DENVER, NC.  This was not an RV trip.  We drove the Jeep up to NC to visit friends, David and Jo Rohrbaugh, and to visit the Billy Graham Library in nearby Charlotte.  Betty always wanted to see it during the Christmas holidays with all the decorations.  This trip wrapped up the year's travels for us.

We had visited the Library years ago, but they continue to upgrade everything.  We were surprised by all the modifications and additions.  Thus, we shall be showing you indoor images as well as outdoor images.  I used my cell phone for convenience; at this point in the year I did not want to tote along my heavy camera bag loaded with DSLR equipment.  There is a price to be paid for that convenience.  You will notice some image blur due to slow shutter speeds in low light.  This can barely be accounted for with a cell phone camera.

Upon entering the Library, the welcome area has been augmented with a large display screen with a message from Franklin Graham.

Library Welcome Area

As the crowd moves away, Bible verses are displayed on the screen.

Familiar Verse Displayed

As we moved into the Library area, we saw that Mike Pence was there signing copies of his new book, Go Home for Dinner, in Ruth's Attic book store.  

Mike Pence at Book Signing for His New Book

Betty loves shopping for jewelry at Ruth's Attic.

Betty at Book Store Counter

It occurred to me that if you meet someone who says that he does not know who Billy Graham was, or what he accomplished, simply tell him to experience the "Journey of Faith" through this Library.  Especially with all the latest additions, the enormity of his influence worldwide is clearly documented.

How He Influenced Our Presidents ...

... Preached to Huge Audiences Worldwide

Speakers From Around the World Attest to His Influence

Influenced Many Famous People

Preached Behind Communist Berlin's Wall

His Messages Were Broadcast Over Radio and Television

Preached Wherever the Crowds Could Be Held

Below shows a mid-20th century TV store with the windows switching from views of the TVs for sale to scenes from Billy Graham Crusades.

Small Town TV Store Windows Switch to Crusade Scenes

Can Only Enter Through the Cross

He and Wife Ruth Were a Team

Ruth Grew Up on the Mission Field in China

And Ruth maintained a safe and secure home for their children while he was away preaching the gospel.  The carving in the family hearth shown below is Martin Luther's words in German, A Mighty Fortress is Our God.

Hearth in Graham Family Home

Ruth preceded him is departing this world, and Billy was often pictured after that sitting on his back porch facing the NC mountains.  He appeared to be waiting his turn.  That time came on February 21, 2018.  

The Chair is Empty Now

His Funeral Procession Through Hometown Black Mountain

Living Presidents Attended Funeral

Coffin Lying in State

When Billy's son Franklin took over leadership of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, he had the headquarters moved from Minneapolis to Charlotte, just down the road from the Library.  In that building is a dining hall, which is where we had supper that night.

Hearth in Dining Hall

As we left the dining hall to return to the Library, the trees were lit up with lights and carriages were circling the area looking for riders.

Out Front of Dining Hall

Horse-drawn Carriages

Carolers Outside Graham Childhood House

View of Childhood Home and Carolers

Live Nativity Scene Outside Graham Family House

Closeup of Live Nativity Scene

This is just a sampling of the sights to be seen on the Library grounds.  Earlier in the day we had visited the grave sites for the original Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Team of Billy Graham, Cliff Barrows, and George Beverly Shea.  Along with their grave sites were included those of Ruth Graham and Billie Barrows, early wife of Cliff who played piano in the early days but passed away in 1994.