The late Reverend Billy Graham, spearhead of an evangelical Christian movement that touched millions worldwide and who provided spiritual counsel to several US presidents, returned for good to his North Carolina home Friday.
President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence attended the 90-minute funeral along with some 2,000 mourners who gathered to say goodbye to the man who became known as “America’s pastor.”
The ceremony took place at the Billy Graham Library on the family’s property in Charlotte, under a broad white tent that harkens back to the “canvas cathedral” in 1949 that helped propel Graham to prominence.
My father’s greatest longing has been granted. He’s in the presence of God,” said son Franklin Graham, one of several relatives to speak.
Trump, who attended with First Lady Melania Trump, did not address the gathering, but he sang along to hymns including “To God Be The Glory.”
He was the only one of six living presidents to attend the ceremony, although all of them issued statements honouring the late reverend.
As the funeral began, Graham’s casket — a simple but elegant plywood pine coffin crafted by inmates at a Louisiana prison — was carried by pallbearers through the library’s cross-shaped glass entryway and out to the tent, which was buffeted by strong winds. src :daily nation
The Express News
