Elvis Presley’s Personal Bible Featured in Suffolk Church Exhibition
A remarkable exhibition is currently underway at the Needham Market Evangelical Church in Suffolk, where attendees can view a personal Bible that once belonged to the legendary Elvis Presley. This display is part of the church’s centenary celebrations and will continue until this Friday.
The Bible, which includes handwritten notes from the King of Rock and Roll himself, has been generously loaned by the Museum of the Book in London. Gary Stevens, the pastor of the church, revealed that other significant Bibles, including one once owned by the 17th-century author John Bunyan, will also be part of the exhibition.
A Connection to Elvis
Pastor Stevens learned about Presley’s Bible from a friend and subsequently contacted the museum to request the inclusion of the iconic book in the exhibition. The museum approved the request, and the Bible arrived at the church just last Tuesday.
Elvis received this Bible as a Christmas gift in 1957 from his uncle and aunt while growing up in a devout Christian household in Mississippi. According to Stevens, the authenticity of the Bible is guaranteed by its provenance.
Notable Handwritten Notes: Inside the Bible, attendees can find personal reflections written by Elvis himself. Under Psalm 11, for instance, he inscribes, ‘In the Lord I have placed my trust and he will guide me’. Another note under a different Psalm reads, ‘Lord send me light to guide me.’ Elvis’s deep faith is evident, as he also notes, ‘Deliver me for I am nothing without you.’
Historical Significance
In addition to Elvis’s Bible, the exhibition showcases a rare volume thought to date back to the era of King Henry VIII. This particular Bible is significant due to its origins with William Tyndale, a 16th-century biblical scholar who translated much of the Bible into English, defying royal prohibitions against such actions. Stevens shared the poignant history of Tyndale, who was executed for his work—yet his legacy led to King Henry’s eventual decree mandating that a Bible be present in every church.
Stevens recounted, “Three years after Tyndale’s martyrdom, Henry changed his mind and ordered that a Bible be in every church.” To prevent theft, these copies were often chained to the pulpit. The church’s exhibition features one such rare Bible complete with its original chain.
Visiting the Exhibition
The exhibition is open daily for viewing from 14:00 to 17:00 BST. It promises an engaging experience for both fans of Elvis and history enthusiasts alike, showcasing the intertwining of faith and culture across generations.
| Exhibition Item | Notable Feature |
|---|---|
| Elvis Presley’s Bible | Contains personal notes and reflections from the King of Rock and Roll. |
| Bible from the Era of Henry VIII | Includes chains to prevent theft; stemmed from Tyndale’s translations. |
| John Bunyan’s Bible | A historic piece linked to the famous 17th-century writer and preacher. |
As fans remember the music and legacy of Elvis Presley, this church exhibition serves as a testament to how deeply faith can intersect with cultural history.
