The 670-acre property at Patterson, New York, was acquired in December 1984. Its primary purpose would be to serve as an educational center. This complex of 28 Buildings includes school facilities, offices, support services, and residence buildings.
ART DEPARTMENT. Under the oversight of theWriting Committee, the Art Department prepares illustrations for our publications. A designer develops an aesthetic layout after reviewing preliminary text of a publication. Arrangements are alsomade for preparing photographs, paintings, or digital artwork that will illustrate the subject. Creating a picture may involve doing historical research, selecting suitable models, and providing costumes, props, makeup, lighting, and art direction. A growing archive of photos— presently numbering more than 180,000 images— is maintained on a computer database for rapid retrieval. Proposed artwork is incorporated into the layout and presented for approval to the Writing Committee. Once approved, the images are retouched and color-balanced. Then the material is sent to the Graphics Department in Brooklyn to make further preparations for printing.
AUDIO/VIDEO SERVICES. Under the oversight of the Teaching Committee, this department prepares audio recordings of the Bible, The Watchtower, Awake!, convention dramas, music programs, sound tracks for videos, and other materials for later replication. Audio/Video Services also produces video programs for Bethel departments and a PATTERSON variety of videos for public release. Special attention has been given to the needs of the deaf by supporting the production of video publications in some 30 different sign languages of the world.
LEGAL DEPARTMENT. Serving under the direction of the Chairman’s Committee and the United States Branch Committee, the Legal Department provides assistance to branches worldwide when it becomes necessary to establish or defend the rights of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In addition, this department carries out the legal transactions that are necessary to operate the United States branch.
SCHOOLS. The schools at Patterson are supervised by the Teaching Committee. The Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was established in 1943 for the purpose of training missionaries. Full-time ministers selected from around the world attend a five-month course, which includes an indepth study of the Bible and Bible-related history. Gilead students also receive extensive training in the fieldministry and in matters related to theocratic organization. The facilities at Patterson can also accommodate the operation of other schools. For example, Branch Committee members as well as traveling overseers have been gathered here in schools for training. This has deepened their appreciation for Jehovah’s organization and has helped them to accomplish their ministry more fully.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT. This department, under the oversight of the Branch Committee, handles correspondence from traveling overseers, elders, pioneers, and others regarding congregation and field service activities in the United States branch territory. Circuit assemblies and special assembly days are scheduled here. The Service Department also receives and tabulates field service reports from congregations within the United States.
TRANSLATION SERVICES. Translation worldwide is accomplished under the supervision of theWriting Committee. There are now more than 2,000 volunteers assisting with the translationwork in over 120 countries. Jehovah’s Witnesses have produced publications in more than 400 languages. This includes video publications for the deaf. In addition, Braille publications are provided in 15 languages. Files containing publication text and design information can be sent electronically to branches all over the world, thus making it possible to publish literature in many languages simultaneously.
WRITING CORRESPONDENCE. Serving under the direction of the Writing Committee, this department answers letters fromthousands of individuals each year who have questions on Scriptural matters or who request counsel in dealingwith problems. Scriptures that apply to the situations are highlighted for consideration.
Source: www.jw.org