A new statue of evangelical leader Billy Graham is set to be unveiled at the U.S. Capitol building next week. The seven-foot bronze statue, created by artist Chas Fagan, shows Graham holding an open Bible. The statue is described as a representation of Graham’s message of God’s love, grace, and forgiveness, which he preached for over 80 years. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, expressed his appreciation for the statue as a reminder of his father’s legacy and the message he dedicated his life to sharing.
The unveiling ceremony, scheduled for May 16, will include remarks from House Speaker Mike Johnson and Franklin Graham. Three-time Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith is expected to perform at the event. The statue is a tribute to Billy Graham’s lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel and is engraved with Biblical verses highlighting his message. Graham, who passed away in 2018 at age 99, is known for preaching to millions of people worldwide and providing spiritual counsel to numerous world leaders and U.S. presidents.
Billy Graham’s legacy is rooted in a simple message of forgiveness and salvation, based on John 3:16. He is one of only a few private citizens to receive three of the highest honors from Congress, including the Congressional Gold Medal and lying in honor at the U.S. Capitol. Lawmakers passed legislation in 2015 to replace a statue in the Capitol with one of Graham, honoring his contributions to society. The new statue will feature inscriptions of two Bible verses closely associated with Graham’s message.
The unveiling of the statue of Billy Graham will take place in The National Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol building during a private dedication ceremony. Family members, congressional representatives, and the North Carolina Statuary Hall Committee are expected to attend the event. The statue was created in Charlotte, North Carolina, and features a base made of Salisbury granite. It serves as a permanent tribute to the legacy of Billy Graham and his impactful message of God’s love and salvation.
The statue of Billy Graham is a significant event honoring the influential evangelist’s contributions to society and his message of faith and forgiveness. The ceremony will be a reminder of Graham’s dedication to spreading the Gospel and his impact on millions of people worldwide. The unveiling of the statue in the U.S. Capitol represents a rare honor for Graham and a recognition of his lifelong commitment to sharing the message of God’s love and grace. The event will bring together family members, lawmakers, and supporters to celebrate the enduring legacy of Billy Graham and his powerful message of hope and salvation.
