Search on for oldest Bible

THE Dandenong Bible Education Centre is holding a competition to find the oldest Bible in Greater Dandenong.
Centre secretary Dr Rob Hyndman said many families had antique Bibles that had been passed down through several generations.
Dr Hyndman said the Bible Education Centre owned a “few old Bibles”, but none from before 1805.
He said he expected that some Dandenong residents would own Bibles published as early as the 1600s.
“A similar competition held 14 years ago unearthed a Bible from 1589, published in the reign of Elizabeth I,” he said.
“This is known as the Breeches Bible because of the translation of Genesis 3:7 which states that Adam and Eve made breeches for themselves, rather than donning fig leaves.” To qualify for the competition, the Bible must be able to be dated with a publication date clearly displayed, or a date appended to a foreword or introduction.
The competition is being held as part of the anniversary celebrations to mark one year since the Dandenong Bible Education Centre opened. Bibles need to be taken to the Dandenong Bible Education Centre, at 46 Walker Street, Dandenong, between 10am and noon on Saturday, 8 October. The judging and presentation will occur at 2pm. The owner of the oldest Bible will win a book prize and a $50 gift voucher.