St. Johns Bible Travels

Sunday, November 9, 2003

Historical Bible to makes its way to southern Oklahoma

Southern Oklahoma will share in the state tour of a historic Bible used in the inauguration ceremony of George Washington as the nation's first president during the coming week.

Oklahoma Masons arranged the first trip west of the Mississippi River for the historic Bible in celebration of Ronald S. Coppedge's installation as Grand Master (state president) of the Freemasons of Oklahoma. Coppedge is a Tishomingo resident. Arrangements for the Bible, tour and public displays were completed by the Wapanucka Masonic Lodge under the leadership of Michael Reeder.

Lodges across Oklahoma donated funds to offset travel costs of three St. John's Lodge members who always accompany the Bible after Reeder obtained approval for the tour and exhibits.

Originally obtained as the St. James Lodge temple Bible in New York City, the historical book is housed at New York Federal Hall.

Tracing the significance of the Bible, historians say a large group of citizens were gathered in New York City to watch General Washington take the oath as the first president of the United States. Washington and many members of the new government were in position when it was discovered no one had brought a Bible for the ceremony.

Jacob Morton, master of the nearby St. John's Masonic Lodge, was leading the presidential procession. He offered the lodge Bible. Washington, also a Freemason, agreed. After completing the oath with the words "so help me God," Washington kissed the Bible and returned it to Morton, giving birth to an American tradition.

Still owned by St. John's Masonic Lodge. the Bible is available on loan to the federal government for several important events. Presidents Warren Harding, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and George Bush each took their oaths with the Bible. President George W. Bush planned to use it, but declined rather than risk having the Bible damaged by the rain. He used another Bible instead.

For the Oklahoma tour, the Bible will arrive Sunday in Guthrie and will be displayed Monday and Tuesday at the Scottish Rite Temple before being taken to Oklahoma City for display in the state Capitol's fourth-floor rotunda from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Tishomingo and Ardmore area residents will be able to view the Bible on Thursday. The Johnston County Museum will have the Bible on display from 8 a.m. to noon. The Ardmore display will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Greater Southwest Historical Museum, 35 Sunset Dr. These will be the only public displays in the state.