The organ of Trinity Lutheran Church, Wauseon, Ohio, began as an H.D. Blanchard instrument of 13 ranks installed in 1964. Although boldly voiced on appropriate wind pressures, it lacked presence in the sanctuary due to a proscenium arch that separated it from the nave, and a ceiling made of porous material.
When the console began to fail, it was deemed time to remedy the entire situation. A renovation plan was designed to relocate the Great princi
pal chorus closer to the nave by placing it on a new exposed windchest located above the choir gallery. To complete the original specification, additions were placed on the chamber windchests. The porous surfaces on the ceiling in the nave were removed and replaced with hard plaster, vastly improving the acoustic of the room.
A new exposed Great division, using existing Principal pipes, helps to alleviate the projection problems of the organ by placing part of the instrument further forward into the nave. The existing Principal pipes were polished and fitted with new aluminum tuners. Expression shutters were added to the portion of the Great still contained in the chamber, in which a new 8' English Oboe and a Dulciana (formerly in the Swell) were placed.
Many additions were also made to the Swell division. Two new string stops were added, to provide a warm string celeste registration. A 4' Koppelflöte was added to provide an independent flute chorus in the Swell. 2-2/3' and 2' flutes were added to complete the division’s specification. The Pedal division was enlarged with the addition of a new 16' Principal and 16' Contre Trompette.
An example of tonal updating, the organ now leads congregational singing more effectively and allows for more diverse repertoire to be played. With a new lease on life, the organ will provide music for the congregation for years to come.
Trinity Lutheran Church
Wauseon, Ohio
