The original pipe organ at First English Lutheran Church of Mansfield, Ohio, was installed by M.P. Möller in 1950 (Opus 7997). Tonal additions and changes were made on two occasions and minor stopgap repairs had occurred, but the condition of the windchests and console had deteriorated nearly to the point of failure.
Our goal was to create a pipe organ with a bright and warm tonal character, and to incorporate viable ranks of the existing pipework. All retained pipework was restored, then revoiced and rebalanced to serve in new capacities within the ensemble of the organ.
The Great Organ now features a robust principal chorus comprised of new pipework, a full complement of flutes and strings, and a fiery Trompette. The Swell Organ boasts a secondary principal chorus and a battery of chorus reeds. The Choir Organ is both the most intimate and the most colorful division of the instrument, containing a flute-based Cornet, plus the sonorous Clarinet retained from the Möller. The Antiphonal Organ, once the Great principal chorus, helps support congregational singing for those seated in the rear of the nave. This pipework was substantially revoiced and regulated to speak on much higher wind pressure to insure adequate volume. The Pedal Organ, with its independent principal chorus and powerful Posaune, provides an exciting foundation for the instrument. From the softest stops to full organ, the instrument is versatile and exciting.
Critical to the overall success of the project, renovations to the chancel area were made by the church while work was in progress at our facility. The new area is much more flexible, providing a suitable space for orchestras or large choirs. The renovation improved the acoustics of the room as hardwood flooring replaced the plush carpeting in the chancel. In addition, substantially improved tonal projection was achieved by removing the original plaster wall that had served as the front of the organ chamber and replacing it with grille cloth.
The entire playing mechanism is new, with the exception of select offset windchests. The beautiful console cabinet was refinished and fitted with wheels, and is playable from three locations in the chancel. The ivory and ebony manual keyboards and the pedal keyboard were restored. New solid state operating systems were installed, including MIDI with record/playback capability, and new drawknob and tilting tablet assemblies were installed. A custom music rack was built, featuring walnut with bird’s eye maple inlay, and a new adjustable bench with backrest was provided.
A wonderful example of the American Classic tradition, this instrument will provide a firm foundation for the music ministry of First English Lutheran Church for future generations.
First English Lutheran Church
Mansfield, Ohio
