BILLY GRAHAM LIBRARY DEDICATION HONORING 'AMERICA's PASTOR' SPECIAL SECTION INSIDE: With Pomp and Pr

Jun 01, 04:35 AM

Current Headlines: By Tim Funk, The Charlotte Observer, N.C.

Jun. 1--The Charlotte-born preacher who vaulted to national fame during a tent crusade in Los Angeles almost 60 years ago was back in a tent -- and a brighter spotlight -- on Thursday.

Three ex-presidents and 1,500 guests joined Billy Graham in his hometown to dedicate his $27 million library.

As Graham, 88, listened to former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, the barn-shaped museum in the background evoked his childhood on a dairy farm near what is now Park Road Shopping Center.

Graham, who was transported by golf cart from the library under a broiling sun, seemed embarrassed by all the hoopla.

"All these speeches," Graham said. "I know they all meant it, but I feel terribly small and humbled by it all....My whole life has been to please the Lord and honor Jesus, not to see me."

At times Thursday, the fervor of his old crusades rippled through the crowd. There were "amens!" and raised hands and familiar hymns.

Before the dedication, Graham dined in the library cafe with the presidents, former first lady Barbara Bush, his son Franklin and Franklin's wife, Jane.

Though Graham and his son -- also an evangelist -- have built international congregations, the menu showed they haven't forgotten where they came from.

Barbecue ribs and pulled pork sandwiches, apple pie -- and sweet tea.

COMPLETE COVERAGE -- 1X

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