An Episcopal Church
in the Diocese of Southwest Florida

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the organ

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In 1971, Casvant Freres of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, built an organ of two manuals and twenty-five stops for St. John's Church. Although of excellent quality, this small instrument was soon inadequate for the tonal demands made upon it by the repertory of a rapidly expanding music program. In 1984, as part of the parish's Diamond Jubilee observance, twenty-six new ranks of pipes and a new solid-state console were added to the organ. The classical voices of the Casavant organ form the backbone for the expanded instrument which now includes tonal resources for music of all styles.

Tonal Director for the expansion project was Charles Mosley of Houston, Installation by Donald Borden of Apollo Beach. Principal Consultant was Dr. Max B. Miller, Professor of Music, Chariman of the Organ Department, and University Organist-Choirmaster at Boston University. All new components were constructed by the Wiks Organ Company of Highland, Illinois. Additions range from 32' Contre Bombarde and 16' Principal and Posaune stops in the Pedal organ, to a relocated Positiv Organ (the former Casacant Ssswell division), new upperwork in the Great Organ, and a new Swell Organ in the style of the late G. Donald Harrison's Aeolian-Skinner instruments which speak so nobly in many of America's great churches and cathedrals.

A gift of Mrs. Betty Pearson, in memory of her husband Lester, the 8' Imperial Trumpet stop is a set of 61 hooded copper pipes located behind the Positiv Organ, to the left of the High Altar. This stop provides a special festive voice for Feast Day music and Bridal Processions, and to assistt the congregation in singing hymns.

December 1994, saw the completion of the organ in St. John's with the installation of the Processional Organ located on the west wall of the Nave. This was made possible through the generosity of Clyde and Josephine Perry. This division is mounted symmetrically on either side of the Transfiguration Window, and provides support for congregational singing and choir pricessions and makes possible the performance of antiphonal choral and organ repertory. The Tonal Director for this division was again Charles Mosley. Installation was done by Thomas Drake, of Winter Haven, Florida.

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