20.10.2011
‘…the best of books’ exhibition launched at Christ Church cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral is hosting an exhibition in the cathedral Treasury to marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the Authorised Version of the Holy Bible (sometimes known as the ‘King James Bible’) in 1611.
Speaking at a reception in the crypt, following evensong which observed the nature of the occasion by appropriate readings, the Revd Dr John Bartlett traced the course of English language versions of the Bible, from the early achievement of Tyndale, whose work comprises most of the King James Bible. He spoke of the Great Bible of 1540, the Geneva Bible (1560) and, the Anglican retort to this, the Bishops’ Bible (1565).
Dr Bartlett spoke in some detail of several of the exhibits which represented family and personal associations with the Bible and, in opening the exhibition, invited those present to study the works on display, hoping that they would be inspired by what they saw as had generations before them.
The Chairman and Hon. Treasurer of Cumann Gaelach na hEaglaise (the Irish Guild of the Church) referred to the Irish translations of scripture that were featured in the exhibition which the cathedral’s commitment to encouraging interest in the Irish language, its place in the Church of Ireland’s past, and the ambition to see it more widely used in public worship. This ambition had been greatly encouraged by the support that Foras na Ghaeilge, who were represented by Máirtín Mac Cathmhaoil.
The exhibition is on show in the crypt during the cathedral’s opening hours (entrance included in admission to the cathedral, special terms for school parties by arrangement). Catalogue (English and Irish versions): €3 from the cathedral gift shop.