L-R: Rev. Billy Graham, President Lyndon B. Johnson. [LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto #A3578-23]

The LBJ Presidential Library Remembers Reverend Billy Graham

Feb 21, 2018

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In addition to being a close friend to President Lyndon B. Johnson, Reverend Graham was an ordained Southern Baptist minister who was a spiritual adviser to many U.S. presidents. 

On Oct. 20, 1964, President Johnson telephoned Rev. Graham from the Oval Office at the White House. In this recorded conversation, Rev. Graham tells Johnson he has been praying for him; President Johnson discusses current issues facing him and how he needs God's strength; the president invites Rev. Graham to visit the White House. Read the transcript.

This recording is in the public domain and may be used free of charge. Total time of conversation: 2 minutes, 23 seconds

The library website also has an oral history interview with Rev. Billy Graham. Access it here. The oral history is in the public domain and may be used free of charge. Other related items from the library's archive can be found here. 

Facts about Billy Graham and Lyndon Johnson

Lyndon Johnson and Rev. Billy Graham were close, personal friends:

• Rev. Graham spoke at every Prayer Breakfast during Johnson's presidency.
• Rev. Graham often visited the president at his ranch near Johnson City and conducted religious services there and at Camp David.
• Rev. Graham gave the invocation at the opening of the LBJ Presidential Library in 1971.
• Rev. Graham and his wife spent the night in the White House on the last night of LBJ's Presidency.
• Rev. Graham presided over the graveside services at Lyndon Johnson's funeral in 1973.

Photos

Rev. Billy Graham and President Lyndon B. Johnson share a laugh while meeting in the Oval Office. Photo credit: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto. Sept. 13, 1968. Download this photo.

Cabinet Room, White House, Washington, D.C. L-R: Rev. Billy Graham, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Photo credit: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto, Jan. 18, 1967. Download this photo

Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. Description L-R: Rev. Billy Graham, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Photo credit: LBJ Library Photo by Yoichi Okamoto, Feb. 17, 1966. Download this photo

The White House. Description L-R: Rev. Billy Graham, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Photo credit: LBJ Library Photo by Yoichi Okamoto, May 10, 1966. Download this photo

The LBJ Ranch. Description L-R: Rev. Billy Graham, President Lyndon B. Johnson. Photo credit: LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto, Nov. 21, 1965. Download this photo