St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans, West Virginia

This is the “Trumpet Imperial” at St. Mark’s. The rank speaks on 6” wind pressure. Most people hearing it for the first time are surprised by its refinement- the sound of this rank is actually quite dark. Far from the usual Trumpet of its type which sticks out from the main ensemble of the organ, this one blends in so well that it can be used every sunday, if desired.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans, West Virginia, Opus 1 (1996), 1-A (1999) and 1-B (2002)

The organ at St. Mark’s is considered our first new organ, even though the little two rank “Kowexpo” organ preceded it. In fact, the two rank organ was used at St. Mark’s during the construction of Opus 1. It proved to be much better at leading the service than the failing Hammond which was being replaced. Opus 1 was placed in the left transept of the church, as one faces the altar. Many questioned the decision to place the organ off of the main axis. There were a number of reasons for this: it provided a well-defined space for the installation, and saved a lot of expense which would have gone toward woodwork. There was also the question of whether the floor of the elevated chancel area would be able to support an entire organ. The most compelling reason for me was that it was the least obtrusive place for the organ- it would simply become an integral part of the room. The decision proved to be the right one when the additions went in; the 32’ reed and the horizontal trumpet have a perfect place to reside above the chancel. Speaking of the 32’ reed, etc, eyebrows were certainly raised when the specification was printed in the AGO magazine. (Let me assure you that the 32’ is not electronic.) Sure it’s unusual- who made the rule that smaller instruments have to be boring? Is it any more ridiculous to have a moderate three manual organ with five electronic 32’s? I wouldn’t advocate this for every installation, but here it works perfectly, and this little 13 rank organ sounds like an organ five times its size. The organ is electropneumatic throughout.

This view shows the main organ (installed in the left transept) and the Trumpet Imperial on the front wall, on either side of the window. The 32’ Contra Fagotto is installed horizontally on the floor underneath the Trumpet Imperial, hidden from sight. The console is in the opposite transept.

GREAT
16’   Double Melodia
8’     Principal
8’     Melodia
4’     Octave
4’     Hohl Flote
2’     Super Octave
1 1/3’ Quint
8’    Trumpet (Sw.)
8’    Clarinet (Sw.)
8’    Trumpet Imperial
Swell to Great 8’ to 4’

SWELL
8’    Stopped Diapason
8’    Salicional
8’    Vox Celeste
4’    Gedeckt Flute
2’    Flautino
II    Cornet
16’ Clarinet TC
8’    Trumpet
4’    Clarion
8’    Trumpet Imperial
Tremolo

PEDAL
16’    Bourdon
8’      Pedal Principal
8’      Melodia
4’      Choral Bass
32’    Cornet III
32’    Contra Fagotto
16’    Trumpet
Great to Pedal 8’ and 4’
Swell to Pedal 8’ and 4’