THE KNIES - JAMERSON MEMORIAL ORGAN
Designed by the M. P. Moller Pipe Organ Company
In 1968, the existing pipe organ replaced the original pipe organ, which had been used since 1925. On Sunday, November 17, 1968, the existing pipe organ was dedicated to the Glory of God in loving memory of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur F. Knies and Mr. R. Walton Jamerson Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Knies, having been long term members of the church, bequested the original $15,000 in fulfillment of their vision that the old pipe organ would ultimately need to be replaced.
Mr. R. Walton Jamerson Jr., also a member of Trinity,w as the well-loved Organist-Choirmaster from February 1959 to May 1965 when he was tragically killed in an automobile accident. His God given skill in playing the organ and his talented gift of choral direction lifted our worship through music to new heights. He originally contacted the organ company which built the instrument and reviewed specifications a few months before his untimely death.
We hold dear in our hearts these saints who have passed on to Glory and whose material gifts and love for scared music envisioned this dream which has become a reality. “The memory of the just is blessed.”
The organ was built by the M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company, Hagerstownn, Maryland, the largest pipe organ company in the world. Containing 24 ranks, 1,035 pipes and 25 chimes, its cost was $33,000. Additional gifts by members and friends were received and added to the original Knies bequest, so that the congregation had the total purchasing price in cash when the contract was signed January 26, 1967. Twenty-four (24) months later this musical masterpiece was completed at the factory and shipped to the church. Six (6) weeks were needed to install it in our sanctuary. All of the exposed pipes, set in attractive Gothic casework on the walls facing the nave and the altar, are working pipes. Hundreds of unexposed pipes are located in the organ chamber behind the drapes adorning the Gothic arches. The stately console made of rich oak was purposely placed in the south transept for better choral singing, and positioned at a height where worshippers could see its lovely beauty. Located directly beneath the radiant-stained glass Resurrection window, the impressive console beckons us to lift our eyes upward to the risen Christ. Surrounding and ascending above the console are pews from which our choirs sing praises to the Lord of Life.
The magnificent organ was installed and voiced by the Florida representative of the M. P. Moller Pipe Organ Company, Mr. Louis L. Adams, of Orlando.
