Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana, IN
Background
The historic, six rank 1928 Holtkamp, Voteller, and Sparling organ at Grace United
Methodist Church had not been playable for several years. In fact, the 75 member
church had already acquired an electronic organ. But fortunately, some members were
determined to save the pipe organ in their 1880 church.
Scope of the Rebuild Project
The Marion, Indiana firm Reynolds Associates Pipe Organ Services, Inc. was able to
make significant improvements to this organ despite very limited funds. Upgrades
included:
Reregulating all pipework;
Replacing aged electropneumatic note actions with electromechanical actions installed
in the existing cavities;
Installing a new Peterson Diode Matrix switching system;
Entirely rebuilding the console including the manual keyboards and pedalboard;
Installing a new reservoir and tremulant;
Fitting a new Peterson swell shade operator.
Other Highlights
This organ features an unusual "Ludwigstone" stop: Each pipe consists of two Melodia
pipes in a common shell, back to back. A very warm, beautiful Flute Celeste effect is
created by tuning one pipe slightly sharp and the other slightly flat to pitch.
The pipe organ was rededicated in late 1998 with a recital by Dr. John G. Maher, Professor
of Music at Indiana Wesleyan University.
While the proper operation of this instrument was restored, neither the look and feel of
the console nor the original sound were changed. Following the rededication recital, a
church trustee who had originally opposed the project (thinking it could not be done)
realized that he had been wrong and was very glad the organ had been saved. The electronic
organ was promptly sold.
For more information you may contact Reverend Ken Parsons at the church. Reynolds
Associates Organ Services, Inc. may be reached by telephone or fax at (765) 662-3108, or
by email at info@reynoldsorgans.com .
www.reynoldsorgans.com
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