Crane Theological School

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Crane Theological School was a Universalist seminary at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. It opened in 1869 as the Tufts College Divinity School and closed in 1968. It was one of three Universalist seminaries founded in 19th‑century America.

Over its history the school awarded about 435 degrees (281 Bachelor of Divinity, 152 Bachelor of Sacred Theology, and 2 Masters of Religious Education). Some sources list 485 degrees, but Tufts records differ.

Name changes:

The school started as Tufts College Divinity School, became Crane Theological School in 1906 after Albert Crane donated $100,000 in honor of his father, Thomas. In 1925 it was officially named Tufts College School of Religion – Crane Theological School, and by the 1960s it was commonly known as Crane Theological School.

Campus and buildings:

The divinity school began in Ballou Hall, moved to West Hall in 1872, and later used Miner Hall (classrooms/offices) and Paige Hall (dormitory and chapel), built in 1891–1892. In 1929, Crane Chapel was added to Paige Hall, connected to Miner Hall. The chapel features oak paneling from Warwick Forest in England. During World War I, the buildings were used for barracks and training, and classes were held in the dean’s living room.

Administration and status:

Crane was not officially denominationally controlled, nor accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools. It belonged to the Associated Schools of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Tufts during 1903–1962 and 1965–1968. All deans were Universalist clergy. The school faced ongoing financial difficulties.

Closure and after:

In 1967 the trustees voted to close, and the school closed in 1968. Because of funding needs, the decision stood despite merger discussions with other schools. In 1972 Tufts created the Crane Program fund to support the religion department and chaplaincy, and to provide scholarships. The Crane Library Collection stayed at Tufts, while the Universalist Historical Society Library moved to Harvard Divinity School in 1975.

Legacy:

The Crane Chapel remains on campus as the Crane Room, a lasting reminder of the school.