The Letourneau Organ, Opus 51

What joy there was on March 21, 1929, when our first organ, an E.M. Skinner, rang out the processional hymn in the one-year-old structure at First United Methodist Church. Mildred Ford remembers the thrill of hearing the full, rich sounds of what was reputed to be "among the finest organs built during the period."

So unique to a listener's ear is that of the power and versatility of a majestic pipe organ that we find the music helps us celebrate and worship God. To many, a church service is the only place one ever hears an organ's mighty bass or calming depth. From the processional, when the first notes call us to open our souls and ears to worship, to the final chords that reverberate through the sanctuary, the organ carries the spirit of inspiration to the gathered community of worshipers.

The 30-rank Skinner Organ, costing $17,500, a considerable gift in depression days, was given by Mr. and Mrs. Howard Cooper. The chapel organ was also a gift, given by Cameron and Irene Davis. Then, as now, members valued the role that music, both heard and sung, played in the worship service.

By 1960, with time and constant usage, the organ needed to be rebuilt, a task undertaken by C.V. Bardon, Inc. They replaced pipes, added a custom-built console, electric chimes and over 3,000 new leather pouches (which open the valves to let the wind escape into the pipes.) This attempt to repair our small Skinner Organ bought us more years of service.

Fourteen years ago, however, we were made acutely aware of the problems with our then 67-year-old organ as Troy Carpenter, of the First United Methodist Church of Muskegon, gave a recital in October, 1986. The chests of the organ were in serious disrepair with the leathers controlling the air to the pipes falling apart. Mr. Carpenter expressed his feelings: "Leather pouches are leaky; console electrical contacts are corroded; major repairs needed on the wind chests; many pipes need work and tuning; some pipe supports are broken or falling over; very incomplete voicing by modern standards - not one single complete chorus."

And so, the Music Committee began a series of evaluations by eminent clinicians: Roger Davis of Hope College, Jonathan Tuuk, organist of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Albert Bolitho of Albion College, and John Ourensma, organist of First Presbyterian Church, Battle Creek. All four clinicians noted that many important features were inoperable, others failing, and advised that we "make the necessary investment without compromise; that the work be done by a competent, professional, and artistic organ builder."

Due to the building renovation plus the addition of the west side of the church, the organ problem was put on hold until the early 1990's when the Organ Committee reconvened. After interviewing three experts, the committee chose Dr. James Kibbie, associate professor of organ and acting chair of the Organ Department at the University of Michigan, to serve as our consultant. The committee visited churches to hear organs of recent construction, new and rebuilt, and to hear and examine the work of eight organ builders.

Fernand Létourneau, a Canadian builder of international repute, was selected as our organ builder. Dr. Kibbie and Mr. Létourneau recommended that a combination mechanical and electric-slider action organ would be best for our sanctuary. Such an organ will not only meet our musical needs and serve as the foundation of the music program for the next 100 years or more, but also provide the greatest dependability, life expectance, aesthetic appeal and value for cost.

In addition, it was determined that some acoustical work would be required to give the church the full benefit of the quality of the organ possibilities. Plywood was installed over the acoustical ceiling tiles, the floor was tiled, marble laid in the chancel and the sound system improved.

Our gratitude goes to the many donors who believed in this project to give of their talents, their time, and their resources to ensure that great music will continue to be a vital part of our church program. We, the members of the Organ Committee, have felt it a privilege and a joy to be a part of the decision-making process, and sharing the planning and excitement that culminated in the purchase of our new Létourneau Organ.

Organ Stop List

Stoplist for Létourneau, Opus 51

United Methodism