Sinsinawa
Spectrum
A Congregation News Magazine
Casavant Organ at Mound Refurbished
by Mary Ellen Winston, OP
From left: Srs. Marie Juan Maney, Marie Virginia Walters, and Mary Ellen Winston stand with the boxed-up organ.
When in our music God is glorified . . . it is as though the whole world cried, Alleluia.
Fred Pratt Green
The past year has been a memorable one in the 44 year history of the life of the Mound Casavant organ. In October 2008, much of the organ was dismantled and, with a blessing, shipped back to the Casavant Organ Company in Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada, to be refurbished. Amidst banner waving, cheering, and bell ringing it returned to the Mound in early March 2009. On May 3, Opus 2847 was blessed and rededicated, and a celebratory recital was given by Dr. John Chappell Stowe, professor of organ and harpsichord at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
The Mound Casavant was created in 1965 for Queen of the Rosary Chapel by the Casavant Frères Organ Company in Saint Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada, under the direction of Charles Perrault, then president; Lawrence Phelps, artistic and tonal designer; and Jean-Claud Gauthier, visual designer. It was installed in 1965 and dedicated June 4, 1967.
Our gratitude goes to a number of people who have not only brought forth wonderful music on this fine instrument over the past 44 years but also to caretakers and benefactors. We give special thanks to Marie Theodore Girten, OP, who was principal organist at the Mound from 1969 to 2005. We also thank Mr. Carroll Hanson who has been the sole curator of the organ for nearly 40 years. Hanson took the organ console apart and packed it for shipping to its place of origin in Canada. He worked many weeks on its return in March, reassembling the organ for its debut in May. He not only cares for our organ but also services over 120 Casavant organs throughout the Midwest. Thanks also goes to Marie Juan Maney, OP, who initiated and organizes the Summer Organ Concert Recital series, now in its 18th season.
The 2009 additions and updates that enhance the organ include the addition of a 32’ resultant stop that has been added to the pedal division, a tremulant stop added to the swell division, Quintadena pipes, and a Viola da Gamba stop. The console has been made MIDI compatible and prepared for future additions. Also added was a solid-state combination system with 100 levels of memory and sequencer, enabling organists to pre-set their programs. Twenty pistons have been added. The console has been placed on a movable platform and a new adjustable bench has been provided.
The voice of Opus 2847 continues to be heard in Queen of the Rosary Chapel. It enhances our worship and provides a most-worthy instrument for recitals and concerts. May God be forever glorified in our music. Alleluia!