Families Come from Across the Region to Honor ‘America’s Pastor’

By   •   February 26, 2018

Family signs guest book
A family pauses in the Billy Graham Library to sign one of the multiple guest books in remembrance of "God's Ambassador."
Line outside someplace
Thousands of people came to honor Billy Graham as he lay in repose at the Graham Family Homeplace at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Guests view closed casket
People silently pass by Mr. Graham's simple plywood casket, which was made by inmates in Angola, Louisiana.
Line formed at OCC warehouse
Those who come to the lie in repose are required to park at one of two offsite locations including the Operation Christmas Child warehouse, just a few miles from the Library. A long line quickly formed there early Monday morning.
People get off bus
Guests make their way off the bus and to the Library after passing by the construction of a massive tent that will be used for Mr. Graham's private funeral service on Friday.
Visitors at Billy Graham's lie in repose
Visitors walk through the Library entrance, past the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar and back outside before entering the Graham Family Homeplace, where Mr. Graham is lying in repose.
Man wipes tears next to mother
A man stands in tears by his mother at the Library.
Crowd in the rain with umbrellas
The threat of rain didn't stop the thousands who came to honor the life of Billy Graham.
Group praying
A group prays together at the Library.
Mr. Graham's grandson, Roy, greets a crowd
Roy Graham, one of Billy Graham's grandsons, speaks with the media. He spent the day personally greeting thousands of guests whose lives were changed by his grandfather's ministry.
News trucks lined up outside
Media have come from all over to cover this historic time at the Library, which included a visit from former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush who spent time with Franklin and Jane Graham.
The Library grounds
A steady stream of people walk through the Library grounds, remembering the 99-year-old evangelist.
Lines continue to pour in
Many have said they experience the peace of Christ on the Library grounds.
Man signs guest book
Signatures fill Mr. Graham's guest book. He always shared the love of Christ in hopes that people's names would be written in the Book of Life.
Group waits in line
Several guests come in groups and wait quietly before entering the Graham Family Homeplace.
People continue to come
The crowds continued to pour in throughout the day.
Media gathered
One member of the media came all the way from South Korea to cover the day's events.
Generations affected by ministry
Generations will forever be affected by God using the life of Billy Graham.
Group stands in front of Library
All are welcome to come to the Billy Graham Library as Mr. Graham lies in repose there through Tues., Feb. 27. A private funeral service will be held on the grounds at noon ET on Friday and will be live streamed for the public.