As part of the Remember November Festival, the ILOI has launched its Tyndale 500 Programme, which includes a special exhibition at McNeillstown Independent Orange Hall on 7–8 November. The display explores the life and legacy of William Tyndale and the impact of his 1525–6 translation of the Bible.

A facsimile copy of one of only two remaining complete originals, reproduced by the British Library from their £1 million acquisition, will be central to the exhibition. This rare edition was presented to the Order to form part of its growing museum collection.

‘The boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the Scripture than [an educated man]’, William Tyndale (c.1494-1536)

A fascinating facsimile of William Tyndale’s (c.1494–1536) ground-breaking ‘The New Testament’, published in 1526 and the first English-language Bible to bring scripture to English speakers; previously the exclusive preserve of Greek and Latin scholars.

Printed in Germany and expressly forbidden in England, the directness and clarity of the work made it an illicit but unstoppable force, going on to influence much of the timeless text of the King James Version.

The British Library holds one of only two complete copies of the 1526 Tyndale New Testament, the first Bible translated into English. This revolutionary translation was printed abroad, smuggled into England, and was a foundational text for the English Reformation, with the library having paid over £1 million for its copy.

With over 700 colour facsimile pages, the book recreates Tyndale’s masterpiece from one of only two complete copies of the 1526 edition, now in the collection of the British Library. Created to the same size and specification of the original, the photographic pages present the English-language as Tyndale’s Bible would have been read.

Accompanied by a scholarly introduction, this revolutionary book brought the Word of God closer to English speakers than had been possible and provides a poignant glimpse into Tyndale’s struggles for the right to read scripture in his own language.

The British Library facsimile will be the central feature of the Tyndale 500 Exhibition in McNeillstown as part of the Remember November festival.

The Tyndale Bible with its rich illustrations and script is still fascinating to read and reflect on. Before the Reformation Sunday service brethren had an opportunity to examine the copy and literally feel history in their hands. The privilege of owning one 500 years ago and realising the power of this small book to change a nation was a great experience for many of those who took part.

Passing Scripture on to the Next Generation

In addition, a Tyndale Commemorative Edition Bible, produced by the Trinitarian Bible Society, was presented by Portglenone Orange District No.4 to Isaac Boal, Chaplain of the ILOI Junior Lodge, for use in lodge devotions. The Junior Lodge, in collaboration with local educators, will develop school resources based on the life of Tyndale and other Protestant Reformers.