On Thursday, his library in Charlotte was dedicated. And it was quite the event.
Former President George H.W. Bush described the Rev. Billy Graham as “a spiritual gift to all of us” before "trembling in an uncharacteristic wave of emotion," according to the Asheville Citizen-Times, which ran a series of articles on Friday.
“We gather to celebrate the life and work of a man I do believe is America’s pastor,” Bush said.
Graham — using a walker and his son Franklin’s shoulder for stability — showed some of his old magic at the microphone in front of 1,500 invited guests gathered to dedicate a library in his honor.
“I feel like I’ve been to my own funeral, listening to all these speeches,” said Graham, 88. “I feel terribly small and humbled by it all.”
Graham and former Presidents Bush, Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter joined on a stage within the shadow of the $27 million library, which traces Graham’s path from farmer’s son to famous evangelist and friend to more than four decades of presidents.
About 200,000 people a year are expected to tour the Billy Graham Library after its opening Tuesday in Charlotte, where Graham was raised. It was built with the intention of carrying on his ministry.
The presidents on hand seemed to enjoy the event, according to the paper.
Former President Bill Clinton, in discussing being on stage with Jimmy Carter: “They used to say George Bush and I were an odd couple, but here, we may be the odd couple — two Southern Baptist Democrats.”
When Bush rose to speak, he looked at Clinton and said, “How quickly Clinton dumped me for Carter — did you notice that? We’ve traveled all over the world together, and we come to Charlotte and he dumps me. I don’t get it.”
The crowd roared.
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