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 has joined our advisory board. Meridian Herald also founded and supports the Meridian Chorale. An article about our work appeared November 30, 2000, in the Atlanta Constitution (click hyperlink to view article) and another on January 13, 2001, also in the Constitution.
Several of our annual programs include the compositions and arrangements of Steven Darsey. Meridian Herald supports his work as a composer, including his oratorio on Sidney Lanier's poem cycle Hymns of the Marshes. The Glenn Chancel Choir gave a performance reading of his setting of "The Marshes of Glynn, March 2nd, 2008. 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, March 30, 2008. For more information , go here - Compositions
Fred
Craddock, our Founding Preacher Laureate and Emeritus, along with
Steven Darsey, is offering a story-telling
event each January at the Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center in Blue Ridge,
Georgia.
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.
“With gratitude for your strong
support, Meridian Herald proudly begins our tenth 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