New set of ‘pipes’: Let the music flow | News, Sports, Jobs

Patty Loudenslager plays the organ at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewistown.
(Submitted photo)

LEWISTOWN — The music will flow with a new set of “pipes.”

St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lewistown recently had the pipe organ re-voiced with trumpet stops added to the instrument. The newly-refurbished organ is preparing for a special performance on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at St John’s, 120 N. Main St., Lewistown. The celebration will include a concert featuring area organists, musicians, vocalists and Patty Loudenslager, director of music and organist at St. John’s.

“Our organist, Patty, does such a wonderful job for our church,” St. John’s member Scott Price said. “She plans all the music for each of our worship services and also directs our chancel choir as well as our children’s choir.

The current Schantz pipe organ was installed in 1989, replacing an older pipe organ. Recent refurbishing added additional pipes that produce the sounds of trumpets. The two-week project was undertaken by the Schantz Organ Company. Workers came from the company based in Ohio and stayed in the area while the work was being completed.

The concert will include organists Nancy Aurand, John Haubrick, Joyce Ann Hutchinson, Joan Loewen, Ellen Miller, Beth Myers and Christine Welham. Rex Goss will perform a vocal solo. Music will be provided by Peter Marsh on handbells along with a trumpet duet by Peter Heaney and Graham Sanders. The program will also include a congregation hymn.

“We are excited to rededicate this magnificent instrument to the glory of God and His service,” Price said. “We thought this special concert would be a good opportunity to do so as well as inviting the community to celebrate with us in music.”

A freewill offering will be taken. There will be light refreshments after the concert in the fellowship hall.