The School of Divinity

Howard University
The School of Divinity
1400 Shepherd Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20017
(202) 806-0500

Clarence G. Newsome, Dean
Bertram Melbourne, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

History  

The School of Divinity’s origins parallel the establishment of Howard University. The University was founded as a result of a concern expressed at the Monthly Concert of Prayer for Missions on November 19, 1866 at the First Congregational Church of Washington, D.C. It was noted that the circumstances of emancipated slaves and the faithful pursuit of its missionary mandate require that “A Theological Seminary having in View the Training of Colored Men for the Ministry” be established. Within three months, this School had been given four names. At first it was called “Theological Institute;” later, “Theological and Normal Institute;” on the eighth of January 1867 it became “Howard University;” and finally on March 2 “The Howard University.”  

With each new name except the last, new functions were added, new aims proposed. At first, it was for the education of colored men for the ministry; later, for the education of teachers and preachers; finally for the preparation of anyone who might contemplate any vocation or profession whatsoever.

The Charter of the University was signed by Andrew Johnson, president of the United States, on March 1, 1867. It stipulated that the University ‘should consist of the following departments, and such others as the Board of Directors may establish — first, Normal; second, Collegiate; third, theological; fourth, law; fifth, medicine; sixth, agriculture.” Although the organization of the Theological Department was formally authorized by the University trustees on December 20, 1867, prior to the signing of the Charter, the Department was not completed until 1870 when John B. Reeve, a highly regarded black Presbyterian cleric, was appointed Dean.  

During its seminal years the School of Divinity received substantial support from both the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. Congregational support was rendered chiefly through the American Missionary Association which was heavily involved after emancipation in the support and staffing of educational institutions for the freed slaves. Throughout its history, however, the School has been nondenominational.

Over the years the School has undergone several changes in name. Between 1918 and 1981 it was called the School of Religion and was known as such when, in 1939 under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, it was fully accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. In 1981 the name was changed to the Divinity School. Consistent with the nomenclature of the other 12 schools and colleges in the University the name was modified again in 1987 to the School of Divinity.

Mission  

In keeping with its long and honored tradition of service to the church, the nation, and the world, the mission of the School of Divinity is threefold:

to make available educational experiences designed to prepare persons to provide competent professional leadership in religious and educational institutions, as well as in other institutions which affect the quality of life in society, especially in urban, underserved, black communities;

to inquire into the phenomenon of religion qua religion. This inquiry is inherently international and cross-cultural and includes the study of moral, ethical, and humane values;

to enable students with high potential for successful graduate study to acquire a quality theological education which includes as primary areas of inquiry the communities and the cultural and religious heritage of Afro-Americans.

Relation to Howard University  

The School of Divinity is one of 12 schools and colleges which comprise Howard University. Faculty and students alike participate and share fully in the life of one of America’s premier institutions of higher education. The learning environment of the School is significantly enhanced by the University’s wealth of resources located throughout its four campuses. These include a public television station and a worldwide satellite communications network. School of Divinity students may take selected courses throughout the University.  

Facilities  

In the Spring of 1987 the School of Divinity moved into an expansive complex on 22 pastoral acres in northeast Washington. Named in honor of the eighth dean and one of the nation’s leading educators, Benjamin E. Mays Hall affords approximately 110,000 square feet of classroom, office, dormitory, recreational, and library space. Notable among the many features of Mays Hall is the picturesque 2,076 square foot Howard Thurman Chapel. Equipped with approximately 300 movable chairs, it is ideal not only for worship services, but for lectures, special convocations, and community gatherings as well. A 15 rank pipe organ, complete with herald tropette, appropriately complements a memorial which honors a man who was one of the most profound and unique religious leaders of the modern era.   

Library  

A 16,000 square foot library sits at the center of the Mays Hall complex. One of nine libraries at the University, it is equipped with a state-of-the-art multi-media center which includes computers for student use. The School of Divinity library contains approximately 131,000 volumes and subscribes to more than 300 periodicals. Among theological schools and seminaries throughout the world, its Afro-American and African heritage collections are unsurpassed. Its resources are supplemented in abundance by the University’s Founders Library, an internationally recognized research facility. Founders Library houses the famed Moorland-Spingarn Collection which includes many rare and out-of-print items on the Black church. Faculty and students also have access to the libraries of the Washington Theological Consortium and the Library of Congress which is located within a short distance of the School.  

The Washington Theological Consortium  

The School of Divinity is a member of the Washington Theological Consortium. Joining with the Howard University School of Divinity are Catholic University School of Theology, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Virginia Theological Seminary, Washington Theological Union, and Wesley Theological Seminary.

Under Consortium arrangements, all participating schools share the benefits of cross-registration, faculty exchange, development of interdisciplinary and experimental courses and projects, stimulation of ecumenical studies, and promotion of common lecture programs, film series, and projects. In addition, the 15 libraries of the member institutions are open for use by students and faculty of member schools. The combined collections total over 700,000 volumes in religion, theology and related fields.