Organ specifications

 

The M. P. Möller Organ

Reprinted from the Service for the dedication for the New Church Organ

Sunday, November 6, 1966

EDWARD BRUBAKER, Pastor HARRY E. CHASE, Associate Pastor JANE JARRARD, Director of Christian Education JOSEPH COUTRET, Organist and Choirmaster

MUSIC COMMITTEE OF THE WORSHIP COMMISSION OF SESSION
Elders: KENNETH E. HUGHES, Chairman ARTHUR O. WHITE Trustees: ROY L. ANTHONY M. W. KEMPNER, alternate From the Congregation: MRS. ROBERT L. STALEY MARCUS A. FAIR

THE M. P. MOLLER ORGAN, OPUS 10175 WAS DESIGNED BY DR. ROBERT S. BAKER Dean, School of Sacred Music Union Theological Seminary, New York City
JOSEPH COUTRET Organist and Choirmaster First Presbyterian Church
JOHN H. HOSE Tonal Director M. P. Möller, Inc.

The new organ has been designed and constructed to support and enrich the worship of God. The excellent tonal quality of the instrument will contribute beauty and meaning to the services of worship and assure the continuation of the fine musical tradition of this church. The tonal design also takes into consideration the acoustical requirements of the sanctuary.

The Great, Swell, Choir-Positiv, and Pedal divisions of the organ are located on either side of the chancel. Chambers for these divisions have been completely renovated to provide better projection of sound, and the outside walls have been insulated for protection against extreme outside temperature conditions. The placement of the wind chests and pipes in these chambers is such that they may be efficiently maintained.

The Antiphonal division, placed under the Nativity Window in the rear balcony, is an important addition that will give added support to congregational singing. Included in this division is the Fanfare Trumpet, a rank of "hooded" pipes of considerable power that provides a distinctive sound for festive music.

The four basic organ sounds—principal, flute, string, and reed—are found in each division of the instrument in one or more of the numerous possibilities of pipe construction. The various ensembles and tonal colors of the organ make it suitable for hymns, anthems, solos, oratorios, and organ literature of all periods: baroque, classic, romantic, and modern.

The organ consists of 4,053 individual pipes varying in length from five inches to thirty-two feet and in diameter from a quarter of an inch to thirteen inches. These pipes are incorporated in sixty-eight ranks, each having its own distinctive tonal quality and dynamic level. The four manual console, located in the south side of the chancel, is equipped with traditional draw knobs and tilting tablets for controlling the tonal resources of the organ.

The blower for the chancel divisions of the organ is located in a renovated basement room equipped with suitable air filters to assure a supply of clean air. Another basement room houses the mechanism through which the fifty-three combination pistons can control the ninety-three draw knobs and twenty-one tilting tablets on the console. These pistons can be preset according to the organist's choices to facilitate instant changes in the combinations of stops being used while playing. A small blower in the balcony area provides wind for the Antiphonal organ.

The new organ has been made possible through the generosity of members and friends of the church. Approximately one-fifth of the cost of the organ has been derived from church Endowment Fund income, the remainder from the gifts of individuals and Foundations. To the contributors who have given so freely and generously to strengthen our worship through music goes our warm and sincere appreciation. The benefits of their gifts will be experienced by the next three generations.

Top

© 2002 First Presbyterian Church
Last updated: 4/2/03