2018_19 Music BrochureUpload_8_22

ORGAN HISTORY
At Christ Church, music has long been recognized not only
as an integral part of the worship of Almighty God but also
as an outreach of the larger community. After 143 years of
opening its doors for worship and prayer, the original organ
at Christ Church was in need of great repair. After numerous
evaluations and the advice of experts, Christ Church had
determined the organ would need to be replaced. We engaged
Charles Krigbaum, University Organist and Chairman of the
Organ Department at Yale University. Mr. Krigbaum, along with
a host of other specialists, had determined we would be best
served by a “tracker” organ, which uses traditional mechanical
linkages between keyboard and pipe, rather than by another
electropneumatic instrument.
Christ Church hired John Brombaugh and Associates, Inc. of
Eugene, Oregon to build the organ. The case for our organ was
designed copying the organ at Christ Church Oxford, completed
in 1685, the year of J.S. Bach’s birth. Tonally, the instrument
itself follows classical principles of organ building, combined
with elements of the Willis organs at St. Paul’s, London and
Salisbury Cathedral. Several ranks from the previous organ were
incorporated into this organ, thus continuing the gifts of
generations past.
The scope of the project grew as we learned we would
require a new electrical system, resurfacing of the walls,
and reconstruction of the supporting framework. Since the
nave is essentially the “sounding board” of the instrument,
each of the planks of the ceiling would be renailed, caulked,
and surface-coated with polyurethane. Following this arduous
task came the design of a new recording and amplification
system. The project continued to grow with updates to the
wiring and lighting which were 40 to 70 years old. When the
heating unit was replaced and the pews and floors required
cleaning and refinishing, the scope of the work had reached
substantial heights.
Members of Christ Church moved out of the Church the Sunday
after Easter in 1990, and the long list of updates was completed
by September of the same year.
Thanks to the devoted generosity of many and to the wise use
of our resources, we have a shining sanctuary and one of the
world’s great musical instruments to enrich our worship of
God. The organ is given in memory of Eleuthére Irénée du Pont
(1771–1834) and of his daughters, Victorine Elizabeth,
Evelina Gabrielle, and Sophie Madeleine, who founded this
parish in 1848.
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