start off good (for them) mentioning last assembly's (district i assume) actual surplus after the operation costs were taken care of. Then the tone changed and the one in charge of giving the news got a bit annoyingly loud.. "As for this assembly's Operating Costs which are of $16,000~ we currently only have been able to acheive the mark of $5,000~, leaving a deficit of $11,000~..." You could see some flustered faces all over after he went on a banter urging everyone to donate. After that they announced an elders meeting during the lunch break.
Well, I guess we were getting warmed up for the bad news at the end. The whole afternoon program was brought back 10 mins earlier for this announcement by none other than the District Overseer; it went something like this:
Well everyone, we have made history here today. A Series of firsts and lasts. You may ask why? Well Brothers and Sisters this is the first Assembly of the new Service year 2010-11! We have the priviledge to be one the first series of congregations to meet for the assembly this service year. Now why last? Well this marks 30 years of service of this assembly hall, it has grown old, and fallen into some disrepair. The Assembly commitee got together and figured what should be done along with the guide of the Governing Body. After much prayerfull consideration we have decided that remodeling is much too costly to do, having the $11,000 deficit we have... The Governing Body, with the aid of Jehovah has decided to put the whole Assembly Hall property for sale. This will be the last time we will meet here.. we might meet once again here in January for our Special Day, but for the moment it is uncertain. For this is news that I myself also just got. The Society has sent letters to all the BOEs in all of the circuit's congregations with further details and instructions. Currently the plan is for next assembly to be tentatively be held at the West Palm Beach Christian Convention Center, which is far underused during Circuit Assemblies, that hall is also costly to maintain and the best solution is to consolidate the circuit assemblies over there.
...Later he went on about not to doubt that this was Jehober's decision And not to blame the Gibbering Body for anything. (a few biblical texts) This was followed with another plea to donate Song 4 and Prayer... They're bleeding out for sure..
Many brothers we're a bit solemn and most of them were chatting of memories that took place there... I am sad to see it go because I went there since I was practically born and I actually had fun, but I'm actually glad the cult will have one less brain washing center..
Something to peruse:
Property records for the Assembly Hall
Main building http://66.55.51.198/default.htm?cmd=ZOOMPARCEL&folio=503934010010 ..at the back theres a empty lot and another lot the relief supply warehouse is at, I assume they're gonna get rid of that too..
