Of all the musical instruments that may accompany divine worship, the organ is “accorded pride of place” in Catholic liturgical tradition. As Pope Benedict XVI noted, it is an instrument designed to “remind us of the immensity and the magnificence of God” (Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Benedict XVI, Blessing of the New Organ, 2006).
So when St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield was seeking a new organ to accompany its choir and assembly, much deliberation went into its selection.
“Our music program is traditional and sings a variety of sacred music from early American choral motets to Gregorian chant, spirituals, and modern present day works,” said Mark O’Hearn, Director of Music at St. Joseph the Worker. “We needed an instrument that would support that.”
O’Hearn found what he was looking for in a Walker organ.
“It is a digital model with 65 ranks of Aeolian Skinner Digital pipe ranks,” said O’Hearn. An instrument “voiced in the French Romantic Style,” it is configured to replicate the orchestral sound of 19th-century French pipe organs.
The instrument made its debut on Palm Sunday with “Fanfare and Processional” by American composer Keith Chapman, who had served as organist of the world-famous Wanamaker Organ in Philadelphia. Additional pieces included a French Toccata by Eugene Gigout that was “very flashy but also dark, leading us into the dramatic events of Holy Week,” and two choral anthems performed by the Parish Choir.
While O’Hearn’s “hope is to have the organ lead us in our vibrant music ministry,” he emphasized that the “wonderful colors” of the new instrument will also be featured at an upcoming organ dedicatory and concert by Daniel Brondel. Brondel is the Associate Director of Music at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Cathedral Choir.
The concert, which will take place at St. Joseph the Worker on Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m., will include works from the Baroque era to the present. “There will be something for everyone in this concert,” said O’Hearn. After Brondel’s performance, a “Meet the Artist” wine reception will be held in the newly renovated parish center.
The performance by Brondel will be one of several opportunities to hear and see the new Walker organ. “There will be more organ concerts coming to St. Joseph for the 2027-28 year,” said O’Hearn. With them will be more chances to experience what Pope St. John Paul II called “the instrument of sacred music par excellence” (Address of Pope John Paul II to the Participants in the International Congress of Sacred Music, 2001).
Admission to the Sept. 25 concert is free. Donations are welcome.
Top photo, Monsignor Victor Finelli, Pastor of St. Joseph the Worker, seated at the parish’s new organ; photo by Gina Medvedz. Second photo, another view of the new organ at St. Joseph the Worker. Third photo, the former St. Joseph the Worker organ, now on the main floor of St. Ursula, Fountain Hill.
Organ Upgrade a Blessing for St. Ursula Parish and Choir
Challenging times had come upon the music ministry at St. Ursula, Fountain Hill. The church’s original pipe organ, which had accompanied the St. Ursula Choir and congregation for nearly a century, needed restoration that was beyond the means of the parish.
Meanwhile, several longtime choir members could no longer climb the steps to the choir loft, so fewer people were showing up to sing at Mass.
“We have a parishioner who is 99 years old,” said Pastoral Assistant Ron Koach. “She would look forward all week to singing at Mass, so she was heartbroken when the stairs got to be too much for her.”
Providentially, Koach learned that St. Joseph the Worker, Orefield was seeking a home for its Allen Organ, which it was replacing with an upgraded model. He secured the organ for St. Ursula and oversaw its installation on the main floor of the church, a placement that was facilitated by the removal of several church pews.
Reaction to the new setup has been nothing but positive. Parishioner Fran Miranda, who has been singing with the choir for more than 10 years, said that “having the organ on the church’s main floor has enhanced the religious experience and enabled choir members who were unable to walk up the stairs to participate again. It is truly a blessing.”
The organ itself has likewise been well received, with special praise afforded its capacity to produce sounds that mimic other instruments. Also noteworthy is the organ’s “self-playing” feature, which allows it to be programmed to replicate a live performance in the absence of an organist.
Father Brendon Laroche, Pastor, will conduct a blessing of the new organ later this month. With the instrument having thus been sanctified for liturgical worship, and made accessible to the choir and music ministers, it will accompany the people of St. Ursula as they proclaim God’s glory in song.
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