History - [Screen Shots of Revised Common Lectionary webpage]

The Revised Common Lectionary was first published for general use in 1992, prompting interest from pastors and students. Beginning in 1994 with HTTP protocols and the Mosaic Netscape browser, the internet became more easily viewable by the general public. The confluence of these two events resulted in the idea to create an easily viewable and navigable Revised Common Lectionary. Three elements were needed: the actual RCL readings, or lections, themselves; accurate, full text Bible scripture (NRSV); and visual art to enhance the spiritual, reflective component. The Divinity Library began this online experiment by building a resource that was solely based upon HTML, with no underlying database structure. This website became available in 1996 and was improved bit by bit until it settled into the site represented by the image on the bottom. As internet programming developed, it became clear that the RCL needed an underlying database to contain the data elements of lections, scriptures, and art. This fostered a change in the HTML website interface, and in 2008, a new website was unveiled. This is represented by the image on the top.

See: Lectionary