Episcopal Church Expands 12-Rank Tracker with Allen Quantum 4-Manual Organ

Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Midlothian, VA
Allen Organ Quantum 405
4-manual

When the Organ committee of the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Midlothian, Virginia was faced with completing their Kenneth Jones, 12 rank tracker organ, they faced a huge dilemma. The cost to finish the organ was enormous and after completion, would still be too small for the music program of the Church.

Having attended a concert by Felix Hell on the E.M. Skinner/Allen organ in Petersburg, the organist decided to broach the idea of the unthinkable. Could we consider adding an Allen console with Renaissance/Quantum voices to our Organ? After also visiting the three-manual custom Allen at Christ Church, Georgetown, the committee decided on the Allen Quantum 405 in combination with their pipe organ. This large four manual instrument would give the versatility and color necessary for the music program of the church. It would be within range of what the church was willing to spend to complete the pipe organ and would give them a range of stops that would have been impossible in the limited balcony chambers which were available.

The organ is being installed and will be dedicated by Felix Hell, one of the most exciting organist to grace the concert stage in many years, on June 4, 2006. Do not miss this concert! Seating will be limited and the concert should prove to be one of the most important organ events of the year in the Richmond area.

What Do These Three Churches Have in Common?
They All Chose 2-Manual Renaissance Organs for Their Services!

Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA

Lakeside Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
Allen Renaissance
2-manual

Westminster Canterbury, Richmond, VA

Westminster Canterbury, Richmond, VA
Allen Renaissance
2-manual

St. Luke Episcopal Church, Powhatan, VA

St. Luke Episcopal Church, Powhatan, VA
Allen Renaissance
2-manual

First English Lutheran Installs Unique Custom Allen Organ

First English Lutheran, Richmond, VA
Allen Organ Custom French Renaissance
3-manual, 124 ranks

Since it's beginning in 1876, First English Lutheran Church has remained an urban church, providing ELCA ministry to inner city Richmond, VA. Established as the first church with local Lutheran services conducted in the English language, it conducts many programs including a thriving, exciting Music Ministry.

The Gothic-style house of worship resides at the beginning of Monument Avenue, a National Historic Landmark. The sanctuary was built on a corner of "Stuart Circle" where a commanding Civil War figure, Jeb Stuart, rides his steed in battle.

In 2001, a committee of eight members, dedicated to the rich musical heritage of their congregation, set out to improve upon their aging pipe organ. Built by M.P. Moller in 1911 and sadly in need of repairs, the organ did not meet the demands of a growing Music Ministry. The organ search committee called in Robert G. Pierce Pipe Organ Service for an evaluation and hired a consultant. Obvious to all was the immediate need to replace the console. Pipe work would be required as well and an expansion in an already crowded chamber was desired. The Allen Organ Company of Macungie, PA was recommended for the improvements.

In July of 2001, the group traveled to Macungie, skeptical, but considering the recommendation to combine Allen's Renaissance technology with their Moller. Organist Linus Ellis, working with First English's consultant and Allen technicians, created a unique specification with exceptional solutions to the problematic Moller. The committee traveled to hear combination Allen/pipe instruments and to the factory where the magic of digital organ technology was created. The custom organ design was reviewed. Now excited and convinced the digital stops would be indistinguishable from the pipe stops, the committee returned to Richmond with good news: they could keep the 18 ranks of Moller pipework, replacing the console and adding significantly to the organ.

The results were a new console designed with a custom French specification and custom Baroque specification and pipe controls totaling 124 ranks. The richness of the overall sound will delight worshippers and concert goers alike for many years to come.

Clients

Bethel Baptist
Calvary Baptist
Cartersville Baptist
Colonial Baptist
First English Lutheran
Gentle Shepard Catholic
Lakeside Presbyterian
Nelsen Funeral Home
Skipwith Baptist
St. James Episcopal
St. Luke Episcopal
Westminster Canterbury