South Carolina - Billy Graham Library - NC

Gary's sister takes us up to North Carolina to see the Billy Graham Library.

I wasn't sure what to expect but it turned out to be a really interesting place.

His childhood home was moved here from a few miles away - brick by brick.  He grew up on a dairy farm so the museum takes on a dairy farm theme.

 First we stop at the Dairy Bar for lunch

 A quick trip to the restrooms before the tour

 The tour of the 40,000 sq ft. libary starts with Bessie the cow who gives us the background on Billy and sings a good tune though I lost my video.  Her head moves and the cat on the barrel twitches its tail.

 Next a brief film

The tour begins with some memorabilia and a replica of Billy's living room

Each room is a period from Billy Graham's life.  This is his start in evangelism

Gary and his sister Carol watching the film on his time at a Christian Radio Station

Displays of some of his encounters over the years

His wife's engagement ring.  The picture is blurred but after earning $165 for several sermons, he ran out and spent most of it on an engagement ring so big you could almost see the diamond with a magnifying glass.   He and Ruth both had a good sense of humor.  She was once asked if over the years she had ever considered divorce.  She replied - "No not divorce, but murder."

 A check from Richard Nixon paying back the $5 he borrowed for the offering plate.  He also sent a 2nd check as a donation.

His work for Civil Rights

Videos of other preachers across the world speaking about Billy Graham

 Bringing down the wall

As you leave the tour you walk through a series of lit crosses  towards the mountain

 The tour takes 2-3 hours to complete.  Gary takes a break in the gift shop

 On the way out we visit the childhood home

 We didn't take the time to walk the Memorial Gardens

But did stop to see the grave-site.  Ruth's stone is engraved with "End of Construction - Thanks for your patience."  A sign she once saw on a highway.  Billy's says  "Preacher of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ"

Definitely worth the stop if you are near Charlotte, NC