Holy place - "Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, Uyo"

For people of faith, a place of worship is considered sacred and is always meticulously maintained to uphold its sanctity. My own place of worship, the Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses located in Uyo, near the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, is no exception.

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In my publication, I'll discuss the history, architecture, facilities, programs, ambience, and other interesting aspects of this amazing place. Now let's begin with the history of this sanitary place of worship.

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History

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The Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses was built and established in 2012, following approval from the Branch Committee. This marked a significant milestone for Jehovah's Witnesses, particularly those residing in and around Uyo. The new assembly hall brought immense joy, as it eliminated the need for lengthy travels to attend annual circuit and district assemblies, making it a truly celebratory year for the local Witness community.

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Architecture

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Voluntary builders/workers

Jehovah's Witnesses are renowned for their unity and love, which is reflected in their collaborative approach to projects. The construction of the Assembly Hall is a testament to this spirit of unity. Volunteers with diverse skills, including builders, bricklayers, tilers, and painters, came together to build the assembly ground, donating their time and expertise free of charge. The only expenses incurred were for the materials needed to complete the project.

Male Toilet	Female Toilet

Thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the Assembly Hall features separate male and female toilets, each equipped with 16 toilet seats, totaling 32 toilets. This generous provision ensures that attendees, including pioneers residing on-site, can access facilities without delay, even during peak gatherings like circuit and district assemblies. This forward-thinking design element has proven to be a valuable asset.

Dormitory

Demonstrating thoughtful consideration for attendees traveling from afar, the Assembly Hall features a dormitory designed to provide comfortable accommodations during multi-day events like district assemblies. This provision acknowledges that not everyone has equal access to transportation or resources. The dormitory boasts 10 spacious rooms, each capable of comfortably hosting up to 20 individuals. Additionally, the rooms are equipped with fans, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests.

Offices

During the construction of the Assembly Hall, four essential offices were included to ensure a smooth and supportive experience for attendees. These offices include:

• First Aid Office: Providing medical care and support for attendees with physical or mental health needs.
• Lost and Found Office: A designated space where misplaced items can be turned in and reclaimed by their owners.
• Equipment Office: A storage facility for various tools and equipment, such as spades, used for maintenance and upkeep.
• Account Office: Responsible for managing donations, tracking finances, and maintaining accurate records.

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These offices demonstrate a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of attendees, ensuring a safe, supportive, and well-organized environment.

Auditorium

The Assembly Hall features a spacious and well-designed auditorium, divided into sections A, B, and C, with a combined seating capacity of over 3,000 people. The auditorium is carefully laid out to ensure that all attendees can sit comfortably and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during circuit and district assemblies.

Area for disabled and elderly people

Thoughtfully, designated areas in the middle of the auditorium are reserved for elderly or disabled individuals, with adjacent seating for their caregivers or companions. This considerate design ensures that all attendees, regardless of age or ability, can participate fully and comfortably in the gatherings.

Attendant and cleaning department

The Assembly Hall also features an Attendant and Cleaning Department, which plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of circuit and district assemblies. In the Attendant Department, volunteers can register to serve as attendants during events. Here, they receive their assignment details, including their designated block and tag, which enables them to carry out their duties efficiently.

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The Cleaning Department is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the facility. Volunteers who wish to contribute to this effort can visit the department to receive their assigned tasks. This coordinated approach ensures that the convention grounds remain clean, tidy, and welcoming throughout the event.

Generator House

Located discreetly behind the sound offices is a small generator house, designed to minimize noise disturbance. This house shelters a dedicated generator that primarily powers the sound room and its associated facilities, ensuring uninterrupted audio services during events.

The elevated podium

A prominent feature of the Assembly Hall is the elevated podium, strategically designed to facilitate effective communication between speakers and the audience. Built during the initial construction phase, this raised platform enables preachers to deliver inspiring talks and sermons during circuit and district assemblies, while maintaining clear visibility and connection with the attendees seated in the auditorium below.

Baptism point

The final architectural feature of my beloved place of worship is the serene baptism point. This sacred spot is where individuals who have dedicated their lives to Christ can publicly declare their faith through water baptism. The baptism pool, approximately four feet deep, is filled with crystal-clear water, symbolizing spiritual renewal. For me, this pool holds special significance, as it was here that I was baptized in 2017, marking a profound milestone in my spiritual journey.

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Facilities

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Among the numerous facilities available, including sound system, speakers, microphones, etc. I was able to capture images of following:

	Air conditioner

Providing a comfortable atmosphere for the sound personels and office attendant.

	Lister generator

Ensuring a reliable power supply for the entire holy place.

	Unique washing hands point

Promoting hygiene and cleanliness

These amenities contribute to a well-equipped and comfortable environment, conducive to spiritual growth and community gathering.

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Programs

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Throughout the year, our congregation participates in three major assembly programs:

• Circuit Assembly: Held twice a year, each lasting one day
• District Assembly: Held once a year, spanning three days

These gatherings provide opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship, and discussion on vital topics.

	Screenshot from my JW library app.

Notably, we have an upcoming one-day Circuit Assembly scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, which will feature a visit from the Branch Committee. The program will focus on the theme "Not Ashamed of the Good News" and explore other essential topics. Additionally, we host specialized meetings, including:

• Pioneer Meetings
• Ministerial Meetings
• Elders Meetings

These meetings are held twice a year, providing focused discussions and guidance for specific groups within our congregation.

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Ambience

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Ambience environment

This sacred haven is a true slice of paradise on earth, enveloping all who enter in a profound sense of calm and serenity. The lush canopy of beautifully landscaped trees provides a natural source of fresh air, promoting a healthy and tranquil atmosphere.

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What's truly remarkable is that, even amidst large gatherings and programs, this environment remains remarkably peaceful and free from noise pollution. It's a testament to the thoughtful design and ambiance of this holy place.

I invite you to experience it for yourself through this short video showcasing the serene beauty of my holy ambiance place...👇🏾