P.J. Swartz Organ Company, Eatonton, Georgia: Christ Church, United Church of Christ, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
P.J. Swartz Organ Company,
Eatonton, Georgia
Christ Church, United Church of Christ, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
The P.J. Swartz Organ Company of Eatonton, Georgia has recently completed the rebuilding of the 1969 Verlinden organ at Christ Church UCC, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Technical, mechanical, and tonal revisions and updates were carried out. These include the replacement of the aging electro-pneumatic switches with a new Syndyne solid-state control system that offers an expanded combination action as well as MIDI capability. Trumpet pipes were replaced with a new rank for improved scaling and tonal blend, along with a 16′ extension into the Pedal. The original Vox Humana was also replaced with an historic Wangerin Oboe to expand the organ’s tonal palette and functional use. Finally, a 4′ Swell Principal rank was added, particularly so that the unification of the Great Diapason stop could be reduced.
When originally installed, the main windchests of this instrument were mounted within the chamber, higher than the top level of the tone opening. From this position, no tone from pipes could project directly through the grille opening to the nave of the church. It is speculated that this “too high” mounting of windchests by the original builder above the tone opening was caused by the tall pneumatic switch stacks that were located beneath the windchests. With the introduction of the solid-state switching system, the tall pneumatic switch stacks were removed, and the windchests lowered to bring pipes even to the tone opening level. The result is a renewed tonal vitality, presence, and projection. The repositioning of the organ pipes for good tonal egress, along with the replacement of carpeted worship space flooring with polished granite, has resulted in an excellent musical and liturgical functional space. Scott R. Riedel & Associates Ltd., Milwaukee, Wisconsin, provided consultation service to the project. The dedication recital was performed by Donald VerKuilen on November 13, 2011 to a capacity crowd.
14 ranks
GREAT
8′ Open Diapason
8′ Melodia
8′ Dulciana
4′ Octave
4′ Wald Flute (ext 8′ Melodia)
2′ Fifteenth (ext 4′ Octave)
Mixture III
8′ Trumpet
4′ Clarion (ext 8′ Trumpet)
Chimes
MIDI
SWELL
16′ Bourdon
8′ Stopped Flute (ext 16′ Bourdon)
8′ Salicional
8′ Voix Celeste
4′ Principal
4′ Flute D’amour (ext 16′ Bourdon)
4′ Salicet (ext 8′ Salicional)
22⁄3′ Nazard (ext 16′ Bourdon)
2′ Principal (ext 4′ Principal)
2′ Piccolo (ext 16′ Bourdon)
11⁄3′ Larigot (ext 16′ Bourdon)
8′ Trumpet (Great)
8′ Oboe
Tremulant
MIDI
PEDAL
32′ Resultant
16′ Subbass
16′ Bourdon (Swell)
8′ Octave (Great Diapason)
8′ Bass Flute (ext Subbass)
8′ Bourdon (Swell)
4′ Choral Bass (Great Diapason)
16′ Trumpet (ext)
8′ Trumpet (Great)
4′ Clarion (Great)
MIDI
