The Guttenberg Press

As part of its celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, Christ the Servant Lutheran Church is pleased to announce that a working replica of the Guttenberg Press will be on display at its location October 13-16. Headquartered in Weatherford, where additional exhibits may be seen, the display scheduled for Christ the Servant has been viewed by thousands of people throughout the United States, Europe and most recently, China.

On special loan from The Enduring Word Museum, the exhibit will include an authentic page from the Gutenberg Bible, multiple items of historical importance, ancient archeological and biblical artifacts and the full-scale replica of the Guttenberg press on which Martin Luther’s 95 Thesis were printed in 1517.

Museum Director Dr. F.J. “Rusty” Maisel has been recognized as an authority on the history of manuscript traditions and early printing presses and has constructed reproductions of early printing presses for other museums around the world.

With Dr. Maisel, Enduring Word Museum Curator John Sliffe will demonstrate the operation of the hand-made walnut-wood press which applies 2000 pounds of pressure on the printing plate, discuss how today’s Bible came into existence, the history of written communication and important historical individuals such as Johan Gutenberg, John Wycliff, William Tyndale and Martin Luther.

In lieu of a paid admission, visitors to the exhibit are asked to bring an item of non-perishable food (i.e., canned goods, boxed cereal, macaroni, peanut butter, etc.) which will be distributed to those in need through the Allen Food Pantry and Allen Community Outreach programs.

Exhibit Hours: October 13-14—10 a.m.-5 p.m., followed by a Pot-Luck Supper and Lutheran Hymn Sing; October 15—noon-5 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m., ELCA Bishop Erik Gronberg visits CTSLC, public welcome; October 16—10 a.m.-5 p.m.

School, church and larger groups are asked to please contact Rev. Gordon Illausky or Parish Administrator Mary Schwerd in advance of their arrival at 972.727.3191 or by email to [email protected].

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