CHARLOTTE, N.C., August 2, 2010—Cliff Barrows, music and program director for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), will be the highlight of a two-month special exhibit now on display at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C.
From today through the end of September, “Cliff Barrows Tribute: A Singing Faith,” will provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse of one of evangelist Billy Graham’s closest friends and ministry partners.
Barrows, 87, was born in Ceres, Calif., the son of a farmer. His association with Billy Graham began in 1945 at a Youth For Christ rally in Western North Carolina. Only one other living person, Crusades soloist George Beverly Shea – now 101 – has served in ministry with Graham longer.
Barrows has been responsible for music at Billy Graham Crusades since their very beginning in 1947. He has directed Crusade choirs all over the world, some numbering in the thousands. For his significant contributions to Gospel music, Barrows was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1988 and the National Religious Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1996.
Among the items at the Tribute, visitors will see:
- Barrows’ trombone, which he played at Youth for Christ meetings in the 1940s;
- His old microphone from radio broadcasts of The Hour of Decision, which Barrows has hosted since its beginning in 1950;
- A set of comic books that were given out at youth meetings in 1951;
- Several campaign and Crusade songbooks, as well as albums, awards, photos and letters.
After closing temporarily for renovations earlier this year, the Billy Graham Library reopened in April 2010 with an expanded bookstore, a new 32-foot mural, thousands of books from Graham’s personal library, and other artifacts.
The 40,000-square-foot facility chronicles the life of the evangelist and continues the 60-year legacy of BGEA to deliver the simple Gospel message. Since opening in June 2007, more than 400,000 people from every state and 66 countries have visited the Library.
The Library is located at 4330 Westmont Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217, off of Billy Graham Parkway in between I-77 and I-85. Admission is free. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. For more information, please visit www.billygrahamlibrary.org.
About BGEA
The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) proclaims the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world by every effective means available. From its headquarters in Charlotte, N.C., BGEA directs a wide range of domestic and international ministries.Get BGEA news updates on Twitter @ Twitter.com/BGEAMediaPR.