Rev. Billy Graham Honored with Statue Unveiled at U.S. Capitol: A Tribute to an American Hero

By Troy Anderson, Founder of Prophecy Investigators

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In a solemn and deeply moving ceremony at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, May 16, Reverend Billy Graham was celebrated as "one of America's greatest citizens and enduring heroes." The event marked the unveiling of a magnificent statue in his honor, a testament to his profound impact on the nation and the world.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, Governor Roy Cooper of North Carolina, members of North Carolina's congressional delegation, and Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse, were among the distinguished speakers at the ceremony. The renowned musician Michael W. Smith also graced the event with a heartfelt performance.

Speaker Johnson reflected on the historic significance of the occasion, noting that only four individuals in U.S. history have been honored with three prestigious distinctions: a Congressional Gold Medal, lying in state after their death, and receiving a statue at the U.S. Capitol. Reverend Billy Graham now joins this esteemed group of American luminaries, symbolizing faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the betterment of society.

Governor Cooper emphasized Graham's unifying influence, noting his ability to bring together people of different faiths and races.

Crafted by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan, the sculpture captures Graham's likeness with remarkable detail and reverence. Inscribed on the statue's base are verses from John 3:16 and John 14:6, encapsulating the essence of Graham's ministry and message of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Rev. Franklin Graham, while acknowledging his father's discomfort with such honors, expressed gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon him. He emphasized Billy Graham's unwavering faith in the Gospel and his belief in the transformative power of God's love.

Throughout his life, Billy Graham exemplified humility, integrity, and compassion, treating all with dignity and respect. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the globe, serving as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring values of faith, love, and service.

As visitors to the U.S. Capitol encounter Graham's statue, may they be reminded of his profound impact on the world and inspired to carry forth his message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation. In honoring Reverend Billy Graham, we honor not only a remarkable man of God but also a timeless symbol of America's spiritual heritage and enduring values.

As the statue of famed evangelist Billy Graham is unveiled at the U.S. Capitol, it stands as a powerful symbol of his enduring influence and tireless dedication to spreading the Gospel. In the atmosphere of the unveiling ceremony, there is a palpable sense of anticipation, an acknowledgment that the signs of the times are aligning in unprecedented ways.

This significant moment is part of a larger narrative—a narrative of hope, redemption, and spiritual revival sweeping across America. As we ponder Graham's timeless message and witness the surge of faith and prayer, it becomes increasingly apparent that we are standing on the threshold of a great spiritual awakening.

Graham's insight into the convergence of these signs underscores the urgency of the present moment and calls for a renewed commitment to proclaiming the message of salvation to a world in need. Explore my full story here: America's Nineveh Moment? Billy Graham Sounds Alarm for Second Coming.

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About Evangelist Billy Graham

Evangelist Billy Graham took Christ literally when He said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”

Mr. Graham preached the Gospel to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories. Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts.

Beginning with the 1949 Los Angeles Crusade, which vaulted Mr. Graham into the public eye, he led hundreds of thousands of individuals to make personal decisions to live for Christ, the main thrust of his decades-long ministry.

Born November 7, 1918, four days before the Armistice ended World War I, Mr. Graham was reared on a dairy farm in Charlotte, N.C. Growing up during the Depression, he learned the value of hard work on the family farm, but he also found time to spend many hours in the hayloft reading books on a wide variety of subjects.

In the fall of 1934, at age 15, Mr. Graham made a personal commitment to Christ through the ministry of Mordecai Ham, a traveling evangelist, who visited Charlotte for a series of revival meetings.

Ordained in 1939 by Peniel Baptist Church in Palatka, Fla. (a church in the Southern Baptist Convention), Mr. Graham received a solid foundation in the Scriptures at Florida Bible Institute (now Trinity College of Florida). In 1943 he graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois and married fellow student Ruth McCue Bell, daughter of a missionary surgeon, who spent the first 17 years of her life in China.

After graduating from college, Mr. Graham pastored The Village Church of Western Springs (now Western Springs Baptist Church) in Western Springs, Ill., before joining Youth for Christ, an organization founded for ministry to youth and servicemen during World War II. He preached throughout the United States and in Europe in the immediate post war era, emerging as a rising young evangelist.

The Los Angeles Crusade in 1949 launched Mr. Graham into international prominence. Scheduled for three weeks, the meetings were extended to more than eight weeks, with overflow crowds filling a tent erected downtown each night.

Many of his subsequent early Crusades were similarly extended, including one in London that lasted 12 weeks, and a New York City Crusade in Madison Square Garden in 1957 that ran nightly for 16 weeks.

Today, Mr. Graham’s ministry is known around the globe. He preached in remote African villages and in the heart of New York City, and those to whom he ministered have ranged from heads of state to the simple living bushmen of Australia and the wandering tribes of Africa and the Middle East. Beginning in 1977, Mr. Graham was given the opportunity to conduct preaching missions in virtually every country of the former Eastern bloc, including the former Soviet Union.

In 2013, Mr. Graham had the vision for proclaiming the Gospel across the United States and Canada, prompting the implementation of My Hope with Billy Graham, a grassroots evangelism outreach combining personal relationships with the power of modern media. Based upon a pioneering outreach that had already resulted in millions of decisions for Christ around the world since 2002, churches and individual Christians across the two countries were encouraged and equipped to pray and reach out to friends, family and neighbors using a powerful new film from BGEA.

Approaching 95 years of age, Mr. Graham recorded a new video message, called “The Cross,” for the project, which was made available for use in homes and churches as a tool for sharing the Gospel.

Mr. Graham founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in 1950, headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., until relocating to Charlotte, N.C., in 2003. Through BGEA’s ministry, Mr. Graham started:

• the weekly “Hour of Decision” radio program, which was heard around the world for more than 60 years;

• television programs that are still broadcast today on national Christian networks.

• a syndicated newspaper column, “My Answer,” which is carried by newspapers both nationally and internationally; and

• “Decision” magazine, the official publication of the Association, which has a circulation of more than 425,000, making it one of the most widely circulated religious periodicals in the world;

Mr. Graham wrote 33 books, many which became top sellers. His autobiography “Just As I Am,” published in 1997, achieved a “triple crown,” appearing simultaneously on the three top best-seller lists in one week. In it, Mr. Graham reflected on his life, and decades of ministry around the world. From humble beginnings as the son of a dairy farmer in North Carolina, he shared how his unwavering faith in Christ formed and shaped his career.

Mr. Graham’s most recent works included “Where I Am: Heaven, Eternity, and Our Life Beyond” (2015), “The Reason for My Hope: Salvation” (2013), “The Heaven Answer Book” (2012), “Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well” (2011) and “Storm Warning” (2010). “Nearing Home” was selected as the 2012 Christian Book of the Year by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association. Of his other books, “Approaching Hoofbeats: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” (1983) was listed for several weeks on The New York Times best seller list; “How to Be Born Again” (1977) had the largest first printing in publishing history at the time with 800,000 copies; “Angels: God’s Secret Agents” (1975) sold one million copies within 90 days; and “The Jesus Generation” (1971) sold 200,000 copies in the first two weeks.

Mr. Graham’s counsel was sought by presidents, and his appeal in both the secular and religious arenas is evidenced by the wide range of groups that have honored him, including numerous honorary doctorates from many institutions in the U.S. and abroad.

Recognitions include the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Freedom Award (2000) for contributions to the cause of freedom; the Congressional Gold Medal (1996); the Templeton Foundation Prize for Progress in Religion (1982); and the Big Brother Award for his work on behalf of the welfare of children (1966). In 1964 he received the Speaker of the Year Award and was cited by the George Washington Carver Memorial Institute for his contributions to race relations. He was recognized by the Anti-Defamation League of the B’nai B’rith in 1969 and the National Conference of Christians and Jews in 1971 for his efforts to foster a better understanding among all faiths. In December 2001 he was presented with an honorary knighthood, Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE), for his international contribution to civic and religious life over 60 years.

Mr. Graham was listed by the Gallup organization as one of the “Ten Most Admired Men in the World” whom it described as the dominant figure in that poll since 1948—making an unparalleled 61st appearance and 55th consecutive appearance in 2017. He also appeared on the covers of Time, Newsweek, Life, U.S. News and World Report, Parade and numerous other magazines and was the subject of many newspaper and magazine feature articles and books.

Mr. Graham lost his wife of nearly 64 years, Ruth Bell Graham, in June of 2007. Together they had three daughters, two sons, 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Graham lived in their home in the mountains of North Carolina until his death on Feb. 21, 2018.

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Join Us in Prayer: Honoring Reverend Billy Graham's Legacy

Dear Heavenly Father,

We gather today in reverence and gratitude as we honor Reverend Billy Graham with the unveiling of his statue at the U.S. Capitol. We thank You for the life and legacy of this remarkable servant who dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel and sharing Your love with the world. As we reflect on his enduring impact, we are reminded of the power of faith, hope, and redemption.

Lord, we ask for Your blessing upon this statue, that it may serve as a beacon of inspiration to all who see it. May it remind us of Billy Graham’s unwavering commitment to proclaiming the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Let the inscriptions of John 3:16 and John 14:6 engraved on its base echo in our hearts, reaffirming the truth of Your Word and the promise of eternal life.

We pray for a spirit of unity and reconciliation in our nation, as Reverend Graham so often preached. May this statue stand as a symbol of hope and a call to embrace the values of love, compassion, and forgiveness that he championed. As visitors from all walks of life encounter this tribute, may they be inspired to seek a deeper relationship with You and to share Your message of grace with others.

Father, we acknowledge the signs of the times converging as never before, as Billy Graham so often reminded us. We ask for a great spiritual awakening across our land, that hearts may be turned to You in repentance and faith. Fill us with a sense of urgency to live out and share the Gospel, recognizing the critical moment we are in.

Thank You for the legacy of Billy Graham, and may his life continue to point us to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Strengthen us to carry forward his mission, proclaiming Your love to a world in need.

In Jesus' name, we pray.