Michael Morgan in the Star!

Thanks to Greg Miller of the Elizabethton Star for publicizing our 225th anniversary concert that features Michael Morgan this Sunday.

Morgan to perform at First Presbyterian

Michael Morgan, CCM, organist, will perform at First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, 119 W. F St., on Sunday, March 2, as part of the church's yearlong 225th Heritage Jubilee Celebration.

Morgan will display his collection of rare Bibles during the 9:45 a.m. adult forum.

According to a press release, the development of the English Bible is one of the most interesting and exciting stories in the history of the Church. The press release states, "Its translation is marked by such colorful figures as Archbishop Cranmer, Henry the Eighth, 'Bloody Mary,' Oliver Cromwell, Queen Elizabeth, John Calvin, Martin Luther dedicated men like John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, Miles Coverdale and John Rogers."

The English Bible at various times was derived from the Vulgate Bible of St. Jerome, the German Bible of Martin Luther, the original and early versions, and the French, Italian and Dutch Bibles which flourished at the dawn of the Reformation. In its pages are reflected all aspects of the culture.

As Enlightenment spread and theological insights deepened, as doctrine and dogma of Catholic and Protestant became distinct, so did the translation of the Bible develop and improve, according to the news release. "Old verses took on new meaning. Re-translation of single words changed meanings. Annotations and prologues came and were soon replaced by others more in keeping with the time," the news release states.

"Some of these translations were scholarly; some were obscure; others were theologically good, bad, or indifferent. But all served the common goal of providing to the English-speaking Christians and Jews who would read them the sacred Scriptures in a language and idiom that would speak to them in their time and place."

Morgan will play the organ during the 11 a.m. worship service. He will perform an organ recital, "Hebrew Songs For Christian Seasons: Psalms for the Church Year," at 3 p.m. A "thanks offering" will be received.

For more information, call the church at 543-7737 or 542-1171 or visit the Rev. John Shuck's blog, www.shuckandjive.blogspot.com.