A statue of legendary evangelist Billy Graham has been unveiled in the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. The bronze sculpture stands more than two metres tall and shows the evangelist gesturing towards an open Bible in his hand. It is opened at Galatians 6:14 which Billy Graham had underlined in red in his own Bible. It reads: May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to Me, and I to the world (NIV).
The pedestal is inscribed with a cross and engraved with two verses. One is John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (NIV).The other is John 14:6: Jesus answered ‘”I am the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (NIV). A plaque on the statue describes Billy Graham as a Preacher of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The sculpture is one of 200 statues of prominent Americans recognised in the National Statuary Hall. It’s installed in the Crypt, one level below the Rotunda where every public tour of the US Capitol begins. “Millions of people will walk by and read John 14:6 and John 3:16. “What a story to tell as we bring school kids through and university students and constituents, they’ll stop right here. And at the base of the foundation those two verses will be shared broadly. I think it’s the perfect placement,” said US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson.
Those who knew the humble evangelist admit he wouldn’t have wanted a statue of his likeness anywhere. “My father would be a little uncomfortable with this being here because he would want the focus to be on the One whom he preached — the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God,” said his own son and evangelist Reverend Franklin Graham.
“He believed the Bible cover to cover. Our family is honoured that our earthly father will be here in this Capitol pointing future generations to our Heavenly Father and his Son the Lord Jesus Christ,” he rejoiced.
The dedication ceremony largely centered on the message of the Gospel and the eternal impact of Billy Graham’s ministry. “Let us never forget the Bible that he preached, the souls that were saved, and the lives that were transformed. More people have heard the Good News of Jesus from Billy Graham than any man in our history,” observed US Senator Ted Budd from the Graham family’s home state of North Carolina.
“He united Americans, lifted them up. He understood how God’s Word could change hearts,” recognised the other North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis
“He believed, as many of us do, that there is redemption. And he gave his life delivering that message,” proclaimed North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.
“His life’s work was dedicated to the millions of people around the world who found Jesus Christ as their Saviour through his preaching,” pronounced North Carolina congresswoman Virginia Foxx.
It was only after nearly a decade of persistent efforts by the North Carolina lawmakers, that Billy Graham’s statue was approved to be installed in the US Capitol.
Throughout his lifetime, Billy Graham preached to around 215 million people worldwide and counselled world leaders and 12 US presidents alike. His passing in 2018 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions.
He stands as one of just four private citizens to hold three of the highest honours from the US Congress: a Congressional Gold Medal, to have laid in honour at the Capitol, and to have a statue commissioned for the Statuary Hall Collection, joining Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford and civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
Photo: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
