“How wonderful for these two teachers to hear the sound of discovery,” Edwards said.

Daniels echoed this sentiment, saying “If there’s a sound more joyful than Bill and Gloria Gaither’s music, it’s the sound of children’s voices.”

“I’d like to say we choreographed that,” Daniels joked.

Edwards continued his speech with simple, fond memories of his lifelong friends. “When I think of the Gaithers, I think of spirit.”

Daniels then presented the couple with the award, a winding brass sheet of metal, engraved and resting on a slab of stone.

Upon receiving the award, Gloria remarked that she and her husband valued to input of Alexandria neighbors, joking that they’d chosen a remote location to make a home. “If you come to Alexandria, you come on purpose. You don’t just happen by.”

Bill Gaither then approached the podium and admitted, “This is a little overwhelming.”

The ceremony concluded with a powerful performance of the Gaither song “I’ve Just Seen Jesus.” Gospel singer Larnelle Harris joined Patty in song before the crowd.

Harris’ voice boomed with Gloria’s lyrics complimented by the satin sound of Patty’s verse. The crowd hopped to its feet in a standing ovation at the close of the ceremony.

Humbled by the honor, Bill Gaither simplified his craft while thanking Daniels for the honor. “A writer has to write. You just write out of your heart.”

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History of the Sachem Award

In 1970, Indiana Gov. Edgar D. Whitcomb introduced the “Confederacy of the Sachem,” a group of business, industry, publishing, banking and legal leaders who served as state hosts, welcoming visitors to Indiana and promoting the state’s culture and economy. The organization’s name came from the Algonquin term applied to village leaders, implying wisdom, judgment and grace.  

At the time, Sachems constituted an honor greater than being named a Sagamore of the Wabash. Bylaws outlined that Sachems were to nominate and recommend Sagamore appointments to the governor. The Sagamore of the Wabash dates to the term of Indiana Gov. Ralph Gates in 1945 and has been the state’s highest honor bestowed by the governor.

Founding members of Whitcomb’s Sachems included Indianapolis banker Frank McKinney Sr., a former head of the national Democratic Party; Fort Wayne newspaper publisher Helene Foellinger; John Fisher of the Ball Corp. in Muncie; and John Hillenbrand of Batesville casket fame.