The Seminary Singers of Boston University School of Theology hold a long and rich tradition of sacred choral music spanning seven decades.  In 1927, the late James Russell Houghton began his teaching career at Boston University with teaching responsibilities in the School of Theology and the School for the Arts.  When, as Director of the School of Theology’s Chapel Choir, he accepted the invitation for the choir to sing for the 1932 General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, they sang with the new name of Seminary Singers.  “Prof” Houghton led the Singers on tours throughout the United States, including three General Conferences, until his retirement in 1964.  Early in the life of the Seminary Singers, Dr. Houghton initiated a practice in every concert of presenting his own choral arrangement of the ancient chant, De Profundis,  and inviting former Seminary Singers to join the choir in singing this powerful setting of Psalm 130.

 Today’s Seminary Singers total sixty women and men in many degree programs at the School of Theology as well as several administrators.  The Seminary Singers present a choral anthem and worship response at each Wednesday chapel service during the academic year.  The tour choir of forty singers continue the De Profundis  tradition in their concert tours.