|
"Where words fail, music speaks." (Hans Christian Anderson)
Music is a vital part of worship, often striking chords (literally and figuratively) that words cannot. Westminster is blessed with talented members who share their musical gifts, under the direction of Organist/Choir Director Lori Rhodes Pettit. Choir rehearsals are Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the second floor choir room of the church building. The choir also rehearses on Sunday mornings at 9:00am before worship. Lori also convenes a handbell choir periodically throughout the year, which rehearses following worship on Sunday mornings. |
|
|
|
E.M. Skinner Organ
Westminster is the proud home of an E.M. Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579), which was installed in the rear of its sanctuary (then called Second Presbyterian Church) in 1926. Almost 100 years old, this magnificent instrument is played weekly for Sunday worship services, as well as for weddings, funerals, and community events, such as the Geneva Music Festival, Christmas concerts, and a popular "organ crawl" event with the Community Preservation Committee.
Ernest Martin Skinner (1866-1960) was one of America’s premier organ builders in the early 1900's, using a new and innovative electro-pneumatic system to power organs. He was both an artistic and mechanical engineering genius. He is credited with refining the Pitman wind chest (the wooden “box” containing the pipes and valves) and was one of the first to establish a systematic method for fixed dimensions in consoles so that organs would have consistent keyboards and pedalboards. His instruments are known for their rich orchestral tones, simulating the sounds of an entire orchestra. Skinner was at his peak in both quality and popularity in the 1920's, and his organs were considered the best money could buy. Westminster’s organ is considered a rare example of E.M. Skinner’s craft in that is structurally unaltered and very few changes have been made to it.
Although faithfully and lovingly maintained by the congregation throughout the years, the working components of the organ were showing their age, making the organ in need of repairs and restoration. The Ode to Joy campaign raised funds to restore this magnificent instrument to its original condition in 2021.
Westminster is the proud home of an E.M. Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579), which was installed in the rear of its sanctuary (then called Second Presbyterian Church) in 1926. Almost 100 years old, this magnificent instrument is played weekly for Sunday worship services, as well as for weddings, funerals, and community events, such as the Geneva Music Festival, Christmas concerts, and a popular "organ crawl" event with the Community Preservation Committee.
Ernest Martin Skinner (1866-1960) was one of America’s premier organ builders in the early 1900's, using a new and innovative electro-pneumatic system to power organs. He was both an artistic and mechanical engineering genius. He is credited with refining the Pitman wind chest (the wooden “box” containing the pipes and valves) and was one of the first to establish a systematic method for fixed dimensions in consoles so that organs would have consistent keyboards and pedalboards. His instruments are known for their rich orchestral tones, simulating the sounds of an entire orchestra. Skinner was at his peak in both quality and popularity in the 1920's, and his organs were considered the best money could buy. Westminster’s organ is considered a rare example of E.M. Skinner’s craft in that is structurally unaltered and very few changes have been made to it.
Although faithfully and lovingly maintained by the congregation throughout the years, the working components of the organ were showing their age, making the organ in need of repairs and restoration. The Ode to Joy campaign raised funds to restore this magnificent instrument to its original condition in 2021.