• Ecuador
    1989 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses

    • Need to Expand Branch Facilities

      The Kingdom work in Ecuador is relatively new in comparison with the work in many other countries. The first sustained preaching activity got under way just over 40 years ago. As the growth of a youngster requires new sets of clothing, so the expansion of the Kingdom work here has made it necessary to obtain larger branch facilities.

      At first the branch office simply operated out of a missionary home. By 1957 new facilities were built in Guayaquil. Later this structure was enlarged. In 1977, during his zone visit, Brother Grant Suiter suggested that the brothers begin looking outside of Guayaquil for a larger piece of property. One day a brother came to the branch office and asked if we might be interested in a plot of land he would like to donate to the Society. It was just outside of Guayaquil. How thrilled we were to accept this offer!

      Another urgent need at that time was for a place where one of the district assemblies could be held​—even if it was out in the open air. After some preliminary clearing of this new piece of land, the first assembly was held on it. The hillside provided a natural amphitheater, and the brothers spread out blankets on the ground for seating. For a number of years this lot served for district and circuit assemblies on the coast.

      Finally, late in 1984, work got under way to build a handsome Assembly Hall on this property. It was to have a seating capacity of 3,000. Over 80 acres were available for this construction. However, more than an Assembly Hall was needed. With approval from the Governing Body, early in 1985 construction of a new branch building began on another part of the same land. What an exciting time as the friends experienced Jehovah’s blessing on their efforts to bring all of this to completion! Construction started just before the Society’s international construction program got under way, but the building was completed under its direction. The brothers were delighted to receive a professional helping hand from international volunteer construction workers from 14 countries. What a blessing this assistance was! Our deep appreciation goes to each one who helped.

      Changes in Administration

      In 1949 Albert Hoffman became the first branch overseer and did much to help organize the work here in its infancy. Then in 1950, that oversight was transferred to John McClenahan, also Gilead trained. Again, in 1970, it was necessary to make some changes in the administration. Another Gilead graduate, Harley Harris, was appointed to be branch overseer and has continued serving in the branch since then. At present the branch is administered by a committee of five men: Francisco Angus, Arthur Bonno, Harley Harris, Vern McDaniel, and Laureano Sánchez.