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Maine memories of Rev. Billy Graham

The world-famous evangelist spoke in Portland over 35 years ago

PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Upon hearing of Rev. Billy Graham's death on Wednesday, Mainers are recalling the time he spoke in Portland during the height of the Cold War.

On April 25, 1982, Graham preached about God, war, and peace at the Cumberland County Civic Center, now known as Cross Insurance Arena.

Over 8,000 people attended the event, which was part of his New England Crusade tour.

About 8,000 people filled the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland on Apr. 25, 1982 to hear Rev. Billy Graham

Graham's Portland crusade took place at the tail end of “Ground Zero Week,” an effort to educate people and spark conversations the issue of nuclear war.

Graham spoke about the issue to the press, saying, "The Bible says to pray for peace. It says to pursue peace, and that’s all the average man can do at the moment, except try to read and study and be educated. And I think Ground Zero’s attempt this past week has been that very thing, is to educate people as to what the problem is."

With his Bible in hand, Rev. Billy Graham shares his spiritual insights in a sermon at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland on Apr. 25, 1982

Graham was a spiritual advisor to many American Presidents, including President George H. W. Bush, who lives part of the year in Kennebunkport.

The former President released a statement on Graham's death, noting the fun times they shared boating in Maine.

Graham died at his home in Montreat, N.C. He was 99.

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