Billy Graham and President George W. Bush at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., January 21, 2005, for a prayer service. The service was held as part of President Bush’s inauguration to a second term in office. President Bush sent Mr. Graham a letter following the service. The note read, “Dear Billy, Thanks so much for joining us today. Your prayer was wonderful, and your presence was so meaningful for all the Bush family and all who attended. We all love you Billy. Pres. Bush.”

According to President Bush, a turning point in his faith came during a private talk with Billy Graham along the coast of Maine in 1985. He later wrote that Graham’s words planted the “mustard seed in my soul” that eventually led to a decision to “recommit my heart to Jesus Christ.”