45-rank
Æolian-Skinner
Pipe Organ.
Built in 1959 in
Boston, Massachusetts.

Music is intimately bound with the proclamation of the Word, an opportunity for us to express through hymns, anthems and liturgy those feelings that are often difficult to express with words. The music of the Christian faith is meant to deepen and enrich our worship experience. Music has the ability to make us of one heart and voice, a natural response of a living faith. Those who are called to presenting music for worship have the important task of leading worshippers toward greater heights of inspiration and beauty, to the glory of God.

St. Michael’s has had a rich musical tradition. The choir, with Organist and Choir Master, Jane Haman, is committed to presenting music of the highest caliber on Sundays and special Feast days. Major works with orchestra are presented at Michaelmas, Christmas Eve and Easter.

The organ has long been considered the most effective musical resource for worship. Its primary function is that of accompanying congregational singing. A well-designed organ is an effective accompaniment to the human voice. Its unique timbre, even at full volume, will complement rather than cover congregational singing. An organ should also offer a variety of tone colors to give it the flexibility needed for other liturgical uses, and for use as a solo instrument.

Our Æolian-Skinner organ is an excellent representation of the “American Classic” design. It was originally built for Christ Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1959. St. Michael’s purchased this instrument in 1989. In 1998, after repairs and upgrades were made, it was installed at St. Michael’s. The organ has now been completed, with the addition of the Antiphonal division, as well as changes and additions to the other divisions.  To celebrate the Antiphonal division being installed and operational, the organ was rededicated on May 22nd, 2005 with a celebratory by nationally-acclaimed organist Todd Wilson.

Our completed instrument will more than adequately serve all the church’s musical needs, and have the flexibility for the playing of organ literature from all periods. It will also prove to be an outstanding recital organ and community resource.