Volunteers Hasten Tracker Organ Installation 

In 2005 Houghton College and Houghton Wesleyan Church jointly commissioned  Canadian builder James Louder to design and build a new tracker organ to be housed in the church, but serving both institutions.

After three years of construction and project expansion, unfavorable currency fluctuations, broad financial participation and crucial volunteer labor, a 29-stop, 1,972-pipe two-manual organ has been installed at the church and is in final stages of voicing. This fall the $505,000 instrument (plus $200,000 in structural changes and facility upgrades to the church) will be dedicated via a series of recitals.

Accompanying pictures highlight the work of alumni, townsfolk and graduate music student volunteers. Stop pulls and door panels were crafted by Dr. Wilbur Zike ‘53; metal pipe prep and polishing done by former Coach Doug Burke, Marilyn (Ballard) Hiler ’62, and Diane (Lytle) Emmons ‘74. Wood pipe construction and finishing were by retired chemistry professor/ Dean Fred Shannon, former college carpenter Rolland Fletcher, retired Academy principal Buddy Keith, and onetime admission and alumni director Richard Alderman ‘52, who also coordinated volunteer efforts.

Other volunteers were: Steve Castor ‘52, Kenneth Gaerte, Amanda Kraeger, Nicholas Liddick, Dr. Douglas Mahle, retired ethics professor Larry Mullen, Jennifer Newgent, retired math teachers Richard ‘55 Pocock and Bill Roeske ‘56, Steve Pocock ‘79, former print shop manager Allen Smith ’43, Karen Williams and Danielle Varnell.

To date congregants have raised $251,000, music alumni contributed $38,000, and Houghton College provided $160,000. Foundation participation has reached $30,000, leaving some $26,000 needed to pay for the instrument.  Before the dedication series (TBA) ends, planners seek to raise the renovation balance. Completion of this state-of-the-art instrument, the latest of many joint church/college ministry projects, promises a robust future for the church music program and enhances the college’s ability to attract and prepare church musicians.