Ider UMC member continues family's ministry of Bible display in Montgomery

Almost 75 years ago, a man named Ben Davis made an agreement with the Montgomery City Council that allowed him to erect a pedestal in the city's court square. He placed an open Bible on the pedestal under a heavy glass cover. This pedestal was close to where, a decade later, Rosa Parks waited on a bus and ultimately helped changed history.

Mr. Davis never sought recognition for this placement. He placed the Bible there so people could have the opportunity to read it.

Mr. Davis' grandson Larry Glass is a member of Ider United Methodist Church in the Mountain Lakes District and Member of The Upper Sand Mountain Parish. On Thursday, October 17, 2019, he took part in a rededication ceremony for this historic Bible display. The stand was moved during the construction of Montgomery Plaza and now has been returned to its original spot.

Larry remembers going with his grandfather to turn the pages of the encased Bible so people could read more of the “Good News” while waiting for the bus or just passing by.

Turning the pages has continued to be a family outreach. It is now Larry’s mission to keep this evangelistic ministry going. He drives the six-hour round trip every month from Ider to Montgomery to turn the pages of the Bible.

Rev. James "Woody" Woodin, Executive Director of the Upper Sand Mountain Parish, offers an invitation to North Alabama United Methodists, "Please pray for Larry Glass and all who might read the Gospel thanks to this evangelistic effort across three generations so far."

You may view a video of the WSFA 12 News' coverage of the rededication at www.wsfa.com/2019/10/17/montgomery-rededicates-bible-display-placed-downtown.  (The video at the bottom of the story page features an interview with Larry Davis.)