From Friday, July 13th to Thursday, August 9th, the Sumter County Library hosts Manifold Greatness: The Birth and Afterlife of the King James Bible. The Sumter County Library is the only library in South Carolina to host this prestigious exhibit. This traveling exhibition for libraries was organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. It is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library, University of Oxford, with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center of the University of Texas. The traveling exhibition was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Full of rich images and information, the exhibition consists of fourteen graphic panels combining narrative text with numerous high-resolution images of rare books, manuscripts, and works of art, printed on double-sided, freestanding banners.
In addition to this fascinating exhibit, the Sumter County Library will host a month-long series of events dedicated to the King James Bible. An Opening Reception, Lectures, an Oratorical Contest, Quiz Bowl, King James Choir Concert, Art Show, and Closing Reception are planned. See the details below for a complete schedule of events! For more information, or to register for the quiz bowl, oratorical contest or art show, contact the Sumter County Library at 773-7273 or online at http://www.sumtercountylibrary.org/manifoldgreatness.htm.
Friday, July 13th - 5:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Opening Reception
Dr. Valinda Littlefield, Dr. Larry Watson and Dr. Harry Singleton will conduct a Scholar's Panel on the influence of the King James Bible on Martin Luther King.
Monday, July 16th - 6:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Lecture - Dr. Larry Watson
Dr. Larry Watson will discuss the civil rights sermons of Dr. Martin Luther King and their connection to the King James Bible.
Saturday, July 21st - 2:30pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
King James Bible Quiz
Teams will work together to solve where common Bible phrases we use today originate in the King James Bible.
Tuesday, July 24th - 6:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Lecture - Dr. Harry Singleton
This lecture will focus on calls for charity and civility used in Dr. Martin Luther King's speeches as well as other leaders of the civil rights movement and their reliance on the King James Bible.
Saturday, July 28th - 3:00pm - Patriot Hall Auditorium
Oratorical Contest
Local youth will read an excerpt of their choice from the King James Bible and discuss its relevance to religious and secular society today.
Monday, July 30th - 6:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Lecture - Dr. Valinda Littlefield
Dr. Littlefield will discuss the rap music of Coolio and his use of Psalm 23:4:
"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..."
and its impact on young listeners.
Saturday, August 4th - 3:00pm - Patriot Hall Auditorium
King James Choir Concert
A choir of local youth will assemble to sing soulful selections of music connected to the King James Bible.
Monday, August 6th - 5:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Art Show: "Expressions" Opening Reception
(Art Show runs until Friday, August 10th)
Local talent will display their works of art for the public. Each work of art will interpret a specific passage of the King James Bible.
Thursday, August 9th - 5:00pm - Main Library - Main Meeting Room
Closing Lecture and Reception
Dr. Patrick Scott - University of South Carolina - Columbia
(Reception begins at 5:00pm, Dr. Patrick Scott will speak at 6:00pm)
Join us for the closing reception and lecture. Dr. Scott will provide the story of the King James Bible; its origin, publication and legacy throughout its history.
