We say none of this to boast, simply to provide credentials for those that may want us to come to their venue or event
Carolyn Richards, internationally known, award winning, recording artist. Her vocal abilities are well respected by fans and peers alike. She has had several songs reach the top fifty on various charts. She was listed in the top three percent of country singers worldwide by an independent organization. Two of her gospel songs reached the top ten on both national and international gospel charts. She has been nominated for many awards from several organizations. She was elected 'New Artist of the Year' by the CGMA's Eastern USA convention in 2006 and received a Silver Heart.
Dave Butcher, emcee, reciter, poet, songwriter. Dave has written a number of poems and stories that he recites during Spiritual Road programs. He has received CGMA Silver Heart Awards for his reciting skill four years in a row, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008. He has received two Silver Hearts for his writing skills in 2007 and 2008, and one for his management skill in 2008. He received the Golden Heart Award in 2005 as 'International Reciter of the Year'. and in 2008, 'International Lyricist of the Year' for his recitation, "A Baby Was Born".
Spiritual Road began when Carolyn Richards, a country recording artist, decided she wanted out of the clubs. The smoke gave her headaches and the drunks were always a challenge. She said she felt best when she was singing gospel songs. Her husband, Dave Butcher, said, "Great. I've got testimony and you've got great vocals, let's go gospel." They eventually put together an album titled after an original song, 'Everything's Alright!' written by Dave.
They tried promoting under Carolyn's name since she was already known in the music industry. However, after attending a Country Gospel Music Association convention in 2004 and witnessing Trish Jackson do a recitation, Dave began writing and reciting original material. He received Silver and Golden Heart awards becoming CGMA's '2005 International Reciter of the Year". Through CGMA, Dave & Carolyn now know that their ministry is a calling from God.
Dave & Carolyn decided they needed a group name. They "ciphered and ciphered", as certain country friends would say, coming up with several catchy names. Each one proved to be already in existence when they searched the internet.
Then Dave awoke from a deep sleep in the middle of the night. The name 'Spiritual Road' came to him. Surely this was a name already in use. He had heard this phrase many times. He went back to sleep. He checked the internet the next day and they adopted the name. They incorporated Spiritual Road Ministries, Inc. as a non-profit evangelistic ministry in the state of Ohio.
Dave developed a web site and logo and they started appearing under that name. They have traveled from Maryland to Idaho, Montana to Texas, and back home to southeastern Ohio.
Dave went on to receive Silver Heart Awards for his reciting and poetry. Carolyn also got nominations for many awards and received a Silver Heart in 2006.
As time went by, Carolyn learned a few new songs. They were still selling Carolyn's CD. Dave had written several original recitations and was getting requests for them on CD. So, the Spiritual Road CD, "'Travelin'" was born. It contains some of Dave's recitations and some of Carolyn's songs, making it truly a Spiritual Road product.
If you like what we do, let us know. You can send us a message from here, or, look up our contact information on our web site at http://SpiritualRoad.com. You can also check out our entire schedule there. We would love to be invited to your church, venue, or event.
Thanks for adding me to your friends list. It is so good to have Christian Friends. I really like your music it is a Blessing. May God Bless You! Patricia
