On the final day of the Crusade, about 90,000 people sat under blistering temperture in the 90’s (Celsius) at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
First on the program, Rev. A. R. Bernard of the Brooklyn Christian Cultural Center reported on the cheerful results of the three-day event. "We are celebrating the end of 60 years of ministry with Billy Graham. Within the past two days, there were about 6,000 decisions to Christ. New York City will never be the same again…"
Avoiding the sentiments on his last crusade as he next entered the stage, Rev. Graham expressed, "It’s hard to believe that this is the end of our 3 day crusade in New York. We hope to come back here some day. If you ask me, if this is the last of our crusade, it probably is [for] New York, but I [would] also say ‘never say never…'"
Program Director Cliff Barrows, 82, and George B. Shea, 96, both received words of blessing from Rev. Graham. They ventured up to the stage and held hands with him. Rev. Graham said, "Especially I want to thank my long time friends. They put up with me; 60 years we have been together. They’re two [of] the greatest men of God I have ever known."
During his last sermon, Rev. Graham referred to Genesis 6 and prophecies of the apocalypse. He quoted, "Almost everyone understands we’re approaching to a climatic history. There’s going to be an end to the world, end to Satan."
The final performance included crowd favorites MercyMe, Michael W. Smith, and Gather Vocal Band.
According to BGEA, a total estimate of 140,000 people attended Friday and Saturday nights, and 5,582 people signed the Christian registration commitment cards. Complete decisions totals will be announced Monday.
