The History of Our Governor's Holy Bible - KXNet - Bismarck/Minot/Williston/Dickinson

It's one of the most sacred items in the legislative chambers.

The Holy Bible Governor Jack Dalrymple used when taking his oath of office.  

Reporter Sarah Gustin has the story of the treasured book used when the Governor swore to serve the people of North Dakota.  

Page after page this book has quite the story to tell. 

It's been in our family farm house, since the farm house was built in 1880.

And who better to tell that story than first Lady Betsy Dalrymple.

It's just a piece of our household. I love to think of all the different hands that have held it, or used it over the course of a hundred plus years. I think there is some real continuity, and sense of family.

This Holy Bible was published in 1824 with family records that date back to 1786. 

Jack's name and date of birth. And his parents.

"A sacred piece of the Dalrymple family for centuries."

"I think it's appropriate that you pledge with a hand on the Bible because you have a lot of faith in God and that God will help you do the right things and he is pledging to the people of North Dakota that he is going to do his very best."

"According to the best of my abilities, so help me God."

The Governor also used the same Bible when taking his first oath of office on December 7th 2010.