Today, when many lack the fortitude and commitment to sustain major restorations of any kind let alone of musical assets like the pipe organ, one community’s patience and dedication brought a phased restoration of a historic Pipe Organ built by esteemed American organ builder, Ernest M. Skinner in 1922 to its completion in 2024.
The pipe organ has been a constant presence and is a key part of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church’s long celebrated history of nearly a 150 years. Multiple generations have worshiped with the organ and supported its care to ensure its longevity. Present and past music and church leaders have been careful stewards of the church Skinner Pipe Organ, that is not only a key musical asset for the church but a national heritage.
The E. M. Skinner legacy.
In 1903 the Skinner Organ company was established. Skinner’s first organs were two manual and were duplexed. By the 1920’s his contracts expanded and his company grew. “The Skinner Organ Company contracted its.Op. 398 to the church in late 1922 and it was first used July 22, 1923 in its dedication at an evening service,”(Source: 2009 Organ Historical Society organ atlas) An identifying feature of this pipe organ are its six stops that are duplexed from the Swell and can be played on the Great manual.
To this day, E.M. Skinner is respected as one of America’s greatest organ builders. His quality of workmanship is unsurpassed. He was an advocate of innovation and instrumental in making the King of Instruments to be more versatile.
Diligence and fortitude with phased re-leathering.
Thanks to Organist, Joan VanWormer’s leadership, the church has been diligent about addressing re-leathering major components of the pipe organ since the late 80”s ( the pouches, primaries and stop actions of the divisional wind chests, re-leathered static and divisional bellows, restored Harp/Celesta machine etc.) Historically sympathetic re-leathering of pipe organ components requires, knowledge of organ building standards, skill, patience and a great attention to detail. This recent phase of the restoration brought back wonderful memories of early years working with, Master organ builder John Leek who led the restoration using methods of the art of organ building the Skinner way.
Our technicians, have been privileged to have partnered with Organists Joan Van Wormer, Music Director Mark Skladan, Ms. Amy Kellogg and many more church leaders in caring for this heritage instrument over the past four decades. The organ has always been a strong part of St. Andrew’s faith and leadership community’s music history. Caring for this organ not only honors the last 100 years of music and past congregations but also keeps their musical tradition thriving into the future.
A versatile organ that is pleasing to the ear and attractive to modern musicians.
“In the modern organ every convenience is provided to maximize operative convenience. This permits the organist to concentrate on interpretation unhampered by mechanical interference” (Source: “The composition of the organ, Ernest M. Skinner, Richmond H. Skinner.)
The remaining pipe organ key item to be upgraded was the organ switching controls. This was akin to “brain surgery” that the pipe organ needed to make it relevant to the needs of new age of musicians. This delicate surgery did not change the existing tonal (acoustic) character of the organ as the pipework remains as is. Installation of a new control system primed it for the path to the future. The outdated wiring, was removed to enhance the functionality of the organ. Click here to for more on Organ Control Systems
Today the combination action function is performed by advanced computer technology driven by solid state control systems. This work involved replacing dated and out of code, electrical cabling in both chamber and in console, and installing a 21st century solid state control system for the organ. The cotton covered cables are now improved from being a potential fire hazard to safer code compliance.
The Skinner legacy thrives for current and future congregants
Instead of being relegated to being a mere museum piece, their Skinner organ was upgraded into a functionally improved instrument that will allow the organist the ability to showcase their talents while robustly supporting congregational song.
The St. Andrews Community together ensured that their historic Skinner pipe organ continues to deliver exceptional musical excellence, elevating worship services to new heights.
