The Somerset County Bible Society records document the activities and extensive membership of the religious organization whose purpose was to distribute Bibles and promote further interest in the scripture. Located in Somerset County, Maryland, the organization’s records date from its inception in 1828-2018 with the bulk of the material encompassing the annual meetings and membership rosters, 1875-1986. Corresponding organization material also includes a scrapbook from annual meetings, correspondence and deposit receipts from the Maryland Bible Society and a Bible from 1794.

Founded in 1828 as a counterpart to the Maryland Bible Society, the original goal of the group was to disseminate Bibles throughout Somerset County and adjoining areas of the Delmarva Peninsula. Within the first year, the society had distributed 69 Bibles and collected over $50 dollars in revenue. Annual meetings were held every June until 1867 when they were moved to March to correspond with the end of the financial year. Bible distribution continued throughout the peninsula; by the turn of the century the society’s membership had waned to six members, nonetheless, the society persevered through determined loyalty. It was custom that when a member passed, a fellow member would ask someone in their family to take the vacated place. The organization continued to distribute Bibles well into the 20th century, dissemination included German prisoners of war at Camp Somerset, the poor, military soldiers and those in jail. By the mid-1960s, the society was the most active county in the state. Today, the organization continues to meet annually and distributes Bibles throughout the region.

Folders are listed by their location in each box; any given subject may be dispersed throughout the entirety of the collection.