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Letter to the editor

Trip to Graham Library humbling

By TIMES STAFF
Published June 9, 2007

Editors note: The dedication of the Rev. Billy Graham's $27-million library included a guest list of 1, 500. Among the invitees were two with ties to Pasco County. Trinity College president Mark T. O'Farrell and his son, the college's community relations and marketing director, Kevin O'Farrell, attended the ceremony. Graham graduated from Trinity when it was called the Florida Bible Institute. Here are excerpts from Kevin's journal.

May 30, 2007

Leaving from the college that gave Billy Graham his training for ministry and arriving now at the organization that bears his name has been a profound and moving experience.

The weather has been unusually hot for this time of year in North Carolina - so I've been told by the natives - but the drive to the state has been pleasant as Florida flat lands turn to gentle Carolina rolling hills.

When the shuttle bus arrives at the library grounds, we see reporters, cameramen, sound and lighting technicians, and others all jockeying for the right spot and location.

In front of the library stands a massive open white tent with hundreds of white chairs lined side by side in preparation for tomorrow's ceremony. The tent is reminiscent of an old church revival meeting. It is a sort of tabernacle, waiting to receive the minister of the gospel we have all traveled to honor.

As we exit the bus we see for the first time the Billy Graham Library.

My eyes are drawn to the wooden barn, which stands central in the scene, and I cannot help but look at the huge glass crosses - several stories high - which serves as the entrance. To the left of the barn stands a massive silo giving the campus a distinctive farm atmosphere. To the right of the barn stands the original 1927 Graham family home. We are told it was painstakingly moved brick by brick and restored here.

To the library's far left is a small prayer garden, which takes visitors into a small, reflective cove.

All over the grounds speakers softly play the hymn, Just As I Am. This was the invitation hymn used at Billy Graham Crusades.

I snap a couple of pictures, realizing that they will never capture the full emotions I am experiencing.

I approach the library entrance and gaze up at the glass cross. It reminds me of the gospel message that we all must pass through the cross to find forgiveness of sin and a restored relationship with God.

As I enter the hall, my eyes are compelled to look up - as if searching for God himself. Immediately I see the scripture etched in the cross beams. I recognize John 3:16.

Scripture is in all the beams, verses Billy Graham has no less preached hundreds of thousands of times.

I have to look hard before I can even find a picture of Billy Graham, the humble man whom this site honors.

As I stroll through the library, I see Franklin Graham, Billy's son and the organization's president, giving an interview. My dad stops and shakes his hand and engages in a brief conversation. I snap another picture.

After a short film, we enter a series of rooms, the first of which is a replica of a 1949 Los Angeles tent revival. All the rooms represent some facet of Graham's life. The most captivating is the room dedicated to his wife, Ruth. The love story is gripping - the "Best Christian I know" Billy says of Ruth.

I see familiar faces of ones who have been connected with Billy Graham and Trinity College: John Corts, John Minder, and W.T. Watson. I even view Billy's commencement program from when he graduated from Trinity College, (then known as Florida Bible Institute), and I am impressed by all the preaching Bibles on display. Each is extensively underlined and marked, revealing the Graham train of thought.

The final exhibit hall holds all of Billy Graham's awards: his Presidential Medal of Freedom from Ronald Reagan, his honorary knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, and his Congressional Gold Medal.

The Billy Graham Library was less about the man and more about the message. Billy Graham's humility, simplicity, and passion for Christ flow out of the exhibit halls. My experience can be summed up by viewing one verse that was extensively underlined by Billy in one of his preaching Bibles.

John 3:30: "He must increase, but I must decrease."

May 31, 2007

Today is the dedication.

We arrive at the grounds of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association about 11:15 a.m. The number of reporters has nearly doubled since yesterday.

My father and I snag great seats. And then the 2 1/2-hour wait begins.

Eventually I, like other men, have to take off my suit coat. We were told the temperature was to feel like it was around 91 degrees.

As we look out from the tent we see the library in the distance, and each time the glass doors open people jump out of their seats wanting to catch a glimpse of Billy Graham or one of the former U.S. presidents who have been invited.

The first guest to come out is former first lady Barbara Bush. She makes her way down to thunderous applause. Then quiet again - and finally the doors open and out walk former Presidents Carter, Bush and Clinton followed by Franklin and Billy Graham. Billy looks frail and uses a walker. The group poses for pictures before Billy gets into a golf cart and rides down. The former presidents walk down together. What a sight. Men who have led our country now honoring a man who spiritually guided them.

Each president shares how Billy Graham impacted his life. The most moving is former President George H. W. Bush's tear-filled ending.

Finally, Billy Graham speaks.

"I feel like I have been attending my own funeral, " he jokes. He speaks from the heart and even though he is frail you can sense the passion in his heart for Christ.

We sing two hymns: How Great Thou Art and To God Be the Glory. Three ministers offer dedicatory prayers. And then it is over.

What an experience. It made me want to live a life of humility, simplicity and passion. Billy Graham impacted the world and changed people's lives by preaching the gospel. He has seen and been used by God for great things. I was part of history.

[Last modified June 8, 2007, 21:28:49]