Majestic sounds of new pipe organ fill Messiah Lutheran sanctuary

Lois Graff, director of music ministries at Messiah Lutheran Church, sits at the church’s new pipe organ. Rev. Scott Peterson, at left, and Bob Gustafson joined other congregation members in selecting the organ. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – A new pipe organ is enhancing worship and secular music services at Messiah Lutheran Church.

“The acoustics of the sanctuary at Messiah Lutheran are excellent for vocal and instrumental music because of rich natural overtones,” director of music ministries Lois Graff said. “A pipe organ encourages singing by harmonic overtones and the fullness of the sound it produces.”

In 2011, the congregation expanded the sanctuary, and the existing pipe organ was removed. The church needed a new organ in better condition to accommodate the larger sanctuary.

Rev. Scott Peterson was instrumental in securing and purchasing the pipe organ, along with Graff and Mark Moorehead. Choir director Randall Fields assessed all musical requirements.

Bob Gustafson designed the construction plan for installation, including extending the transept’s floor, electrical plans and organ platform. Richard Webb handled the finish carpentry. “Many members helped in the process … too many to name,” Graff said.

Mark Moorehead, organist at Trinity United Methodist Church and past president of American Guild of Organists, served as consultant. “His knowledge and insight were invaluable,” Graff said. “George Miller led his team of organ builders … to maximize assets of the sanctuary.”

Graff is serving as Messiah’s organist. She earned a bachelor’s degree in piano performance at the University of Minnesota-Morris and completed graduate study in music theory at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Graff teaches private piano lessons to about 40 students. She has written seven children’s musicals and accompanies youth choirs.

“The principal stops of this pipe organ are well suited to leading congregational singing of hymns and liturgies,” Graff said. “In addition, the diversity of other stops add timbres and colors providing flexibility to facilitate choral accompaniment and various organ literature.”

On Dec. 14, Messiah Lutheran’s choir will perform an Advent service that features the organ. Next year, the church will host an organ guild concert.

The church’s address is 7740 U.S. 72 W. in Madison. For more information, call 256-721-0041, email to info@mlutheran.com or visit mlutheran.com or Facebook/Messiah Lutheran Church.