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As Guzowski & Steppe planned the installation and examined the organ loft in the new building, they decided that while the loft had been designed adequately to structurally support the weight of the organ, the floor framing the chest supports sit on needed an additional layer of plywood flooring under them, as well as stiffeners between some of the support trusses.
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Rather than spend money that was needed for the organ work itself, church members went to work and installed the necessary improvements. Their skillful work was also vital in building the new enclosures for the swell and choir divisions. This included adding ductwork for the air conditioning and installing lights (fluorescent throughout to minimize temperature variation) in the new enclosed rooms.
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Some of the underfloor bracing |
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An extra layer of 3/4" plywood was added to the floor |
Access to the organ loft is via this fold-down ladder |
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This was the original access door to the chamber. |
Looking out from one of the lower tonal openings |
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The first step in constructing the swell and choir enclosures was to build the supports for the shade frames. The enclosures have 2 x 4 frames with heavy drywall to enclose the sound. |
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The slope of the roof and angled back wall presented challenges to our carpenters. |
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The drywall had to be notched or cut in odd shapes to fit close enough. Once installed, it was taped and sealed to prevent sound leaks |
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The air conditioning ducts had to be brought
through and later connected to a vent in each enclosure to maintain even
temperature within the organ.
Scaffolding made it easier to install the top panels. |
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Once the rough work was finished, and both
inner and outer drywall panels were installed, the seams could be filled
and all sound leaks plugged. Full-size doors provide access to the
enclosed divisions for tuning.
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Part of the choir division room. The fluorescent light had to be mounted on the back wall to provide clearance for the pipes. At the very top of the picture the air conditioning vent can be seen. The hole at bottom center will be filled around the wind piping. |
| Meanwhile, all of the pipes up to eight feet long were brought on-site and temporarily put in storage units. |
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None of the windchests or pipes could be installed until all this work was finished, the loft was painted, and all debris and dust was carefully cleaned up. For now, the finshed console sits covered by plastic in its pit, awaiting the chance to make glorious music. |
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Installation