Parkey Organbuilders completed installation of the casework, blowers, controls, console and pipework by June 15, 2007. The Chancel Organ comprises twelve ranks or sets of pipes and is about 25% of the total organ.
About 50% of the current organ will be retained and reworked and additions will be made to create a new main organ of 37 ranks. The new main organ will be reinstalled in the balcony in late spring 2008.
When the choirs return after their summer break, they will be seated in the front of the nave with the congregation. Specific plans for this are being made now.
You may also have noticed the new console on the right side of the nave floor near the baptismal font. This console controls only the organ in the front of the room and is fully portable - moving on wheels and attached to the organ chambers by three plug-in cords. The console can be positioned on the main floor for use with a choir, orchestra, or other ensemble, or it can be removed from the room completely when additional space is needed. A new console for the main organ in the balcony will also include controls for the front organ, allowing it to be played as an antiphonal foil to the main organ and to support congregational singing.
