The Original 21
Released in 1978, Precious Moments figurines have been touching hearts and celebrating sweet moments since 1978 when the Original 21 were released. This initial release was so well received that in 1981 the Precious Moments Collectors Club was born. Collectors were so captivated by the porcelain children and their tear drop shaped eyes, that the collectors club grew to over 400,000 members world wide.
Whether you are an avid Precious Moments Collector, you’re looking to start a collection, or you simply love these stunning porcelain bisque figurines, the original 21 figurines are worth checking out. Keep scrolling to learn the stories that inspired some of these figurines and see all 21 of the original collection.
The Original 21
Released in 1978, Precious Moments figurines have been touching hearts and celebrating sweet moments since 1978 when the Original 21 were released. This initial release was so well received that in 1981 the Precious Moments Collectors Club was born. Collectors were so captivated by the porcelain children and their tear drop shaped eyes, that the collectors club grew to over 400,000 members world wide.
Whether you are an avid Precious Moments Collector, you’re looking to start a collection, or you simply love these stunning porcelain bisque figurines, the original 21 figurines are worth checking out. Keep scrolling to learn the stories that inspired some of these figurines and see all 21 of the original collection.
You never know the impact your actions, or in Sam’s case your artwork will have on people. One Precious Moments fan reached out to share his story of how the heartfelt messages and designs saved his marriage. With a divorce looming, the young man saw this Prayer Changes Things figurine in a department store. He was touched, but did not buy the figurine. After leaving, he couldn’t get the Precious Moment off his mind, so he purchased it and left it on the kitchen table for his wife to see. She was so moved by the message about the power of prayer, she broke down in tears. In that moment, they cried together and committed to work on their marriage and pray for restoration.
I’ve always loved the look of Precious Moments figurines, but in researching their history for this blog series, I’ve truly fallen in love with their story and their mission to make the world a kinder place by helping people share love.
You never know the impact your actions, or in Sam’s case your artwork will have on people. One Precious Moments fan reached out to share his story of how the heartfelt messages and designs saved his marriage. With a divorce looming, the young man saw this Prayer Changes Things figurine in a department store. He was touched, but did not buy the figurine. After leaving, he couldn’t get the Precious Moment off his mind, so he purchased it and left it on the kitchen table for his wife to see. She was so moved by the message about the power of prayer, she broke down in tears. In that moment, they cried together and committed to work on their marriage and pray for restoration.
I’ve always loved the look of Precious Moments figurines, but in researching their history for this blog series, I’ve truly fallen in love with their story and their mission to make the world a kinder place by helping people share love.
2. Make a Joyful Noise
The original name for this figurine was Honk if you Love Jesus! But it was revised to Make a Joyful Noise before being released. Sam Butcher and his partner Bill Biel were driving one day and Bill honked his horn at a bumper sticker that read, “Honk if you Love Jesus” The woman driving the car didn’t seem to recall the sticker on her car and gave them a dirty look. Whoever she was would likely be mortified to realize she was the inspiration behind the Make a Joyful Noise Figurine, but the story brings a good laugh to all who hear it :)
2. Make a Joyful Noise
The original name for this figurine was Honk if you Love Jesus! But it was revised to Make a Joyful Noise before being released. Sam Butcher and his partner Bill Biel were driving one day and Bill honked his horn at a bumper sticker that read, “Honk if you Love Jesus” The woman driving the car didn’t seem to recall the sticker on her car and gave them a dirty look. Whoever she was would likely be mortified to realize she was the inspiration behind the Make a Joyful Noise Figurine, but the story brings a good laugh to all who hear it :)
Debbie Butcher is Sam’s daughter. She loved animals and as a kid would spend her babysitting money saving animals and helping out friends in need. One time Debbie brought home a boxful of kittens that were about to be euthanized. Her actions that day along with her generous spirit, served as the inspiration for God Loveth a Cheerful Giver. I love this story because it so perfectly represents Sam Butcher’s commitment to both his family and his faith!
Debbie Butcher is Sam’s daughter. She loved animals and as a kid would spend her babysitting money saving animals and helping out friends in need. One time Debbie brought home a boxful of kittens that were about to be euthanized. Her actions that day along with her generous spirit, served as the inspiration for God Loveth a Cheerful Giver. I love this story because it so perfectly represents Sam Butcher’s commitment to both his family and his faith!
4. Come Let Us Adore Him
Touching hearts since it’s release in 1978, a young boy standing over the baby Jesus in a manger. This figurine along with “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” are credited with being the first two Precious Moments.
4. Come Let Us Adore Him
Touching hearts since it’s release in 1978, a young boy standing over the baby Jesus in a manger. This figurine along with “God Loveth a Cheerful Giver” are credited with being the first two Precious Moments.
5. Jesus Is The Light
6. Jesus Loves Me (Boy)
7. Jesus Loves Me (Girl)
8. Love One Another
5. Jesus Is The Light
6. Jesus Loves Me (Boy)
7. Jesus Loves Me (Girl)
8. Love One Another
10. He Leadeth Me
11. I Have Seen His Star
10. He Leadeth Me
11. I Have Seen His Star
12. Unto Us, A Child Is Born
12. Unto Us, A Child Is Born
13. Jesus is Born
14. His Burden is Light
15. Love Lifted Me
13. Jesus is Born
14. His Burden is Light
15. Love Lifted Me
16. God Understands
16. God Understands
18. Love is Kind
18. Love is Kind
19. Oh, How I Love Jesus
20. Smile God Loves You
21. Praise the Lord Anyhow
19. Oh, How I Love Jesus
20. Smile God Loves You
21. Praise the Lord Anyhow
I hope you love these heartfelt Precious Moments as much as I do! If you’re looking to snag a few for yourself, checkout our selection of over 700 Precious Moments. And if you’re a bit of a history nerd like me take a look at part 2 of our Precious Moments series, Jonathan & David Inc. I’m sharing more of Sam Butcher and Bill Bier’s story and where the Precious Moments story began.
I hope you love these heartfelt Precious Moments as much as I do! If you’re looking to snag a few for yourself, checkout our selection of over 700 Precious Moments. And if you’re a bit of a history nerd like me take a look at part 2 of our Precious Moments series, Jonathan & David Inc. I’m sharing more of Sam Butcher and Bill Bier’s story and where the Precious Moments story began.