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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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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

     16'  Quintade

       8'  Prinzipal

       8'  Rohrflote

       8'  Spitzflote

       4'  Oktav

       2'  Oktav

       2'  Blockflote

            Mixture IV

       8'  Trompette

            Swell to Great

Swell

       8'  Gedackt

       8'  Viole de Gambe

       8'  Voix celeste

       4'  Spitzprinzipal

       4'  Koppelflote

       2'  Oktavine

1-1/3'  Quinte

        II  Sesquialtera

      IV  Scharf 

     16'  Fagott

       8'  Krummhorn

       4'  Klarine

       8'  Trompette en Chamade

            Tremulant

Pedal

     16'  Prinzipal

     16'  Sub Bass

     16'  Quintade

       8'  Oktav

       8'  Gemshorn

       4'  Choralbass

       4'  Schalmei

       III  Mixture

     16'  Posaune

     16'  Fagott (sw)

            Great to Pedal

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

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