The Travelling Toe: Gutenberg Printing Press in Texas

Gutenberg Printing Press Replica

An operating replica of the Gutenberg printing press was on display at a local church in the Fort Worth area recently. The Travelling Toe and Dear Friend drove to the church to attend the program and see the press in action.

The Gutenberg printing press is what helped put the Bible into the hands of everyday people.

The press was built by exhibit curator and renowned Biblical authentication, Dr. F.J. Maisel.

Besides the printing press other Biblical items were on display:

leaves from actual Biblical publications from reformers such as
Martin Luther, William Tyndale, John Rogers,
Miles Coverdale and John Calvin

an original, true first printing of the King James Bible

an actual page from the first book printed with movable type, the
1450 Gutenberg Bible.

The presenter, whose name The Travelling Toe failed to get, made a few interesting points about several members of the English monarchy and the Bible.

Henry VIII, supported reformation of course due to his abolishing the Catholic faith so he could marry Anne Boleyn. The Great Bible of 1539, was the first authorized edition of an English version of the Bible. It was read aloud at church services.

After Henry's demise, his oldest daughter took the throne and reverted the Empire back to Catholicism. Because so many Protestants were persecuted and executed during her reign, Mary I was know as Bloody Mary.

Following her death, Elizabeth I came into power. She once again returned the country to the Protestant faith. She was given a Geneva Bible, which predates the King James version by 51 years. It was also one of the Bibles that the Puritans brought with them to the New World.

After the presentation, the presenter inked the typeset, placed a sheet of paper on it and had young boys pull the press arm around. A Bible verse was printed out. It was so fascinating to watch and view the results.

To learn more about this museum, log on to their Facebook page of Enduring Word Museum. The Museum is located in Weatherford, Texas

Those that went before us stood tall for their faith and ensured that we today can have any type and as many Bibles in as many languages as we want without facing trials and tribulations....at least in some parts of the world. We are so blessed!

Here are a few photos The Travelling Toe took of the presentation.