The Pipe Organ
BEAUTIFUL MUSIC
Music is an esteemed sacred art of the Catholic Christian faith, ordered for the glory of God and the sanctification of His people. The Church teaches us that worship is given a more noble form when celebrated in song. The primary way we make music for the Sacred Liturgy is with our voice.
THE SOUND OF BEAUTY
While our voices can be accompanied by a variety of musical instruments, the pipe organ has been the foundation of our musical tradition for more than a thousand years. Its rich sound allows the mind to be lifted up to the praise of God.
A LIVE VOICE
The pipe organ’s “naturalness” makes it particularly suited for the Sacred Liturgy. Like any wind instrument, air is pushed through the pipes to create a live sound. Remember the slogan … is it live or is it Memorex? The sound a pipe organ makes is live, not recorded.
PRIDE OF PLACE
The U.S. Bishops have said that among all other instruments which are suitable for divine worship, the organ has pride of place because of its capacity to sustain the singing of a large, gathered assembly, due to both its size and its ability to give resonance to the fullness of human sentiments, from joy to sadness, from praise to lamentation. The manifold possibilities of the organ remind us of the immensity and the magnificence of God.
STRIKE UP THE INSTRUMENTS
Again, this does not mean that other instruments cannot be used. Woodwind, brass, string (including guitar), percussion, and the piano help us raise a joyful song to the Lord. Psalm 92 says: It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praise to your name, Most High, To proclaim your love at daybreak, your faithfulness in the night, with the ten-stringed harp, with melody upon the lyre. Psalm 150 exhorts us: Give praise with blasts upon the horn, praise him with harp and lyre. Give praise with tambourines and dance, praise him with strings and pipes. Give praise with crashing cymbals, praise him with sounding cymbals. While these other instruments have their place in worship and praise, pride of place is given to the organ above all others.
A REAL BLESSING
Because pipe organs are expensive to design, purchase, install, and maintain, many churches use the option of an electronic organ. How blessed we are at Good Shepherd to have the real thing. But with it comes an important responsibility.
NOW IS THE TIME
When our church on Trindle Road was built, a pipe organ was installed. It is a composite instrument consisting of several rebuilds over time, incorporating components from different organs and churches.
The pipe work is primarily from a 1955 Moller organ relocated from New York State. The pipes are of a material that is no longer available today, and makes this an exceptional asset to preserve. While the pipe work is exceptional, there are mechanical and electrical systems that need to be addressed.
As part of our Refurbishment and Renewal efforts next summer to celebrate our parish’s 75th anniversary and our church’s 50th anniversary, we will address these issues and preserve our pipe organ for its continued sacred service here at Good Shepherd.
UP NEXT
Next week we will look at the sacred vessels we use for Mass.