New Pipe Organ Installed
at First Jackson, Tennessee
Inaugural Recital Scheduled for January 16, 2002
Installation of a new pipe organ began on Monday,
November 5th at the First Presbyterian Church of Jackson, Tennessee.
Built by the Schantz Organ Company of Orville, Ohio, the new instrument
will have a 3 manual console and contain 56 ranks of pipes (a total
of over 3000 pipes!). The console will be white enamel finish with walnut
accents, have bone keys, ebony sharps, and ebony turned drawknobs. The
façade and organ chambers in the chancel will face the nave of the sanctuary,
placing the organ on the main axis of the room.
A careful study whether to rebuild or replace the
church's previous pipe organ began 8 years ago. After much deliberation
and listening to pipe organs from different builders, the church signed
a contract with Schantz in 1999 for the building of a new instrument.
New construction and renovation to the sanctuary necessary to prepare
for the new organ was completed earlier this year. Installation of the
instrument, as well as the process of tonal finishing and tuning, will
take four to six weeks. The organ will be ready to lead in worship by
Christmas of 2001.
Music has been a vital element of ministry for
the First Presbyterian Church throughout its 178 years. The new organ
will enhance congregational singing, provide music for special services,
and serve as an instrument for the instruction of new organists, performing
artists and recitalists. Many musical events are scheduled for the next
year as a way of celebrating and dedicating the organ to the greater
glory of God. The first event on January 16th is an Inaugural Recital
given by the church's organist, Steven Taranto. Closely following that
on January 20th will be the Dedication Service and Recital given by
organist Jeff Binford of Brownsville, Tennessee. For more information
about organ dedication events or the music at First Presbyterian church,
please contact the church at 731-422-1591. Everyone is welcome to join
in this exciting musical celebration!
