On Saturday 23rd April, the new headquarters of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA was dedicated by the world renowned evangelists Billy Graham and his son Franklin Graham.

The US President George W. Bush sent his blessing to mark the special occasion as well as a note of compliment to the great contribution of the BGEA in the proclamation of the Gospel in America and throughout the world.

This dedication ceremony provides an opportunity for the association members and supporters to come together in fellowship and celebrate the many extraordinary achievements and contributions of Billy Graham since the establishment of the ministry in 1950.

The BGEA was first headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Billy Graham has preached the Gospel to more than 210 million people in more than 185 countries over the past 50 years. The association has now become one of the most powerful forces in the propagation of the Gospel in the world.

The greeting given by US President George W. Bush was read aloud by Franklin Graham during the dedication ceremony. President Bush said, "Faith plays a vital role in the lives of many Americans as a source of strength, hope and guidance. Throughout our history, people of faith have enriched life and shaped the character of our nation."

"Billy's good works has added to the character of our country and helped change America for the better - 'one heart and one soul at a time'. I appreciate all those who have worked to make the association's new headquarters possible. Your efforts have helped spread the message of God's love and boundless mercy to people around the world." he continued.

There is much speculation about why the BGEA headquarters moved to North Carolina - the home town of Billy Graham. Yet in Franklin Graham’s speech, he reaffirmed that the BGEA is not changing the direction of the organisation.

Franklin Graham powerfully declared the mission and the faith of the association, "We are committed to the proclamation of the Gospel, the Good News - that God loves sinners. It is the good news that God sent his son Jesus Christ out of heaven, down to this earth to take our sins, and he went to the cross and he paid the debt of our sins when he shed his blood and when he died on that cross and when he was buried in that tomb, and when God raised him from the grave. He is alive, he is in heaven and he is coming back. I want the world to know that God loves them, cares for them."

He also said there is only one way to God, which is through Jesus Christ: "There is only one way to God. Jesus said, I am the way, and I am the truth and I am the life and no man comes to the Father but by me."

During the dedication ceremony, there was a presentation for the final plans of the Billy Graham Visitors Centre and Billy Graham Library to be built later this year in the new headquarters. The 40,000 square foot library is expected to be completed by early 2008.

The BGEA announced on 15th November 2001 its decision to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina. In July 2002, 63 acres of land was purchased on the Billy Graham Parkway in the city of Charlotte. The Billy Graham Parkway is a 4.8-mile stretch of highway named in 1983 to honour Billy Graham.

The headquarters building cost US$27 million. Costs were defrayed by proceeds from the sale of the Minneapolis property and through staff reductions and increased efficiency. Approximately 125 of some 300 full-time employees of the BGEA will be relocated from the old office in Minneapolis.

The headquarters building is 200,000 square feet and houses television and radio production facilities, a 24/7 telephone response centre, internet and Christian Guidance outreaches, as well as other functions. The address of the new headquarters is: 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C. 28201.