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New Organs

August 2, 2003
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From the builder

John-Paul Buzard Pipe Organ Builders, Champaign, Illinois,
has built a new organ for St. George's Episcopal Church, Belleville, Illinois.
The firm's opus 19 comprises 26 stops, 32 ranks on two manuals and pedal in a
free-standing white oak case.

The opportunity to design and build a new pipe organ for St.
George's Church came about when the parish built a magnificent new church
building, winning architectural awards, and becoming the pride of the diocese.
About the time the new church was built, the Buzard Opus 7 organ was being
installed  at The Episcopal Chapel
of St. John the Divine, in Champaign, Illinois. The aging electronic organ at the chapel was sold to St. George's as a temporary instrument while the parish grew into its new worship space.

St. George's and St. Mark's Lutheran Church, an ELCA
congregation, share church and office spaces. These two congregations truly
live the spirit of "Concordat." Although the organ was to be purchased
by St. George's parish, both congregations wanted to be sure that it would be
tonally appropriate for Stanford as well as for Bach.

A visit to Champaign by Henry Willis IV in spring, 1997 was
the occasion of a visit to St. George's, and collaboration on a new set of
Buzard-cum-Willis scalings and mixture compositions subsequently used in the
St. George's organ. The Diapason scales themselves are somewhat smaller than
found in typical American organs. A warm and grand tone is produced in these
smaller scales by higher cut-ups and certain Willis particulars of pipe
construction. The flute, mutation, and string scales are more generous, adding
to the variety of colors.

This results in a rich and warm fundamental sound, plenty of
brightness in the higher pitched stops, beautiful round flutes, spicy mutations
and shimmering strings. The Great and Swell choruses balance each other in a
classic context, each being of slightly different color, but both being
sprightly and buoyant. A darker texture can be created by registering the organ
romantically, by doubling up on 8 and 4-foot pitches, leaving the mixtures
until last in a seamless, romantic build-up of sound.

The reeds exhibit full, rich colors, usable in chorus or
smaller solo roles; the Tuba is in balance to the full organ, usable in
ensemble or single notes without obliterating the rest of the instrument. Of
particular note in this instrument is a 1902 Willis 8' Corno di Bassetto which
has been restored and included in this organ as an 8' Cremona on the Great
Organ. This stop has the warmth and "woodiness" of a Clarinet, but a
bit of the pungency of a Cromorne.

The case and console are made of solid white oak and white
oak veneers with dark walnut trim. The crosses in the towers echo the circular
window muntons and coincidentally, are the same design as St. Mark's
processional cross. The casework at the top of the flats and cove detailing in
the towers have purple/blue and gold leaf striping, the color purple being
found in a large cross suspended behind the altar and framed in a clear glass
arched window.

Pipes in the front are 75% English tin, with a lightly
polished finish. Inside pipes are mostly of 50% tin, except the flute stops of
higher lead content. Wooden pipes are poplar with walnut mouths, including the
Great 8' Flute Celeste, a Ludwigtone. The low 6 pipes of the Pedal 16' Open
Diapason are made of wood and stand behind the case. Wind pressure: Great
31/2", Swell 4", Pedal 31/2", 4", 5".

The organ was first played for services on Easter Day, 1998.
A Service of Dedication and short recital was held on May 31, played and
conducted by the parish's music director, Dr. Nancy Ypma; Thomas Murray
inaugurated the organ in a public recital in November.

--John-Paul Buzard

From the music director and organist Nancy S. Ypma

St. George's Organ Committee initially came together in 1990
during the planning of our new church building. In order to be sure a new
instrument could be housed in the church at a future date, the committee looked
at various instruments and considered the acoustics during architectural
planning. The new building was dedicated on December 8, 1991 and an 18 year-old
electronic organ was temporarily installed.

The committee re-formed in 1995 with the hope that funds
would be found for a pipe organ. We researched electronic, combination
instruments, and pipe organs. This instrument was not only to serve St.
George's Episcopal parish but also St. Mark's Lutheran parish, with which we
share our sanctuary, offices and educational building. After much research,
visits and presentations, the committee met in August to make a decision. One
of the committee members stated the difference between electronic instruments
and pipe organs most eloquently: "The electronic organ's sound touches
your ears, but the pipe organ's sound touches your soul." A vote was taken
and it was unanimous that the instrument was to be built by John-Paul Buzard.

As the committee began to worry about the funds, Mrs. Audrey
Marsh-King, a long standing member of St. George's and community business
woman, announced that she and her family would like to give the organ to the
parish as a gift in memory of her parents, Walt and Pearle Marsh. The room was
filled with an awesome silence and then elation. We sang The Doxology and
celebrated.

Over the next two and-a-half years the committee worked with
John-Paul in planning the specifications, design, and installation of the new
organ. The floor in the organ's installation area was reinforced, hanging light
fixtures removed, and spotlights installed. Then, on March 10, 1998 the organ
arrived and members of both parishes helped carry in all the various
components. The organ came together over the next six weeks and was first
played at Sunday morning Easter services. It was a glorious morning.

I am delighted that St. George's has such a wonderful organ.
So many people worked together to make it a reality. Audrey Marsh-King's
generous gift, the committee's hard work, the financial expertise of church
members which allowed earnings from the gift's wise investment to add a 16'
Open Diapason in the pedal division, and finally and very importantly, the
professionalism and expertise of John-Paul Buzard and his staff. I enjoyed
working with John-Paul and discussing all the facets of the instrument. The
organ is perfect for our Episcopal liturgy and the variety of music we perform,
yet also meets the needs of the Lutheran liturgy. The organ was dedicated on
Pentecost, May 31, 1998 at an Evensong followed by a concert which I had the
honor to perform.

From Elliot H. Blackburn, Rector, St. George's Episcopal Church

St. George's Parish had some unique challenges as we
prepared for the selection and choice of a pipe organ for our new church
building which was constructed in 1991. Since 1983 St. George's has shared its
facilities with St. Mark Lutheran Church, a parish with a strong liturgical
tradition rooted in the heritage of the German Chorale and continental organ
music. St. George's liturgical tradition calls more upon an English sound. We
knew that this would be a challenge for any organ builder. Additionally, our
space could best be described as a contemporary gothic design, with semi
circular seating. From the beginning of the design phase of the building, it
had been decided, with the architect, that the organ would be located in the
north bay. We have been very pleased with the way that John-Paul Buzard and his
associates worked with us, our architect, and St. Mark Lutheran Church to meet
both our design and tonal specifications. We believe that the result is a
magnificent and beautiful instrument.

GREAT

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Lieblich
Gedeckt (wood)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Open
Diapason (tin-facade)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flûte
à Bibéron (metal)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Gedeckt
Flute (ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flûte
Cœlestis

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Spire
Flute

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Fifteenth

                        11/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Larigot

                        11/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Fourniture
IV

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Cremona
(1902 Willis Basset Horn)

                                                Tremulant

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Minor
Trumpet (Sw 16')

                                                Cymbalstern
(prep)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Major
Tuba (hooded)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Tuba
Solo (melody coupler)

                                                Gt
16-UO-4

                                                Sw/Gt
16-8-4

SWELL

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Stopped
Diapason (wood)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Salicional

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Voix
Celeste (TC)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Harmonic
Flute

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Nazard
(tapered)

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flageolet

                        13/5' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Tierce

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Full
Mixture IV

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Basson
(1–12 1/2 lgth)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trompette

  style='mso-tab-count:1'>                      8'
                Oboe

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarion
(from 16')

                        style="mso-spacerun: yes">                      Tremulant

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Major
Tuba (Gt)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Tuba
Solo (Gt)

                                                Sw
16-UO-4

PEDAL                     

                        32' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Subbass
(electr ext)

                        32' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Lieblich
Gedeckt (Gt electr ext)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Open
Diapason (1–6 open wood,                                                                                     rest
tin in facade)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Bourdon
(wood)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Gedeckt
(Gt)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal
(ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Bass
Flute (ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Gedeckt
Flute (Gt)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Choral
Bass (ext)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Trombone

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Basson
(Sw)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet
(ext)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarion
(Sw)     

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Major
Tuba (Gt)

                                                Gt/Ped
8-4

                                                Sw/Ped
8-4

Lewis & Hitchcock, Inc., Vienna, Virginia, has built a new organ for Christ Episcopal Church,
Gordonsville, Virginia. The firm's opus 275 comprises 14 registers, 15 ranks,
859 pipes, and a Zimbalstern of 9 bells, over two manuals and pedal. Seven
ranks of pipes were retained from the church's former organ, rebuilt to new
standards, along with the console, which was totally rebuilt. The case projects
forward slightly into the nave to permit the new facade pipes (the bass of the
8' Principal) to extend up beyond the arch. These were designed in the same
style as the former false pipes, with the same mouth line and gilded mouths.
The Trompette en Chamade, to be mounted above the west door, will be installed
later this year.

GREAT

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              RohrGedeckt
(from Subbass &                                                                                            Rohrflute)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Rohrflute

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Dulciana

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Unda
Maris (TC)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Octave
(ext)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Rohrflute
(ext)

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Octave
(ext)

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flute
(ext)

                        11/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Mixture
II

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Cornet
II (from Swell 22/3 & 13/5)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet
(Sw)

                                                Gt
16-UO-4

                                                Sw/Gt
16-8-4

                                                Chimes
(prep)

                                                MIDI
(prep)

SWELL

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Melodia

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Salicional

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Voix
Celeste (TC)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Unda
Maris II (Gt)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flute
(ext)

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Nazard

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal
(ext)

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flute
(ext)

                        13/5' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Tierce
(37 pipes)

                        11/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Larigot
(from 22/3)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Trombone
(ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Oboe

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarion
(ext)

                                                Tremolo

                                                Sw
16-UO-4

                                                MIDI
(prep)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trompette
en Chamade (prep)

PEDAL

                        32' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Resultant

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Subbass

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              RohrGedeckt
(from Subbass &                                                                                            Rohrflute)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal
(Gt)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Rohrflute
(Gt)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Dulciana
(Gt)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal
(Gt)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flute
(Sw)

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Mixture
II (from Sw Principal &                                                                                        Nazard)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Trombone
(Sw)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet
(Sw)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Oboe
(Sw)

                                                Gt/Ped
8-4

                                                Sw/Ped
8-4

                                                MIDI
(prep)

T. R. Rench and Co.,
Racine, Wisconsin, has completed the installation of a new organ for Bethany
Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenosha, Wisconsin. This organ replaces an Aeolian
organ built during the mid-1920s. Pipework from the Aeolian was used in the
otherwise new organ. The Great division contains new pipework, while the
Aeolian pipes make up most of the Swell pipework; the Swell Diapason pipes are
new. Windpressures are 4" for the Great and 5" for the Swell and
Pedal. For the greatest flexibility in stoplist development and organ layout,
unit-type electropneumatic chests are installed even though the organ is
essentially straight. The 2-manual console features rocking-tablet stop
controls. Console woodwork is of ash stained to harmonize with the church
decor. The electrical system is of the multiplex type in order to minimize the
size of the long console cable and allow installation of MIDI equipment in the
future. Casework is of hardwood construction and reminiscent of late
19th-century designs. Front display pipes are speaking pipes of the bass
octaves of the Great Open Diapason and Pedal Open Bass, and are finished in a
brilliant gold lacquer with the mouths of polished pipe metal. The organ was
dedicated on November 15, 1998 in a service of hymns and organ solos by Charles
Bonow.

GREAT

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Open
Diapason

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Claribel
Flute

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Viola
(Sw)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Octave

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Harmonic
Flute

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Fifteenth

                        III style='mso-tab-count:1'>                 Mixture

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarinet
(Sw)

SWELL

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Lieblich
Gedeckt (ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Diapason

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Stopped
Flute

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Viola

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Celeste

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flute
d'Amour

                        22/3' style='mso-tab-count:1'>        Nazard

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Principal

                        2' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Flautino

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarinet

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Vox
Humana

                                                Tremulant

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet
(Gt)

PEDAL

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Sub
Bass

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Lieblich
(Sw)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Open
Bass

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Bourdon
(ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Gedeckt
(Sw)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Choral
Bass (ext)

                        16' style='mso-tab-count:1'>              Trumpet
(ext)

                        8' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Trumpet
(Gt)

                        4' style='mso-tab-count:1'>                  Clarinet
(Sw)

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