The branch office, or Bethel, has an interesting history. From 1946, facilities in the capital were rented, which meant moving time and again over the years. But while Harold Jackson was serving as branch servant, the growth of Kingdom interests indicated that a building suited to the needs would have to be built. To that end a well-situated plot of land overlooking the American embassy was bought. The work started in 1961. By that year Lloyd Aldrich was serving as branch servant. Baltasar Perla of El Salvador was the architect, and Pedro Armijo of Tegucigalpa was the contractor. Tools and construction techniques were simple.

On the excellent quality of workmanship, Brother Aldrich commented: “It was amazing what the brothers could accomplish without modern machinery or equipment. Nearly everything was done by hand. The only two machines of any consequence were a cement mixer and a truck for hauling materials to the site.”

In 1961 there were just 571 publishers in Honduras, and the branch facilities were more than sufficient, but by 1986, more than 4,000 publishers were reporting and the Bethel Home, even though enlarged in 1978, was no longer adequate. The Governing Body authorized an addition that would more than double the existing space. Work started in October 1987. What a joy it has been to see the international volunteers in action! Together with the willing labor of many congregations, they finished an excellent structure, which was dedicated to Jehovah’s service on October 21, 1989.

In Retrospect and Prospect

The dedication of the new Bethel was a happy day. Brothers and sisters long in Kingdom service came from far and wide and rejoiced to see one another again after so many years. Among them were some of the first missionaries to serve in Honduras: Allan and Helen Bourne, Darlean Mikkelsen, Randy Morales, and Woody Blackburn, who served as branch servant back in the early 1950’s.

Reflecting on his experience in the Honduran field, Werner Zinke, who has served as coordinator of the Branch Committee since 1978, commented: “Thinking of the 20 years that I have enjoyed serving here in Honduras, I can say that Jehovah has blessed us richly in this land. I have seen the number of publishers increase from 1,341 in 1970 to 6,583 now. What a privilege to give even better service to our brothers in Honduras from our new branch office.”

At the dedication of the new Bethel in 1989, the Governing Body was represented by Lyman Swingle, who gave the dedication talk.