When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
RARE 1964 CONGRESSIONAL WIVES PRAYER BREAKFAST PROGRAM - PRESIDENT LYNDON B. JOHNSON - BILLY GRAHAM - MAYFLOWER HOTEL
EXCEPTIONALLY RARE HISTORICAL DOCUMENT FROM WASHINGTON D.C. POLITICAL HISTORY
This is an original program from the Congressional Wives Prayer Breakfast held on Wednesday, February 5, 1964, at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. This event took place just one day before President Lyndon B. Johnson\'s appearance at the 12th Annual Presidential Prayer Breakfast on the same date.
Historical Significance
This breakfast occurred during a poignant moment in American history - just 70 days after President Kennedy\'s assassination. President Johnson referenced this tragic transition in his Presidential Prayer Breakfast speech, noting how prayer helped him bear the burdens of the presidency which are \"too great to be borne by anyone alone.\" This was a deeply emotional period for the nation, and this program represents the faith-based support system that surrounded our leaders during this difficult transition.
Notable Participants
In addition to President Johnson and Billy Graham, the program features an impressive roster of Washington\'s most prominent figures\' wives:
- Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson (Lady Bird Johnson) - First Lady of the United States (special guest)
- Mrs. Billy Graham (Ruth Bell Graham) - Wife of renowned evangelist Billy Graham, delivered the MESSAGE
- Mrs. Richard Lankford - Presiding and Welcome
- Mrs. B. Everett Jordan - Introduction of Speaker
- Other prominent Congressional wives including Mrs. Luther Hodges, Mrs. Fred Schwengel, and Mrs. Alicia Abrahamsen
Program Details
Theme: \"A Woman Full of Grace and Truth\" - John 1:14
Event Components:
- Invocation by Mrs. Catherine Norrell
- Vocal Solo by Mr. Beverly Shea (Accompanist: Tedd Smith)
- Scripture readings (Old and New Testament)
- Message by Mrs. Billy Graham
- Benediction
- Special appearance by THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The program also includes handwritten attendee names on an interior page, adding to its authenticity and historical value.
Physical Description
- Size: Approximately 7.5\" x 4\" when folded
- Material: Quality textured paper stock with deckled edges
- Design: Features the iconic U.S. Capitol dome illustration
- Pages: Multi-page booklet format
Rarity & Collectibility
The National Prayer Breakfast tradition began in 1953 under President Eisenhower and has been attended by every U.S. president since. However, programs from the 1960s, especially from associated Congressional events like this wives\' breakfast, are exceedingly rare. Most attendees did not preserve these ephemeral items, making this a possibly one-of-a-kind surviving example.
Perfect For:
- Presidential history collectors
- LBJ/Kennedy administration memorabilia enthusiasts
- Religious/political history archives
- Cold War era Americana collections
- Washington D.C. historical societies
- Billy Graham ministry collectors
- First Ladies memorabilia collectors
Condition Notes
Photos show accurate depiction - note stain at top of program and handwritten notes inside.
This is a museum-quality piece of American political and religious history from a pivotal moment in our nation\'s story. Don\'t miss this opportunity to own a tangible connection to President Johnson\'s early presidency and the long-standing tradition of faith in Washington leadership.
