2nd Chapter of Acts
| Company type | Musical group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Contemporary Christian music |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder | Annie Herring, Nelly Greisen, Matthew Ward |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Headquarters | California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
The 2nd Chapter of Acts was an influential ensemble in the early Jesus music movement and contemporary Christian music scene, consisting of siblings sisters Annie Herring and Nelly Greisen alongside their brother Matthew Ward. Established in 1972, the group enjoyed significant popularity throughout the 1970s before parting ways in 1988.
History
Originating from family harmonies practiced at home, the siblings developed a distinctive vocal blend under Annie’s songwriting guidance and piano support. After the loss of their parents, Nelly and Matthew moved in with Annie and her husband, producer Buck Herring, which further strengthened their musical collaboration. Their harmonious sound quickly attracted notice.
Starting with local performances, they eventually signed with MGM thanks to Pat Boone’s involvement, releasing singles such as "Jesus Is" (1972) and "I'm So Happy" (1973). They also contributed background vocals on Barry McGuire’s early Christian albums, which were produced by Buck Herring. Their debut record, With Footnotes (1974), included the hit "Easter Song", a track that became emblematic of their style and was widely covered by other artists.
Subsequent albums included In the Volume of the Book (1975) and a live collaboration with McGuire titled To the Bride, supported on tour by the band David. Initially affiliated with Myrrh Records, they toured sporadically with McGuire over a three-year period.
Following a break from touring in 1976 during which Annie began her solo career with Sparrow Records, the group reunited for an 18-city tour alongside Phil Keaggy in 1977. This tour resulted in the live triple album How the West Was One. Subsequently, they fully transitioned to Sparrow Records.
Under Sparrow, they released albums including Mansion Builder (1978) and The Roar of Love (1980), a concept album inspired by C. S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. They continued producing new material through 1983. In 1985, they established their own label, Live Oak, debuting it with Night Light, followed by their last original album, Faraway Places (1987).
In 1985, the trio lent their voices to notable benefit singles: Do Something Now! aimed at African famine relief on Sparrow Records, and Fight the Fight, Rescue the Unborn, supporting the Christian Pro-Life Movement via Live Oak.
Broadening their appeal, they released traditional hymn compilations—Hymns and Hymns 2. The first became their top-selling release and earned them a Dove Award in 1987 for "Best Praise and Worship Album."
Except for breaks in 1976 and 1983, they maintained a steady touring schedule until their final performance in Houston on August 12, 1988. The group was honored with induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1999.
Throughout their career together and beyond, Annie and Matthew also developed solo careers while continuing to perform independently.
Roles of group members
Annie served as the main songwriter and was uniquely responsible for playing an instrument—the piano. Her songwriting featured unconventional rhythms that infused progressive rock elements into the group’s otherwise soft-rock and easy listening style. Matthew and Nelly occasionally contributed to lyric writing; Matthew’s songwriting evolved in parallel with his solo work.
Most lead vocals were performed by Annie and Matthew. Nelly’s voice closely resembled Annie’s and she typically took lead on songs where verses were shared among members, including tracks like "I Don't Wanna Go Home," "Make My Life a Prayer to You," "Mountain Tops," "My Jesus I Love Thee," and "Sing Over Me." Certain albums such as The Roar of Love and Night Light do not feature any lead vocals by Nelly.
Albums
- 1974: With Footnotes (Myrrh)
- 1975: In the Volume of the Book (Myrrh)
- 1975: To the Bride (double LP; collaboration with Barry McGuire and "a band called David") (Myrrh). Primarily McGuire's work; 2nd Chapter's portion features previously unreleased tracks.
- 1976: Firewind (a theatrical musical inspired by Acts chapters 1–4) showcasing Barry McGuire, Anne Herring, Terry Talbot, John Talbot, Nelly Ward, Keith Green, Matthew Ward; narration by David Young (Sparrow SPR 1004)
- 1977: How the West Was One (Triple LP set; includes Phil Keaggy and "a band called David") (Myrrh). Split evenly between 2nd Chapter and Phil Keaggy; later re-released as two CDs.
- 1978: Mansion Builder (Sparrow Records)
- 1980: The Roar of Love (Sparrow)
- 1981: Rejoice (Sparrow)
- 1983: Singer Sower (Sparrow)
- 1983: Together Live (Double LP; featuring Michael and Stormie Omartian) (Sparrow). Mainly performances by 2nd Chapter; includes one track exclusive to this release. The only album not issued on CD format.
- 1985: Night Light (Live Oak Records)
- 1986: Hymns (Live Oak Records)
- 1987: Far Away Places (Live Oak Records)
- 1988: Hymns II (Live Oak Records)
- 1989: Hymns Instrumental (Live Oak Records)
Compilations
- 1981: Encores (Myrrh)
- 1992: 20 (Navarre) [features early singles plus two unreleased songs] Available on two CDs or cassette formats.
- 2006: Very Best of 2nd Chapter of Acts
Video
- 1983: Together Live (with Michael Omartian and Stormie Omartian) (Sparrow)
- 1998: First Love Various Artists