Fothergill Leads 11-Hour Psalm Event at Duke Divinity School

On Friday, January 17, LSM Cantor Chad Fothergill and past LSM Chapel Choir conductor Zebulon Highben joined musicians and worship leaders at Duke Divinity School’s Goodson Chapel for an extraordinary 11-hour event: the praying of all 150 Psalms! Beginning at 8:00 a.m., a variety of musical settings were explored, including tones from Lutheran Book of Worship and Evangelical Lutheran Worship, newly composed melodies, and diverse accompaniment styles such as organ, piano, handbells, shruti box, a cappella chanting, and responsive readings. The event concluded just shy of 7:00 p.m.

Rooted in the ancient tradition of monastic communities, this immersive experience also featured a new English translation of the Psalms by Dr. Ellen F. Davis, prepared for The Chapel Hymnal, a forthcoming resource from Duke University Chapel. Participants reflected on the rich musical and theological history of the Psalms, offering a day of prayerful engagement through song.