With about 2,400 pages done, Patterson is expected to complete writing this week at his church. He began the project after his long-time partner, Mohammed, told him there is a tradition in Islam of writing out the Koran.
“The next day I started researching pens and pencils and
paper,” he said.
Patterson who battles Aids and anaemia said the activity “expands my mind more and more,” he said. “Not so I can become more of a religious person, but so that I can become more of a whole person.”
“I hadn’t counted on the fact that it would end up being beautiful,” said the hard-working scribe. “Or that it would be so exhilarating. And so long.”
He told the Associated Press that writing the Book of Ruth was enjoyable, but he disliked the plagues and violence scattered throughout the Bible.
The BBC reports:
The King James Bible is estimated to be 788,000 words, now all hand copied with a felt-tip pen on watercolour paper by Mr Patterson.
The retired interior designer, who lives in the village of Philmont, says he does not consider himself particularly religious.
But he feels his monkish pursuit has made him more patient, confident and loving.
While he initially toiled for up to 14 hours a day on the project, he now averages six to eight hours a day.
Mr Patterson – whose partner, Mohammed, died several years ago – says he has discovered something new every day thanks to his project.
Once bound, the Bible will be given to Mr Patterson’s church
Mr Patterson will finish the final lines of the Book of Revelation during a ceremony at St Peter’s Presbyterian Church in Spencertown on 11 May.
His adult daughter will be among guests as he discusses the Bible afterwards with a theologian.
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