Hannibal-LaGrange University is excited to feature several historical artifacts and pieces in its “Bible through the Ages” display.
The Bible through the Ages display can be found in the Roland Library on HLGU’s campus in the main display case near the circulation desk. In the case are a collection of historic Bible pages and artifacts that chart the progress of Bible translation over a period of almost 800 years, from the medieval period until the present day. The display features a handwritten Latin manuscript page from 1250 A.D., portions of a leather Hebrew Torah scroll, and first-edition printed Bible pages dating back to the 1500s. It includes pages from the first printed Tyndale Bible, a 1611 King James Bible, and many other historic Bibles. In addition, the display presents artifacts associated with the history of writing, including an approximately 3,500-year old cuneiform tablet and a sample of papyrus from Egypt.
The objects in the display were acquired by Hannibal-LaGrange University through the efforts of Drs. Bob and Martha Bergen, who served as professors in the Christian Studies Division during their 32-year careers at the University. Also on display in the library case are translator’s copies of the New Living Translation and the Holman Christian Standard Bible that were given to Dr. Bob Bergen for his participation in those projects.
“Hannibal-LaGrange University is a school that reveres God’s word,” said Dr. Martha Bergen. “We’re very happy that these items can be displayed. This display fits with the mission and purpose of HLGU, and we want people to see these historic pieces.”
“This display helps tell the story of how God’s word has influenced our world over the centuries,” said Dr. Bob Bergen. “The Bible and its teachings need to play a central role in our society today. HLGU is doing its part to connect God’s word with the younger generation. We hope that HLGU students and the Hannibal community will take some time to view this presentation of biblical documents that have been preserved over the centuries.”
Hannibal-LaGrange University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The institution prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.