United
Methodist Church
Plattsburgh, NY
The new Russell and Company pipe organ for the Plattsburgh United Methodist Church has 49 speaking stops on two manuals and pedal, and is Opus 28 of the firm.
The free-standing instrument speaks directly into the room, and replaces a failing electronic instrument whose speakers were enclosed in a room at floor level adjacent to the chancel. Pipes from the Principal 16' and 8' ranks, of flamed copper and polished zinc, form the facade.
Mahogany, with a hand-rubbed stain and oil finish, was chosen for the casework and console in order to blend the instrument into its surroundings and maintain the focus for worship on the altar. The organ has a detached console with electric key action and electric slider stop action with solid-state controls. The console, of French terraced design, is mounted on castors to permit flexibility in its location for use with the choir and for solo recitals. An eight-level combination action, transposer, and eight-bell Zimbelstern are also featured. The instrument contains a generous sampling of reed stops, including a Trompet and Cromorne in the Great, and a French reed chorus (Basson, Trompette and Clairon) in the Swell. The instrument speaks on 75 mm of wind pressure. Two stops, the horizontal Trompette en Chamade and a second Swell mixture stop, are prepared for on the console for future additions. Scaling, voicing, and finishing of the instrument were done with great care so as to produce a rich singing quality in ensemble, as well as elegant individual voices.
An acoustical renovation of the sanctuary preceded the organ installation in order to complete the original interior design and to correct certain acoustical problems. Sheetrock panels to cover the insulation material along the high side walls of the nave have improved the reverberation of the room to a more desirable 3-4 seconds. In addition, the carpet in the chancel was replaced with a new parquet floor, and the choir will be repositioned so that they may sing directly into the room. Tonal design is by Stephen J. Russell. Shop personnel involved in the construction in addition to Mr. Russell include Don Merlino, Chris Lumley, Frank Thompson, Larry Nevin, Janet Brennan, Beth Dengler, Carole Russell, Linda Robinson, and Dan Scott.