Jehovah’s Witnesses convention will draw thousands to downtown Rockford over 2 weekends

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses are filling downtown today for the start of a three-day convention focused on good news and spiritual education.

This is the first of two weekends the “Declare the Good News” convention will take over the BMO Center. The same program is presented in Spanish over three days next weekend as well.

“We are thrilled to return to Rockford,” said Lincoln Lee, a local spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “We treasure our history of Rockford conventions that stretches back over 100 years. This year, we look forward to another warm welcome from a community with first-class hospitality.”

Attendees are coming from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa with more than 11,500 visitors expected over the course of the two weekends.

The convention is expected to generate more than $980,000 in economic activity this weekend and have an economic impact of more than $1.6 million next weekend, according to estimates from the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.

That includes hundreds of hotel room nights, including filling the downtown Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront, which is walking distance from the convention.

“We are excited to be a host hotel for the Jehovah’s Witness Conference these two weekends. This is such a great event because it brings in so many outside travelers, creating a positive economic impact for our city,”said Kelly Plath, director of sales for the downtown hotel. “Having a downtown hotel to support large conventions like this coming to Rockford will continue to help make us a more marketable location for other events as well. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone.”

You’re likely to see groups of Jehovah’s Witnesses at local restaurants and hotels the next two weekends. It’s also not uncommon to see them with brooms or other cleaning supplies in and around the BMO Center, a reflection of their belief in keeping their places of worship clean and their connection between physical and spiritual cleanliness.

There are more than 1.2 million Jehovah’s Witnesses in nearly 12,000 congregations across the country. Similar conventions are happening in other parts of the U.S., with 695 conventions in 135 cities from May through September with programs delivered in 36 different languages.

Jehovah’s Witnesses view first-century Christianity as their model. They’re often known for their door-to-door preaching and distribution of religious literature. They believe adhering to the principles in the Bible promotes strong family ties and helps develop productive citizens.

For those in the convention, the program will focus on how we can still be positive in the face of bad news by following the teachings of Jesus, said Eddie Gulley Jr., who said he has attended conventions since he was 3.

“With all the bad things that happen in the world — you watch the news or different things may go on in our own life — it helps you have a positive view,” Gulley said. “You feel rejuvenated. You often feel like you can carry on.”

The program includes Bible-based videos, talks and interviews, including a two-part video drama depicting the Gospels events surround the birth of Jesus. There is also a live baptism on Saturday and featured talk called “Why We Don’t Fear Bad News” on Sunday.

“Whenever I leave these conventions, I always have a positive view toward life, but also a positive view toward mankind and our community as well,” Gulley said.

The event is free and open for anyone regardless of their faith. No collections are taken.

“No matter what background — no matter if you’re of a different religion — you can come and check it out,” Gulley said. “If you can only come for maybe an hour or two, or a half a session, please feel free to do so.

“We can all benefit from looking at Jesus life and examining not only how he presented the good news, but how he lived a life that really shows how good news can impact our life as well.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas