<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Jehovah's Witnesses had its origins in the Bible Student movement, which developed in the United States in the 1870s among followers of Christian Restorationist minister Charles Taze Russell . Bible Student missionaries were sent to England in 1881 and the first overseas branch was opened in London in 1900 . The group took on the name International Bible Students Association and by 1914 it was also active in Canada, Germany, Australia and other countries . The movement split into several rival organizations after Russell's death in 1916, with one--led by Russell's successor, Joseph "Judge" Rutherford--retaining control of both his magazine, The Watch Tower, and his legal and publishing corporation, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania . </P> <P> Under Rutherford's direction, the International Bible Students Association introduced significant doctrinal changes that resulted in many long - term members leaving the organization . The group regrew rapidly, particularly in the mid-1930s with the introduction of new preaching methods . In 1931, the name Jehovah's witnesses was adopted, further cutting ties with Russell's earlier followers . Substantial organizational changes continued as congregations and teaching programs worldwide came under centralized control . Further refinements of its doctrines led to the prohibition of blood transfusions by members, abandonment of the cross in worship, rejection of Christmas and birthday celebrations and the view of the biblical Armageddon as a global war by God that will destroy the wicked and restore peace on earth . In 1945 the Watch Tower Society, which Russell had founded as a publishing house, amended its charter to state that its purposes included preaching about God's Kingdom, acting as a servant and governing agency of Jehovah's Witnesses and sending out missionaries and teachers for the public worship of God and Jesus Christ . </P>

Who was the founder of the jehovah's witnesses