Vol. 6, No. 8, 1989

Will the Gargoyles Go?

In the last year the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has bought a tremendous amount of real estate in the Brooklyn Heights area of New York City.

This has been a matter of serious concern for residents of that city because the Watchtower takes these properties off the tax rolls thus causing a heavier tax burden for the rest of the residents. Some of these buildings are historic landmarks.

The following item appeared in the Brooklyn Heights Press. "A former Jehovah's Witness said there may be a small scandal over the architecture of the Bossert Hotel. The top of the Hotel is lined with gargoyles, and this goes against Watchtower beliefs. Gargoyles are suppose to keep away evil spirits, and the Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in superstitions, said the ex-Witness. Apparently the gargoyles cannot be removed because of the building's landmark status," (May 18, 1989, p. 11).