FIRST ON FOX: A new Billy Graham statue is going to be placed at the U.S. Capitol building next week, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association shared with Fox News Digital on Monday afternoon.
“It’s a rare honor,” the organization said in materials shown to Fox News Digital.
The statue is to be unveiled on Thursday, May 16, in a ceremony beginning at 11 a.m.
Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan created the sculpture, said the group, which shows Graham gesturing toward an open Bible in his hand.
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“This isn’t just a statue of my father — it represents the One that he surrendered his life to and the message that he preached for more than 80 years, that God loves us and He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from our sins,” said Rev. Franklin Graham to Fox News Digital in comments shared by email Monday afternoon.
“What I appreciate most is that this is an opportunity for everyone in future generations who see the statue to be reminded of God’s love, grace and forgiveness.”
Billy Graham spent over 80 years preaching to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people across six continents, according to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
The seven-foot bronze statue is described as standing on a pedestal engraved with verses from the Bible that “highlight Graham’s lifelong commitment to sharing the Gospel,” said the association.
Remarks next Thursday at the ceremony are expected to come from House Speaker Mike Johnson as well as from Rev. Graham, son of Billy Graham and head of both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse.
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A media spokesperson for Speaker Johnson’s office confirmed the event.
Three-time Grammy Award winner Michael W. Smith is expected to perform as well.
“He would not want the attention on himself but on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“This is a great honor and my father would be humbled and grateful,” Rev. Graham also said.
“At the same time, he would not want the attention on himself but on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Billy Graham passed away in 2018 at age 99.
Billy Graham provided spiritual counsel to 12 sitting U.S. presidents and numerous world leaders. He preached to millions all over the globe. (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association)
He spent over 80 years preaching to more people in live audiences than anyone else in history — nearly 215 million people across six continents, the organization said.
He provided spiritual counsel to 12 sitting U.S. presidents and many world leaders.
“The legacy of Rev. Billy Graham is based on his simple message of forgiveness based on John 3:16,” said Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., in remarks shared with Fox News Digital by the association.
Billy Graham is one of only a handful of private citizens to receive three of the highest honors from Congress.