On the morning of Wednesday, October 14, 2015, American Bible Society celebrated the grand opening of its new home office in historic Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Government officials, civic and religious leaders and ministry partners gathered for a formal dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony in the company’s new home.

“You have honored us with your presence,” President & CEO of American Bible Society Roy Peterson told the crowd of distinguished guests. Peterson conveyed American Bible Society’s enthusiasm to provide sacrificial Bible ministry in the United States and around the world. “We are not here to be served, but to serve,” he said. “We will serve this city and the world from this new place.”

Several of Philadelphia’s religious and civic leaders addressed the guests and staff of American Bible Society. Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia Alan Greenberger shared greetings and encouragement on behalf of Mayor Michael Nutter. Greenberger cited the recent World Meeting of Families as a positive ministry partnership between American Bible Society and the City of Philadelphia. “We are here to honor American Bible Society’s 200-year history,” he said. “We couldn’t be more grateful and appreciative of your decision to join our family in Philadelphia.”

Rev. Bonnie Camarda, a director at The Salvation Army and commissioner of the Philadelphia Housing Authority, gave a moving prayer of blessing from Psalm 100. Rev. Dr. Mayor Wilson Goode also gave a brief talk on the principles of biblical justice found in the book of Isaiah. “We have an obligation to serve those who are least among us,” said Goode, exhorting the crowd.

After the formal ribbon cutting, the ceremony concluded with a time of Christian praise and a closing prayer by American Bible Society’s Chairman of the Board Nick Athens.

More than merely unveiling a physical place of work, the ribbon cutting ceremony cast a vision for American Bible Society’s dependence on the Lord as it enters a third century of Christian ministry. Peterson pointed the crowd to Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”

With their eyes fixed on God and their roots planted in Philadelphia, the staff of American Bible Society will continue to pursue the company’s ambitious goal—to equip 100 million Americans to engage with God’s Word and to open up 100 percent of the world’s languages to Bible Engagement by 2025. As Peterson put it, “We are here to work and to serve and to make a difference in the days ahead.”