A special landline connection ensured more than 1,000 people were able to enjoy the two meetings as they happened and join in with the hymn singing.

The event, which not only linked the town’s protestant churches but changed the lives of many people, will be remembered by the Albany Baptist Church next week.

On May 23, the church will host an event to mark the 50th anniversary of those meetings on May 21 and 22, 1959.

Valma Manning, nee Smith, who conducted a choir which performed at the events, will reprise her role, leading a new choir performing songs taken directly from the Billy Graham Australian Crusade Book.

“There were 500 people in attendance the first night and 550 the next night,” Mrs Manning said. “It was a significant occasion for a lot of people.

“It bound the young people of all the churches in a way that had not been done before.”

Mrs Manning’s choir comprised members of all protestant faiths in Albany who were brought together for the first time.

They later went on to produce a record at the then Audio Shop in Monument Buildings, and reminisced at the Billy Graham Echo Rally at the Albany Town Hall later in 1959.

Billy Graham attracted some of the largest crowds ever recorded in Australia – records that stand today.

Next week’s event at the Baptist Church in Bethel Way from 2pm, will include memorabilia and an opportunity for people to reflect on the Crusade.