From the onset, this was an exciting yet
challenging project as the options for
placement of this organ were limited.
Designing in 3-dimensional computer
graphics allowed us to consider each
aspect of the design prior to starting
construction. This organ required
approximately 8,000 hours to design,
build and install. Each phase of the
voicing process is done by ear. The
ultimate success of the final instrument
is the result of the artists who define the
tone of the organ. The on-site tonal
finishing of the organ (the fine
adjustments for tone, volume and blend)
was completed in the fall of 2007. 

The custom designed organ case is
constructed of maple and cherry. The
main case is 24’ wide and the entire
organ weighs approximately 15,000 lbs.
The maple and cherry console is accented
with wenge and figured maple. The key
coverings are of bone and ebony. The
combination action allows each organist
to reserve multiple levels of memory and
the solid state controller can record and
play back any performance. Both divisions
are enclosed in their own expression
boxes to provide the organist added
versatility for the balancing of the tonal
resources for service playing and choral
accompaniment. 

The enclosures are made from 2” thick
lumber to ensure that the organ can
provide music ranging from the softest
ethereal sounds to the majestic
choruses that inspire singing and excite
the soul. Conceptually, the organ is
intended to render the wide variety of
organ literature composed over the last
four centuries in a convincing way; quite
a challenge, given the relatively small
size of the organ. 

The metal pipes for this organ were
imported from Portugal and are of
various compositions of hammered lead,
scraped tin, spotted metal and copper.
The wood pipes, manufactured in our
workshop, are of poplar and utilize maple
and white oak for the tone producing
portions of construction. The slider and
tone channel windchests are the same
design used in tracker action organs and
provide the best possible wind supply
for pipe speech and tuning. 

For the church, the organ represents 
many years of thorough study, prayerful
planning and sacrifice, knowing that this
is an artistic endeavor. Music inspires us
to meaningful worship. It seems, in this
time that we live, fewer and fewer people
 have the opportunity to provide a lasting
symbol for future generations.
Our congratulations to those at New Hope
Lutheran Church who shared in this
realization. 

For Parsons, it is the culmination of years
of research, design and development.
Throughout the building process, each
instrument develops its own unique
personality which is completed only when
the final pipe is tuned in its new home.
We are privileged to have been a part in
creating this instrument for your
congregation to worship and glorify
Jesus Christ by whose grace all things
are established and accomplished.