The 100 Rank Schantz Organ
Fairmount's pipe organ was built by the Schantz Organ Company of Orrville, Ohio and installed during the Fall of 1996. This magnificent instrument consists of 100 ranks of pipes (almost 6,000 in all) distributed over eight divisions (five in the gallery and three in the chancel). There are two complete three-manual consoles, both of which are capable of playing the entire instrument. The main organ of 82 ranks is placed in the rear gallery of the nave within the casework of the original Holtkamp organ. It is a new English drawknob console with bone naturals and rosewood sharps. From the opposite end of the building, a chancel organ of 18 ranks serves to accompany choirs and smaller services while musically augmenting the larger gallery organ. It is the movable stop-key console retained from the previous instrument. The 100 Rank Schantz Organ utilizes a number of stops retained from the 1942 Holtkamp organ, including the 16' Posaune, Celesta, and Chimes. In addition, there are many unusual stops, most notably a brilliant Trumpet En Chamade (mounted horizontally), an English Style Solo Tuba and an earthshaking 32' Trombone. The instrument's tonal design and execution was under the direction of Burton K. Tidwell. Voicing and assistance with the tonal finishing was overseen by R. L. Hulsey. A dedication service was held on Sunday, November 3, 1996 at 4:00 pm EST.