Celebrate 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.

View-Master 3D Bible Stories

The View-Master 3D viewer, invented by William Gruber in 1939, popularized 3D Bible stories alongside world travel scenes. Using color transparency film, it offered engaging biblical narratives through stereoscopic images. With associated text, these reels provided educational content, helping audiences explore faith visually. By the 1960s, View-Master became a beloved tool for learning scripture to both adults and children.

If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please visit my WordPress Bible page at:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/04/05/view-master-3d-bible-stories/

Library of Congress Gutenberg Bible Facsimile

The post discusses the Library of Congress’s Gutenberg Bible facsimile, highlighting its historical significance as the first book printed in the Western world. It explains the efforts to replicate original materials and the immense value of original pages. The Gutenberg Bible symbolizes a pivotal shift in access to knowledge, revolutionizing book production.

If you would like to view the photos included with this episode, please go to my WordPress site. Here is a direct link to the Gutenberg page:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/03/28/library-of-congress-gutenberg-bible-facsimile/

Benjamin Franklin Bible Merchant

Benjamin Franklin, known for his printing press, played a vital role as a merchant of the Christian Bible. An interesting package revealed his original press's last printed sheet, featuring an ad for Bibles from his bookshop. This historic press, gifted to the Franklin Institute in 1933, underscores Franklin's influence on Bible distribution in America.

If you would like to view the photos associated with this episode, please visit my WordPress page at:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/03/22/benjamin-franklin-bible-merchant/

Thomas Edison Lords Prayer

The late 1800s to early 1900s saw significant advancements in miniaturization, notably exemplified by the recording of the Lord's Prayer. Thomas Edison’s micro-script version showcases his trademark handwriting, while John Benjamin Dancer pioneered microphotography. Edison's dedication to this art form highlights the era's innovative spirit in technology and art.

If you would like to view the photos associated with this episode, please visit my wordpress page at:

https://celebratethebible250.com/2025/03/14/thomas-edisons-lords-prayer/