UPC's Pipe Organ

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The 47-rank instrument for University Presbyterian Church was built by Garland Pipe Organs, Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas. It contains 32 ranks of pipes from the 1854 Wicks instrument, 13 new ranks of pipes, and 2 digital electronic ranks. In order to add more flexibility in the future, the organ is prepared to receive up to 12 additional ranks.

All of the pipework from the Wicks was removed shortly after Easter 1999, and initially was restored to service just prior to February 20, 2000. The organ was completely revoiced and, in many cases, rescaled to ensure proper blend with the new pipework and the improved acoustics of the remodeled sanctuary. The new pipework includes all reeds, several flutes, Great Principal chorus, and the façade pipes. Most of the flue pipework in the instrument is constructed of spotted metal. The façade pipes are made of polished zinc. The chorus reeds are a combination of zinc and spotted metal, and the Krummhorn resonators are copper.

With the exception of two small reservoirs, mechanically the instrument is completely new. The manual windchests incorporate all electric action; the pedal is all electric and electro-pneumatic. All relay and switching equipment is solid state manufactured by Solid State Logic. A new five horsepower blower is located in the basement.

The console is completely new and positioned on a moveable platform. The combination action contains 32 levels of memory with programmable Crescendo and Full Organ. The exterior console case is red oak; the interior components are black walnut.

The Pedal Principal 16’ and portions of the Great Principal 8’ are located in the façade. The façade casework was designed by Frank Friemel of Fort Worth, and constructed of mahogany to match the other sanctuary woodworking. The Swell and Choir divisions are located in the left chamber; the Great and Pedal are located in the right chamber. The Swell and Choir are expressive, the Great and Pedal are unenclosed. The wind pressure for the manual divisions is 4”; the Pedal pressure is 5”. The Festival Trumpet is an English Hooded Trumpet playing on 10” of pressure.

Dr. Faythe Freese, former UPC organist and Assistant Professor of Organ and Artistic Director of the Austin Children’s Choir at Concordia University, Austin, played the dedication recital on June 12, 2000. The concert included the John Cook Fanfare, Louis-Nicolas Clerambault Suite de Deuxieme Ton, Cesar Franck Chorale in A Major, variations on Ein’ feste Burg is unser Gott by Johann Sebastian Bach, Helmut Walcha, Max Reger, and Flor Peeters, and the Leo Sowerby Carillon and Pageant. Participants included the Rev. San Williams, Pastor, Dr. Carroll Gonzo, Director of Music, and Ms. Janis Reinken, on behalf of the Sanctuary Renewal Committee.

Current resident organist Scott McNulty was in the audience for that spectacular event, as was Esma Beth Clark (in spirit only), UPC organist for more than forty years. The renovation of the sanctuary and pipe organ greatly enhanced the music program of the church, both in singing and instrument.