First Presbyterian Church, Bonita Springs

Digital And Pipes Combine For A Superb Sound
That Fits This Church's Needs
By Peter Lewis, Assistant Director of Music
First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs

I want to convey our enthusiasm over the purchase of the Allen Renaissance custom organ that was installed here last year.

Mathis Music did an outstanding job with our installation which required duplicate speaker chambers in the rather large and wide-spread chancel area. The low-rise console design works very well in our situation and the Wanamaker string division (that speaks from speakers located in the

Seated at the console is Peter Lewis, Assistant Dirctor of Music. Left standing is James W. Johnson, Director of Music and beside him Dr. Paul J. Kirbas, Pastor. The pipe portion of this organ ensemble provides a powerful liturgical architectural statement and becomes the focal point of the front wall with the handsome console centered beneath. (Photo by R.J. Flower Opdycke).

ceiling) is absolutely superb.

We have been particularly happy with the combination of digital voices and pipes, including the beautiful bronze Trompette en chamade.

My initial skepticism about tuning pipes and electronic voices was allayed over the past few months with our summer temperature and humidity changes.

No matter the circumstance, the pipe division works seamlessly with the digital divisions. Indeed, when these voices are combined, I really can't tell a difference between what is pipe and what is digital.

This instrument has worked wonderfully in hymn playing and in all genres of organ music from Handel concertos to French symphonic music.

Claude Cooper, of Mathis Music, has tirelessly helped us work through the process of fine tuning this instrument. Whenever we have needed his assistance, he has always replied in a timely fashion and he has known exactly how to address whatever problem or concern we had. We are grateful for his experience and expertise.

We all hear about churches where worshipping members sing boldly and with enthusiasm. I am fortunate to play the organ in such a congregation. The purchase of our Allen Renaissance organ has added a significant component to our congregation's corporate music making and, indeed, to the rich worship life of First Prebyterian Chruch of Bonita Springs.

Dr. James Johnston, Director of Music (left), Diane Bish, Peter Lewis, Asst. Director of Music Diane Bish played a dedication concert to a full house in the 1,600 seat facility in March.