This week in Christian history: Billy Graham preaches to 3,000 in Chicago, Billy Bray dies

By Michael Gryboski, Editor
Sunday, May 25, 2025

Billy Graham preaches before 3,000 in Chicago – May 27, 1944

Billy Graham began his public ministry, which spanned some six decades, with the Youth for Christ organization. | Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

This week marks the anniversary of when a young Rev. Billy Graham began a multi-day Youth for Christ revival event in Chicago, Illinois, drawing around 3,000 people.

The event was organized by Torrey Johnson, a Chicago-area pastor and Christian radio show host, who oversaw a ministry group called Chicagoland Youth for Christ.

Johnson invited Graham to preach at the gathering, even though, at the time, Graham was already deeply occupied with being the pastor at the Village Church of Western Springs.

“That first night of meetings in May of 1944 was a life-changing moment for Rev. Graham,” explained The Billy Graham Library. “With a crowd of almost 3,000 and 45 decisions made for Christ, the fire was lit in both Billy Graham and Torrey Johnson for an evangelical movement directed to reach young people.”