Celebrate the Bible

This installment discusses the history of Christian roadside attractions in America, specifically focusing on the Prince of Peace museum in Gettysburg, PA, and the Prince of Peace memorial in Silver Springs, Florida. It highlights artist Paul Cunningham’s dioramas depicting Biblical scenes, alongside 3D Lenticular photographs. Both attractions closed in the 1970s, with legacies preserved through c...

Billy Sunday, a former baseball player turned evangelist, drew enormous crowds in the early 20th century with his energetic preaching against sin and alcohol. Known for his dynamic style, he became a significant figure in the Temperance movement. Collectibles associated with him are valuable, including rare stereo cards and historical photographs. If you would like to view the photos mentioned in...

This episode discusses the Bruce Rogers World Bible, recognized as one of the most beautifully produced typographical Bibles in America. Published in 1949. Designed by Bruce Rogers over two years, it features Frederic Goudy’s Newstyle typeface, reworked by Rogers. The Bible weighs over twenty-four pounds and was limited to nearly 1,000 copies. For the America 250 Bible Celebration! If you would li...

This episode explores the American temperance movement, focusing on its history and artifacts from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. It emphasizes the movement's impact on alcohol consumption and family life, featuring key figures like Frances Willard and events like Billy Sunday's evangelistic meetings. Historical artifacts include pledge cards, trade cards, and a photograph of a temperance...

This episode discusses the hobby of collecting Bible pages, particularly individual pages rather than entire Bibles, due to affordability and exhibition purposes. It provides a list of the top ten collectible scripture pages, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a spiritual connection with Jesus Christ over material possessions. Francis Douglas shares personal experiences and notable collecti...

This episode of Celebrate the Bible discusses the collection of Christian ephemera, highlighting unique printed items that survive from everyday life. Featuring rare memorabilia like tickets and tracts, the host emphasizes the significance of these throw-away pieces in personal collections and their historical value, inviting listeners to appreciate their impact. If you would like to view the phot...

This episode emphasizes the comfort and hope found in the Holy Bible, highlighting various passages that encourage faith, strength, and reliance on God. It reassures believers of God's presence in times of trouble and states that through trust in Him, they can find peace and be sustained through challenges. If you would like to view images associated with this podcast, please visit my WordPress pa...

This episode of "Celebrate the Bible" discusses the significance of 3D stereographs in documenting early American Christian heritage. Stereographs, popular from the 1850s to the early 1900s, provide a three-dimensional view of scenes. The host shares insights on his personal collection, and encourages listeners to explore this unique aspect of photographic / Christian history. If you would like to...

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, received land from King Charles II in 1681. He arrived in North America in 1682 and established Philadelphia. Before this, he wrote notable works, including "No Cross, No Crown," reflecting on faith and human purpose. Penn advocated for love, peace, and charity in his teachings. If you would like to view photos associated with this episode, please visit m...

America 250 Semiquincentennial: The Robert Aitken Bible, first printed in the United States during the Revolutionary War, is a significant national treasure and the only Bible endorsed by Congress. With fewer than 40 copies existing, its publication marked a vital step in American history. Aitken's daughter Jane also contributed significantly to this legacy. If you would like to view the photos as...

In 1896, the "Noah's Ark" illusion on Broadway's Hammerstein's Olympia Theater captivated diverse audiences. Combining biblical themes and theatrical magic, it featured animals appearing from an Ark filled with water, achieved through clever staging. The show’s popularity led Scientific American to highlight it, showcasing its significance in New York City's entertainment scene. If you would like...

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 WordP...

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, p...

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 wi...

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 th...

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 v...

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/...

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-r...

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...

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, p...

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

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...

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 i...

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 associa...

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 phot...