New organ is installed at St. Andrew’s
Special to the Gazette
Friday, May 1, 2009
Workers began Monday installing a new organ Monday at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 828 Commercial St. The custom-built Johannus digital organ is a gift from church member Douglas Amend.
The organ, which has the range and power of a cathedral organ, joins the church’s 1963 Reuter pipe organ, which was made in Lawrence. Actually, the church has three organs. Several years ago, the church restored a pump organ that was in use in the church’s original building as early as 1886.
The new organ, a memorial to Amend’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. V.F. Amend, is intended to be “an asset to worship,” Amend said.
The Johannus organ company is headquartered in Ede, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The company visits churches and cathedrals throughout Europe, particularly in the Netherlands, to record the sounds of old pipe organs. The notes are then digitalized for use in the organs the company builds.
The Rev. Kelley Lackey II, rector of St. Andrew’s, said settling the organ into its new home will take several weeks. He plans to have the dedication of the organ during the 7 p.m. service on Ascension Day, May 21. People interested in hearing the new organ are welcome to attend that service or the 11 a.m. service on any of the following Sundays.
Sue Seeman is the organist at St. Andrew’s.