MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Copies of the Ten Commandments have been passed down for centuries to individuals, groups and even museums for safekeeping, but now they have a new home aboard Camp Lejeune.
Gary Zimmermen of the Shma’ Ministries recently donated three pages of 200-year-old manuscripts containing Deuteronomy 4:20 - 8:30, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, at the Protestant Chapel here Sunday.
Accepting the framed pages, which was part of a complete Torah scroll, on behalf of the base was Col. Adele E. Hodges, commanding officer of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
“It’s a great honor, there are only so many of these documents left, and I’m so glad they thought to honor us with such a unique piece of history,” said Hodges.
Prior to the presentation, Zimmerman explained the detailed history and nature of the scrolls, which he restores and donates to various worldwide organizations.
The pages donated here were transcribed in Poland during the 1800s, explained Zimmerman.
Following the history of the pages lead Zimmerman through the Holocaust and its eventual final resting place in Israel due to it being believed beyond repair, he continued.
However, the efforts of Zimmerman, the groups he works with and the more than $300,000 they have spent, allowed them to recover this scroll along with many traditional Torah scrolls and Hebrew manuscripts in an overall attempt to piece together the Old Testament in its entirety, he said.
Zimmerman has personally facilitated the donation of historic biblical documents to more than 150 churches, 40 Christian schools, 40 mission works, two Congressmen currently in Washington, and several foreign countries, said Zimmerman.
These efforts are important due to the materials lack of availability to the common observer, he explained.
“Biblical documents such as this scroll are kept at universities and very holy places of worship, where only historians or religious figures can view, but them being here in the chapel allows anyone to enjoy a unique piece of history,” said Zimmerman.
Although he and his groups collect many biblical documents, Zimmerman explained that scrolls containing the Ten Commandments are reserved for donation to special organizations and people.
“We feel our troops are defending our country and our rights, and it only seemed fitting that we return the favor with something as powerful and meaningful as the Ten Commandments,” concluded Zimmerman.
All are welcomed to view the framed page in the Protestant Chapel’s lobby, where it will be on permanent display.