"Great talents, great to work with!

Young David Griffin's a sure superstar!"

- Ben Speer, Homeland Records,

Gospel Music Hall of Famer

"That's the way Country Gospel should

sound!  After their great show with

Ricky Van Shelton, they'll be back!"

- Pat Garrett, Owner

Pat Garrett Amphitheater

"Gifted Singers, writers and performers!

We're thrilled to have them at our New Year's Banquet!"

- Leroy Kipe, Lighthouse Restaurant

Chambersburg, PA

"Charting nationally!  DJ's, watch for

our radio release of "Jesus Is...!"

- Eddie Crook, Producer

Cedar Hill Records

"See them at the 'Streets of Gold' Eastern

Quartet Convention, October 15-17th!"

- Joe Chioda, Producer

On the charts

Local gospel group finds success with latest release

By BECKY LOCK

Staff Writer

CHAMBERSBURG - From serving in the military to managing a local television station to officiating at churches, Buddy Merrick has gained spiritual guidance in all the paths he's chosen.

Now Merrick has another path - singing with a local country gospel music group, Buddy Merrick and Praise.

Since February. the group has begun to gain support and popularity from area residents.

Their first hit. "Jesus Is," recently held the number 82 spot on the national gospel charts. The September chart has not been released yet.

Originally from Texas and Arkansas, the Merricks moved to Pennsylvania to help the struggling WJAL-TV station near Chambersurg, where Buddy serves as vice president and general manager.

He also is a 35-year veteran of the U.S. Army and Navy, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel, and the Maryland National Guard.

Although Buddy was ordained a minister on Dec. 8, 1995. in the Waikiki Baptist Church in Hawaii, his desire to sing gospel music began much earlier, in the late I970s.

"After church one day, a friend of mine told me he had an eight-track that "I just had to listen to."' Buddy said. "That tape was one of a group named the Emperials, who sang contemporary Christian music.

"I just fell in love with that whole sound."

Since the 1980s, Buddy has sung professionally and has released three solo albums. Now he's seeing even more success with Praise. "We began Praise about three years ago" Buddy said. "Our first real hit was 'Jesus Is.' We don't really know how to react - except to be very pleased."

"Jesus Is" was released in a compilation compact disc for radio stations in February.

Buddy classifies Praise as a country gospel group. "The group's first two albums are aptly titled "Gospel Country" and "More Gospel Country."

Although he is an ordained minister,Buddy does not limit the group's concert locations to churches of his own denomination.

"We have sung in different churches, as well as revivals, high schools, barns, VFW functions, state parks and county fairs,"said David, naming only a few of the spots.

Buddy, Carol and David say they enjoy singing at high schools the most because they have a chance to reach young people. "Our concerts are happy, light and very upbeat," Buddy said. "They're fun. It's an added benefit if people get a message from our songs."

Although the group is only a few years old, it seems its foundation was a natural evolution. Each member of the group adds an element of exceeding ability to Praise.

Carol is an accomplished singer and musician, while David plans a singing career. "David is very talented;" Buddy said. "He has the potential to be one of the first gospel singers America has ever turned out.

" Buddy, Carol and David make a comfortable family group even without their musical backgrounds.

"We harmonize not only in music, but also in spirit, "Buddy said. Praise provides Buddy with a way to remain close to his ministry while holding down a full time job during the week.

"A lot of people come to our concerts who might not usually come to church," he said. The concerts give us the ability to spread the gospel through good country music," he said.