Date: October 21, 2026
Today, at 4:30 pm, the Bishop Payne Library will host a book launch and reception celebrating the publication of Turning Points in Prayer Book History: From England through Scotland, to the United States, by Matthew S.C. Olver and Nathan G. Jennings (Seabury Books).
The authors examine nine turning points in the development of the American prayer book tradition, from the English Reformation to contemporary debates over liturgical revision.
We are fortunate at VTS to have a remarkable collection of historical prayer books. For this event, our library colleagues have arranged a special display of rare original editions of the BCP. This event offers a chance to hear about prayer book history as well as to see that history firsthand.
The Rev. Matthew Olver, PhD, will offer remarks, followed by a reception and book signing. Please join us in the Library Commons from 4:30 – 5:45 pm. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and President of The General Theological Seminary