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New Organ Proclaims
'Earth & All Stars Sing'
by Emily McDonald
A new 15-stop, 19-rank tracker organ was recently installed in the nave
of the Church of the Nativity in Fort Oglethorpe. It is the focal point
of a renovation that resulted in other changes to the worship space.
"We found the organ over the Internet through the Organ Clearinghouse,"
said John Wigal, the church organist.
The organ was built by Grant Edwards of Portland, Ore., who is in his
20s, and was the first he had done completely on his own.
"He built it for his own edification but it had reached a point
where it needed a new home," Wigal said.
"The design work is all his," Wigal said. "The whole thing
is custom built."
The organ's case is oak with lacewood and ebony trim. The phrase "Earth
& All Stars Sing" is inscribed above the keyboard, which is made
from rosewood and white maple. The flame copper pipes were produced in
Holland.
An addition to the floor of the altar area was added to accommodate the
organ. “The previous organ was located in a pit and all you could
see was the organist's head sticking out,” Organ Committee member
Dixie Warren said.
New altar rails were installed as well as new pulpits, which were built
by a parishioner, the late David Gilbreath. New chairs and cushions for
the altar area were also acquired.
The traditional red carpet in the nave was replaced by gray tile.
The Rev. Betty Latham, Church of the Nativity rector, wanted the renovation
to create a spiritual feel and atmosphere. She studied the altars of St.
Paul's Chattanooga and Church of the Good Shepherd for inspiration. She
also wanted to improve the acoustics so the new organ would be appreciated.
The renovation was overseen by another parishioner, Jeff Garner. In 1977
his father, the late Jerry Garner, was in charge of building the addition
to the church that now serves as the nave.
"He renovated what his dad did originally," Latham said.
The organ will be dedicated at a recital to be held on April 21 at 7
p.m.
Emily McDonald is the South East Correspondent for The East Tennessee
Epsicopalian.
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