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Figurines by Sam Butcher: History of Precious Moments

October 15th, 2011 | Comments Off

: Precious Moments figurine

Figurines by Sam Butcher: History of Precious Moments

An inspiration to millions, Sam Butcher created more than 1500 designs for figurines produced by the company he founded, Precious Moments. He is known for figurines of teardrop eyed childred, cherub little angels, children and Christmas trees, nativity scenes, little Santas, and Chrismas ornaments. How does one come from humble beginnings to build an empire based on figurines? Read on as we look at the intertwined life of Sam Butcher and Precious Moments. The first “Precious Moments” figurines appeared for sale in 1978. Twenty-one porcelain figurine designs hit the market that year. The company never looked back and Butchers life was never the same.

Born in Jackson, Michigan in 1939, Butcher grew up poor in Redding, California. His mother recognized an early talent for art and drawing. Following high school, he earned a scholarship to the College of Arts & Crafts, in Berkley. Over the next 15 years he worked a number of low paying jobs even including a janitor position. He continued to work on his artistry and his religious faith.

His big break came while working in Grand Rapids, Michigan for Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) which produced children’s television programing. Butcher worked there 10 years including years as the on air personality and illustrator for “Tree Top House”. He was seen by millions but remained relatively unknown. The break came not from TV but from meeting fellow employee Bill Biel. Biel wanted to use Butcher’s artwork to sell a line of greeting cards and posters.

Biel and Butcher formed a company named Jonathan and David (J&D) after their children in 1974. The company did well based on Sam’s inspirational drawings of “precious moments”. While displaying at the Christian Booksellers Association Convention in Anaheim, California, J&D came to the attention of Enesco, a distributor and manufacturer of products to the gift store retail trade. Enesco wanted to produce a line of porcelain figurines based on Butcher’s ‘Love One Another” theme.

Following the release of figurines in 1978, Precious Moments gained world wide popularity. Butcher became a wealthy man. Enesco’s Asian manufacturing and distribution led Biel and Butcher to frequently visit Asia and the Philippines. In late 1981, Biel left the company while Butcher continued with the figurine part of the business.

Butcher’s religious calling led him to build a hotel resort in the Philippines and a home and chapel in Carthage, Missouri. The chapel was built on 17 acres of land. Precious Moments Chapel opened in 1989. Butcher through Precious Moments developed the area into a 3000 acre theme park with the following attractions:

Fountains and Angels
Wedding Island
The Gallery
Gift Shop
Precious Moments Chapel

The theme park at its peak drew over 400,000 visitors a year. Butcher was a deeply religious and family man. The park was a tribute to his god and his artistry. Butcher’s life, Precious Moments figurine business and theme park all were doing well until tragedy struck in 1991.

Phillip, the oldest son, died in 1991 of a terrible accident while Sam was in the Philippines. Butcher was devastated. He sunk into depression and anger. He took to alcohol and prescription medication. His health deteriorated during a series of strokes caused by the self medication. He was diagnosed as bipolar. He still continued to paint and design but his life has not been the same.

His sons took over day to day operation of the business and theme park. An aging Butcher spent considerable time in the Philippines with only rare unplanned visits back to Carthage.

Precious Moments did well over the years however, Enesco, its partner had a number of financial problems. Enesco was bought and sold 4 times between 2004 and 2008. Jonathan Butcher stepped down as CEO of Precious Moments in 2006. The theme park has since been scaled back to only a few exhibits.

Precious Moments has a devoted following of figurine collectors. The Precious Moments Club was formed in 1981 and still continues with over 300,000 members. It is one of the largest figurine clubs in the world.

Sam Butcher continues to live his life in retirement at his hotel resort in the Philippines. His company continues to roll out 20-40 new figurines each year based on his previous designs. He and his work are still loved my millions.