The organ of Abington Presbyterian Church was built by the M. P. Möller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland (opus 10551) and installed in the fall of 1969. The distinguished American organist, Robert Elmore, played the dedicatory recital on 9 November. The instrument contains six divisions and 58 ranks of pipes. After 27 years the console began to show signs of age and deterioration. When it became obvious that serious repairs would be needed, the Property and Worship and Music Councils of Abington Church engaged Ralph D. Page of Advanced Design Pipe Organs of Willow Grove, PA, to completely rebuild the console and refurbish other mechanical functions. The new console (using the original shell, manuals, and pedalboard) has a computer operated control system, and includes 125 drawknobs, 58 thumb pistons, and 32 toe studs which control over 3,200 pipes.
It is rather astounding when one considers that this entire project was completed by volunteers under the direct supervision of Mr. Page. All of the former pneumatic controls of the organ were replaced by electronics and completely rewired by hand. The old combination action was entirely removed and some renovations made to the existing chambers. The south chamber has been enlarged so that a Gambe and Gambe Celeste can be added to the Chorwerk division. It is planned that these ranks will be installed by the end of the summer of 1999. The swell shades of both the Récit and Chorwerk were also completely refurbished. Much of the work has been completed. Still to be added are certain rank extensions and, in the future, additional ranks. Over the years some of the greatest organists from the USA and
abroad have performed here at Abington. With the completion of this crucial
project, this instrument will continue to make glorious sounds well into the
next century. |
