Michael W. Smith Performs At Billy Graham Statue Unveiling

Michael W. Smith recently performed at the Billy Graham Statue Unveiling Ceremony at the State Capitol. Smith honored his longtime friend with a version of "I Surrender All." 

A bronze sculpture of the late Rev Billy Graham was unveiled at the US Capitol last Thursday, with Christianity's most prolific evangelist once known as "America's Pastor" immortalised in the halls of Congress on behalf of his native North Carolina.

Graham's likeness, depicting the Charlotte-born minister with his archetypal gesture toward an open Bible in his hand, was revealed inside National Statuary Hall during a gathering attended by House Speaker Mike Johnson, Governor Roy Cooper, former Vice President Mike Pence, state congressional and legislative members and Graham's family.

Smith reflects, "I can't help but reflect on the many times we were able to minister together all across America. I also remember him asking me to play some hymns for him in his last few months on earth. I would set up my piano next to him in his wheelchair, play some classics, and he would do his very best to sing along. "I Surrender All" was a special one we got to share and it felt fitting for today's remembrance of who Billy Graham was and his heart behind everything he did. Grateful to be a part of this day!" 

The 2.13-metre tall statue is one of two that North Carolina and each state get to place on display inside the hall or elsewhere in the Capitol to honour notables in their history. The process for Graham's statue to replace one of North Carolina's began nine years ago.

"Billy Graham finally takes his rightful place on these hallowed grounds of American democracy," Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana said at the dedication ceremony. As with other speakers, Johnson recalled the personal importance that Graham's ministry of preaching the Christian Gospel had on them and their families: "Billy Graham is such a towering figure in my life, and he is in all of our lives."

 

 

Tags : Billy Graham Statue Unveiling Michael W. Smith Billy Graham