Kerr Chapel renovations
One of the most familiar and time-honored spaces at First Church is the Kerr Chapel, dedicated in 1955 and named in honor of Dr. Charles Kerr, who served as pastor from 1900-1940. The Chapel is a much-favored venue for small weddings, memorial services and other events which require a seating capacity of about 110 people.
In May of 2021, the Session approved a proposal to acquire a new organ for the Chapel to replace the existing organ which had served us well but was showing its age after 80 years of heavy use. A contract was signed in January 2022 with Foley-Baker, Inc., of Tolland, Connecticut; the same company which carried out a very successful renovation of the Sanctuary organ in 2013-14. Work on the new organ is progressing on schedule, with delivery expected in the Fall of 2023.
The new Chapel organ will include 725 pipes, compared to about 400 in the previous organ. All mechanical and electrical systems will be new, and the existing oak console will be equipped with new manual keyboards, pedalboard, adjustable height bench and a refinished exterior. Some of the previous organ’s pipes will be revoiced and retained, with the remaining pipes being new.
A special feature of the new organ will be the addition of 20 decorative pipes displayed in the wood grilles, 10 on each side, with these pipes painted to harmonize with room colors. Each pipe will be stenciled with an artistic rendition of a Christian symbol. This aspect of organ design was once a standard feature of organs for centuries, and it has become popular again. Local artist Ronda Roush has enthusiastically agreed to create this decorative element, and we are excited about the visual enhancement of the Chapel that will result from her work.
Gifts to the organ fund allowed us to include further enhancements and improvements to the Chapel. The original dark brown ceiling material had become worn in appearance, and it was replaced with new sheet rock which is painted a light color to match the walls. This resulted in a brighter and more cheerful appearance, and a livelier and more resonant acoustical environment for both music and the spoken word. Additional ceiling lights were installed, and a new sound/audio system replaced the old one. The large lanterns which hang from the ceiling were refitted with white frosted glass, replacing the previous glass which had a faded yellow hue.
The funding for the new Chapel organ and related projects has been provided by many generous members and friends of First Church, and we are extremely grateful for the support of all those who have made it possible to enhance the Kerr Chapel and equip it for future generations.
Soli Deo Gloria!
About the author: Ron Pearson received a Bachelor of Music from Concordia College in 1972, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan in 1974. He joined the church staff as organist in 1974 and assumed the combined music director/organist position in 1995. He has also been Adjunct Instructor
of Organ at TU.