In what year were the Watchtower and Jehovah's Witness groups formed?

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses first formed bible study groups in 1870.

The first issue of the Watchtower was published in July 1879.

The Name "Jehovah's Witnesses" was first adopted by the group in 1931.

Answer 2

The modern day history of Jehovah's Witnesses began in 1870; from the very beginning they were organized and more than just individuals with a shared a common theology dispersed among various Christian denominations.

Charles Russell originally formed an independent bible study group that grew to about 30 individuals. After a short association with Millenialist Adventist Nelson Barbour, Russell began publishing "Zions Watchtower" in July 1879.

The readers of this magazine disassociated themselves from the mainstream churches and formed congregations or local groups. They became known as "the bible students" who met together regularly and held larger conventions where new members were baptised. In 1994 travelling representatives called "pilgrims" began to be sent to assist these congregational groups and about that time Russell published books containing his biblical research.

From their early days the "bible students" shared what they were learning with others. The Watchtower of July 1881 reminded its readers of the Christian "Great Commission" to preach the gospel and invited its readers to participate in various preaching campaigns. Russell himself travelled extensively conducting preaching tours both in the United States and later (espectially between 1909-12) worldwide.

By 1914, there were 5000 bible students preaching in 60 lands. Their work was directed from their headquarters, known as "Bethel" which had moved from Pensyvanida to Brooklyn New York in 1908.

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After the death of Russell in 1916 under the direction of JF Rutherford move emphasis was put on the preaching work. The name "Jehovah's Witnesses" Was adopted in 1931