Sacred Nine Project: The Billings Pendulum
the mad wordsmith & the musical wrecking ball heard ‘round Revolutionary America
November 23, 2025, 5:00 P.M. the American Academy of Religion Annual Meeting, Boston, MA

This session explores the significance and legacy of pioneering American composer of sacred music, William Billings, who died 225 years ago this year. Billings tanned leather, taught singing schools, fathered a large family, and composed sacred music in Boston during the American Revolution. A staunch Whig, his music was associated with the cause of American freedom. The centerpiece of the roundtable will be a musical program comprising original compositions and transcriptions newly curated, entitled The Billings Pendulum. Panelists will offer brief comments on the musical program and Billings's religiosity, politics, and lasting significance. 

performers:
C. Leonard Raybon
the ensemble Culomba: Sophie Michaux, Lexi Ugelow, Adam Simon & Daniel Fridley

presenter:
C. Leonard Raybon, Tulane University

facilitator:
David Stowe

Panelists:
Delvyn Case, Wheaton College, Massachusetts
Tim Eriksen, Amherst College
Stephen A Marini, Wellesley College
Jennifer Rycenga, San Jose State University
David Stowe, Michigan State Univeristy

This project started with my wanting to commemorate the force that was William Billings ahead of our country’s semiquincentennial next year. But where to start?

I began reading the introductions to his tune books. I cannot tell you the number of times I was confounded by his writings, his approach, and his exact motivations. I kept a running list of adjectives that I feel describe him. They are:
audacious, crude, daring, driven, eccentric, erudite, imaginative, irreverent, mad, patriotic, pedantic, reactionary, revolutionary, shameless, unhinged, verbose & zealous

The session is a combination of lecture, slides & video, but mostly by the acclaimed Boston ensemble, Culomba, lasting roughly 45 or 50 minutes. The remaining time will be compact Billings gems provided by the distinguished panelists.