This week in Christian history: Billy Graham honor, Rowan Williams becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Billy Graham lay in honor in Capitol Rotunda – Feb. 28, 2018

This week marks the anniversary of when the Rev. Billy Graham lay in honor at the Capitol Rotunda shortly after his death, becoming only the fourth private citizen in United States history to receive the honor.

Graham lain in honor from Feb. 28–March 1 of that year, his body being inside a simple casket made by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary of Angola, Louisiana.  

In a letter to the Rev. Franklin Graham formally requesting approval for the honor, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell commended the late Graham for his public career.

“In recognition of Rev. Graham’s long and distinguished service to the nation, it is our intention to ask the House of Representatives and the Senate to permit that his remains lie in honor in the Rotunda of the Capitol,” they wrote.

“With your approval, we will move forward with these arrangements, so that Americans have this opportunity to pay their respects to Rev. Graham before he is laid to rest.”