Please remember in your prayers Richard Proulx, a St. Paul native and legendary liturgical musician who last May received an honorary doctorate from the University of St. Thomas. Proulx, 72, died Thursday, Feb. 18, in Chicago. A memorial service will be held at a future date at the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago.
Richard Proulx
The citation for the doctor of humane letters degree that he received here noted that “ … for more than a half century you have brought great joy to churchgoers of all faiths around the world by enriching their worship with your beautiful music. Organist, conductor, teacher and composer of more than 300 works, you have practiced your craft with such exquisite perfection that those who have performed under your baton call you not only the dean of American church musicians but also their hero."
In 1980 he become the organist and music director of the Cathedral of the Holy Name in Chicago. During his 14 years there he founded The Cathedral Singers, a widely acclaimed independent recording ensemble.
His upbringing was Catholic, but his music crossed denominational lines and can be found in Catholic, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist, Mennonite and Episcopalian hymnals.
More details about Proulx's life can be found on his Web site and here.
