NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)--At age 87, the Rev. Billy Graham can no longer stride to the pulpit and uses a walker to get around

But a bronze statue to be unvieled by the Southern Baptist Convention will recall the evangelist in his prime. Created by a pastor and sculptor in Wyoming, the figure of Graham will stand larger than life with a Bible in one hand and arms outstretched before a giant cross.

It`s a tribute to the man who ministered to American presidents and preached the Gospel to millions in packed stadiums.


The statue will be presented in June at the Southern Baptist Convention`s annual meeting in Greensboro, N.C.--Graham`s home state--and then will be moved to Nashville fora permanent installation later this year.

Terrell O`Brien, the sculptor and a Baptist pastor in Pavillion, Wyo., said his research for the artwork turned up a number of portraits and busts of Graham, but nothing like his statue.
O`Brien, 58, wanted to recognize Graham`s evangelism all over the world, so he created the outstretched gesture, which he calls an invitation for people to accept Christ.

"I have to try to tell a story and pay tribute as well," O`Brien said. "This was not easy, in particular because I`m dealing with a world known figure. It caused me to tremble. But it`s been a tremendous blessing."

Graham didn`t sit for the statue, so O`Brien used photographs to sculpt and mold the piece.

David Bruse, executive assistant to Graham, said the evangelist, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, appreciates the tribute.

"Mr. Graham is humbled by those kinds of things and it`s nothing he seeks out," Bruce said. "He`s tried to deflect those kinds of earthly honors. He`s not searching for any."