The Organ (Stoplist)
The first organ at Boston Avenue Church was built by the Kilgen Organ Company at a cost of $40,000. Its 48 ranks of pipes were playable from an electric-action, four-manual console. The organ was dedicated on June 12, 1929 by Albert Riemenschneider.
In 1961, the Music Committee agreed to purchase a new pipe organ for the church. Extensive renovations were being made to the church at that time and the old Kilgen organ had become very difficult to maintain. The new organ was built by the M. P. Möller Company of Hagerstown, Maryland. It consisted of 72 ranks of pipes playable from a four-manual console. In 1962 the 32' Bourdon was installed and three years later the 32' Posaune was added. The organ was dedicated on February 20, 1962 by Robert Glasgow.
In November of 1986, the Administrative Board approved a $400,000 expansion and improvement project for the organ, to be carried out by the M. P. Möller Company. Exposed pipes were added in the sanctuary and a new four-manual console featured electro-pneumatic action and solid state combination action. The organ was enlarged to 73 stops, 105 ranks, and 5,869 pipes including the Trompette-en-Chamade located in the ceiling above the balcony. The organ has seven different organ chambers and is currently valued at over one million dollars. It was dedicated on February 28, 1988 by Fred Elder.
In 1995 a tonal revision project was begun with Daniel Angerstein of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This project was completed in 1999 with the addition of a new Trompette-en-Chamade.
Handbells
Boston Avenue Church purchased its first set of Whitechapel handbells in 1958. Currently, our five ensembles perform on a five-octave set of Malmark handbells, four large sixth-octave handbells (Bflat 2, G2, F2, & C2), and a four-octave set of Malmark choir chimes. In addition, the church owns two five-octave sets of Whitechapel handbells.
Pianos
In addition to numerous Yamaha studio pianos, Boston Avenue musicians enjoy performing on numerous fine instruments including: a Steinway L, a Steinway A, and a completely rebuilt seven-foot Steinway grand, two 6-foot Baldwin Bs, a Yamaha G, a seven-foot Vose, and a nine-foot Knabe concert grand. In addition, the church owns a beautiful Franco-Flemish Martin harpsichord.
