A little over 24 hours after Billy Graham’s death, the U.S. Speaker of the House announced Mr. Graham’s body will lie in honour in the Capitol Rotunda, home of the US Congress.
House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent a letter to Billy Graham’s oldest son, Franklin Graham, formally asking for his approval of this rare honour.
“Congress joins the American people in expressing our sincerest condolences to you on the passing of the Rev. Billy Graham,” they wrote.
“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 honour in the Rotunda of the Capitol. 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.”
The tradition of lying in honour (in the case of private citizens) and lying in state (for members of the government) dates back to 1852. Since then, only 31 individuals, including 11 U.S. presidents, have been chosen to be honoured in such a way. Billy Graham will become the 34th overall, and only the fourth private citizen to receive this distinction. He will join a legendary list that includes Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Rosa Parks.
Those who visit the Capitol Rotunda to honour Mr. Graham on Feb. 28 and March 1 will see a simple pine plywood casket made by inmates at the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, Louisiana. The casket has a wooden cross nailed on top.
It seems appropriate that Mr. Graham’s pine plywood casket will be supported by a pine board catafalque (raised platform) constructed hastily after the death of President Abraham Lincoln. The catafalque will be draped with a black cloth similar to the one used in 1865 when Lincoln lay in state.
Speaker Ryan’s statement about the plans to honour Mr. Graham in Washington, D.C., included the following description of his life:
Rev. Billy Graham was an American evangelist and minister, internationally known for his devout faith, inherent humility, and inclusive nature.
Born in 1918, he spread the gospel in 185 countries during his 99 years on Earth, touching the lives of many and forever changing the course of the world’s spiritual health.
He served as an advisor to 12 consecutive U.S. presidents and reached millions more through radio, television, and film. Rev. Graham is survived by his five children and multiple grand- and great-grandchildren, fellow North Carolinians, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.