Matthew Ward - Toward Eternity - Summer Snow / The Vineyard

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Matthew Ward (born February 15, 1958) is one of the pioneers of the Jesus music genre, later to be called Contemporary Christian music. He is best known as a part of the trio, 2nd Chapter of Acts in which he sang and performed with his sisters, Annie Herring and Nellie (Ward) Greisen. However, during his musical career with the 2nd Chapter of Acts from 1973 to 1988, he also recorded solo albums and continues to record and perform his solo work to the present time (2007).

Matthew's music and ministry was in no small part, forged from personal family tragedy. In 1968 his mother, Elizabeth Ward, died of a brain tumor; two years later his father, Walter, died of leukemia leaving him and his youngest sister, Nelly, orphaned. The Ward siblings all decided that Matthew's older sister, Annie, and her new husband, record producer Buck Herring, should take in the two younger Ward siblings.

Matthew's older sister, Annie, was a self styled (and self taught) singer and song writer who wrote and played her songs around the family piano. Matthew and sister, Nelly, would often join in as Annie played, and eventually they developed extremely tight and intricate harmonies.

As the trio gradually started singing for local coffee houses and small gatherings, they eventually gained the notice of Pat Boone who arranged a contract to record and release two singles with MGM, "Jesus Is" (1972), recorded on Matthew's 13th birthday, and "I'm So Happy" (1973). The fledgling trio also came to the attention of 1960s folk singer Barry McGuire, who had recently become a Christian and was preparing to record his first Christian music album, produced by Buck Herring. The siblings provided background vocals for Seeds and McGuire's 1974 follow-up Lighten Up.

Following his career with the 2nd Chapter of Acts, Matthew Ward has recorded many more solo works and also works in the music industry as a background & jingle vocalist. He has worked with other such artists as Donna Summer, Leann Rimes, Randy Stonehill, Sandi Patti, Dennis Jernigan and many others.

Ward is also credited for producing and appearing as a backup vocal on the 2003 album For Now recorded by 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Matthew Ward
• 2nd Chapter of Acts
• Toward
• Eternity
• Summer Snow
• The Vineyard
• Christian Rock

[bassmanbernard]

absolutely Awesome!!!!! Still moves me to hear this classic Christian music. WOW! Matthew Ward, Keith Green , 2nd chapter of acts..... you can feel Gods love through their music.

[gratefulgracy]

@mssheila1954 I absolutely agree. There used to be a great on line radio show called Full Circle you can google it I am sure. don't think they are making any new shows there.

[MistyBleauAngel]

How this song takes me back to the early days of my walk with Christ. It's been a long and winding road, and songs like this help to keep a believer refreshed and inspired. Thank you for posting it.

[ericdrexil]

He came at a time that we did not expect.Who knew?  God help us be faithful in this time of ease. Help me to love as you loved.

[mssheila1954]

I became a Christian in 1980. Matthew Ward & his sisters-2nd Chapter of Acts & Keith Green helped me to grow up in God. & their music is still relevant today. I only wish we could hear MORE of it on the airwaves today !!

[ninabananaok]

Lovelovelove Matthew's voice. I have the vinyl album still and no way to play it, so I'm glad I found this.

[Moffatwv]

Keith Green and Matthew Ward, what a combination!

[truluvwaited]

Thank you so much for adding this. It is hard to find. The only time I can listen to it is when I grab my parents' vinyl. :) (Yes I'm 26 and I know what those are!!)

[ateachr]

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. Thanks Matthew!!

[bballman]

This man has an amazing voice!