Historic Bible nearby, if Bush chooses it

RNS

George Washington's inaugural Bible is on display at the National Archives building in Washington until Jan. 25. The 234-year-old book was not used in President Bush's 2001 inauguration due to inclement weather.

WASHINGTON - Four years ago, a 234-year-old red goatskin-covered Bible sat inside the Capitol awaiting the moment George W. Bush would take the oath of office for his first term as president. If Bush had used that Bible, he would have joined Presidents George Washington, Warren Harding, Dwight Eisenhower, Jimmy Carter and his own father, George H.W. Bush, in placing his hand on it.

But the Secret Service wanted the Bible outside on the Capitol steps one hour before the ceremony began. The Bible's caretakers determined the delicate pages shouldn't be exposed to the rain and sleet falling that day, so Bush used a family Bible instead, the same Bible he plans to use this year.

If Bush changes his mind, the historic Bible is on display nearby in the National Archives building to celebrate the 2005 presidential inauguration. It's on loan from St. John's Lodge No. 1 of the Free and Accepted Masons in New York City and can be viewed until Jan. 25.

The Lodge has not had any communication from the White House, but the Bible could be made ready quickly, said Ryan Johnson, chairman of the George Washington Inaugural Bible Committee.

The Bible, which Washington kissed at his inauguration on April 30, 1789, is treated with the same dignity and care as the original Constitution and Declaration of Independence.

Because it is a Freemason Bible, not belonging to any denomination, it was considered appropriate for the first presidential inauguration, according to Johnson.

By using a Masonic Bible, "you're not ticking anyone off," Johnson said. "This is the document that was used to launch the executive branch of the federal government."

Washington placed his hand on chapters 49 and 50 of Genesis, where Jacob blesses his sons and acknowledges their differences, symbolizing the unification of the 13 original colonies. After the oath, Washington said "I swear, so help me God" and kissed the page.

The Bible is handled with gloves and travels with three St. John's members at all times. Contrary to popular rumor, it can be transported on airplanes.

"The Bible does fly," Johnson said. "The Bible goes by train. The Bible goes by subway."

The book was present at the laying of the cornerstones of the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument and Statue of Liberty pedestal, among other historic events. It was also present at the funeral processions of Presidents Washington, Andrew Jackson and Zachary Taylor.