Celebrate the Bible

The First Bible Printed in America

The Eliot Bible, the first printed in America and translated into an indigenous language, was created by John Eliot for the Algonquin Indians. Funded by an English missionary society, it took over 14 years to complete, culminating in 1663. Less than 40 copies remain today, despite the language's near extinction.
If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please go to my WordPress page at: https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/06/13/the-first-bible-printed-in-america/

George Washington and the First Bible in New York

The first Bible printed in New York was the 1792 Rev. John Brown Self-Interpreting Bible, subscribed by George Washington. Over 150 years, 26 editions were printed. Brown, self-taught and financially struggling, created a unique Bible with scripture-based notes. He passed away in 1787, emphasizing a lifetime devoted to preaching.
If you would like to view the photos associated with this podcast, please visit my WordPress page here:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/06/07/george-washington-and-the-first-bible-printed-in-new-york/

America 250 Bible Celebration

The article invites Bible-believing Christians to explore historical sites in Philadelphia during the America250 semiquincentennial celebration in 2026. Key locations include the Robert Aitken Print Shop, the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Christ Church, among others, which significantly contributed to Bible history in the U.S.
If you would like to view the photos and resources associated with this episode, please go to my WordPress page at:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/05/29/celebrate-bible-history-at-america-250-in-philly/

Julia Smith: First Woman Bible Translator

Julia Smith was the first woman to translate the Bible, doing so literally word-for-word from Hebrew and Greek into English. Her approach led to criticism, differing from historical translations like the King James Bible, which incorporated interpretation. Smith's translation aims for clarity, revealing original meanings despite its complexity.
If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please visit my WordPress page at:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/05/24/julia-smith-first-woman-to-translate-the-bible/

First Catholic Bible in America

This episode describes the challenges of obtaining a leaf from the first Catholic Bible printed in America, published in 1790. This rare edition was printed by Matthew Carey, an immigrant who faced a small Catholic population in early America. The episode highlights Carey’s contributions to publishing and the Bible's rarity.
If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please visit my WordPress page for this podcast (includes a transcript):
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/05/17/the-first-catholic-bible-printed-in-america/

Start a Bible Garden!

This episode discusses our experimental Bible garden at our home in Southern New Jersey. The garden features various plants that are mentioned in the Christian Holy Bible. It is intended to be a space for learning and reflection on God's Holy Word.
If you would like to view the photos associated with this episode, please go to my WordPress site page at:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/05/08/start-a-bible-garden/

Bible Reading Marathons

This episode highlights Bible reading marathons, also called Biblethons. Events, like the 1972 Bibliothon at Pearland, Texas, aimed to publicize scripture. WOR radio held a pivotal 480-night Bible reading session from 1960 to 1962.
If you would like to view the historical photos associated with this episode, please go to my WordPress web page at: https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/05/03/bible-reading-marathons/

Jennie Smith Railroad Evangelist

Jennie Smith, born in 1842, faced hardships early, losing her father and caring for siblings. Despite struggles with paralysis for 16 years, she became an influential evangelist, leading many railroad workers to Christ. After miraculous healing in 1878, she authored several books. Smith died in 1924, leaving a lasting impact.
If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please go to my associated WordPress web page to see them:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/04/25/jennie-smith-railroad-evangelist/

The First Bible Printed in New Jersey 1791

Today's episode of Celebrate the Bible focuses on Isaac Collins, a printer from New Jersey who produced the first Bible printed in the state in 1791. Collins, trained in Delaware and influenced by prominent printers, met the high demand for Bibles by selling 5,000 copies, showcasing significant dedication to accuracy and quality.
If you would like to view the photos associated with this podcast, please visit my WordPress page at:
https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/04/20/first-bible-printed-in-new-jersey-1791/

The Easter Story

SPECIAL POST: For this upcoming Easter observance, Francis Douglas reads The Easter Story directly from the Christian Holy Bible.