Scriptorium helps preserve and share the history of the Bible
Since opening its doors earlier this year, the Rawlings Scriptorium has been embedded as a unique asset of the Freedom Tower and the Rawlings School of Divinity.
Located off the main lobby, the scriptorium (the traditional term for where manuscripts are copied or stored) houses a world-class collection of rare books and Bibles that document the path the Bible took from the Greek language to the English translations, which ultimately became the linchpins for the Protestant Reformation.
The collection was provided by the Rawlings Foundation and is valued at over $1 million.
The Bible serves as the anchor for the Christian faith, and the scriptorium signifies this, taking a prominent place in Liberty’s newest landmark.
“The Rawlings Scriptorium is an incredible statement of Liberty’s commitment to the Bible as the centerpiece of Christian education,” said Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Rawlings School of Divinity. “This amazing collection of first-edition Bibles and ancient Torah scrolls is the highlight of the lobby of the Freedom Tower. It attracts hundreds of visitors who are thrilled to see this powerful testimony to this history of the preservation and transmission of God’s Word.”
Beyond learning the significance of Scripture, Liberty students and guests can learn about the blood, sweat, and sacrifices it took to bring the Bible to the masses.
Before the Bible was available in their language, English worshippers had to depend on select Roman Catholic priests for their interpretations of Scripture. In the early 1500s, the first English translations created tension between the high-ranking priests and some European heads of state who were committed to Roman Catholic orthodoxy. The English translators ran headlong into deeply rooted resistance to change, battling entrenched doctrine and facing constant death threats. Many were burned at the stake for their devotion.
“We are blessed because we have ready access to the Bible today,” said Dr. Harold Rawlings, author of “Trial By Fire: The Struggle to Get The Bible into English.” “In England, at one time, it was illegal to have a Bible. People, both men and women, gave their blood to make it happen.”
The English texts on display in the scriptorium (from Rawlings’ personal collection) are the results of this struggle. They include a first edition 1537 Matthews Bible, first edition 1539 Great Bible (the first English Bible authorized by King Henry VIII), first edition 1560 Geneva Bible (the Bible brought to America by the Pilgrims on the Mayflower in 1620), a 1561 Tyndale New Testament, a first edition 1568 Bishops Bible, and two first edition 1611 King James Bibles.
With the assistance of Liberty alumnus Gene Albert, the scriptorium’s curator, the space also includes a variety of items from the 19th and 20th centuries, including an 1861 first complete Native American Bible, the notes of famed English Baptist preacher Charles Hadden Spurgeon, and “the tiniest Bible,” printed on a thumb-size sheet of microfilm.
Rawlings and his brothers, George, Carrol, and Herb, have donated more than $15 million to the university in recent years, making the Freedom Tower and Rawlings School of Divinity project possible.
Dr. Harold Rawlings (left) with President Jerry Falwell and Dr. Ed Hindson, dean of the Rawlings School of Divinity, during the scriptorium’s dedication on Oct. 19.
Harold Rawlings spoke at the scriptorium’s dedication on Oct. 19. The event included a ceremony in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom, where Rawlings School of Divinity Dean Dr. Ed Hindson reminded the crowd that our work is not about us but about God and the “eternal destiny” He has called us to. Alumnus Ed Vickers prayed before guests joined President Jerry Falwell and Hindson in the lobby of Freedom Tower for prayers of dedication and tours of the museum. Falwell thanked Rawlings for his generosity and support.
“Your family has an incredible legacy,” Falwell told him. “It is so important to our university to have this scriptorium here, we couldn’t appreciate it more.”
The scriptorium is free and open to the public. For more information or to schedule a visit, email scriptorium@localhost.
More sites to tour on campus
All museums are free and open to the public
Liberty Biblical Museum
Located on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library, the Biblical Museum gives guests a window into the world of the Bible. Through an exhibition of ancient artifacts from the Holy Land, rare Bibles, and manuscripts, the ancient culture of the Bible is traced from 4000 B.C. to the sixth century A.D. Special exhibits include the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Jewish Temple, the Authentic Last Supper, and much more. Guests can take self-guided tours. Guided group tours are also available by appointment; email biblicalmuseum@localhost. Visit Liberty.edu/BiblicalMuseum for museum hours.
Jerry Falwell Museum
The museum, located off the DeMoss Hall Grand Lobby, invites visitors to learn about the life and legacy of Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell. It features memorabilia, videos, news clippings, and samples of his writings, including books and personal letters. It also includes an array of photos of Falwell and his family, Liberty administration, faculty, and students through the years. The museum is open from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call (434) 582-7578 or email mlmatthe@localhost for more information.
National Civil War Chaplains Museum
Part of Liberty’s history department, the museum serves as a research facility for Civil War chaplaincy and educates the public on the role of chaplains, priests, rabbis, and religious organizations during the war. It includes artifacts from both Confederate and Union chaplains, Naval chaplains, and the U.S. Christian Commission, as well as displays of hymnals, Bibles, and murals. A new exhibition commemorates African-American chaplains. The museum is located behind The Montview, near the Hancock Welcome Center. Visit ChaplainsMuseum.org or call (434) 582-7090 for museum hours.
Art Gallery
The gallery, located near the Tower Theater in Marie F. Green Hall, has displayed the work of local, regional, national, and international artists. Senior studio art students will showcase their work Oct. 18-Nov. 14, followed by Master of Fine Arts students Nov. 29-Dec. 13. An exhibition by Studio & Digital Arts faculty will open the spring semester. The gallery continues to feature work from its permanent collection in summer and winter exhibits. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit Liberty.edu/ArtGallery or call (434) 592-7629.
Guests are also invited to view “The Life of Christ,” a 21-piece collection of massive oil paintings on permanent display in the Montview Student Union, Alumni Ballroom.
