A Timeline of Our History

Free Bible Distribution

12/10/2018

A person in military uniform with a CHAPLAIN badge holds a small cross made from two nails, positioned above a metal vice. Coinciding with the launch of this website, the Society now intends to offer its products for free.

“Pay it Forward” donations gladly accepted before, at or after ordering!

Another Name Change!

01/01/2017

In 2017 as the Society looked to support the wider seafaring community and other uniformed personnel besides the military, the Society’s name reverted to the Naval & Military Bible Society, the ‘Naval’ portion covering all commercial shipping activities and the ‘Military’ element covering support to all Service and Uniformed personnel.

A New Home

01/01/2008

A two-storey brick building with large arched windows and a sign reading Royal Naval Charities Castaway House above the entrance. Several parked cars are in front, and trees partially obscure parts of the building. The Society came out from under the wing of the Scripture Gift Mission and moved to its present location of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust at Castaway House, Portsmouth.

1980 – 2004

01/01/1980

Multiple military fighter jets and helicopters are parked on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier at sea. The image is in black and white, showing a crowded deck with visible ocean waves in the background. In summary, cash flow low, demand still high! In 1982, the Falklands War was strongly supported with Bibles and New Testaments being given to Navy chaplains on-board HMS Hermes and the Hospital ships, and Army chaplains sailing with the Force.

The 70’s

25/02/2026

A person in heavy weather gear stands on the wet deck of a ship, pointing towards the rough ocean under a cloudy sky. The scene is dramatic and grey, conveying a sense of urgency at sea. In the 70’s the Society expanded its efforts to support the various Missions working with Seafarers and Fishermen.

A New Name and New Opportunities

01/01/1961

A white square logo with a blue border featuring the blue text NM& AFBS in two lines, with NM& on the top line and AFBS on the bottom line. After representation from Senior Officers in the RAF, the Society’s name was changed to the “Naval Military & Air Force Bible Society”.

1947 – National Service

01/01/1947

Black and white photo of a large military aircraft carrier ship on calm water, with its flat flight deck, prominent control tower, and various aerials and equipment visible. National Service represented an opportunity to introduce God’s Word to a new generation of ‘Servicemen’. Every 2 weeks, throughout the 17 years the initiative was in place, several hundred new entrants would enter the training establishment.

Post – WW2

02/09/1945

Black and white photo of a Second World War era jet aeroplane on the ground, with several people pushing or guiding it by the wings; large engines are mounted under each wing. It would be easy to sit back after the efforts of WW2, but, the Society appointed a Travelling Secretary to make the Word of God available to the HM Forces.This Secretary duly, over the next 30 years, covered over a million miles.

A World at War – Again!

01/09/1939

A vintage book cover with Sailors' New Testament written around a lifebuoy, featuring a ship at sea in the centre, two crossed British flags, a crown on top, and an anchor at the bottom. King George VI, “To all serving in my Forces by sea, land or in the air and indeed to all my people engaged in the defence of the realm, I commend the reading of this Book. For centuries the Bible has been a wholesome and strengthening influence in our national life, and it behoves us in these momentous days to turn to renewed faith to Divine source of comfort and inspiration”. This message was printed in all the Society’s WW2 editions.

A War to End All Wars

12/07/1914

A worn brown booklet cover titled “The Gospel According to Saint John” with text urging the reader to carry it in their pocket and read it daily. It includes “Active Service” 1914-18, referencing the First World War. The Society does not have a vested interest in war, but, wars tend to provide opportunities to any organisation that serves the HM Forces and the 1914 – 1918 war was no exception for NMBS where they delivered more Scriptures at any time before of after. This Gospel of St John was given to a majority of Service personnel.

Amalgamation!

01/01/1910

The Society amalgamates with the Scripture Gift Mission (Now SGM Lifewords).

One Hundred Years Old!

01/01/1880

Vintage cover reading Soldiers’ New Testament, South Africa 1900, featuring a Union Flag, other British flags, a drum, and emblems including a red cross and lion, all in red, white, and blue colours. The 100th Anniversary Report, gave cause for thanksgiving as those present reflected how God had used the Society to enable thousands of copies of His Word to be placed in the hands of those who served their country.

1 Million Bibles and a Few Wars!

01/01/1865

1,000,000 Bibles and Scriptures distributed, but in a background of multiple wars.

1830 – 1853: Military Decline

01/01/1830

A silver military medal inscribed CRIMEA with two clasps reading INKERMANN and BALAKLAVA, attached to a green and white striped ribbon. The medal depicts a soldier and winged figure. From a Waterloo/Crimean campaign high of an army of 220,000, from 1830 it had stabilised at 100,000 with about 46,000 stationed in the UK.

1815 – 1830

01/01/1815

A portrait of a man in a military uniform with gold shoulder epaulettes, short dark hair, and a serious expression, set against a plain background. Waterloo!

Wellington!

Napoleon!

Friends, Presidents and a Patron of Note

01/01/1814

Over its 240 years history many prominent people have been connected with the Society, including William Wilberforce.

What’s in a Name…?

01/01/1804

1804: The Society cedes its name, ‘The Bible Society’ to a new Bible Society.

There’s Been a Mutiny

01/01/1787

A group of sailors in small boats near a large ship labelled Bounty. Some are rowing whilst others gesture animatedly, depicting an historic maritime scene with men in 18th-century clothing.

HMS Bounty; One Bible’s Journey.

The Society’s First Grant

01/01/1782

A historic wooden sailing ship with tall masts and intricate rigging is illuminated by lights against a deep blue evening sky. The ship’s hull is painted black and yellow, with ornate golden details at the bow. The Society grants several hundred Scriptures, at Rear Admiral Richard Kempenfelt’s request, to the crew of HMS Victory.

Origins

08/11/1779

The NMBS history began in 1779 when the Society was founded by George Cussons and John Davies, Lay Wesleyan Methodists.

The Society continues to fulfil its mission statement distributing Bibles and booklets at home and abroad. However, it now aims to give its products away free of change operating solely relying on donations, sponsorship, grants and legacies. .

NMBS reports to the Charity Commission can be found here.
NMBS reports to Companies House can be found here.
The archived documents of NMBS are held in the British Library, what documents are held can be found here.