In Loving Memory of Samuel J. Butcher
1939-2024 T o many, the Precious Moments collection is comprised of beautiful and inspiring gifts and collectibles created to honor life’s most memorable moments; their expressions, sentiments, and artistry provide both comfort and joy. To the lucky, Precious Moments is so much more. These heart-touching, teardrop- eyed children are also part of the inspiring legacy of artist Samuel J. Butcher. Mr. Butcher was born of humble beginnings, but with an unwavering faith, he went to school, met his dear wife, Katie, and took whatever jobs he could to support his growing family. Working his way from the shipping department to the art department at the Child Evangelism Fellowship, he was able to hone his skills as an illustrator teaching bible stories on a national television program. The first Precious Moments prototype, Love One Another , debuted in 1978. Nearly half a century later, his creations have grown into a worldwide phenomenon adored by millions. In the early 1980s, Mr. Butcher felt a calling to create a chapel as a tribute to the Lord, a place where visitors could feel God’s spirit in whatever capacity they needed it. In 1989 his vision was unveiled to the world as the doors to the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage, MO were opened. Over the years he continued to add his artistry to the Chapel, personally painting new murals and designing the hand- carved entry doors, wrought iron gates, and
stained glass windows. He was a firm believer that God’s work was never done. Through it all, Mr. Butcher was devoted to his wife and seven children. And yet, all these accomplishments paled in comparison to his devotion to the Lord, up until his final breath. During the early morning hours of May 20, 2024, Mr. Butcher said goodbye to this earthly world. While his physical form is no longer with us, his memory and the gifts he left remain.
Inspired by his legacy and humbled by the magnitude of his gifts to the world, Mr. Butcher’s children –Don, Jon, and Deb, alongside Master Sculptor Hiko Maeda – continue to carry on the Precious Moments tradition. Mr. Butcher was an artist, a missionary, a father, a grandfather, and a friend, but most of all, he was a humble servant of God. For the many hats he wore, he will be dearly missed but certainly never forgotten.
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FALL/WINTER 2024
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