St. Michael’s Lutheran

Portland, Oregon, 1989

This organ replaced an organ from Balcom & Vaughan that included Kimball windchests/pipework along with new windchests/pipework and a new console from B&V. The instrument was located in two large chambers in the rear balcony. The new organ was installed in the same chambers along with a new free standing case that housed the Great organ.

The casework is a simple design, incorporating solid red oak with access from the rear. The façade pipes consist of the 8’ Principal in flamed coppers as well as polished tin. This organ introduces an exciting feature, the Trompette en Chamade! With resonators of flamed copper, the sound of this stop can be heard above the full organ without overpowering the listener.

Some of the existing B&V windchests were retained and thoroughly rebuilt. New windchests were added and of direct valve design and electro-pneumatic design. The Balcom & Vaughan console was retained with a new combination action and solid state switching system. Most of the new metal pipes were hand crafted by Stinkens of Holland. The new Trompette en Chamade came from AR Schopp’s Sons of Alliance, Ohio. Much of the existing B&V pipework was rescaled and revoiced to match the new sounds of the organ.

The task of designing and building the complex casework was expertly handled by Frans Bosman who also assisted with the installation. Richard Wrye, Cantor at St. Michael’s was instrumental in all phases of the work from the intial conversations to installation and final tonal finishing. The inaugural concert featured Paul Manz with subsequent recitals by Ed Hansen, Joseph Adam, Nancy & Timothy Nickel