The organ at Glenwood United Methodist Church, Columbus, Ohio retains select stops from the original organ, built in 1910 by the Stevens Organ Company of Marietta, Ohio. It is one of just a few instruments known to contain pipework from the short-lived company.
The original instrument had been enlarged and moved into the present sanctuary in the 1960s. The instrument lacked presence in the room. Contained in two chambers on either side of the choir gallery, it was removed from the nave by two large brick columns. The situation was further aggravated by the installation of the main windchests several feet below the tone openings.
The new organ remedies the situation by placing the Great and Pedal organs onto two facade chests, which are exposed above the choir gallery and speak directly down the central axis of the nave. The Choir and Swell windchests, located in the existing chambers, are now placed at the level of the tone openings to allow improved sound projection.
The existing console was renovated, with new solid state controls. All windchests and casework contained in the organ were hand-crafted and assembled by artisans at Muller Pipe Organ.
Once underpowered and lacking brilliance, the new organ at Glenwood United Methodist Church makes a bold statement. The organ can now support fully congregational singing, and is suitable for both worship and recital use. The pipework from the 1910 Stevens organ sings once again in the new Muller Pipe Organ, preserving a small slice of organ history.
Glenwood United Methodist Church
Columbus, Ohio
