Designing The Organ For Leading Congregational Song

The primary purpose of the church organ is to lead and accompany congregational singing. This article argues that the highest priority in organ design and construction in churches should not be to produce an impressive organ for recitals, but rather to construct an organ to meet the unique needs of congregational singing. The organ is not placed in church for recitals, nice as they may be. The organ is not placed in church as a tourist attraction, although some wonderful instruments have resulted from a desire to make a statement and attract people. And especially, the organ is not placed in church for the amusement and delight of organist, builder, or enthusiast. I believe the pipe organ still finds a welcome place in the church because it remains the single best instrument at which one person can lead a variety of styles of congregational song. Some of you reading this article may be a bit upset with me because you like to use other instruments to lead congregational song. So do …