Rev Doug Sullivan and Keith Turnipseed were running one Saturday and Doug said "l think we need a new organ, don't you?" Keith said, "Yes, and let's make it a good one." In short order an organ committee was formed comprised of Robert Mehrle, Rick Parsons, Tanny Patterson, Keith Turnipseed, Marguerite Webb, and Pat Worley. The first order of business was to study organs of various types, both pipe and electronic. Presbyterian churches in the Delta and Idlewild in Memphis were visited, and their organs played.
Organ proposals were sent to number of organ builders, but the one from Martin Ott in St. Louis stood out as the most satisfactory and the most economical. He was invited to visit Sumner and make a specific proposal. Mr. Ott saw the memorial window and immediately suggested that it should be mimicked by creating three arches in the organ loft with the organ in the center. There was just one problem: the ceiling in exiting space would have to be raised. This was deemed not to be an insurmountable obstacle, and he was asked to make a proposal to do that.
Meanwhile, the organ committee was also functioning as a fund-raising group. The cost was considerable for a small church and there was concern that we might not be able to afford an instrument of the quality that was planned. However, pledges came in fairly quickly and the committee was able to proceed. Many on the committee went to St. Louis to see Mr. Ott's shop and got a fascinating look at how he did his work. He gave a more complete proposal and the committee signed the purchase agreement on October 28, 1998. Two years later, on October 22, 2000, the organ was dedicated.
Committee members recall that the process was complex and that there were many different points of view that were respectfully considered. The details of the musical specifications were largely left to the builder, with some input from the committee. Red gum to match the existing wood in the sanctuary was sourced locally by Alex Gates. From the perspective of almost twenty-five years there is no doubt that the organ has enhanced our worship every Sunday and has been well worth the effort and expense. Pat Worley said during the fundraising campaign "When you hear the organ it will be a religious experience." And it was.
We add today: Especially when Doyle Tubbs plays it!
Click Here for more details about the instrument and its builder.
Organ proposals were sent to number of organ builders, but the one from Martin Ott in St. Louis stood out as the most satisfactory and the most economical. He was invited to visit Sumner and make a specific proposal. Mr. Ott saw the memorial window and immediately suggested that it should be mimicked by creating three arches in the organ loft with the organ in the center. There was just one problem: the ceiling in exiting space would have to be raised. This was deemed not to be an insurmountable obstacle, and he was asked to make a proposal to do that.
Meanwhile, the organ committee was also functioning as a fund-raising group. The cost was considerable for a small church and there was concern that we might not be able to afford an instrument of the quality that was planned. However, pledges came in fairly quickly and the committee was able to proceed. Many on the committee went to St. Louis to see Mr. Ott's shop and got a fascinating look at how he did his work. He gave a more complete proposal and the committee signed the purchase agreement on October 28, 1998. Two years later, on October 22, 2000, the organ was dedicated.
Committee members recall that the process was complex and that there were many different points of view that were respectfully considered. The details of the musical specifications were largely left to the builder, with some input from the committee. Red gum to match the existing wood in the sanctuary was sourced locally by Alex Gates. From the perspective of almost twenty-five years there is no doubt that the organ has enhanced our worship every Sunday and has been well worth the effort and expense. Pat Worley said during the fundraising campaign "When you hear the organ it will be a religious experience." And it was.
We add today: Especially when Doyle Tubbs plays it!
Click Here for more details about the instrument and its builder.