1996 Rededication of the Organ
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.
Möller Console
Organ Transcept
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.
Antiphonal Organ
South Chamber
North Chamber
Leander Chapin Claflin,
Organist & Music Associate
15 November 1996
Mr. Claflin passed away since composing this document. The
Church Organ Web Page is dedicated to his memory.
Click here to see the
organ stoplist