Billy Graham Library reopens after services for 'America's Pastor'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Billy Graham Library has reopened four days after services for the evangelist.

The library in west Charlotte reopened to the public Wednesday morning, where there were more than 100 people in line waiting to get in to see the reverend's final resting place.

[SPECIAL SECTION: Remebering the Rev. Billy Graham]

The Rev. Billy Graham died Feb. 21 at age 99 at his home in Montreat. His funeral and burial occurred on the library grounds Friday.

The humble minister who preached to hundreds of millions of people has a simple inscription on his grave: "Preacher of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

"He was such a simple man but his message touched everybody, no matter what level of society you were in it touched you," said Patty Labelle, who was visiting from Maine.

There has been a steady stream of people visiting the library all day. Channel 9 spoke with people from all over the country who came to pay their respects.

"I didn't have a very good father figure on Earth but I knew I could always count on Billy Graham,” said Marie Hooper, who journeyed from Nashville. “He lived what he preached."

Although it has been a morning of reflection and tears for some, many are finding comfort knowing this is where Rev. Graham wanted to be buried, right beside his beloved wife Ruth.

The Billy Graham Library opened in 1997 to carry on Graham's ministry. More than a million visitors from 91 countries have toured the library, which includes a Journey of Faith tour which ends with an invitation from Billy Graham and his son Franklin to become a Christian.

Crews inside the library are putting together new exhibits from Graham's procession and burial. Those will be open to visitors before the end of the month.

Admission to the library is free.

More Rev. Graham stories:

• SPECIAL SECTION: The life and death of Rev. Billy Graham
• LINK: OBITUARY FOR REV. BILLY GRAHAM
• Rev. Graham selected John 14:6 to be placed on his grave marker
• Family spokesman details funeral arrangements for Rev. Billy Graham
• Rev. Billy Graham's grandsons to serve as pallbearers
• Rev. Billy Graham tore down walls of division through biblical message
• Reaction to Rev. Billy Graham's passing pours in from around the world
• Rev. Billy Graham, known as 'America's Pastor,' dies at 99
• Local leaders recall fond memories of the Rev. Billy Graham
• Rev. Billy Graham's processional route: Best places to watch
• Rare honor reserved for Graham at the Capitol
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• PHOTOS: Billy Graham through the years
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• Rev. Graham helped make religion popular, says Davidson professor
• 4 things to know about Billy Graham
• IMAGES: Church where Billy Graham held first sermons
• Celebrities, politicians react to Billy Graham's death
• Followers from Montreat to Charlotte remember the Rev. Graham
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• Where was the Rev. Billy Graham's first sermon?
• Duke professor calls meetings with Rev. Billy Graham a 'mountaintop experience'
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• PHOTO TIMELINE: Billy Graham life, important dates
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• PHOTOS: Rev. Billy Graham at presidential inaugurations over the years
• Billy Graham quotes: He made Christian principles accessible to millions

Associated Press