The Archdeacon of Wells has launched a week-long Bible reading marathon in Burnham-On-Sea to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.
The event at St Andrew’s Church started on Sunday (May 22nd) with the Venerable Nicola Sullivan, pictured above, reading the first verses.
The whole Bible is to be read over the course of eight days until May 30th to celebrate the 1611 King James translation.
St Andrew’s vicar Rev Graham Witts, pictured right, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Dozens of volunteer readers have come forward to take part, along with members of the community to each offer a half hour of their time.”
The event also includes a special talk on Tuesday (May 24th) at 7.30pm. Martin Ellis, Head of History at King Alfred School, will discuss daily life in Stuart England and authentic refreshments will also be available.
And on Thursday (May 26th), Paddy Thompson from Street will give a talk at 2.30pm on the political and religious changes in Stuart society. Both events are free and open to all.
On Saturday May 28th there will be an evening of Stuart entertainment with music, poetry and an unusual performance of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet that involves the vicar and curate.
This will also be a free event, starting at 7.30pm. Please call 01278 782991 to let the organisers know you are coming to help with catering, which will reflect the food and drink of 400 years ago.
Reverend Witts added: “Each day this week there is a chance for residents to drop into the church to listen to the bible being read, to have a coffee, and see an exhibition of bibles from around the world and how translation of the bible has changed since the publication of the King James Bible in 1611.”
Pictured: The Venerable Nicola Sullivan and Reverend Graham Witts reading from the Bible during this week’s event
