The Gutenberg Award

The Gutenberg Award is named in honor of Johann Gutenberg (1397-1468), the inventor of the printing press and publisher of the first printed Bible. Gutenberg’s invention revolutionized communication and allowed the general public to read the Bible and other books. 

In December, 1951, the Chicago Bible Society established The Gutenberg Award.  This award is presented in recognition of an American who has made conspicuous contributions to the cause of the Bible.

The first recipient of The Gutenberg Award was General Douglas MacArthur who called on American churches to provide Bibles to the Japanese following World War II. Chicago Bible Society took up the challenge and played a lead role in the campaign that sent ten million Bibles to Japan.

The Gutenberg Award is presented annually by the Chicago Bible Society to individuals whose life and work have contributed to the promotion and understanding of the Bible.  Since 1951, the Society has presented the award at the Gutenberg Award Dinner, usually held in the fall.

You are invited to join us for the Gutenberg Award Luncheon
Find out more information about this year’s Gutenberg Award Luncheon or the Gutenberg Award Hall of Fame, follow the links on the left side of this page.