The Jehovah Witness religion was officially named a religion in 1872. Founded by Charles Taze Russel. It began in the United States more particularly New York City, then introduced overseas to England in 1881 and proceeded to be active in Canada, Germany, Australia and many more countries in 1914 and expanded all over the world as years went on. After Russell's death in 1916, Joseph Rutherford took over main control of the group. Rutherford experienced a loss of almost all followers of the religion between 1916 and 1928 but quickly regrew the follower population in the 1930's with the implementation of new methods. Rutherford changed the name from watchtower society international bible students to Jehovah's Witness watchtower society. After Russell's death his initial religion split into many branches but the Jehovah's Witness religion reigned supreme over all others. Many thanks can be given to Rutherford for the changes he made to the religion to grow it into what it is today.