|
| The Organ Bear |
Allen MDS 60 Digital Organ Stop List
After the creation of Word of God Parish in 1994, it became apparent that the pipe organ in use at
St. Anselm Church was in need of a complete overhaul. Much of the console (which was believed to be a
salvaged theatre organ console) was not functioning, the leather work was shot, and the tonal qualities of the instrument was
inconsistant at best. (Over the years, pipes were added from at least 4 organ manufacturers.) Unfortunately,
the cost of repair was prohibitive and the congregation began searching for other options. After an extensive search,
the congregation decided to replace the old pipe organ with a state of the art digital organ.
Installation of the Allen Organ Console at St. Anselm Church was completed in December 1996 by Gerrero
Music of Wheeling, WV. This organ, model MDS-60 was manufactured at the Allen Organ plant in Macungie, PA. It
features the equivilent of 57 Stops (72 Ranks) of pipe organ quality sound. In addition, a 36 sound SmartMIDI system
features orchestral sounds like strings, woodwinds, piano, harpsichord, bells and percussion. This organ was manufactured
during the 25th anniversary of the Allen Digital Organ.
The Organ Bear (who
I just realized has no name!), was a gift from a now-deceased choir member at Emanuel's Lutheran Church.
The Lutheran Church celebrates a Sunday each year called "Church Music Sunday." Of course, I
told everyone it was really "Church Musician Sunday," and naturally, I
should receive gifts! When Church Music(ian) Sunday rolled around, I found this bear waiting for me on the keyboard
- a gift from Helen Bartlett. He has stayed with me ever since - moving from church organ to church organ for more
than 17 years. (He looks good for his age, huh!)
|
