OUR NEW ORGAN

In 1976, The Allen Organ Company replaced our aging pipe organ, which having been rebuilt earlier, had surpassed life expectancy.  The Allen organ served us well until 1997, when a lightning strike blew out part of its circuitry.  Although professionally repaired, it never fully recuperated from the damage.  Thus, an Organ Committee was formed and a consultant employed.  We visited several pipe organs in hopes of building a new one here, but soon found out that, while we could afford a modest instrument, we could not afford the structural changes necessary to carry the weight of a pipe organ.  Fortunately, our consultant was familiar with the work of Walker Technical Company.  Walker is well-known for adding digital voices to existing pipe organs, rather than building electronic organs.  We asked them to build a new digital organ using a new console to be provided by Austin Organ Company, but Bob Walker offered us a Reuter console from Christ Church in Cranbrook, Michigan.  Built in 1970, it was totally renovated for our use and installed in 1998.  This exciting organ was formally dedicated by the renowned artist, Fred Swann, of the Crystal Cathedral, and because of its quality, has been responsible for the creation of several other Walker instruments, including one as far away as Ontario.  With its full midi capabilities, it is an organ that will continue to inspire and delight us for many years to come.  And we LOVE the way our own organist, John Parsons, makes it sound!