During the last few years of Billy Graham’s preaching ministry, it became more challenging for him to stand while moving around and holding his Bible while preaching. So, in 2004 two staff members from The Cove, Barry Nichols and Jim Crayton, designed a preaching pulpit for Dr. Graham to make it easier for him to preach in large stadiums. The pulpit was crafted specifically for him, enabling him to preach in a standing or seated position as he aged and his body grew weaker. This pulpit is often referred to as “the final pulpit.”

The final pulpit was first used in Billy Graham’s Kansas City Crusade in October of 2004, then in Pasadena, California later that year, and at his final Crusade, held June 24-26, 2005, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York. 

Billy Graham used it two more times after his final Crusade – once at his son, Franklin Graham’s, Celebration of Hope in New Orleans, Louisiana during March of 2006, and again at the Franklin Graham Festival in Baltimore, Maryland at Oriole Park in July 2006. 

There is a Scripture verse on the pulpit, Nehemiah 8:4…”And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose.”

The Billy Graham Library is featuring a special exhibit entitled Platform for the Gospel. The exhibit is open now and will run through November 1, 2024. Plan your visit today.