Grace Presbyterian is fortunate to have a congregation that has a long history of and continues to appreciate and value the importance of having a pipe organ to support congregational singing, accompany choirs and instrumental ensembles and to play organ repertoire of many periods and genres. The current instrument was installed in 1975 by the Gress-Miles Organ Company of Princeton, New Jersey. Grace’s organ was the first Gress-Miles to be installed in the Philadelphia area. The organ specifications were designed in consultation with the organ builders and then Grace music director John Gearhart. 

Tonally, the versatility of the instrument enables organ literature of all periods to be played with authenticity. The 70 speaking stops are provided by 32 voices, comprising 49 ranks (sets of pipes per sound) and almost 3,000 pipes in total. The pipes (which range from the size of a pencil to 16 feet tall) are located primarily in two chambers on either side of the chancel. The Great and Positiv on the left and the Swell on the right and is under expression. There is an Antiphonal division that is prepared for on the console only. If installed, it would be placed on the back wall of the sanctuary directly under the Rose Window. The only pipes physically visible to the congregation are the twelve largest pipes of the 16’ Principal and are located on both sides the stunningly beautiful Nativity Window. 

The console is located in the chancel is capable of being moved to facilitate the needs of the organist and performance. All connections and actions are electro-mechanical. This removes all need for moving parts between the console and pipe chambers. The stops of the console can be engaged manually one at a time or in varying combinations using the pre-set buttons. The four keyboards are arranged in French Style…Great on the bottom, Positiv on the second level, Swell on the third and the Antiphonal on the fourth. On many organs the Positiv/Choir is on the bottom with the Great on the second level. On this console, there is a Great/Positiv Transfer tab to allow the organist to switch the two keyboards to suit their preference. 

The congregation of Grace continues to value, support, and steward the presence of the Gress-Miles organ by ensuring that regular maintenance and tunings occur. In 1975, it was estimated that the instrument would continue to function for at least 75 years. As we hit the 50 year mark, Grace has performed several significant restorative projects to ensure the instrument continues to fill the sanctuary with sound to the Glory of God beyond its 75 year mark.

Please view our photo gallery below (photo credit: Rev. Brian Russo)

If you are interested in learning more information, please contact our organist Kevin Engleman ([email protected]).