Historical marker dedicates site of Billy Graham’s first sermon

PALATKA (FBW)—A little over 200 years after the First Great Awakening swept the American colonies, an unknown Bible student by the name of Billy Graham stepped into the pulpit of the tiny Bostwick Baptist Church in Palatka to preach his first sermon.


It was Easter Sunday night, March 28, 1937, and Graham, with shaking knees and sweaty hands, went through all four of the sermons he prepared in advance—in eight minutes.

The beloved evangelist, who has since spoken in person to roughly 210 million individuals, got his start as an 18-year-old, preaching to a humble congregation of about 40, including ranchers and cowboys in denim overalls and women in cotton dresses.

Read more on Florida Baptist Witness.

NOTE: During a recent revival trip, I visited the Billy Graham Museum for the first time.  I have a few photos posted in the Spartanburg, SC 2011 gallery.