Celebrate King James Bible 400th at Calvary UMC in Pittsburgh
By Yvonne Hudson
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5/2/2011
Pittsburgh joins the international celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible with IN THE BEGINNING: The King James Bible at 400, a concert of readings and solo, choral, and organ music from across four centuries on Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 at the historic Calvary United Methodist Church in Allegheny West. The free concert kicks-off a series of events at the restored landmark.
Favorites form the text that changed the English language and the role of the KJB in connecting the greater public to scripture will be featured in the May 11 event. Calvary's restored sanctuary features three magnificent Tiffany stained glass windows that include King James scripture, interior decoration that also features scripture, and a rare, restored Farrand & Votey organ.
Music will be presented by Calvary's Renewal Choir, organist-conductor Brian Burns, and guest artists and readers from Poets Corner, the church's resident arts series. The Revs. Thomas E. Funk, pastor emeritus of Calvary; Beth Nelson, who will begin serving as pastor of Salem United Methodist Church in Wexford on July 1, and Larry Homitsky, Calvary pastor, will participate in the program.
The recital, produced by Poets Corner, parallels international celebrations as the King James version of the English bible turns 400.
Admission is free, but donations will be received. Information about King James Bible celebrations and a calendar featuring Pittsburgh events will be shared. Calvary Church is located at 971 Beech Ave. at the corner of Allegheny, near Heinz Field. i
Admission is free, but donations will be received. Information about King James Bible celebrations and a calendar featuring Pittsburgh events will be shared. Calvary Church is located at 971 Beech Ave. at the corner of Allegheny, near Heinz Field. i
HISTORY: After James VI of Scotland became James I, King of England in 1603, it was decided to commission a new translation of the Bible in an effort to provide a new translation which would be acceptable to everyone following years of religious tumult in England. Building on the advances in Hebrew and Greek scholarship, together with the insights of previous translators, six translation teams produced a remarkably rich and resonant version, which was to serve for public readings in churches as well as private devotional reading. The new English BIble was completed for publication on May 11, 1611. Despite many printing challenges, the King James Bible was widely accepted and was the Bible taken by the Pilgrims from England to the North American colonies in 1620. Recent polls indicated that people around the world often prefer the King James Version to more contemporary versions for its poetic and memorable language as well as their own personal history with this enduring translation.
KING JAMES BIBLE AT 400 events at Calvary United Methodist Church during 2011 include:
KING JAMES BIBLE IN WORSHIP: Sunday, May 22 worship at 11 am will featured the story of the King James Bible, readings and music, with Rev. Larry Homitsky. Light luncheon follows.
THE WINDOWS & THE WORD: Tuesday, June 21 from 4 pm to 7 pm. First day of summer open house celebrates the splendor of Calvary's Tiffany windows on the longest day of the year when the summer light moves magically though the restored stained glass. Guests can interact with docents and artists sharing the stories and King James scripture depicted in Calvary's windows and sanctuary. Guests may arrive at any time. Refreshments served. Donations accepted.Admission is free.
THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO: Vacation Bible School at Calvary features the King James Bible. All children are welcome. Details to be announced.
MESSIAH SING-ALONG: Handel's MESSIAH Sing-Along, Sunday, Dec.18 at 4 pm in the Tiffany Sanctuary. Area choirs, singers, and audience members are invited to join in selected choruses while soloists and guest artists will be featured.Brian Burns, music director and organist, leads the Renewal Choir and guest singers. Ticket details TBA.
For details, visit www.CalvaryPgh.com or Poets Corner, Pittsburgh on Facebook. Contact Poets.Corner.Pittsburgh@gmail.
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