New Hampshire Bible Society

The New Hampshire Bible Society is an ecumenical nonprofit organization dedicated to the distribution of the Bible. Founded on June 3, 1812, it is one of the earliest Bible societies incorporated in the United States, preceding the establishment of the American Bible Society by four years[1][3].

History

Established with the goal of widespread Bible distribution, its founding members included prominent figures such as New Hampshire governors John Langdon, who served as the Society’s first president, and John T. Gilman[1]. Over the years, the Society has continued to focus on providing Bibles to residents of New Hampshire, particularly to the poor through free distribution programs and at reduced prices for others[1].

Activities

The New Hampshire Bible Society offers free Bibles to church organizations through grant programs, sells Bibles at its office, and hosts educational events to promote Bible awareness and its relevance in modern times[1]. In 1959, the Society began sharing administrative resources with the New Hampshire Council of Churches, though it remains a separate entity[1].

Archives

The Society’s historical records are preserved in a comprehensive archive that includes minutes and annual reports, office files, correspondence, committee work documents, and photographs[1]. These archives provide a rich history of the Society’s activities and involvement in the community.

Mission Adaptation

In response to changing social and religious landscapes, the New Hampshire Bible Society continues to adapt and expand its vision while maintaining its core mission[2]. This includes efforts to engage with communities in innovative ways while upholding its commitment to distributing the Bible.

Legal and Tax Status

The organization operates as an independent nonprofit entity with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) of 20223913.

[1] https://library.unh.edu/find/archives/collections/new-hampshire-bible-society-papers-1812-2007 [2] https://biblenh.org [3] https://archive.org/download/firsthundredyear00aike/firsthundredyear00aike.pdf [4] https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/008415537 [5] http://www.nasrbs.org/newhampshire.html