Bill and Gloria Gaither have brought happiness to so many, enriching lives through the inspirational music they create.
The Alexandria husband and wife were recognized last week by Gov. Mitch Daniels with the highest honor the state of Indiana confers, the Sachem Award. The governor presented the award, bestowed just once annually, to the Gaithers at the Great Hall of the Indiana State Museum.
Since Daniels revived the Sachem a few years ago, it has been given to such Hoosier notables as basketball legend John Wooden and former University of Notre Dame President Theodore Hesburgh. The award is meant to recognize “excellence in the pursuit of life’s work,” Daniels said.
The Gaithers, who have written and recorded more than 700 songs and have won eight Grammy Awards, have been atop the gospel music industry for decades, and their music has inspired thousands, often lifting people above suffering or revealing to them the beauty of God’s grace.
Through it all, the Gaithers have been humble and approachable. They’ve managed to accomplish something few celebrities do: staying grounded and genuine despite the adoration of multitudes.
And they’ve chosen to stay home in Alexandria, realizing what other denizens of the community grasp — Small Town USA offers a great place for real people to raise a family and to grow old.
Because they’re so connected to the community, the Gaithers’ successes are the community’s successes. So, when it comes down to it, we all get a little piece of that Sachem Award. And we all get at least a little of the benefit of having gospel music icons living among us.
It didn’t take the governor’s award for us to appreciate everything the Gaithers mean to Madison County. But it doesn’t hurt to be reminded that they’re held in the very highest esteem across the state of Indiana.
