This week in Christian history: Creation Museum opens, President Nixon speaks at Billy Graham Crusade

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Sunday, May 22, 2022

Richard Nixon speaks at Billy Graham Crusade – May 28, 1970

Evangelist Billy Graham, center, and President Richard Nixon, right, survey the capacity crowd of more than 65,000 attending Graham's Crusade at Neyland Stadium on the campus of the University of Tennessee, May 28, 1970. At left is first lady Pat Nixon. | AP Images/Lou Krasky, File

This week marks the anniversary of when President Richard Nixon spoke at a Billy Graham Crusade held at Neyland Stadium at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

Taking place before such controversies like Watergate and the Pentagon papers, Nixon's introductory speech was held before a crowd of about 75,000 people, including a few hundred protesters.

Graham, who had been a supporter of Nixon, later recounted an incident at the gathering in which he had to loan the president a few dollars when the offering plate was passed.

“When the offering plate was passed that night, President Nixon found himself with an empty wallet. With some sleight of hand, I managed to slip him all the bills in my pocket. It was quite a feat — no one in the vast stadium seemed to notice it,” wrote Graham.

Later that year, Nixon mailed Graham a check for $5 to compensate him for the impromptu loan, with the former president writing: “I only wish that all the money problems that confront me could be handled that efficiently.”