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The New Organ Expands Our Musical Message
The Church on the Cape has had many transforming experiences during the past year - this being just the latest. We have moved from a part-time to a full-time pastor; purchased a new parsonage; redefined our committee structure; expanded our outreach; and now have significantly enhanced our musical ministry. As part of our congregation's "celebration," Reverend Jo Bennett thanked those who have contributed to our Organ Fund and made possible this "leap of faith." What we had hoped would be possible had become reality.
This fully digital organ, a Trillium 837, was built by Rodgers Organ Company in Hillsboro Oregon. It reproduces the sound of much more expensive pipe organs with unusual fidelity - including the "air breathing" sounds of actual pipes.
The console was moved in earlier this week by the Marshall-Ogletree organ dealership in Needham, Massachusetts. Around Route 128 and up Interstate 95 it traveled, arriving at our door step not as a tourist but a new, permanent resident. Both Douglas Marshall and David Ogletree worked on adjusting the organ's sound to our sanctuary. Doug is the Rodgers Company's voicing expert. We were fortunate to have such musical and technical expertise available.
In January, of 2002, the pipes were installed - 134 of them. The realism of their voices is stunning. Hearing real air being moved to create music reminded many of us of the organs of our past churches. And indeed, the Church on the Cape had a Wicks pipe organ many years ago, but it fell into disrepair. Our thanks to all supporters of this effort, both members of the congregation and friends of our church. The number and amount of gifts was overwhelming. It proved once again that this church can accomplish anything it sets its mind to. Our dedicatory pipes concert was held in April, 2002 The
Church on the Cape |
July
16 - 2000 It was a smiling Keith McClelland, our Choir Director and
Organist, who unveiled the sound of our new organ at Worship Service
today. To a full house and cheerful choir, the sanctuary was transformed
by the clarity and warmth of its sound.
One
week earlier, we had said "good-bye" to our older, 30-year-old
Allen organ, by concluding our Worship Service with the hymn "All
Glory, Laud and Honor." Today, we began our service with that very
same hymn accompanied by our new organ. The difference was electric!
It
is, like our present organ, a two manual instrument but at that point
the similarities end. A multitude of stops is available to select the
desired voice, from flute, to trumpet, to chimes. The pedals can call
up a virtual 32 foot pipe!
Not
wanting to rest on our laurels, the Organ Committee recommended that
two ranks of pipes be added in the coming year. Our fundraising effort
was quickly successful.