Wheaton, Western Springs Were ‘A Laboratory’ For Evangelical Icon Billy Graham

Billy Graham Biographer On The Life And Influence Of ‘America’s Pastor’
Billy Graham preaching at one of his rallies in 1966. (Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Billy Graham Biographer On The Life And Influence Of ‘America’s Pastor’
Billy Graham preaching at one of his rallies in 1966. (Evening Standard/Getty Images)

Wheaton, Western Springs Were ‘A Laboratory’ For Evangelical Icon Billy Graham

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Influential evangelical preacher Billy Graham passed away Wednesday. He was 99.

Graham was more than just a spiritual leader to Christian followers, he was also a friend of Queen Elizabeth and met with her informally when in town. As for leaders here at home, he had relationships with many former American presidents from Eisenhower to Obama. 

After Graham passed, President Trump praised him as a very special man who would be missed by followers of all religions. Graham was born in North Carolina, but got his start in the Chicago area. He attended Wheaton College and started preaching at a congregation in Western Springs. Morning Shift reflects on Graham’s early years in Chicago’s suburbs.

GUEST:

Manya Brachear Pashman, Chicago Tribune religion reporter