ABOUT ALDERSGATE’S PIPE ORGAN

Aldersgate’s ministry was significantly enhanced in the Spring of 2001 with the installation of a new Casavant pipe organ in the sanctuary. The organ, which has four divisions, 25 individual stops and 1796 pipes, is housed in two beautiful stained oak enclosures that were designed to blend in with the existing sanctuary architecture. The matching oak console, which is mounted on a moveable platform, has 3 separate keyboards and a pedalboard. The organ also has a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) that electronically produces additional sounds for use independently or with the organ’s pipe tones. The instrument was designed and built at the Casavant factory in St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.

The organ was first used for worship services on Easter, 2001 and the dedicatory recital was held on May 20 of that year. Dr. Eileen Guenther of the Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D. C. was the recitalist.

Prior to the arrival of the organ, several modifications to the sanctuary were made. They include construction of platforms to support the two organ enclosures, construction of a blower room, acoustical improvements to the ceiling and walls surrounding the organ and installation of new carpet.

Numerous members and friends of Aldersgate made possible this beautiful instrument through their generous pledges and donations over a six-month period in mid-1998. Their names and the loved ones they honored or memorialized are recorded on plaques affixed to the organ enclosures.

The rich, warm sounds of this splendid instrument may be heard at our 8:30 and 11:15  Sunday morning worship services. The organ may also be heard during recitals and choral concerts several times each year.