Upcoming Museum Exhibit “Pressed into Service by the Word of God” Documents the History of Martin Luther and the Reformation through Rare Books and Coins
Concordia Historical Institute, located on the campus of Concordia Seminary in Clayton, Missouri, announces a major exhibit of rare books and coins documenting the 500-year history of the Reformation. Under the title “Pressed into Service by the Word of God,” this special exhibit will explore—through books and coins—the history of Martin Luther (1483–1546) and the Reformation that began on October 31, 1517.
For 500 years, both the printing press and the coin press have given witness to the truths of the Word of God rediscovered. But more importantly, the exhibit will focus on men and women pressed into service for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. The focus of the exhibit is summed up by Martin Luther’s confession at the Diet of Worms on April 18, 1521: “I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God.”
The public is invited to attend the official opening of the exhibit on Saturday, February 18th, 2017 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) at Concordia Historical Institute, 804 Seminary Place, Clayton, Missouri 63105. Tours of the CHI archives will also be offered on February 18th.
“This is a special opportunity to view choice books, coins and medals—some from the 16th and 17th centuries—from Concordia Historical Institute’s Rare Book Collection and Reformation Coin and Medal Collection.” notes CHI Executive Director Daniel N. Harmelink. “These artifacts are rarely on exhibit and have been hand selected to give a fresh and challenging perspective on the Reformation and its on-going influence over the last 500 years.”
After opening day, regular exhibit hours will be Mondays through Fridays (9:30 AM to 3:30 PM).
The exhibit is suitable for not only adults but also youth—especially students taking classes for First Communion or Confirmation.
Special lectures and an exhibit catalog are scheduled for later this year.
Churches and schools interested in hosting a traveling version of the exhibit are encouraged to contact Dr. Harmelink (314-505-7900).
More information about the mission and ministry of Concordia Historical Institute and the exhibit “Pressed into Service by the Word of God” is available on CHI’s website: concordiahistoricalinstitute.org.
The exhibit is wheelchair accessible.
Please call 314-505-7900 for more information. Groups of over 20 people are encouraged to make reservations to view the exhibit.
Concordia Historical Institute is the Department of Archives and History of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and the largest archive of Lutheran history in North America. CHI offers Lutheran history research services, publishes the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly, operates two museums (804 Seminary Place, Clayton, MO 63105 and 1333 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122), and two historic sites in Perry County Missouri: Saxon Lutheran Memorial (296 Saxon Memorial Dr, Frohna, MO 63748) and Hill of Peace Lutheran Memorial (County Road 304, Friedenberg, MO 63775).
