The Stony Brook Gospel Choir was founded in 1977 by Carlton C. Spruill, who is now the Pastor of Allen Memorial Church of God In Christ in Mount Vernon, New York. The choir started out with 12 committed members. The choir started out to having rehearsals in the basement of the "E Building in Kelly Quad", which is now known as Eisenhower College. In less than one year the choir became a recognized student club on campus and began performing heavily on Stony Brook's campus and at local churches in the community.

The Stony Brook Gospel Choir's main purpose was to (and is still today) touch people by ministering and imparting the gospel of Jesus Christ through song. As an act of obedience to this "great purpose" over the years many people have been saved, set free, and delivered by the power of the Holy Ghost. As committed members each of them knew their purpose in Christ and their purpose for being in the choir, and with those two elements working together they were able to minister more effectively.

The choir became the highlight of events on campus. The faculty and staff requested their presence at every ceremony that took place on campus. A very special staff member that started out singing with the choir named Gerald Shepard (who is still with us today) helped administrate and manage the choir along with Carlton C. Spruill. Mr. Shepard has been an intricate part of the choir since 1977 and to this day he is still a blessing.

In 1989 the Stony Brook Gospel Choir became under the direct supervision of Dr. William McAdoo who is also the Chairman of Africana Studies. In 1990, Dr. McAdoo registered Gospel Choir as a community service class under the AFS Department as part of the university curriculum. The course was known as AFS 283, and offered up to 9 university credits toward the satisfaction of the 120 credit requirement. In 1994, the amount of credits once earned dropped from 9 to 6 credits. Offering gospel choir as a community service was a way to get more students involved in their campus life.

The Stony Brook Gospel Choir currently is very active in the Tri-State Area, and has traveled to many local churches, organizations, and universities. The universities that the gospel choir has performed at are, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Old Westbury, University at Buffalo, Marshall University, and many more.

Since 1977 the Stony Brook Gospel Choir has expanded from 12 members to an average of 60 members each year. As the years progress it is every choir member's responsibility to continue ministering the gospel through song, and keep the legacy of choir alive.