The Saint John's Bible
Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration is honored to host for the greater Dallas and North Texas area The Saint John's Bible Heritage Edition – a fine-art replica of the first hand-written and illuminated Bible in English since the Middle Ages.
We welcome churches, schools, and community groups to experience The Saint John's Bible. Visitors can contact the church to schedule time with a trained docent to guide them through the manuscripts. The Rector of Transfiguration, the Rev. Casey Shobe, says, "I marvel at the grace made known through human skill, and I am confident that all who encounter this Bible will encounter God."
In 1998, the Benedictine monks of Saint John's Abbey in Minnesota commissioned Donald Jackson, the official scribe to Queen Elizabeth II, to create a handwritten Bible to celebrate the new millennium. The work took 15 scribes and artists working on two continents nearly 13 years to complete. Smithsonian Magazine hailed it as "one of the extraordinary undertakings of our times," and Pope Benedict XVI described it as a "work for eternity."
Importance
This beautiful embodiment of Holy Scripture is of great important to our community. The Gospel is read from its pages at our principle worship services weekly and on all special occasions. It is afforded the honor due such an exquisitely crafted work of art as well as its its faithful transmission of the Word of God in text and illumination. Additionally, it is honored as the extraordinary gift that it is having been made possible by a group of faithful members of the parish.
The Gift
When, in early 2022, Elaine Culver first encountered the illuminations of The Saint John's Bible, it reminded her of the first stunning pictures from the Webb Space Telescope. "The illuminations suggested that God was starting a conversation with me. He was asking what do you think?" she said. "The pictures of the universe from the Webb Telescope were so stunning, and I thought, 'The creator of those things wants my opinion.' It was such a different way of looking at it."
Through the generosity of long-time parishioners Frances & Bob Martin and Elaine & Bruce Culver, the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration now possesses a Heritage Edition copy, number 115, of The Saint John's Bible, one of fewer than 300 that will ever be produced.
Seven custom-made display cases have been installed in our Gathering Space to serve as the permanent home for our Heritage Edition. The cases are made of wood and steel, with a modern design that reflects the architecture of the Transfiguration campus and its philosophy.
"It wouldn't do to have a marble platform," said Senior Warden, Mark Ramsay, who oversaw the creation of the displays. "We are a modern, forward-thinking, and progressive parish, and The Saint John's Bible, which includes illuminations featuring the roles of women, science, and global equality, is also progressive."
Within its display, each volume will sit on a platform, angled at 20 degrees to protect its spine, encased in glass on the top and sides. The objective is that the glass protect without serving as a barrier. Lighting within and around the display cases will allow the illuminations to reflect light as they are designed to do.
Role in Worship
At Transfiguration the inspiration of God found in Scripture is what fuels our mission to seek and serve Christ in all persons. To that end our Church, our buildings and our worship, strive to reflect that focus in art lovingly crafted and music performed to the Glory of God so that each person can find the pathway best for them. The confluence of these holy spaces with the uniqueness of The Saint John's Bible offer you various ways to experience the sacred.
During celebrations of the Holy Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion or The Lord's Supper, The Saint John's Bible is used for the reading of the Gospel Lesson. Usually, it is carried in procession from the Altar to the middle of those assembled in worship. From that spot, in the midst of God's People, the Gospel is read.
In addition to its role in our Sunday services, special worship events are offered. During the season of Advent, the four Sundays leading to Christmas Day, we hold a reading of the Gospel appointed for the Church Year in its entirety. Members of our parish family take turns reading a chapter aloud from The Saint John's Bible.
The illuminations found in The Saint John's Bible can serve as icons opening your mind to deeper possibilities than one may find in the words that surround them. The experience of reading the ancient words and gazing upon the masterfully contemporary illuminations allow you to wander in the wonder of your imagination. Coupling one's experience of The Saint John's Bible to worship, study, and prayer can open the door to an experience that may call you to visit again and again.