Project 56

In early 2026, Parsons Pipe Organ Builders completed the installation of a new organ for ‪St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. While new to the parish of St. Paul’s, the instrument is remanufactured from an organ originally built in 2001 by Casavant Frères (Opus 3818) for Chaparral Christian Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. Parsons was engaged to acquire, reconfigure, revoice, and install the instrument in the gallery of St. Paul’s historic sanctuary.

The completed instrument is a three-manual and pedal organ consisting of 50 ranks across four divisions; unenclosed Great, expressive Swell and Choir divisions, and Pedal division. The manual divisions occupy the space that formerly housed Schantz Opus 1097 of 1972. The Pedal division is installed in a newly constructed chamber located in a separate room perpendicular to the main installation.

The new red oak casework complements the architecture of the sanctuary while echoing visual elements found throughout the space. In particular, the case pillars and arches featured in the design of the case were inspired by the existing architectural details surrounding the stained-glass windows behind the High Altar. The stenciled façade pipes draw their colors and decorative motifs from patterns and finishes found throughout the church interior. Together, these elements create the impression that the instrument has always belonged in this space.

The organ contains 2,934 pipes, many of which remain on their original Casavant pitman windchests. New windchests have been provided for additions. A significant portion of the organ’s structural framework is new, along with new wind conduits and expression enclosures for the Swell and Choir divisions. Two blowers supply the organ with ample wind, including a booster blower to supply the Pedal reed and Tuba.

The organ is controlled by an Opus-Two Instrument Control System, providing multiple levels of memory organized into separate organist folders. The system’s Record and Playback functionality allows an organist to record their performance in order to evaluate balance, tonal color, and volume from any location in the sanctuary.

Upon completion, the project represents approximately 11,000 hours of work encompassing relocation, design, construction, assembly, and installation.

The decision to acquire a pipe organ was led by Co-Rectors Rev. Todd M. Vie and Rev. Dr. Diane E. Vie, who sadly passed away before the instrument’s completion; Organist and Choirmaster Sumner Jenkins; a dedicated organ committee; and a vestry that wholeheartedly embraced the importance of continuing to invest in parish infrastructure in a manner worthy of the parish founders. Known as the “Bicentennial Organ” in celebration of St. Paul’s 200th anniversary, the new instrument is certain to support the parish’s many and diverse musical programs for generations to come.