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Review

Superintendent's Medals of Honor Awarded

The General Superintendent’s Medal of Honor was presented to James Blackwood and Bill Hardiman during the Wednesday morning worship session by General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask.

The General Superintendent’s Medal of Honor was presented to James Blackwood (left photo) and Bill Hardiman during the Wednesday morning worship session by General Superintendent Thomas E. Trask.

—James Blackwood—known across this nation as Mr. Gospel Music, James Blackwood began singing with his family when he was only 15. The original Blackwood Brothers consisted of James, his brothers Roy and Doyle, and his nephew R.W. Through the years, the popularity and influence of Southern Gospel Music grew, in large part because of the efforts and ministry of James.

James’ awards are numerous. He has been nominated for the Grammy Award for 28 consecutive years—a record for consecutive nominations in all fields of music. He has received 9 Grammy Awards, 7 Dove Awards, Four Singing News fan awards, and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1974 and Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1996. He was voted the best gospel singer of the 20th century. James has sung in the White House for several U.S. Presidents and has ministered in many nations around the world. He has sold over 20 million records during his years of ministry in song. This past year, James returned to his native Mississippi to be inducted in the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame together with his brothers Roy and Doyle. James and his family are life-long Assemblies of God members.

—Bill Hardiman—whose full name is Clyde Preston William Hardiman III, has served as mayor of Kentwood, Mich. since 1992. His service on civic boards and community programs is too numerous to mention. Michigan Governor Engler has appointed Mayor Hardiman to state leadership posts, including the Secchia Commission on Total Quality Government and the Acts 51 Transit Committee. He also has received special recognition by the Ohio House of Representatives for political, civic, and community contributions.

But Bill is much more than a mayor or a committee member. He is a committed Christian who uses his office and position to testify of God’s power to change lives and make a difference. An active member of First Assembly in Grand Rapids, Mich., Bill is one of the founders and current chairman of the Greater Grand Rapids Community Marriage Policy Steering Committee. This is a broad-based effort to strengthen marriages and families in his community. He is a frequent speaker on the marriage policy as well as a variety of family topics both locally and nationally.