Precious Moments founder Sam Butcher passes away

The founder of Precious Moments has passed away.

The company posted on their Facebook page that Sam Butcher was called home to God in the early morning hours Monday, surrounded by loved ones.

“In his final words he shared that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were with him, and that it was beautiful.”

Precious Moments artwork was introduced to the public in 1975 on inspirational greeting cards and posters, and in 1978 the first Precious Moments figurines were unveiled.

In 1989, he had the Precious Moments Chapel built in Carthage, Missouri. Since the structure’s initial completion, millions of visitors have come to admire his work and share his faith.

Butcher was 85-years-old.