A bronze sculpture of the late Rev. Billy Graham was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday, honoring the legacy of America’s most prolific evangelist. The 7-foot statue depicts Graham with an open Bible in his hand, symbolizing his lifelong commitment to preaching the Christian gospel. The dedication ceremony was attended by prominent political figures, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, Gov. Roy Cooper, former Vice President Mike Pence, and Graham’s family. The process for Graham’s statue to replace one of North Carolina’s historical figures began nine years ago, culminating in its installation at the National Statuary Hall.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described Graham as a towering figure in American life, whose ministry had a profound impact on countless individuals and families. Graham, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 99, was known for his extensive evangelistic work, reaching nearly 215 million people worldwide through his crusades. As an adviser to several U.S. presidents, from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush, Graham influenced both the political and spiritual realms during his career. His body lay in honor at the Capitol Rotunda after his death, a rare distinction for a private citizen.
The North Carolina General Assembly approved legislation in 2015 to honor Graham with a statue in the Capitol, following established rules that require statues to be installed posthumously. Speakers at the ceremony highlighted Graham’s dedication to spreading the Christian message, his humility, integrity, and legacy of service. Rev. Franklin Graham, the evangelist’s son, stated that his father would have preferred the focus to be on Jesus Christ rather than on himself. The Graham statue replaced that of early 20th-century North Carolina Gov. Charles Aycock, symbolizing a shift away from the painful history of racism associated with Aycock.
Gov. Roy Cooper acknowledged that while Rev. Graham was not perfect, he embodied the spirit of redemption and faith that many people aspire to. The bronze sculpture, crafted by artist Chas Fagan and bronzed in North Carolina, is a fitting tribute to Graham’s evangelistic ministry. Inscribed with verses from the Book of John, the base of the statue highlights Graham’s commitment to spreading the gospel. The North Carolina General Assembly also commissioned a statue of Civil War-era Gov. Zebulon Vance for the National Statuary Hall, showcasing the state’s diverse historical figures.
Throughout the 20th century, Graham played a pivotal role in building evangelicalism into a powerful force in American life, utilizing mass media to reach audiences worldwide. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis expressed hope that Graham’s ability to bridge differences and unite people through faith would inspire elected officials today. By reflecting on Graham’s standards of faith, ethics, and decency, Tillis believes that members of Congress can find common ground and unite around the values that make the nation great. The presence of Graham’s statue in the Capitol serves as a reminder of his extraordinary life and the lasting impact of his ministry.
