Wicks Organ Co. Opus 633-B (1981)

2015-05-28 - Facade Pipe (from behind) (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

2015-05-28 - Great Pipework (above case door) (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

2015-05-28 - New Pipework (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

2015-01-23 - Chancel and Pipe Facade (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

2015-01-23 - Console (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

2014-08-05 - Church Exterior (Photograph by Timothy E. Conyers/Database Manager)

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2015-02-03 - This entry describes alterations to an existing organ. Identified by Timothy E. Conyers, based on personal knowledge of the organ. -- The instrument was modified in 1981 at a cost of $31,000. Funds for the project came from church members and various monies donated to the congregation from individuals and organizations. Several ranks were added consisting of 183 new pipes. "The major change in the operation of the organ [is] in the relays. Previously the organ was equipped with several moving parts controlling a particular key or rank. With the advent of an ever-changing technological world, the relays have become completely transistorized, which means there will be no moving parts to the main relay box. The box was described by Thomas Doeppers, [of the Wicks Organ Company], as being the "electronic heart" of the organ....[There] will be a completely new console. The console will adapt perfectly with the new system and will even react quicker..." (Source: Church archives - a newspaper article entitle, "1926 Organ Restored: Can't Stop the Music.") -Database Manager

2015-02-13 - Updated through online information from Timothy E. Conyers. -- In 1981, after 55 years of service, it was recommended the organ needed rewiring. Problems had developed in the console, relays and switches. It was felt the sound coming from the pipes was not clear and with the addition of three new stops, the sound and flexibility would be increased greatly. It was decided to enlarge the instrument by adding three ranks and replace the original console. A letter was written to Steve Zell to get his opinion on the repairs and recommendations for additions. Joe Cabe, the serviceman, submitted a detailed report on the work he felt should be done by levels. A meeting was also held with a representative from Wicks Organ Co. to explain their ideas of the updating. Although Mr. Cabe and Wicks were about the same, dollar-wise, they had different approaches, end-sound, and services. It was noted Joe Cabe had been the organ repairman for years but was not a representative of the Wick's firm. He does not use Wick's parts and the Wick's Organ Co. will not sell part to him. It was the decision of the Trustees that since the instrument is a Wicks product to allow the firm to update the instrument. This would take from six to eight months to complete, but the organ would be out of service only about three weeks. The Trustees also had to consider the placement of the new console to the best advantage so the organist had a good view of the choir director, the pulpit, or a bride. The problem was whether to be more concerned with the function of the organ or its appearance. Both companies who furnished estimates recommended the console be moved away from the pipes and the cavity finished with paneling similar to the facade case. A letter was received from Steve Zell with diagrams showing his preferences. The congregation was given the opportunity for its input with the final decision being left to the Trustees without complaint. The Trustees voted the placement of the new console would remain attached to the pipe facade as this offered the best advantage in appearance and function for the sanctuary. (Source: Monthly Meeting Minutes).<br>In December 1983, the Monthly Meeting was asked to give consideration to the possibility of putting a reed stop on the organ. Space was left for this when the organ was restored in September 1981. At the January 1984 meeting, it was reported an agreement had been signed with Wicks Organ Company to install 61 Trumpet pipes, playable on the Great using a blank stop and 12 Contra Trumpets playable on the Pedal using a blank stop. The cost would be $8781 with funds for this project to come from the Ed Best Fund. This one rank of 73 pipes brought the total number of ranks in the instrument to eleven ranks. (Source: Monthly Meeting Minutes).<br> There are currently 21 stops, 8 couplers, Tremulant, 1 blank stop key for future use, 5 general thumb pistons, 1 cancellation piston, a combination lock consisting of three settings. The console has two nameplates. An older ivory plate, believed to be from the 1926 console, engraved in black lettering "Wicks Pipe Organ Co., Highland, Ill., U.S.A." And a newer brass plate with "Wicks" and a pipe facade stamped in black lettering. -Database Manager

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