Billy Graham was perhaps the most significant religious figure of the 20th century, and the organizations and movement he helped spawn continue to shape the 21st. Born November 7, 1918, Mr. Graham made a personal commitment to Christ at age 15.
His Ministry
From the time his ministry began in 1947, Graham conducted more than 400 crusades in 185 countries and territories on six continents. 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.
He is known as a pioneer in the use of new technologies to preach the Gospel—from radio and television to films and the internet. Beginning in 1989, a series of crusades via satellite extended his preaching to live audiences in more than 185 countries and territories.
A Bridge Builder to the World
Graham deliberately reached into the secular world as a bridge builder. During the Cold War, Graham—the bridge builder—became the first evangelist of note to speak behind the Iron Curtain, addressing large crowds in countries throughout Eastern Europe and in the Soviet Union, calling for peace.
In addition, he helped launch numerous influential organizations, including Youth for Christ.
Historic Crusades and Media Influence
Graham was offered a five-year, $1 million contract from NBC to appear on television opposite Arthur Godfrey and had prepared to sign it when he turned down the offer in order to continue his ministry.
Graham held crusades in London, which lasted 12 weeks, and a New York City crusade in Madison Square Garden in 1957, which ran nightly for 16 weeks.
Mr. Graham preached to more live audiences that day than anyone else in history—nearly 215 million people in more than 185 countries and territories—through various meetings, including Mission World and Global Mission.
Hundreds of millions more have been reached through television, video, film, and webcasts. He wrote more than 30 books, many of which stayed on the bestseller lists for months.
Recognitions
Mr. Graham’s counsel was sought by presidents, and his appeal in both the secular and religious arenas is evident in the wide range of groups that have honored him, including numerous honorary doctorates from many institutions in the U.S. and abroad.
He had personal audience with many sitting U.S. presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama—12 consecutive presidents.
Family Life
Mr. Graham was married for nearly 64 years to Ruth Bell Graham, and together they had three daughters, two sons, 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren.
Billy Graham died of natural causes on February 21, 2018, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina, at the age of 99.