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The Jaeckel Organ

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A magnificent new pipe organ was installed, with the final stops completed January 30, 2000. The project began in 1997 with a $500,000 gift from Sally and Cecil Drinkward, members of the congregation. The new instrument is entirely handcrafted, has three keyboards, and 3500 pipes. Dan Jaeckel, Inc, a small organ building shop in Duluth, Minnesota, was chosen to build the instrument.

From August 1999 through January 2000 we watched the installation of the organ in the sanctuary, with the first stop heard in September. From September through January, Dan Jaeckel voiced the instrument, precisely tuning the pipes to match the acoustics in our sanctuary. This is why it was important to lay the new hardwood floor in the sanctuary before the installation of the organ.

Work began with the assembly of the framework and case which hold the organ pipes. Next the blower, wind chests, and organ console were put into place. Then the mechanical trackers were installed. The trackers are long, wooden strips which connect the console's keys and stops to the valves which direct the air through the organ pipes. Tracker action is much more responsive than an electronically-actuated system.

The first stop, called the Montre or Principal Chorus, was heard in September. For the next few months, several new ranks were added each week, until the final stops were completed in January 2000. A total of 52 different distinct voices are constructed in a wide variety of woods and metals.

The organ was dedicated during the April 30, 2000 service. On May 6 and 7, 2000, Peter Planyavsky from St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna performed to a full house each performance. David Higgs performance on July 9th of that same year capped the AGO Seattle Conference.