Michael W. Smith greets his fans

Contemporary Christian recording stars Michael W. Smith and Stephen Curtis Chapman shared the stage at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium Saturday night, and their autographs now share space on Thurston Faulkner's guitar.

Faulkner, a Moore resident, was one of about 300 fans to walk through a rope line at Christian Supply on Saturday afternoon for a meet-and-greet with Smith. The guitar, which had already been signed by Chapman, is memorabilia for Samuel, a 2-year-old from Kazakhstan that Faulkner and his wife, Amber, adopted with help of a grant from Chapman.

Smith and Chapman came to Spartanburg as part of their United tour, on which they are touring together for the first time. Both veterans have new releases on the way.

Smith took the opportunity to play a video excerpt of a song from his newest and 21st album, "A New Hallelujah," and to answer questions from the audience, pose for pictures, chat and sign autographs.

"He was nice and very down to earth," Thurston Faulkner said. "For him to come and be personal with anyone who wanted to show up, it shows that he keeps in touch with real life."

Smith decided to make the rare store appearance after learning from recording executive Randy Davis that Christian Supply suffered an estimated $750,000 loss.

A former employee is accused of embezzling the money between Jan. 1, 2007, and Aug. 19. The loss nearly forced the store that's been in Spartanburg for more than five decades to close.

"I was blown away when he said he would come here," said owner Chuck Wallington, adding that Smith has an "incredible heart."

Conserving energy

Most singers try to talk as little as possible and save energy for the stage to be at their best when the bright lights shine. But Smith said he enjoyed the opportunity to meet fans.

"I've heard Celine Dion doesn't talk at all the day before a show, but I'm not that much of a diehard," Smith said after the event.

Smith said making the appearance "seemed to be the right thing to do." Although his album won't be released for about nine more days, the store

was able to pre-sell copies, and Davis rush-ordered a print of album jackets so Smith could sign them.

Davis said the event was a good way to help a business he's enjoyed working with, adding "(Wallington) is known throughout the industry as a top retailer and a top man."

Linda Temples and her daughter, Jordana Touchton, drove from Anderson to meet Smith and planned to attend the concert.

Temples said Touchton has taken her to concerts for 23 years.

"If it's within eight hours (by car), we're there," Touchton said.

Smith, 51, told the crowd the W. stands for Whitaker, an old family name, and his favorite song he's written is "All Is Well." He told a child that he wrote his first song when he was 5, and joked with the crowd that his music has since improved.

Smith said he keeps himself grounded by remembering, "We all have the capability of falling off a cliff," and poked fun at his celebrity status.

"Some people say, 'Oh you're Michael W. Smith. My mom and grandma are big fans of yours,' " Smith told the mixture of young and old fans.

Christian Music News Source