Console of the First Methodist organ.

Music has always been a vital part of the Methodist tradition, and our church is no exception.  We have been fortunate that for over 88 years we have had four different pipe organs to add to our worship experience.

The first known organ was manufactured by the M.P. Moller Co. of Hagerstown, Maryland and was installed in 1918.In 1954, that instrument was upgraded and expanded to 16 ranks of pipes, again by the Moller Co. (A rank is a group of pipes with a common sound.)In 1981, the Schantz Company of Orrville, Ohio was chosen to expand the instrument to 32 ranks, or 1,867 pipes.  In 2003, the church again contracted with the Schantz Company for another renovation and 49% expansion of the instrument, and this was completed in 2005. This instrument contains some pipes from all three of its predecessors.

Our new instrument contains 49 ranks or 2,782 pipes, ranging in size from that of a pencil to 16’ in length and more than a foot in diameter.  The number of exposed pipes in the sanctuary is 613, or 22% of the total.  The remainder are located in chambers behind the exposed pipes.  The console contains three keyboards for the hands, plus one for the feet.  For recitals, the console can be moved to the open area leading to the altar so that the congregation can see the organist play.  It is believed that ours is the largest pipe organ in the area between Columbus or Montgomery and Atlanta.

The instrument does an excellent job of s
The new organ contains 49 ranks and 2,782 pipes, 613 of which are exposed. upporting congregational singing, accompanying the choirs for anthem presentations, and for solo offerings. In addition to traditional organ sounds, it contains stops simulating the sounds of strings, the flue, the oboe, the trumpet, the clarinet, and many others.  Of special interest is the Festival Trumpet which adds majesty and pomp to weddings, graduations and other special events.

Our newly expanded and renovated instrument was dedicated at our annual Homecoming Service on September 18th, 2005 with Bishop Lindsey Davis of the North Georgia Conference in attendance.  The congregation of LaGrange FUMC looks forward to the enhancement of our worship services by this outstanding instrument for many years to come.

Click here to see the ranks/pipes that First UMC's pipe organ contains:
Organ Ranks