One of the issues that the committee faced was where to locate the new instrument. Working with the Chancel Renovation Committee provided an ideal means to install a new instrument in a location that would be congruent with the church’s renovation plans. The original organ chamber had been located to the left of the chancel as you face the altar, but that area was too small to accept an instrument of quality. Further, the renovation plans called for the organ chamber to be turned into a passageway leading to Meade Hall. The committee considered putting the organ in the balcony in the rear of the sanctuary but found that the ceiling is too low and the balcony not strong enough to support the instrument. Side chancel placement was also not a possibility. The committee found that the best, and possibly the only, location for a new instrument would be in the front of the church. This was confirmed by each builder that the committee interviewed during the selection process.

Another issue that the committee considered was cost. It was important that the church use its money responsibly, yet still install a superior instrument. The committee examined the possibility of installing a rebuilt used organ. They found that, if the original organ was both well designed and well built, when refurbished the result could be an instrument equal to, or in some cases superior to, a new organ yet at 50% less the cost. After careful deliberation, the committee recommended that the church install a three-manual, 29-stop organ originally built by the E. and G. G. Hook Organ Company of Boston in 1869. This organ would be completely renovated and rebuilt by the Andover Organ Company of Methuen, Massachusetts.

The organ would be located in the front of the church surrounding the rose window. This proposal was approved by the Vestry in Summer, 2004, and a contract with Andover was signed at that time. The E. and G. G. Hook Organ Company was one of the premier organ builders in America in the 19th century. They built instruments that embodied superior tonal qualities that were intentionally designed to work well in American churches, which often had poor acoustic environments. Our organ, Opus 472, was originally built for and installed in Grace Episcopal Church in Chicago, Illinois, in 1869. Grace Church was similar in size and style to Christ Church and shared with us some of the same architectural and acoustic qualities. The organ represents an almost ideal match for our worship space.

Our renovated organ now has three manuals, 38 stops, and 2194 pipes, and is large enough to fill the church with sound and to play service and solo music from any style or An Organ for Christ Church E.&G.G. HOOK, OPUS 472, 1868 ANDOVER ORGAN COMPANY, OPUS R-345, 2011 period. It has every potential to serve the church with distinction far into the future. The new organ was carefully designed to fit the renovated chancel area. The organ is placed in an optimum location, on axis in front of the congregation, and it speaks directly into the sanctuary. The exterior case and design were accomplished in conjunction with the noted church architect Terry Eason, who prepared the plans for the sanctuary renovation. The net result is a visually superior instrument that enhances the appearance of the chancel. Further, an acoustical study undertaken as part of the renovation effort identified several problem areas in our sanctuary. A part of the renovation plans implemented changes that have significantly improved the acoustical environment for both music and the spoken word. The cost of our new organ is $475,000, about half the cost of the other alternatives the committee examined. Since each and every part of the organ has been totally refurbished, the rebuilt organ is mechanically equal to any new organ. Some feel that the high build standards maintained by the Hook Organ Company may actually produce an instrument that is superior in build quality to instruments made today. As such it represents a sound investment in the church’s future. The Hook Opus 472 is a musically and mechanically superior instrument that will serve Christ Church well and be able to perform a variety of works in any musical style with grace and distinction.