Saturday 19 October, the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Kiama hosted their open day. We last visited them at the beginning of their renovation on the hall, and only five months later, the place is looking brand new. 

500 volunteers from throughout NSW, and some from as far and Victoria and Queensland were involved in the reconstruction of this Hall, originally built in 1988 in only three days. 

Lilla, Danielle, & Ben Gregory

Many of the volunteers are thrilled to now be enjoying their hard work. Shayla Watts, who not only makes amazing coffee, but helped in the project said “It was really really nice. It was such a fun group too, we are all volunteers so it's just really nice that everyone had a part in it.” 

Local Jehovah’s Witness, Ben Gregory, was 12 at the time The Kingdom Hall was originally built and he has seen the transformation over the years. With a new roof, entrance, carpark, stage, carpet, cabinetry, lighting and air-conditioning, the end result is “something the whole community can be proud of” he says.

The newly renovated auditorium

The unpaid volunteers managed every aspect of the project, from laying the foundations to applying the final touches. They collaborated with local suppliers, including Bunnings Shellharbour, TLE Oak Flats, and Cleary Bros. The church has teams of volunteers with diverse skills, including electricians, carpenters, and management expertise.

These teams can be called upon for projects across the country and some even internationally.

The new facility covers 500 square metres and includes an auditorium with 176 notably comfortable seats, which are also used in a smaller meeting room. The building features multiple TVs, art displays, a relaxing parents' room, and a kitchen.

Around 300 locals from the Kiama and Albion Park congregations meet at various times each week for worship. The Bible-based meetings cater to all ages and are open to the public at no charge.

Graeme Martin, a senior elder at Jehovah's Witnesses headquarters in Sydney, says, “It's always a thrill for everyone to see the finished product.”

Graeme & Wendy Martin

Having been part of the church his entire life, Graeme currently oversees the organising and administration of construction and maintenance in the region, which includes Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding islands. “I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. For the last five years, I've been more involved in this kind of work, the administrative side of this; it's pretty exciting.” 

When asked what he would say to people who are interested in seeing what the church is about, he simply said “come and see.”

They meet at the Kingdom Hall Kiama every Wednesday and Thursday at 7:00pm, every Saturday at 2:00pm and Sunday at 10:00am.

“Now the doors are open to everyone in the local community and we look forward to sharing the reasons we have to stay hopeful despite the ever-increasing pressures of life.” Says Ben Gregory. 

You can view the previous bugle article here.