Since 3^rd March 2003 th Paul-Gerhardt-friends-club has existed in the birthplace of the great German poet Paul Gerhardt in Gräfenhainichen.

Wilma Deissner, the founder and chairperson has for years sought to kept the heritage of the hymns known poet and theologian (1607 . 1676).

In addition an annual music competition is held for schools . devoted to the songs Gerhardt composed advertises the city as most famous son in the form of exhibitions, and also on the church day. The Paul Gerhardt Friends presented .Mitteldeutsche Church street event. in July 2007 at the Evangelical Church Day in Cologne.

The Paul Gerhardt 400 birthday celebration in 2007 provided the occasion (the anniversary of that great composer lots of ways to celebrate festively) There were in addition to the exhibitions, church music events and also scientific symposia.

Gräfenhainichens Mayor Harry Rußbült and representatives of the Catholic and Protestant community were among the Paul Gerhardt friends. They all have long since recognizes the importance of great song and poetry.

This year theme .Go from my heart and find joy. spreads his simple text with poetry and will probably be heard many times. And not just in German languages. Paul Gerhardt hymns are in many languages and singing books of this earth.

Paul Gerhardt deserves the honour which is given this popularity even in today.s world, endeavours with great commitment in the five years that the friends club have been inexistence. This dedicated work deserves unqualified praise.