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Organs at First Presbyterian |
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Throughout its interesting history, music has played a vital role in the life of the worship services at the First Presbyterian Church of Chicago. Different church structures throughout its past have housed fine pipe organs to lead the congregation in song, and to accompany the choral singing of powerful anthems and recitals. The current structure of First Presbyterian Church, erected in 1928, houses two magnificent pipe organs. These monumental instruments, unaltered in their original state, were manufactured by the M. P. Moller Pipe Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland. Both of these instruments are a fine example of M. P. Moller's contribution to the deep, rich orchestral and symphonic tonal scheme that was employed by other prominent organ builders in the United States during the decade of the 1920's.
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| The main sanctuary organ, a large instrument of forty-seven ranks of pipes, is playable from a four manual console located to the front and to the left of the divided choir loft. This particular organ consists of five divisions: Great, Swell, Choir, Solo, Echo, and Pedal. The Echo division is located in above the south balcony seating area, while the remaining divisions are split between two totally enclosed chambers, each covered by a decorative facade of pipes. The organ that is located in McWilliams Chapel consists of six ranks of pipes, is playable from a two manual console located to the left front of the room. This organ speaks from a chamber located across the rear of the Chapel, which is covered by decorative grille work. |  |
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It has been a truly remarkable feat that the main sanctuary organ has been able in some fashion to lead the congregation of First Presbyterian Church for over eighty years without any major forms of maintenance or restoration. Only the Great, Choir, and most of the Pedal divisions of the main organ are functional today, even though there are numerous dead notes and leaking air. Overall, the primary concern of the sanctuary organ is relating to aging leather and mechanics. The other divisions of this organ for many years have been silenced due to water damage from roof leakage. The smaller organ, located in the Chapel is unplayable due to continuously sounding notes, known as ciphers that are all related to aging leather, Both of these valuable, magnificent instruments are awaiting a very badly needed restoration.
Donald M. Hill |
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