John 3:16 to be inscribed on Graham statue at US Capitol
A new statue is set to grace the halls of the National Statuary Hall, bearing a profound connection to the legacy of renowned evangelist Billy Graham. The statue, standing at 7 feet tall and crafted by Charlotte-based artist Chas Fagan, features Mr. Graham pointing to an open Bible. What makes this statue unique is its pedestal, adorned with a familiar verse—John 3:16.
The verse, pivotal to Billy Graham’s ministry spanning over fifty years, encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message. It reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Unveiling happening this week
The unveiling ceremony for this significant tribute is scheduled for 11 a.m. on May 16th at the U.S. Capitol, in a private dedication event. Notable figures such as Franklin Graham, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Grammy-winner Michael W. Smith will be in attendance to mark the occasion.
Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, expressed gratitude for the honor while emphasizing his father’s focus on directing attention to Jesus Christ. “This is a great honor and my father would be humbled and grateful. At the same time, 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. At the same time, he would not want the attention on himself but on God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Franklin Graham
Billy Graham’s stature as a prominent figure is further highlighted by the fact that he is one of the few private citizens to receive three of Congress’s highest honors. These include the Congressional Gold Medal in 1996, the privilege of lying in honor at the Capitol in 2018, and now the placement of a statue in Statuary Hall in 2024.
The decision to commission a statue of Billy Graham to represent North Carolina in the U.S. Capitol stemmed from his profound impact on the state and the world. In 2013, he was unanimously named North Carolina’s “Favorite Son” by the state General Assembly, with House Bill 540 signed into law in 2015 to fulfill the statue commission.
Legacy remembered
Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) reflected on Graham’s legacy, stating, “The legacy of Rev. Billy Graham is based on his simple message of forgiveness based on John 3:16. His lifelong commitment to preaching the Gospel, his fight for civil rights, his opposition to communism, and his spiritual guidance provided hope to hundreds of millions. His likeness should stand in the U.S. Capitol forever.”
