Gordon O. Engen was presented an Award of Merit by the International Religious Liberty Association and Liberty magazine for a lifetime of service in the cause of religious freedom. The award was presented at a service in Pioneer Memorial Church on June 17, 2006.

Engen was an effective liaison from the Adventist Church to the United States Congress while he was a part of the Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty at the General Conference and the North American Division. He had previously served as director of the Lake Union Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty and as editor of the Lake Union Herald. Engen and his wife, Blossom, have retired in North Carolina.

Vernon L. Alger, Lake Union Conference public affairs and religious liberty director