Contact Information: Lucy Mardirosian (Chairperson) at (781)938-8339.

Early in 1933, Miss Dicko Esserian (later Mrs. Ellis Kupelian) and Araxie Brazilian invited Mr. Deran S. Dinjian to organize and direct the choir of the St. James in the Armenian Church of Watertown. Upon his acceptance, rehearsals took place two or three times a week at the Brazilian and Esserian homes. Due to the ever-growing membership of the choir, the rehearsals were transferred to the partially built church. Its half-covered roof and lack of window panes necessitated the wearing of overcoats and the carrying of umbrellas for protection from the rain and cold. It was not unusual for the neighbors to gather outside the church and for commuters at the bus stop to miss their buses as they listened to the music coming from the Armenian Church.

The choir first participated in the Holy Badarak at St. James in August, 1933, on the Feast of the Assumption. In the early stages of the construction of the church, choir members helped purchase the windows for the church building and the Hammond electric organ.

The choir has become involved in many activities in the community. It has performed at various functions as a choral group, including appearances at the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Paul's Cathedral during the 1960 visit of His Holiness, Vasken I, and Faneuil Hall in celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States. Numerous concerts, plays, and operettas, presented by the choir, have received much acclaim.

"The Life of Gomidas," one of the most successful presentation by the choir, under the direction of Agnes Hagopian and Sahag Kalashian won wide praise. "Guys and Dolls," presented by the Cultural Committee, boasted many choir members in various roles, not only in singing, but also in acting.

Various accomplishments of the Church Choir include the release of two records: "The Divine Liturgy" and "Easter Eve," both under the direction of Arra Avakian. The organ music for the Gomidas version of the Divine Liturgy was arranged by Rouben Gregorian, past choir director at St. James.

The St. James Choir has always been active in the Association of Armenian Church Choirs of America. Several members from our choir have served the association, notably James Etmekjian, James Garabedian, Kourken Samuelian and Raffi Yeghiayan, who are past chairmen of the "AACCA" Executive Committee.

Each year the choir joins the parish when the Divine Liturgy is celebrated at the Cathedral of the Pines in New Hampshire. The Blessing of the Grapes Ceremony each August is enhanced by participation of the choir as well.

Membership in the choir is attained by devotion to church music and good attendance. We welcome new voices. Please contact us if you are interested in joining our choir.