Watchtower Beth Sarim - was it really a mansion?

Question

Or is that an exaggeration?

Answer 1

According to the dictionary, a mansion is a large and impressive house.

Time Magazine of March 31, 1930 said that Judge Rutherford lived in “a ten room Spanish mansion “ at 4440 Braeburn Rd in San Diego.

Referring to Abraham and other ancient prophets to whom he had deeded the property, Judge Rutherford was quoted as saying “I have purposely landscaped the place with palm and olive trees so these princes of the universe will feel at home when they come to offer man the chance to become perfect.”

The Watchtower publication, Consolation, of May 27, 1942 described Beth Sarim as a hundred-acre estate at San Diego, California, held in trust for the New Earth’s Princes. (Page 3)

The San Diego Sun of Jan 9, 1931 valued the house at $75,000. Consolation (above) said that“the enemy” charged that the house cost $100,000, but that it didn’t cost “one-fourth” of that amount. One fourth would be $25,000 so most likely that is near the amount that was initially invested in Beth Sarim.

According to the Inflation Calculator, $25000 in the year 1929 would be equal to over $2,700,000 in 2005.

In Consolation, the Kensington Heights area is described as “that fine residential district of beautiful homes.” (page 8).

In my opinion, the word “mansion” would not be inappropriate to describe a large and beautiful home on a 100 acre estate. Even by today’s standards, it would not be considered ‘modest’.

Answer 2

Jehovah's Witnesses have candidly discussed the history of "Beth Sarim" in their publications. No one disputes that it was likely a very nice home with a nice view of the rugged, unusable canyon below. The second president of the Watchtower Society lived there during the last few years of his life.

Feel free to look at the actual satellite images of the house and compare it with its neighbors.

http://watchtower.org/e/20000622/
http://tinyurl.com/e4t48
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=4440+Braeburn+Rd,+San+Diego&t=k

Answer 3

A mansion??? Dumb a s s, is MASON.