This week in Christian history: George Beverly Shea born; Pentecostal church holds first assembly; Pelagius

George Beverly Shea born – February 1, 1909

This week marks the anniversary of when famed Christian singer and Billy Graham Crusade regular George Beverly Shea was born.

A native of Winchester, Ontario, Canada, Shea was the son of a Methodist minister and first sang as part of the choir at his father’s church.

Over the course of several decades, Shea sang at hundreds of concerts and recorded more than 70 albums of music. His renditions of "I'd Rather Have Jesus," "How Great Thou Art," and "The Wonder of It All” are considered by many to be his best work.

“Even though Bev was 10 years older than my father, he never acted his age,” recalled the Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Billy Graham, in 2013.

“He was absolute fun to be with. Bev was one of the most gracious and unassuming men I have known. He was always encouraging and supportive, a man of deep faith and strong commitment to Jesus Christ.”