Rare collection of ancient Bibles, including two copies of the first edition of the King James Bible, printed in 1611 and 1613, and a portion of the Gutenburg Bible, published in 1450 are on their way to Nigeria for keeps in a new Scriptorium at the West African Theological Seminary, WATS, Lagos, Nigeria.
The ancient Bibles and other Christian books from a US donor presently on display in some large local churches in the Atlanta area for public viewing would be presented on May 24 as part of activities for WATS 18th graduation ceremony.
“We are indeed blessed to have the rare gifts to Africa already in our procession. These are treasures never before seen in West Africa” said Reverend Gary Maxey, founder and Acting Provost of the Institution.
The graduation will also feature groundbreaking ceremonies for two buildings on the campus; the four-story African Centre for Urban and Wholistic Ministries and Chapel.
The African Centre for which a donation of N12.7 million has been received to cover cost of construction will house a Clinic and 16-bed hospital, HIV/AIDS Ministry, Water Purification Ministry and Weekend Outreach Ministries.
The guest speaker at the convocation is leading Africa-American pastor from Georgia, Dr Ron Sailor.
WATS is the largest non-denominational seminary in West Africa. Since its commencement In 1989, it has served over 1,500 leaders-in-training from 13 African countries.
It has also graduated over 1000 pastors, planted more than 1000churches through its graduates, sent over 100 missionaries into Africa, North America, Europe and Asia and provided cross-cultural evangelism ministry and HIV education to thousands in need