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The Organ of Calvary Episcopal Church

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The pipe organ at Calvary Episcopal Church was originally built in 1964 by Casavant Frères of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada—marking the first Casavant installation in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Designed in the Larry Phelps classic style, the instrument reflects mid-20th century American organ ideals: low wind pressure (2.75" WC) and extensive vertical development, yielding bright, sparkling choruses, prompt bass, and reeds of clarity and brilliance.

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In 1980, the organ gained a dramatic Trompette en Chamade, installed by Steiner-Reck Organ Company of Louisville, Kentucky.

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Now entering its final stages of renovation under David Schroth, Organbuilder, the instrument is being revitalized for a new generation. The work includes replacing pitman windchests with new slider chests, raising the wind pressure slightly to add warmth and depth without excess brightness, and extensive revoicing to achieve a more symphonic tonal palette. A completely updated console—mounted on a movable platform with multiple connection points—will enhance versatility for worship and concert use.

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This renovation honors the organ’s distinguished heritage while preparing it to inspire Calvary’s congregation and community for decades to come.

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The organ is affectionately known as "Large Marge" - a tribute to Margaret Dickinson, organist emerita.

THE CALVARY ORGAN  
Pre-Renovation Disposition
Casavant Frères, Opus 2831, 1965

Great Quintade                            16'

Prinzipal                                         8'

Rohrflote                                        8'

Spitzflote                                       8'

Oktav                                              4'

Oktav                                              2'

Blockflote                                      2'

Mixture IV Trompette                   8'

Swell to Great Swell Gedackt    8'

Viole de Gambe                           8'

Voix celeste                                  8'

Spitzprinzipal                                4'

Koppelflote                                   4'

Oktavine                                        2'

Quinte                                     1'-1/3"

Sesquialtera   II

Scharf              IV

Fagott                                          16'

Krummhorn                                 8'

Klarine                                          4'

Trompette en Chamade            8'

Tremulant Pedal

Prinzipal                                      16'

Sub Bass                                     16'

Quintade                                     16'

Oktav                                             8' 

Gemshorn                                     8'

Choralbass                                   4'

Schalmei                                       4'

Mixture          III

Posaune                                      16'

Fagott                                          16'

Great to Pedal

Calvary Episcopal Church |  821 South Fourth Street   Louisville, KY 40203  |  502-587-6011

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