Chicagoland Youth Bible Conference

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This button is most likely associated with the Chicagoland Youth for Christ organization that began gaining momentum in the 1940s with America’s involvement in World War II. Christian leaders around the country saw a need to promote positive experiences to young adults and began weekly Youth for Christ rallies. The Chicago movement, led by pastor Torrey M. Johnson, was one of the largest and fastest growing. Chicagoland’s first Youth for Christ rally showcased Billy Graham on May 27th, 1944 speaking to a packed house in Orchestra Hall. The Chicago rallies continued and climaxed with the massive Chicagoland rally at Soldier Field on May 30, 1945 that drew tens of thousands of young people.