Gary Motley and Dwight Andrews perform at our 2009 Music Festival at Spelman College
Meridian Herald exists to promote the interaction of worship, music and culture, bridging communities and traditions of the past and present. Through worship services, concerts, programs, and publications of exceptional quality and artistic character, Meridian Herald seeks to challenge the church and society to higher ideals of creativity and moral purpose. Meridian Herald's unique worship services, science and theology programs, lectures, storytelling events, commissioned music, and historical documentaries, address contemporary society's need for imagination and spiritual depth, while emphasizing the indigenous traditions of the South. Established in 1997, Meridian Herald has distinguished itself as a creative force in the cultural life of Atlanta and the Southeast.
Our initial project was modern camp meeting services on October 2, 3, 1998 at the historic Salem Camp Ground, just east of Atlanta. Fred B. Craddock preached and Steven Darsey and the Meridian Chorale offered music. These services were well received, and Meridian Herald has gone on to offer Georgia's established Southern Folk Advent and Southern Folk Passion services. We initiated an annual program with Emory University exploring science and theology and now added and annual program of African-American music with renowned composer/theologian Dwight Andrews, who chairs our advisory board. Meridian Herald also founded and supports the Meridian Chorale.
Meridian Herald is enjoying increasing media attention, with recent articles in the Atlanta Journal on our Folk Passion Service and African American Music, and Folk Stories and Songs in the Gainesville Times.
We presented a revival service with preacher Brooks Holifield and the Meridian Chorale at Dunwoody United Methodist Church, February 21, 2009. For pictures, go here: Revival Service
Our twelfth season of programming began with our Camp Meeting service, October
3, 4:00 PM at Smyrna Camp Ground. Emory’s Brooks Holifield preached, the
Sonny Houston Appalachian Singers and the Meridian Chorale sang, and Jim
Gibson played old time Gospel piano. These tried and true offerings promise
spiritual benefit to all. The service was moving and we all enjoyed ice
cream and fellowship afterward on the grounds. Our Folk Advent Service features
one of America’s most renowned preachers, Bishop William Willimon; our Folk
Passion Service brings Brenda Bynum’s compelling narration; and our Music
Festival will again feature African American concert music with Dwight Andrews –
all with Steven Darsey and the Meridian Chorale singing.
The Meridian Chorale sings at Dunwoody UMC in 2009
Bishop William Willimon
Several of our annual programs include compositions and arrangements written by Steven Darsey. Meridian Herald supports his work as a composer, including his oratorio setting of Sidney Lanier's poem, "The Marshes of Glynn." The Glenn Chancel Choir and the Meridian Chorale gave a performance reading of this work, March 2nd, 2008. The summer of 2009, he completed the orchestration. The Paideia School of Atlanta presented a gala evening on Lanier's "Song of the Chattahoochee," including a performance of Steven Darsey's choral setting of the poem by the Paideia choirs under the direction of Katherine Murray, October 30, 2006. For more information, go here - Compositions
Fred Craddock, our Founding Preacher Laureate and Emeritus, after twelve years of faithful service, has retired as our preacher and storyteller. We wish him Godspeed in his future endeavors. For pictures from our previous Winged for the Heart folk programs, go here: Winged for the Heart
Meridian Herald, Inc. depends on contributions from individuals and foundations. Please join our mailing list by submitting the form below, and if you would like to contribute, please send your check to our address below. Contributions to Meridian Herald are tax deductible. If you would like more information, click here and send us your question. info@meridianherald.org
Fred Craddock and Steven Darsey prepare for our 2009 Winged for the Heart folk program
“With gratitude for your strong
support, Meridian Herald proudly begins our twelfth season.
The worthy traditions
of our forbears challenge us to discern and proclaim divine truth for modern
society.
We warmly invite you to attend these programs and join us in this
pursuit.”
Steven Darsey,
President
camp meeting camp meeting camp