Gospel legends Bill and Gloria Gaither were awarded the state’s highest honor on Wednesday, as Gov. Mitch Daniels presented them with the Sachem Award during a ceremony in the Great Hall of the Indiana State Museum.

A crowd of more than 100 watched the ceremony for the local celebrities.

The Sachem Award, bestowed just once a year, was first conceived in 1970 by Gov. Edgar Whitcomb. Over the years, the honor was forgotten, until 2005, when Daniels revived the award, presenting it to John Wooden, legendary UCLA basketball coach.

The award is meant to recognize “excellence in the pursuit of life’s work,” Daniels said before the crowd. He added that the honor was not meant to recognize accomplishment alone, but also virtue and morality. “For us, the things you did in life are not as important as the way you led your life.”

Daniels encouraged Hoosiers to appreciate the rare gifts given by the Gaithers.

“Shout with joy, as I have so many times, at the wonders of their gift to Indiana,” he said.

The Gaithers, famous for their contributions to the world of music and education, have enjoyed a career spanning 50 years, filled with gospel music and scripture. Writing and recording more than 700 songs and winning eight Grammy Awards, the Gaithers are known throughout the music world.

The two met while teaching at Anderson University, and current AU President James Edwards joined Daniels in honoring the Alexandria couple.

The ceremony began with Daniels’ explanation of the significance of the award.

“To me, it’s the most important recognition occasion in Indiana,” he said.

The Rev. David Markel of the Park Place Church of God called the Gaithers’ music “poetry that captures the mind and fires the imagination.”

Local gospel singer Sandi Patty filled the hall with a rousing version of the Gaithers’ song “The Stage Is Bare.”

The pair’s careers in education were noted — with humor — by Edwards when his speech was nearly drowned out with noise.

As Edwards stood at the podium speaking about the Gaithers’ many contributions as Hoosiers, a crowd of school children passed over the balconies above the atrium, chatting excitedly, fingers pointed down at the governor.

The cheerful noise of the children nearly trumped Edwards’ speech, a fact noticed by the humored speaker.