One of the pioneers in introducing praise and worship music into the urban black church, Detroit's Bishop Andrew Merritt continues to set and maintain the standard for urban praise and worship music. From Faith In The House, to Expectations. From The Holy One, to 30 Years of Music, Bishop Merritt & The Straight Gate Mass Choir return with Saturate Us, a praise and worship album like no other. This anointed album will usher you into God's presence with songs that include "Saturate Us," "Worthy Is The Lamb," and "Jesus, Name Above." It also features guest soloists Marcus Cole, Jaye Thomas, LaDon Ford, and Pamela English.

Bishop Merritt founded Detroit, Michigan's Straight Gate Church in 1978. The first service was held in a storefront building with three members: Bishop, his wife, Viveca, and daughter, Rachelle. Under the powerful preaching and expository teachings of

Bishop Merritt, the church has experienced phenomenal growth - from three members in 1978 (and eight church moves) to more than 3,000 members today. A family based ministry, housed in a 165,000 square foot building located in the heart of Detroit, Straight Gate International Church is "Where Jesus makes families whole." Merritt is also the owner of Bajada Records.

The first Straight Gate Mass Choir CD Faith in the House sold over 150,000 copies in 2000. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard Gospel Album sales chart and even reached an impressive #68 on Billboard's Hot 200 Pop Album sales chart. The follow-up CD Expectations: I'll Praise was released in 2003 and was another smash hit. It reached #5 on the Billboard Gospel Album sales chart and produced a number of hit radio singles.