First Presbyterian Church’s pipe organ is the sixth- largest instrument in the state, says Ray Smithee, the church’s director of music and organist.
“A lot of churches certainly have pipe organs,” he said. “The unique thing here is probably an organ of that size in a town the size of Greenwood, you would not expect it.”
On Thursday, the church will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the refurbishing and reconfiguration of the sanctuary and the enlargement of the pipe organ in 1991. The event will feature a litany of rededication and a concert by acclaimed organist Stephen Tharp.
In April 1989, L.B. and Frances Jones offered a monetary gift to the church to be used to expand the resources of the pipe organ. An organ committee was formed and explored the possibilities of enlarging the church’s two-manual Casavant organ, which was originally installed in 1973. The committee met for a year and decided to purchase a new three-manual console from Casavant Pipe Organs, enlarge the organ chamber to accommodate the new division of pipework and new set of speaking pipes for a new facade. They also decided to renovate the choir loft and worship center. In addition, the pews in the sanctuary were reconfigured during the renovation providing for a center aisle to be added.
“It is seldom a church our size has an instrument of this quality, and we’re grateful to be able to share it with our community and beyond,” said Randy Clark, who served as chair of the committee.
The expanded chancel area not only provided space for the use of the orchestral instruments to accompany the choir but provided flexibility for special liturgical practices in worship. The sanctuary rededication service was held in 1991.
“When you play something on a full organ, with most of the pipework being turned on, it is thrilling,” said Smithee. “There’s just a majestic quality to it. It hooks you immediately. I’ve been here almost 12 years, and I love the sound of this organ more every day.”
The organ was most recently enlarged again in 2007. It contains 52 ranks (52 sets of pipes) for a total of 2,900 pipes.
“Part of the intent for the organ expansion was certainly to enhance our worship services with a magnificent instrument but to also have an instrument to share with the community and to be able to bring in performers,” said Smithee. “The sanctuary is acoustically near perfect, and that’s important with pipe organ. We have a rare marriage where we have a wonderful instrument in a wonderful setting, so it just makes it even more special.”
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
