Celebrate 200 years with us!
What does U.S. President John Quincy Adams have in common with the inventor of the steam tug boat, the composer of the "Coronation" tune for "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," the President of Harvard, the first pastor of Park Street Church, a soap and candle merchant, and a 15-year-old boy? They were all founding members of the Massachusetts Bible Society in 1809.
Throughout 2009, we will be celebrating the faithfulness of those founders and all the MBS supporters since who have made it possible for us to continue our mission of supplying people with and educating people about the Bible for two centuries.
One of the ways we are marking that history is with the collage shown here, created for us by artist Michael Walker. This unique depiction of our history is now available in three poster sizes and can be pre-ordered now for October, 2008 delivery. Click here to order.
In the coming months, this page will be filled with the specifics of our bicentennial events, but here is an overview of the year's activities.
BIBLE IN AMERICA LUNCHEONS: Our luncheon lectures for 2009 will all be centered on the theme, "The Bible in America." Expect the same great quality speakers and stimulating discussions. First luncheon Jan. 14, 2009. Speaker: Peggy Bendroth of the Congregational Library.
RARE BIBLE EXHIBIT: The collection of rare Bibles once housed at MBS was moved to the Boston University School of Theology Library for safe keeping. For the Spring semester, they will be brought out for a special exhibit. You can see the online exhibit created a few years ago here. The exhibit will be launched with a lecture on Jan. 22, 2009 in Marsh Chapel at Boston University. The lecture begins at 5 pm and will be followed by a reception and the first viewing of the exhibit. The event is free and open to the public.
BIBLE AND BOOK FAIR: On March 20-21, 2009 we will have a Bible and book fair from 10 am - 4 pm at Old South Church in Boston. Need gift Bibles for confirmands? Buy one here and get a coupon for free engraving. We will have a large selection of Bibles and a great selection of religious books to choose from.
ANNUAL MEETING AND CELEBRATION WORSHIP: Back in the day, the Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Bible Society was one of Boston's premiere events, not because people loved meetings but because of the stirring sermons that were always preached as part of that meeting. On May 2, 2009, we will hold our Annual Meeting at Old South Church in Boston and again raise the roof with the Word of God. Our big, hairy goal? To get a representative from every Christian church in the Commonwealth to attend worship. We are the oldest ecumenical organization in the country. We want to model our unity in Christ
RE-ENACTMENT OF OUR CHARTER SIGNING AND ANNIVERSARY DINNER: On July 6, 2009 we will gather in the Senate Chamber of the Massachusetts State House to re-enact our charter signing on that date in 1809. With costumed guests representing our 107 founders, we will remember our past, celebrate our present, and anticipate our future as we move from the State House to The Parker House, where the chef is preparing a period dinner.
BECK LECTURES AND FILM DOCUMENTARY: Those of you who live in range of Boston's WBZ-TV, know Liz Walker. We are excited to announce that Liz will be our Beck Lecturer for 2009. But that's not all. As we move into the fall of 2009 with our October lectures, we honor our past by looking to our future, and that means media. Each of the lectures will be accompanied by a premiere showing of a 30-min. documentary about the Bible, produced by Liz Walker Journey Productions, on our "One Book, Many Voices" theme. This is an enormous effort and we need your support to make it a reality. Click here to donate and have your name listed in the film's credits. A preview of the film is also on that page.
The Massachusetts Bible Society is able to sustain its ministries of Bible Grants, promoting Biblical literacy and nurturing open spiritual/theological dialogue through financial contributions from people and organizations such as you. Please click here to support MBS.