BILLY GRAHAM
Born November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Oldest of 2 sisters, 2
brothers. Father: dairy farmer. Parents both lived into his adulthood. Raised
Presbyterian. Schooled through college. Childhood distinctions: gregarious,
energetic. 1934 answered altar call from revivalist Mordecai Ham. 1937 began
Florida Bible Institute. 1938 committed to Christ on Florida golf course. 1939
ordained Baptist minister. 1940 began Wheaton College. 1943 graduated Wheaton,
married Ruth Bell (with whom he had three daughters, two sons), began pastoring
Hinsdale, Illinois. 1944 began 'Songs in the Night' radio program, preached at
Youth for Christ rallies of Torrey Johnson. 1946 in England with Youth for
Christ. 1948 formed his 'team' (Grady Wilson, Cliff Barrows and Bev Shea),
brainstormed Crusade principals in 'Modesto Manifesto'. 1949 national figure
during Los Angeles rally. 1950 launched 'Hour of Decision' radio program,
bungled meeting with President Truman, incorporated Billy Graham Evangelical
Association. 1951 began World Wide Pictures film studio. 1953 with Eisenhower
began friendships with American presidents. 1953 Peace with God (first of his
many books). 1954 triumphant England Crusade. 1956 launched Christianity Today
magazine. 1957 notable New York Crusade. 1977 crusaded behind Iron Curtain (Hungary).
1982 preached in Russia. 1984 full-fledged Russian crusade. 1990 began vast
satellite network Mission World to reach 100 million. 1995 Global Mission
reached one billion!
Born November 7, 1918, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Oldest of 2 sisters, 2
brothers. Father: dairy farmer. Parents both lived into his adulthood. Raised
Presbyterian. Schooled through college. Childhood distinctions: gregarious,
energetic. 1934 answered altar call from revivalist Mordecai Ham. 1937 began
Florida Bible Institute. 1938 committed to Christ on Florida golf course. 1939
ordained Baptist minister. 1940 began Wheaton College. 1943 graduated Wheaton,
married Ruth Bell (with whom he had three daughters, two sons), began pastoring
Hinsdale, Illinois. 1944 began 'Songs in the Night' radio program, preached at
Youth for Christ rallies of Torrey Johnson. 1946 in England with Youth for
Christ. 1948 formed his 'team' (Grady Wilson, Cliff Barrows and Bev Shea),
brainstormed Crusade principals in 'Modesto Manifesto'. 1949 national figure
during Los Angeles rally. 1950 launched 'Hour of Decision' radio program,
bungled meeting with President Truman, incorporated Billy Graham Evangelical
Association. 1951 began World Wide Pictures film studio. 1953 with Eisenhower
began friendships with American presidents. 1953 Peace with God (first of his
many books). 1954 triumphant England Crusade. 1956 launched Christianity Today
magazine. 1957 notable New York Crusade. 1977 crusaded behind Iron Curtain (Hungary).
1982 preached in Russia. 1984 full-fledged Russian crusade. 1990 began vast
satellite network Mission World to reach 100 million. 1995 Global Mission
reached one billion!