The signatures of Princess Diana, Prince Philip and Prince Charles are also in the large leather-bound Bible, considered a foundational document in the formation of Australia. It will be paraded tonight in a kick-off to SHINE - eleven days of days of prayer and celebration organised by the Christian community in support of CHOGM.
SHINE is part of the "Commonwealth Prayer Initiative" organised by church leaders in Perth, in response to WA Premier Colin Barnett's call for community support for CHOGM.
In 2010 "Project 54" began, with churches in Perth "adopting" a nation to pray for over a 12-month period. "When churches in other Commonwealth countries heard about it, they wanted in too!" says Wendy Yapp, one of the driving forces behind SHINE. "In India alone, 4000 churches have joined in the prayer."
Opening Nations Celebration will be on Thursday October 20, at 7pm.
The multiple nations of the Commonwealth will be represented in a parade of nations at Perth's Challenge Stadium. The "First Fleet Bible" together with the first Bible in an Australian Indigenous language, will lead the colourful parade. Attendees have been encouraged to turn up in national costumes - easily achieved given Perth's large immigrant population.
"There is so much happening during the next eleven days," says Gillean Smiley, Community Relations Manager for Bible Society Australia, which is helping with the running of SHINE. "It's a significant time of prayer, unity and excitement for the Christian community, not only in Australia but also in the other countries of the Commonwealth. We ask for Christians all over Australia to join in prayer for the smooth running and outcomes of CHOGM itself, and for SHINE."
A full list of events is available at www.commonwealthprayer.org