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The LBJ Presidential Library Remembers Reverend Billy Graham

Press Releases | Feb, 21 2018

Rev. Billy Graham and President Lyndon B. Johnson share a laugh while meeting in the Oval Office.
Rev. Billy Graham and President Lyndon B. Johnson share a laugh while meeting in the Oval Office, Sept. 13, 1968. LBJ Library photo by Yoichi Okamoto, D1679-12.

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

Facts about Rev. Graham and Lyndon B. Johnson

  • Rev. Graham spoke at every prayer breakfast during LBJ'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 LBJ's funeral in 1973.

Related Resources

On Oct. 20, 1964, President Johnson telephoned Rev. Graham from the Oval Office. 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.

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. 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.

Get in Touch

For all media and advertising inquiries, please contact LBJ Presidential Library Communications Office.

Office: (512) 721-0216

Email: press@lbjfoundation.org

Location: 2313 Red River St., Austin, TX 78705