House Resolution Formally Recognizes 1782 'Aitken Bible' as Historical Congressional Document

This resolution is purely the House of Representatives expressing its official view—or, as they call it, the “sense of the House”—that the Robert Aitken Bible is a historical document of the U.S. Congress. Essentially, Congress is giving a formal nod to an artifact from the founding era, documenting its place in the historical record. This isn't a new law, it doesn't change anything you do today, and it doesn't spend a single tax dollar. It’s a historical citation, plain and simple.

The First American Bible Endorsement

What makes this particular Bible relevant to Congress? The resolution spells out that the Robert Aitken Bible was the first English-language Bible printed in North America. More importantly, back in 1782, the Continental Congress officially reviewed and endorsed this specific edition. Aitken had asked Congress for permission to print a version of the Holy Scriptures for use in schools. A committee reviewed it and, on September 12, 1782, recommended it as a “pious and laudable undertaking,” according to the resolution’s text. This endorsement was signed by Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress, making it an official Congressional action.

Why This Matters (Historically, Not Practically)

For the average person juggling work and life, this resolution changes absolutely nothing about your Tuesday. This is a declarative move, meaning it’s just Congress stating a historical fact for the record. Its impact is entirely symbolic, ensuring that the historical link between the 1782 Congress and this specific document is formally acknowledged by the modern House. For historians, archivists, or anyone interested in early American print culture and the operations of the Continental Congress, this resolution reinforces the significance of that 1782 endorsement. It’s essentially Congress cleaning up its historical filing cabinet and making sure the record is clear.