When Rev. Billy Graham Packed The Eighth Wonder Of The World

HOUSTON, TX — The news of Rev. Billy Graham's death on Wednesday can't help but conjure up memories of the famed spiritual leader who provided spiritual guidance to U.S. presidents and countless thousands. Among his more popular crusades came in 1965, shortly after the Astrodome opened, for the Greater Houston Crusade.

The Astrodome, also longtime known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World," hosted many memorable events. There were Muhammed Ali fights, the "Battle of the Sexes" tennis match, the "greatest basketball game" when UH defeated top-ranked UCLA, and the biggest concerts and events to come to town. Oh, don't forget about the Bad News Bears: Breaking Training.

Then there was evangelist Billy Graham, who spread his message to a packed Astrodome. In this photo from Nov. 19, 1965, he gets ready to preach before then-Texas Governor John Connally made the introduction.

Then there was a 10-day stretch earlier that year when President Lyndon B. Johnson flew in to Houston to attend a sermon. According to a report, more than 61,000 people attended that day — 10,000 more than the Dome held for sporting events at the time. His messages were spread to more than 700,000 people in a two-week span in the Greater Houston area.

Here's the link to the Patch story on Graham this morning.

Image: Texas Governor John Connally and Evangelist Billy Graham look over the Astrodome crowd assembled for the opening of the Greater Houston Crusade. Governor Connally introduced Dr. Graham in Houston, Texas on Nov. 19, 1965. (AP Photo/DCN)