Bill and Gloria Gaither Honored as World Changers

Bill and Gloria Gaither, internationally known gospel songwriters and recording artists, were inducted into the Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) Society of World Changers during a convocation on March 24.

The university’s new 3,800-seat chapel auditorium was filled nearly to capacity for the tribute to the Gaithers, who live about 20 miles south of campus in Alexandria, Ind.

They were the seventh inductees into the Society of World Changers, which was established in 2003 to honor people who serve as the salt and light of their generation.

A highlight of the convocation was a tribute featuring Gaither music by a 200-voice student choir and the 50-member IWU orchestra. The university had commissioned Jay Rouse, a long-time colleague of the Gaithers, to arrange the musical tribute.

Overwhelming Gratitude

Bill and Gloria Gaither both used the word overwhelmed several times to express their feelings about being named World Changers.

“It’s always amazing to hear something you wrote in the solitude of your life, something you really didn’t think about at the time, whether it would relate because it’s out of your guts,” Gloria Gaither said. “And then to see those moments that you try to capture make their circle around the globe and come back to Indiana Wesleyan University to hit you back in the face today. It’s pretty overwhelming.”

Bill Gaither said it was a special thrill to hear another generation singing and enjoying their music. “This is overwhelming,” he said. “You don’t start out to do what you do to get awards. You do what you do as a songwriter because you have something you think can make a difference in people’s lives.

“I love the spirit of this place. When I walk into a place like this, I am renewed and say to the cynics, let them come to Marion, let them sense what I sense here this morning. It will make a difference in your life.”

Gaither Receives Honorary Doctorate

In addition to being honored as a World Changer, Bill Gaither received an honorary doctorate from IWU. Gloria Gaither received a similar honor when she spoke at an IWU graduation in the spring of 2002.

The Bill Gaither Trio was formed in 1956 while Gaither was a college student. Six years later, he married a teaching colleague, Gloria Sickal, who would eventually become his songwriting partner. The Gaithers decided in 1967 to devote their full time to music. Together they have published more than 700 songs, recorded 40 albums, produced 100 videos, and founded a music company.

Gaither Music includes a record company, concert booking, television production, copyright management, a retail store, recording studio, and telemarketing department.

—Alan Miller is the director of university relations at Indiana Wesleyan University.