Billy Graham Biography

Fast Facts

• Was named an Honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to civic and religious life in 2001
• Has been named one of the Ten Most Admired Men in the World a total of 57 times since 1948
• Was honored by Morality in Media in 1969 for "fostering the principles of truth, taste, inspiration and love in media․"
• Graduated from the Florida Bible Institute with a degree in Biblical Studies in 1940 and from Wheaton College with a degree in Anthropology in 1943
• Was ordained as a Southern Baptist minister in 1939 and became the pastor of First Baptist Church in Western Springs, Illinois in 1943
• Best known as a Christian evangelist and Southern Baptist minister who became popular for his radio and television sermon broadcasts
• Founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in 1950, the same year that he began his "Hour of Decision" radio program
• Served as the President of Northwestern Schools from 1947 to 1952
• Has published several books during his career, including "The Secret of Happiness," "Unto the Hills," and "Hope for the Troubled Heart․"