Billy Graham Museum Opens in Charlotte, NC
June 2, 2007
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Posted by Ray Fowler
Related story: The Day I Met Billy Graham
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Contact and address information for the Billy Graham Library (Museum):
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
1 Billy Graham Parkway
Charlotte, NC 28201
Phone: (704) 401-3200
The Billy Graham Museum in Charlotte, NC is set to open this Tuesday, June 5. The official dedication was held Thursday.
Hundreds of friends, family members, ministers and politicians had gathered to dedicate a library celebrating the ministry of Mr. Graham, whose vast popularity lent him the title “America’s pastor.”
Standing on a platform before the Billy Graham Library, former President George Bush delivered the keynote address, his voice cracking into a sob as he said Mr. Graham was “the man, the preacher, the humble farmer’s son who changed the world.” Former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton also spoke of how Mr. Graham had transformed their lives.
Infirm and rarely appearing in public now, Mr. Graham approached the dais using a walker and noted the sense of completion and twilight that marked the speeches before his.
“I feel like I’ve been attending my own funeral, listening to all these speeches,” he said to the crowd’s nervous laughter. “I’ve been here at the library once, and my one comment when I toured it was that it is too much Billy Graham. My whole life has been to please the Lord and honor Jesus, not to see me and think of me.”
The museum, also known as The Billy Graham Library, will hold various memorabilia from Graham’s life including childhood photos, his college yearbook, personal papers, and his wife’s engagment ring. There will also be footage of Graham’s evangelistic crusades from around the world.
Billy Graham is a wonderful man of great character and integrity, and I am glad they have put together this library to honor his work for Christ. Does anybody have any favorite Billy Graham stories they would like to share? I have one, but I think I will save it for a separate post next week. (Update: Here it is! The Day I Met Billy Graham)
Related articles:
- Billy Graham – The Song
- Ruth Bell Graham – Poems
- A Quote from Billy and a Quote from Ruth
- The Day I Met Billy Graham
Categories: Current Events, Evangelism
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The first time I ever heard of Billy Graham, was in 1954 when he came to England for a three month crusade at Harringay Arena, in North London. I was working in London at the time, and my friend and I attended once or twice a week and sang in the huge choir, conducted by Cliff Barrows. I remember Bev Shea sang solos and Billy, Cliff and Bev have spent a lifetime together serving the Lord in crusades since then. (By the way, the “friend” became my husband in 1955.)
We were impressed by Billy Graham’s sincerity and his enthusiasm for sharing the Gospel. One special memory is leaving the crusade to return home on the London subways, and because many others were travelling home at the same time, someone would start a hymn that we had sung that night, and the subways echoed with glorious Gospel songs. I wonder what people thought! I hope it was a witness.
Since then, we have attended crusades in Boston, and helped with follow-up work. Also, I was able to be a phone counsellor at a phone center for the TV Crusades, and some of the highlights of my life were the opportunities to share with people and help them know how to accept Jesus as their personal Saviour.
Billy Graham, and his wife, have served the Lord faithfully and well for many years. As Christians we can be grateful for a man of God, who has given his whole life for Jesus.
I have always admired Billy Graham’s humility. He put up a high hedge around his marriage, never allowing himself to be alone with a woman. When complimented, he once said, “So far, so good,” with the clear implication that he knew he was not above falling. None of us are. He has been an example of integrity and passion for Christ all his life. His wife, also, has impressed me as she has supported and prayed for him and their children. Her books and poems are among my favorites. Their lives were lived sacrificially for the things that matter. I believe some day, each will hear what we all want to hear: “Well done” from the Master.
Who is the designer of the Billy Graham Museum?
I have ben told it was Richard L Casey? Is this correct?
Thanks,
Hank Merino
Hank,
I am not familiar with Richard Casey. I did find this mention of a Richard Casey and Jim Collier who were involved with the design of the actual Billy Graham Center back in the 1970’s, but I don’t know if Casey had a part in the design of the new library/museum.
1) Go to this link: http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/003.htm
2) Click on “Photo Albums” in the Table of Contents, and
3) Look in the paragraph labeled “Billy Graham Center.”
Could you please send me a schedule for the Billy Graham Museum for the Christmas holidays?
Hi Jane,
I found the following information at http://www.billygraham.org/BGLibrary_Reservations.asp
Contact/Reservations Information
*The Billy Graham Library will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 22, 2007), Christmas Day (December 25, 2007), and New Years Day (January 1, 2008).
Groups of 15 or more will require a reservation. Please e-mail us at librarytours@bgea.org or call 704-401-3200.
Reserve six or fewer tickets online.
If you are looking for information about volunteering at the Library or other ways you can be a part of this exciting ministry, please visit our Get Involved section.
I visited the Billy Graham Museum in July 2007 and it was a beautiful experience. This fitting tribute to Billy Graham is more than just a beautifully designed museum. It was a prayerful experience and I encourage anyone visiting the area to take the time to go there. It is well worth it! During my entire time there, I felt that the real focus was not on Billy Graham but on Christ. The glass cross built into the front of the Library is beautiful as is the Prayer Garden. The theater that ends the tour invites people to make a commitment to Christ. That was the most touching part of my time spent there.
Deborah – Thank you for sharing about your visit to the museum. It sounds like it was a wonderful experience.
what is the charge for attending the museum?
Sally – I don’t know if there is a charge. But here is the phone number if you wish to call: (704) 401-3200
What are the time of operation and days of week Thanks Dale
Dale – Sorry, but I don’t know the hours. I suggest you call the museum at (704) 401-3200.
Need info on Operation Christmas Child close to Museum.
We will be coming in Dec. and need a hotel close to location.
Linda – Sorry, I don’t have that information. You might try calling the museum and see if they can help you.
My wife and I would like to visit the library. Please provide visiting hours on Wednesday Oct 14, 2008 as well as location in Charlotte.
Thank you
The new Billy Graham movie Billy: The Early Years hits on some of these topics talked about in this blog. Check it out at billytheearlyyears.com.
Marv – You will find the address and phone number for the museum at the top of this post. You will need to call the museum directly for directions and visiting hours.
I am searching for some help with an issue. I have grown up always believing that men and women should not have exclusive friendships with the opposite sex outside of marriage, that a man shouldn’t eat a meal with a woman who is not his wife, mother or sister. I have always heard of Billy Graham’s testimony regarding this.
I am involved in a courtship leading to marriage, and the young man shows all evidence of being a genuine believer, but he is naive about this topic. He believes that it is ok for him to continue his friendships with single females after he is married.
I am searching for how I know that this is wrong. Proverbs is a great help, but nothing specifically says “don’t have dinner with a woman who is not your wife”. I would greatly appreciate some help! Thanks.
Dana – I believe you are on the right track. The Bible speaks of marriage as an exclusive relationship where the husband and wife are faithful to each other for life. We are to guard against temptation in this area and be careful to present a good testimony as well. Billy Graham’s advice is wise not only to protect against temptation but also against false accusation.
At the same time, it is okay for husbands and wives to maintain friendships with people of the opposite sex. However, the dynamic changes. There are many women I know whom I consider friends, but now that I am married I would never go anywhere or spend time with them alone. They are still friends, but that friendship now takes place within the context of my marriage.
If you are uncomfortable with the way your fiance conducts his relationships with other women, you should tell him so. You two are not ready to get married until you can resolve this issue.
All the best, and thank you for commenting.
Your preaching has lifted me up, and paved the way to spread the word.
stillt remebering prayers for me last may at museum by one of the team there ..he will remember me ..the crazy guy who went to USA waiting on triple heart by pass and gave short testemony of being saved in 1961 in Glasgow Mr Graham had made one sat afternoon vist ,fron mission in england… long story..but tell the team i got home to Scotland .had openh heart surger one more than triple heart by pass was to get…all wellbe back in USa next thursday…praise the Lord for he is Good
Church group planning a tour, request all handicap facilities, ie, wheelchairs, elevators, etc.
Shirley – You will need to contact the museum directly for that information.
Is the Billy graham libary the same as the museum.