US evangelist who preached to thousands in Norwich dies aged 99
Billy Graham preaching at his rally at Carrow Road on 12 June 1984. Picture: Archant Library - Credit: Archant Library
US evangelist and preacher the Rev Billy Graham has died aged 99.
US evangelist Billy Graham pictured in 1966. Picture: PA Wire - Credit: PA
Mr Graham, who died at his home in North Carolina, preached to audiences worldwide, beginning in London in 1954.
Over 60 years, he is believed to have personally preached to 210m people.
It included thousands in Norwich, when he visited Carrow Road for four days in June 1984.
He drew more than 63,000 to hear him talk in Norwich from June 9 to 12, as part of a three-month Mission England crusade, which saw more than one million people hear him speak in six football stadiums across the country, including Portman Road in Ipswich.
US evangelist Billy Graham pictured in 1966. Picture: PA Wire - Credit: PA
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Many local churches were involved, raising thousands of pounds and providing volunteers to hold the event.
A 25th anniversary celebration of the event was held in 2009.
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The preacher remained active well into his 70s, and his last crusade was in 2004.
Unlike many traditional evangelists, he abandoned narrow fundamentalism to engage broader society.
He had been suffering from cancer, pneumonia and other illnesses, according to the Press Association.
