Mr. Schmadrians statement that “the restoration was less about the theatre than it was about their god” is exactly the point for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. For them the Stanley fills a need, a need for a very large assembly. At the time when they were looking for property the Stanley was suitable and available at a bargin price. As I understand, much more affordable than obtaining land and building a new structure in the area.
To me the more remarkable story is not the preservation of the Stanley itself, but that so many JW’s would give so freely of themselves to painstakingly restore, and maintain this building, volunteering their labor and skills with no monetary compensation…and they make it free to the public (the tour guides are also volunteers).
Mr. Schmadrians statement that “the restoration was less about the theatre than it was about their god” is exactly the point for the Jehovah’s Witnesses. For them the Stanley fills a need, a need for a very large assembly. At the time when they were looking for property the Stanley was suitable and available at a bargin price. As I understand, much more affordable than obtaining land and building a new structure in the area.
To me the more remarkable story is not the preservation of the Stanley itself, but that so many JW’s would give so freely of themselves to painstakingly restore, and maintain this building, volunteering their labor and skills with no monetary compensation…and they make it free to the public (the tour guides are also volunteers).