Our Organ
In 1923 a Moeller pipe organ was installed in Emmanuel's sanctuary, funded by the Ladies Aid Society. On September 29, 1985, after sixty-three years, the congregation voted to replace the Moeller with a new Rodgers organ. The organ was installed the next spring and dedicated on June 8, 1986 during a rededication recital featuring Mary Ida Yost, former Professor of Music at Eastern Michigan University.
The Rodgers organ combines pipes (three ranks of which are from the original Moeller) with advanced electronics to form an instrument, wherein the voices compliment each other, yet maintain their own musical integrity. In the tradition of fine organ builders, the Rodgers Organ Company's major concern was the produce an instrument capable of performance of the finest order, combining pipes and electronics. Electronic voices, therefore, were only used when it was possible to faithfully reproduce the desired pipe sound successfully.
The original Moeller pipes were housed in an upper chamber adjacent to the alter with the organ console placed in an alcove beneath the pipe chamber. The Rodgers installation uses the chamber as a sound "mixer" which cushions and blends the sound before it emerges. This effect is interpreted by the ear as warmth. The Rodgers console has been placed opposite the chamber (next to the pulpit) to permit the organist better interpretation of the organ sounds. An antiphonal or echo organ, utilizing speakers above the rear balcony, is a feature of the installation at Emmanuel.
The tonal architecture of the Rodgers, as built for Emmanuel, provides the organist with superior flexibility. While each division within the organ is complete in itself, with its own characteristic sound, stop selection permits a vast variety of tonal options. The organ can, therefore, provide congregational leadership of the traditional Lutheran liturgy and hymnody of the church, or present the great wealth of organ literature of various styles and periods as a solo instrument.
“Make a joyous noise unto the LORD, all the lands.
Come into His presence with singing!”
Psalms 100:1