In Melbourne, over 100 people attended, while in Sydney additional seating had to be brought into the Lyceum Theatre, "which only holds 250 people!"
Mr Graham Want, of the Wesley Mission staff, welcomed those present and presented a greeting from the Superintendent, Rev Keith Garner.
Graeme Pearson, Chairman of the BGEA (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association) Australia, shared personal memories of the crusade meetings and the influence in his own personal and business life. He commented that although the DVD is looking back 50 years, the ministry continues today.
He told of an ongoing outreach through crusade meetings around the globe, by Billy Graham's son, Franklin Graham and grandson, Will Graham. In Australia, plans are already underway for the training of team members for the Billy Graham Response Teams, who provide physical and spiritual assistance following natural disasters.
Crusades are also being planned with Will Graham reaching into country areas, "leaving the larger cities to his father, Franklin Graham."
Leigh Brown, Executive Director of the BGEA in Australia, led many down memory lane, recounting events that are still looked back upon as the beginning of a new life – in Christ.
The DVD opens with a coverage of the man, Billy Graham and his growing years. Archival footage was made available and viewers can see the actual first major crusade in Los Angeles in 1949 and the subsequent London Crusade of the mid 50's.
Throughout the screenings, many could be heard humming the well-known crusade songs.
The "Remembering '59" host, Karl Faase, explained that the DVD was "Produced in association with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The one hour special features interviews with Crusade organiser, Jerry Beavan, Crusade compere and choir conductor Cliff Barrows and well-loved soloist, George Beverly Shea.
Jerry Beavan heard of the DVD launches in Melbourne and Sydney and commented: "I remain absolutely convinced that Australia-New Zealand, 1959, represented the most effective undertaking in Billy's ministry. Nothing before or since has had the immediate and lasting impact on two entire nations."
Producer/Director Martin Johnson, recalled that: "We were very privileged to meet Cliff and George and spent a wonderful afternoon with them at The Cove, the BGEA's Conference facility in Asheville, North Carolina. Although Cliff Barrows is in his mid 80's and George Beverly Shea was then 99 (he celebrated his 100th birthday in February) their memories of their four-month long Australian Crusade were remarkable."
"One of the things we wanted to bring out in 'Remembering 59' was the long-lasting impact of Dr Graham's first visit," said Karl. "When we asked Cliff if he had any strong memories of anyone who came forward, he immediately told us about Ron and Beryl Baker. Ron was an alcoholic and very anti Billy Graham, but the story of his coming to faith, together with his wife at the Sydney meetings is the high point of 'Remembering '59'," said Karl.
In Sydney, Ron Baker was invited to share his testimony and close the meeting in prayer.
Also featured in "Remembering '59" are interviews with several people, as well as Graeme Pearson, Dr Peter Jensen, now the Archbishop of the Sydney Anglican Diocese and Rev John Mallison who was involved in developing a discipleship and follow-up program for those who responded in Sydney.
In addition to the one-hour documentary, the DVD also contains the complete interview with Cliff Barrows and George Beverly Shea plus a one-hour film special made at the time called 'Southern Cross Crusade'.
Mike and Nikki Thompson, who researched "Remembering '59" have written a 30 page booklet which is included with the DVD.
"Their research was invaluable," said Karl. "Whilst it is the backbone to the script, there is so much information that couldn't be included in the film, so we've produced a booklet which we know people will find fascinating reading," he said.
"Remembering '59" has its own web site www.remembering59.com.au with images of the filming, plus some short clips from the documentary and the opportunity for people to buy on-line.
"It was a great privilege to work on this production and to produce what we believe is a fitting tribute to the first Billy Graham Crusade in Australia," Karl said.