Our New Pipe Organ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Emanuel Lutheran Church decide to undertake an organ project? A: Emanuel's organ project became a necessity because the electronic organ purchased in 1990 had surpassed its expected 30-year lifespan and was in extremely poor condition with limited functionality. This issue was already being noticed in 2015. The Ad-Hoc Committee on the organ was proposed in 2017 to address the complete replacement of the instrument by 2026. In 2021, Emanuel authorized a capital campaign to determine the scope of a comprehensive sanctuary renovation and organ replacement. The Organ Committee was formed in mid-2018 as part of the sanctuary committee to find a more permanent solution. The current electronic organ, making use of 1970s transistor technology, has only about 60% of its components still usable and is likely to fail in the next few years.

Q: Why was the decision made to get a pipe organ instead of another electronic organ? A: The Organ Committee proposed a pipe organ as a more permanent solution. While the initial purchase price of a digital organ is lower, the lifespan of a pipe organ is significantly longer. Considering a 100-year period, the cost difference between a pipe organ and the necessary replacements of digital organs becomes minimal, with the digital organ solution costing only approximately 3% less at the 75-year point. Pipe organs are also considered to have superior sound quality, visual beauty, functionality, and durability compared to digital organs. The organ is considered the instrument best able to lead congregational singing. The worship team is also committed to a blend of diverse musical styles, and the organ continues to play a part in worship at Emanuel and throughout the synod. The committee recognized the value of a one-time replacement rather than several digital organ purchases over many years.

Q: Didn't Emanuel already have a pipe organ? A: Yes, Emanuel had an original pipe organ installed in 1922, likely built by Wangerin. This organ was removed in 1990 (after 68 years) due to poor condition. The current instrument before the new one was an electronic organ purchased in 1990.

Q: Who built the new pipe organ? A: Emanuel entered into a contract with Parsons Pipe Organ Builders for a 3-manual pipe organ. Parsons, formed in 1921, celebrated its 100-year anniversary last year and is recognized as one of the most highly respected pipe organ builders.

Q: Where did components for the new pipe organ come from? A: This custom-built organ uniquely incorporates numerous high-quality components from a 2003 Berghaus organ previously located at First United Methodist Church in DeKalb, Illinois.

Q: Why was Parsons Pipe Organ Builders chosen? A: Parsons was selected for two main reasons: quality and cost. They have a long history of delivering high-quality craftsmanship. Their proposal offered the best pricing for the desired capabilities and features. This competitive pricing was partly due to the reuse of components from the Berghaus organ. The Organ Committee initially considered Parsons and Casavant as the top contenders but ultimately recommended Parsons due to ongoing quality concerns with Casavant. A similar new Parsons organ was quoted to another congregation at a significantly higher price.

Q: How much did the new pipe organ cost? A: The proposed cost for the 3-manual pipe organ from Parsons was $875,000. The value of a similar new Parsons organ was quoted earlier in 2022 to another congregation at between $1,850,000 and $1,925,000.

Q: When was the new pipe organ delivered and installed? A: According to the "Pipe Organ Delivery Schedule," the delivery of the pipe organ components was scheduled for Sunday, April 27th, 2025, around 12:00 pm. Site preparation on the balcony took place at the same time. The installation phase by a team from Parsons commenced on April 27th and is planned to continue through May 9th. Volunteers began to help unload pipes and components starting on Monday, April 28th, 2025, at 8:00 am.

Q: What happens during the installation phase? A: The balcony space will be cleared and cordoned off as an active construction area. The first-floor sanctuary space will be used for temporary storage of organ components. Funerals and chapel services may need to be scheduled off-site during this phase. Volunteers are assisting with unloading pipes and components. Worship is expected to return to the sanctuary soon, and the balcony is scheduled to reopen on May 10-11.

Q: What is the tuning and voicing phase? A: Following the installation, one or two technicians from Parsons will remain on-site for three to four weeks to customize and tune each of the 2,391 pipes. The space may still be used on an as-needed basis during this phase.

Q: When will the new pipe organ be dedicated and used in worship? A: The organ will be dedicated as part of the regularly scheduled services for Pentecost Sunday, on Saturday, June 7th at 5:15 pm and Sunday, June 8th at 8:00 and 10:30 am. An inaugural recital is planned for later in the summer or early fall.

Q: What about the musical style of worship? Will there still be piano-led music? A: Our worship team is committed to a blend of diverse musical styles, making use of all sorts of music from the past to the present day. We have seen that ensemble-led worship (praise band) can support our congregation well. The organ is seen as continuing to play a significant role in public worship, supporting hymns and liturgy, and contributing to diverse musical styles in the new synod hymnal. The addition of the organ is intended to enhance and expand the musical offerings, not to eliminate other styles.

Q: What is the expected lifespan and maintenance of a pipe organ? A: Pipe organs are designed to stand the test of time and remain in excellent working condition for generations to come. Frequency of tuning can range from once every 3 to 5 years to twice a year. Current tuning cost is approximately $120/hour and requires between 1.5 to 9 hours. Long-term maintenance typically occurs at 50 to 75-year intervals, primarily involving leather actuators if present; with electro-mechanical actuators, maintenance is typically limited to keyboard and pedal board wear and tear, electrical/electronic operating/switching system durability or obsolescence and general cleaning. The total annualized maintenance cost for a 100-year period is estimated at $717 for a pipe organ.

Q: What was the timeline for deciding on a new organ? A: The process began in June 2016 when the Board of Worship initiated an ad-hoc committee. An organ consultant was engaged in April 2017. The organ subcommittee was formed in mid-2018. The committee extensively researched options, visited other churches with different organs in 2019 and 2021, and received proposals from various builders between 2019 and 2021 before recommending Parsons in October 2021.

Q: Is there concern about finding skilled organists to play such a grand instrument? A: The Organ Committee and Board of Worship are confident that there will be sufficient talent to serve Emanuel. Research with the Master of Church Music at Martin Luther College and contacts at other churches in the area supported this confidence. A quality instrument is also expected to attract instrumentalists.

Q: How is the organ project being funded? A: The organ project was part of a larger initiative supported by congregational pledges, public loans, and Emanuel's strong endowment funds. Endowment funds were designated for debt reduction to help finance the project.

Q: How can I get more information or ask questions? A: For specific questions about the organ, you can reach out to the Design and Construction Team (including Organ), co-chaired by Charlie Spoehr and Joe Dexter.