What is the current Watchtower position on the mansion built on Coronado Island in CA named 'Beth Sharim' ?

It says in the Proclaimers Book that the house was sold in the 1940s.

It also says that the house was built with funds that were donated specifically for the purpose of obtaining the house for Brother Rutherford, after he was advised to spend winters in a warmer climate for health reasons. Why could not some wealthy WT supporters have donated towards this, or more likely, many less-wealthy ones donate small amounts?

If you look a the Salvation book on page 311 (made me get up...) it explains more about it, but does not say that the resurrected ancient ones would definitely live there or that it was built just for them and taken over by Rutherford, as some possibly imply. Why build and maintain an empty house?

So, the current position of the WTS on Beth Sarim was published in the 1947 WT magazine, which stated that the Society had decided to sell the house as it had served its purpose and was too expensive to keep. It said that our faith in the return of men of old time whom the king Christ Jesus will make princes in all the earth is based, not upon a house, but on God's promise. So the house has long since been sold.

ETA: Just to add a thought about the comments on mob violence against JWs... It was asserted that there is not a shred of evidence to support this. I read a well-researched book from the library "Judging Jehovah's Witnesses" written by a Catholic college professor whose name is Shawn Peters. This book documents a LOT of mob violence against JWs in the U.S. during the 20th century. I am not just talking about men going to jail for being conscientious objectors, I am talking about stuff I never even read in any of the WTS literature- including men being castrated for refusing to salute the flag.

The book is absolutely NOT all glowingly in support of JWs, so the original questioner might actually enjoy it, but since you were disputing another answerer's claims, I thought I would offer the suggestion.

Honestly, I don't know what you're talking about - but I'll look around -

I wasn't alive in 1925. But I do know that Rutherford used his own funds to start the publicizing of the Watchtower - so if he felt like buying a mansion/building a mansion - he might have done so.

And just so the CanadianAtheist knows, we don't sell the literature.

Go Debbie.

And the apostles misplaced hopes were in Jesus himself - they thought that he was going to become an earthly king over all the nations - and were trying to crown him- he wouldn't let them. Jesus didn't have misplaced hope - he knew what was going on and he was perfect. The reference there is to the apostles.

"Beth-Sarim" meaning "House of the Princes"

'The New World'...written by Fred Franz(GB) states that this house was held in trust for the princes in their return...he say's that 'the return of these 'Men of old' would cast judgment over the people and will not show any pleasure.'He also stated 'that these would be returning any day now.'

It was built with the aid of the San Diego Organization.

Yes Rutherford did live there and before his death he instructed Franz and Knorr to oversee his work and that they should stick together(thus began the view that God's mouthpiece was not just one person but many).

A few years after this book was published(1942) the house was sold.At a 1950 assembly in Yankee stadium,Fred Franz gave a talk in which this false prophecy was abandoned,replaced with the view that the society's appointees in the congregations had already filled this princely role.

Rutherford had also stated at the release of the book 'Children' that these 'men of old' would on their return direct the young people as to who they should marry.

False Prophets indeed!

It seems like you asked several people but why not go directly to the source. The WBTS welcomes questions ...write them a letter.

I was raised JW, out since 1996....my dads an elder and I'm wondering how come I never heard about this!

Millions then living have died since then his prophecy did not come true open your eyes and see the truth take the blinders off your tunnel vision is getting really bad.

I have no idea what you just have asked..but as excited2bet said...write a letter to the Watchtower and ask them yourself. =]

They are very embarrassed by this Beth Sarim property...

There is so much wBS trace off of the property that it is hard to tell whether it is owned by the wBS or not.

http://www.witnessinc.com/beth_sarim.html

I would think not alot, it was sold after he died

The people selling the watchtower, not only turn over ALL of the money they collect, they PAY for the rags up front!

Honestly If I ran a scam like that, I'd be in jail.

It's a racket, and the guys at the top of the pyramid scheme know it.