November 18 was a day of celebration and blessing at St. Peter's, when the parish's newly-installed organ was used at Sunday services for the first time, after completion of the St. Peter's pipe organ renovation project.
First Prelude: The first prelude played on the 3-manual, 41-rank instrument was "Trumpet Tune in D Major," by David Johnson. This organ-trumpet duet was presented by Emily Koons, organist, and Music Director Don Witman, trumpet. The composer of "Trumpet Tune in D Major," the late Dr. Johnson, was a noted Episcopal organist and choirmaster.
First Postlude: The postlude, Mendelssohn's Sonata No. 3 for Organ, featured the St. Peter's organ as a solo instrument.
First Anthem: The anthem at the 11:00 am service featured the newly-installed organ, the Adult Choir, and Don Witman on trumpet. This anthem -- "Psalm 96 for Chorus, Trumpet in C, and Organ," by Michael Bedford -- is a setting for Psalm 96 as it is set forth in the Book of Common Prayer Psalter.
Bells: Bells were a special part of this day of celebration. At the 9:00 am service, the St. Peter's Handbell Choir played a beautiful arrangement of "Amazing Grace." In addition, parishioners heard the organ's Zimbelstern for the first time.
Check the Pipe Organ Gallery for a slideshow of photos from the organ's inaugural Sunday.
November 18, 2007 More News . . .