National City Christian Church
National City Christian Church’s first pipe organ was built by the Ernest M. Skinner Organ Company of Boston, Massachusetts and installed in 1930 upon the completion of the church. The organ, Op. 824, had four manuals, 54 ranks, and 3,514 pipes. It was quintessential E.M. Skinner, with its large scale diapason stops, lush strings and an array of colorful orchestral reed stops. The renowned concert organist Virgil Fox practiced and played recitals upon the organ while serving in the Air Force during the Second World War while he was stationed at the chapel of Walter Reed Medical Hospital. This organ was used to accompany the great operatic soprano Leontyne Price at the state funeral of President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1973, one of its last major musical offerings before being reworked in later years.
After 45 years of faithful service, the firm of M.P. Möller of Hagerstown, Maryland, extensively rebuilt the Skinner organ in 1976. Under the direction of Donald M. Gillette and Ronald F. Ellis and the guidance of Minister of Music Lawrence Schreiber, Möller created a new 105-rank instrument of five divisions (Great, Swell, Choir, Positiv and Pedal) and 5,391 pipes controlled by a new four-manual console. At that time, some 30 ranks of the Skinner organ were revoiced and used in various divisions within this new instrument. Of those 30 ranks, only eight (English Horn, Flute Triangulaire, Flute Harmonique, pedal Principal and Contra Bass, among others) were retained in their original and untouched condition. Hundreds of donors, both local and nationwide, contributed funds to Möller’s landmark instrument, one that featured the best of the “American Classic” organ building ideals. It was celebrated widely for its variety of colorful flute and reed stops and its formidable 30-rank pedal division, including Möller’s signature “harmonics” stops meant to produce the effect of 32’ and 64’ ranks. Recitals the first season featured Virgil Fox, Marilyn Mason, Albert Russell, Clyde Holloway, Robert Baker and Lawrence Schreiber.
In 1980-81, a major renovation of the sanctuary surpassed not only the original splendor conceived by architect John Russell Pope, but achieved a superb acoustical environment ideal for both music and the spoken word. Into this jewel-like setting was added the Pearl Neugent Nordan Gallery Organ in the rear balcony. This independent instrument of 16 ranks, with its towers of shining silver pipes and separate two-manual console, stunningly crowned the visual impact of the building. Because of its skillful design and placement, the Gallery Organ’s full and direct sound suggests an organ of many more pipes than it actually possesses. This instrument includes a brilliant, horizontally mounted Trompette-en-chamade on 10 inches of wind pressure. This trumpet stop, at its first hearing, was described by The Washington Post as “the most commanding Washington has ever heard.” The instruments’ most famous and popular feature, though, is its 61-note set of Whitechapel English handbells, custom designed and built for this organ and the first of its kind in the world. Ten small doors open when the Handbell stop is drawn to display the bells, which are elegantly lit for all to see.
In March 1985, an additional 20 ranks of pipes and a new five-manual, 271-drawknob console were added to the chancel organ, further enriching its tonal palette and artistic flexibility. These additions brought the total resources to 141 ranks, nine divisions, and 7,592 pipes, making it the third largest pipe organ in Washington D.C. and its only one with a five-manual console. The new “state of the art” console is able to play the full resources of both chancel and gallery instruments. Visible from the nave, directly underneath the cross, are the silver pipes of the five-rank Mounted Cornet stop, whose piquant and powerful sound is rich in overtones. Also added were new solo stops (Clarinet, Doppelflote, and a Tuba stop named after Rev. Dr. William Howland, then senior minister of the church), complete sets of French-style chorus reeds and additional flue pipes. The great British organist, Simon Preston, who gave the organ’s dedication recital in 1985, commented: “Once you have played this organ, it spoils you for all others.”
In 2003, under the guidance of Ministers of Music Edward Moore and Marvin Mills, a renovation project was undertaken to upgrade the electrical systems of both organs and install a new multi-memory, solid state computerized operating system to control the organs’ vast resources. The new system was designed and built by Solid State Organ Systems of Alexandria, Virginia and, to accommodate the new system, both chancel and gallery consoles were refurbished, with the gallery organ console given the ability to play, through “blind pistons”, the full resources of the chancel organ. Significant alterations were made to the layout of the draw knobs and controls of the five manual chancel console. In addition, finances were secured for comprehensive, twice monthly tuning and maintenance of the organ, a remarkable benefits which continues to this day.
In 2007 and early 2008, the Pearl Neugent Nordan Gallery Organ underwent significant mechanical renovation work, including rebuilding and cleaning the Handbell stop’s playing mechanism and the replacement of swell expression shades and motors. The chancel organ received four digitally produced 32’ stops and one 64’ stop, designed by the Walker Technical Company of Zionsville, PA, to replace the unsuccessful harmonics stops installed by Möller. The immediate future will see a new pair of E.M. Skinner-inspired string and celeste ranks in the Swell division, the addition of a new, 10- rank, independent Solo division, increase and stabilization of wind, the addition of several more ranks of pipes throughout the organ, the cleaning and revoicing of the chorus reed stops, and significant tonal refinement of the entire instrument.
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Diapason (Digital)
8 Principal
8 Violone
8 Flute Harmonique †
8 Bourdon
4 Octave
4 Spitzflöte
2-2/3 Quint
2 Octavlein
2 Waldflöte
1-3/5 Terz
V Mounted Cornet (c2-c5)
IV-V Mixture
III-IV Scharf
16 Kontra Trompete
16 Bombarde
8 Trompete
8 Trompette
4 Klarine
4 Clairon
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
Tremulant
Great Unison Off
SWELL (Manual III)
16 Bourdon †
8 Gambe
8 Gambe Céleste
8 Flûte á Cheminée †
8 Flauto Dolce
8 Flauto Dolce Céleste †
4 Prestant
4 Flûte Triangulaire †
2 Doublette
2 Flûte Conique
II Sesquialtera
III-V Plein Jeu
III Cymbale
16 Waldhorn †
8 Trompette
8 Waldhorn †
8 Oboe †
8 Voix Humaine
4 Clarion
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Tremulant
Swell 16
Swell Unison Off
Swell 4
CHOIR (Manual I)
16 Quintaton
8 Montre
8 Concert Flute †
8 Doppelflöte
8 Viole Sourdine
8 Viole Sourdine Céleste (t.c.)
8 Quintadena
4 Octave
4 Flûte Traversière †
2-2/3 Nazard
2 Flûte Magique
1-1/3 Larigot
III-IV Fourniture
III Jeu de Clochette
16 Contre Trompette
8 Trompette
8 Howland Tuba
8 English Horn †
8 Clarinet
4 Clairon
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Harp (Digital)
Celesta (Digital)
Tremulant
Choir 16
Choir Unison Off
Choir 4
POSITIV (Manual IV)
16 Violone (Great)
8 Principal
8 Spitzgedeckt
4 Principal
4 Koppelflöte
2-2/3 Nasat
2 Octave
2 Flachflöte
1-3/5 Terzflöte
1-1/3 Quint
1 Sifflöte
III-IV Zimbel
16 Petite Trompette
16 Dulzian
8 Petite Trompette
8 Krummhorn
8 Rohrschalmei
4 Petite Clarion
16 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
4 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Zimbelstern (10 bells)
Tremulant
Positiv 16
Positiv Unison Off
SOLO (Manual V)
16 String Céleste (Sw/Ch)
8 Doppelflöte Ch)
8 String Céleste (Sw/Ch
4 String Céleste (Sw/Ch
8 Trompette (Ch)
8 English Horn (Ch)
8 Clarinet (Ch)
8 Waldhorn (Sw)
8 Rohrschalmei (Pos)
8 Howland Tuba (Ch)
16 Festival Trumpet*
8 Festival Trumpet
4 Festival Trumpet
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Harp (Digital)
Celesta (Digital)
PEDAL
32 Open Wood (Digital)
32 Contra Violone (Digital)
32 Untersatz
32 Lieblich Gedeckt (Digital)
16 Kontra Bass †
16 Principal †
16 Subbass †
16 Violone (Gat)
16 Bourdon (Sw)
16 Quintaton (Ch)
10-2/3 Quint †
8 Octave
8 Gedeckt Pommer †
8 Violone (Gt)
8 Flûte á Cheminée (Sw)
5-1/3 Quinte
4 Choralbass
4 Nachthorn
4 Flûte á Cheminée (Sw)
2 Hohlflöte
IV Mixture IV
64 Double Ophicleide (Digital)
32 Kontra Posaune
32 Contre Basson (Digital)
16 Posaune
16 Bombarde (Gt)
16 Waldhorn (Sw)
16 Contre Trompette (Ch)
16 Petite Trompette (Pos)
8 Posaune
8 Trompette (Gt)
8 Trompette (Ch)
4 Klarine
4 Rohrschalmei (Pos)
4 Trompette (Ch)
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
Tremulant
Unison Off
Pedal Divide
† From 1930 E.M. Skinner
* 1-12 from 16 Posaune
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Bourdon
8 Principal
8 Gedeckt
8 Gemshorn (Gal Sw)
8 Gemshorn Céleste (Gal Sw)
4 Octave
4 Gedeckt
2 Super Octave
2 Flute
V Cornet(derived, t.c.)
II Sesquialtera
III-IV Mixture
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Zimbelstern
Tremulant
Gallery Great Unison Off
GALLERY ORGAN
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Bourdon
8 Principal
8 Gedeckt
8 Gemshorn (Gal Sw)
8 Gemshorn Céleste (Gal Sw)
4 Octave
4 Gedeckt
2 Super Octave
2 Flute
V Cornet(derived, t.c.)
II Sesquialtera
III-IV Mixture
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Zimbelstern
Tremulant
Gallery Great Unison Off
SWELL (Manual III)
8 Rohrflöte
8 Gemshorn
8 Gemshorn Céleste (t.c.)
4 Spitzprinzipal
4 Rohrflöte
2 Spitzoktav
1-1/3 Larigot
1 Kleinoktave
16 Contre Trompette
8 Trompette
8 Schalmei
4 Clairon
8 Trompette en Chamade
Tremulant
Gallery Swell Unison Off
PEDAL
16 Principal
16 Bourdon (Gal Gt)
10-2/3 Quint
8 Octave
8 Rohrflöte (Gal Sw)
4 Choralbass
4 Gedeckt (Gal Gt)
32 Trompette Cornet (derived)
16 Contre Trompette (Gal Sw)
4 Clairon (Gal Sw)
4 Schalmei (Gal Sw)
Gallery Pedal Unison Off
After 45 years of faithful service, the firm of M.P. Möller of Hagerstown, Maryland, extensively rebuilt the Skinner organ in 1976. Under the direction of Donald M. Gillette and Ronald F. Ellis and the guidance of Minister of Music Lawrence Schreiber, Möller created a new 105-rank instrument of five divisions (Great, Swell, Choir, Positiv and Pedal) and 5,391 pipes controlled by a new four-manual console. At that time, some 30 ranks of the Skinner organ were revoiced and used in various divisions within this new instrument. Of those 30 ranks, only eight (English Horn, Flute Triangulaire, Flute Harmonique, pedal Principal and Contra Bass, among others) were retained in their original and untouched condition. Hundreds of donors, both local and nationwide, contributed funds to Möller’s landmark instrument, one that featured the best of the “American Classic” organ building ideals. It was celebrated widely for its variety of colorful flute and reed stops and its formidable 30-rank pedal division, including Möller’s signature “harmonics” stops meant to produce the effect of 32’ and 64’ ranks. Recitals the first season featured Virgil Fox, Marilyn Mason, Albert Russell, Clyde Holloway, Robert Baker and Lawrence Schreiber.
In 1980-81, a major renovation of the sanctuary surpassed not only the original splendor conceived by architect John Russell Pope, but achieved a superb acoustical environment ideal for both music and the spoken word. Into this jewel-like setting was added the Pearl Neugent Nordan Gallery Organ in the rear balcony. This independent instrument of 16 ranks, with its towers of shining silver pipes and separate two-manual console, stunningly crowned the visual impact of the building. Because of its skillful design and placement, the Gallery Organ’s full and direct sound suggests an organ of many more pipes than it actually possesses. This instrument includes a brilliant, horizontally mounted Trompette-en-chamade on 10 inches of wind pressure. This trumpet stop, at its first hearing, was described by The Washington Post as “the most commanding Washington has ever heard.” The instruments’ most famous and popular feature, though, is its 61-note set of Whitechapel English handbells, custom designed and built for this organ and the first of its kind in the world. Ten small doors open when the Handbell stop is drawn to display the bells, which are elegantly lit for all to see.
In March 1985, an additional 20 ranks of pipes and a new five-manual, 271-drawknob console were added to the chancel organ, further enriching its tonal palette and artistic flexibility. These additions brought the total resources to 141 ranks, nine divisions, and 7,592 pipes, making it the third largest pipe organ in Washington D.C. and its only one with a five-manual console. The new “state of the art” console is able to play the full resources of both chancel and gallery instruments. Visible from the nave, directly underneath the cross, are the silver pipes of the five-rank Mounted Cornet stop, whose piquant and powerful sound is rich in overtones. Also added were new solo stops (Clarinet, Doppelflote, and a Tuba stop named after Rev. Dr. William Howland, then senior minister of the church), complete sets of French-style chorus reeds and additional flue pipes. The great British organist, Simon Preston, who gave the organ’s dedication recital in 1985, commented: “Once you have played this organ, it spoils you for all others.”
In 2003, under the guidance of Ministers of Music Edward Moore and Marvin Mills, a renovation project was undertaken to upgrade the electrical systems of both organs and install a new multi-memory, solid state computerized operating system to control the organs’ vast resources. The new system was designed and built by Solid State Organ Systems of Alexandria, Virginia and, to accommodate the new system, both chancel and gallery consoles were refurbished, with the gallery organ console given the ability to play, through “blind pistons”, the full resources of the chancel organ. Significant alterations were made to the layout of the draw knobs and controls of the five manual chancel console. In addition, finances were secured for comprehensive, twice monthly tuning and maintenance of the organ, a remarkable benefits which continues to this day.
In 2007 and early 2008, the Pearl Neugent Nordan Gallery Organ underwent significant mechanical renovation work, including rebuilding and cleaning the Handbell stop’s playing mechanism and the replacement of swell expression shades and motors. The chancel organ received four digitally produced 32’ stops and one 64’ stop, designed by the Walker Technical Company of Zionsville, PA, to replace the unsuccessful harmonics stops installed by Möller. The immediate future will see a new pair of E.M. Skinner-inspired string and celeste ranks in the Swell division, the addition of a new, 10- rank, independent Solo division, increase and stabilization of wind, the addition of several more ranks of pipes throughout the organ, the cleaning and revoicing of the chorus reed stops, and significant tonal refinement of the entire instrument.
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Diapason (Digital)
8 Principal
8 Violone
8 Flute Harmonique †
8 Bourdon
4 Octave
4 Spitzflöte
2-2/3 Quint
2 Octavlein
2 Waldflöte
1-3/5 Terz
V Mounted Cornet (c2-c5)
IV-V Mixture
III-IV Scharf
16 Kontra Trompete
16 Bombarde
8 Trompete
8 Trompette
4 Klarine
4 Clairon
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
Tremulant
Great Unison Off
SWELL (Manual III)
16 Bourdon †
8 Gambe
8 Gambe Céleste
8 Flûte á Cheminée †
8 Flauto Dolce
8 Flauto Dolce Céleste †
4 Prestant
4 Flûte Triangulaire †
2 Doublette
2 Flûte Conique
II Sesquialtera
III-V Plein Jeu
III Cymbale
16 Waldhorn †
8 Trompette
8 Waldhorn †
8 Oboe †
8 Voix Humaine
4 Clarion
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Tremulant
Swell 16
Swell Unison Off
Swell 4
CHOIR (Manual I)
16 Quintaton
8 Montre
8 Concert Flute †
8 Doppelflöte
8 Viole Sourdine
8 Viole Sourdine Céleste (t.c.)
8 Quintadena
4 Octave
4 Flûte Traversière †
2-2/3 Nazard
2 Flûte Magique
1-1/3 Larigot
III-IV Fourniture
III Jeu de Clochette
16 Contre Trompette
8 Trompette
8 Howland Tuba
8 English Horn †
8 Clarinet
4 Clairon
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Harp (Digital)
Celesta (Digital)
Tremulant
Choir 16
Choir Unison Off
Choir 4
POSITIV (Manual IV)
16 Violone (Great)
8 Principal
8 Spitzgedeckt
4 Principal
4 Koppelflöte
2-2/3 Nasat
2 Octave
2 Flachflöte
1-3/5 Terzflöte
1-1/3 Quint
1 Sifflöte
III-IV Zimbel
16 Petite Trompette
16 Dulzian
8 Petite Trompette
8 Krummhorn
8 Rohrschalmei
4 Petite Clarion
16 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
4 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Zimbelstern (10 bells)
Tremulant
Positiv 16
Positiv Unison Off
SOLO (Manual V)
16 String Céleste (Sw/Ch)
8 Doppelflöte Ch)
8 String Céleste (Sw/Ch
4 String Céleste (Sw/Ch
8 Trompette (Ch)
8 English Horn (Ch)
8 Clarinet (Ch)
8 Waldhorn (Sw)
8 Rohrschalmei (Pos)
8 Howland Tuba (Ch)
16 Festival Trumpet*
8 Festival Trumpet
4 Festival Trumpet
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Harp (Digital)
Celesta (Digital)
PEDAL
32 Open Wood (Digital)
32 Contra Violone (Digital)
32 Untersatz
32 Lieblich Gedeckt (Digital)
16 Kontra Bass †
16 Principal †
16 Subbass †
16 Violone (Gat)
16 Bourdon (Sw)
16 Quintaton (Ch)
10-2/3 Quint †
8 Octave
8 Gedeckt Pommer †
8 Violone (Gt)
8 Flûte á Cheminée (Sw)
5-1/3 Quinte
4 Choralbass
4 Nachthorn
4 Flûte á Cheminée (Sw)
2 Hohlflöte
IV Mixture IV
64 Double Ophicleide (Digital)
32 Kontra Posaune
32 Contre Basson (Digital)
16 Posaune
16 Bombarde (Gt)
16 Waldhorn (Sw)
16 Contre Trompette (Ch)
16 Petite Trompette (Pos)
8 Posaune
8 Trompette (Gt)
8 Trompette (Ch)
4 Klarine
4 Rohrschalmei (Pos)
4 Trompette (Ch)
8 Festival Trumpet (So)
8 Trompette en Chamade (Gal)
Chimes (Digital)
Tremulant
Unison Off
Pedal Divide
† From 1930 E.M. Skinner
* 1-12 from 16 Posaune
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Bourdon
8 Principal
8 Gedeckt
8 Gemshorn (Gal Sw)
8 Gemshorn Céleste (Gal Sw)
4 Octave
4 Gedeckt
2 Super Octave
2 Flute
V Cornet(derived, t.c.)
II Sesquialtera
III-IV Mixture
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Zimbelstern
Tremulant
Gallery Great Unison Off
GALLERY ORGAN
GREAT (Manual II)
16 Bourdon
8 Principal
8 Gedeckt
8 Gemshorn (Gal Sw)
8 Gemshorn Céleste (Gal Sw)
4 Octave
4 Gedeckt
2 Super Octave
2 Flute
V Cornet(derived, t.c.)
II Sesquialtera
III-IV Mixture
English Handbells
Handbell Doors (Open/Close)
Zimbelstern
Tremulant
Gallery Great Unison Off
SWELL (Manual III)
8 Rohrflöte
8 Gemshorn
8 Gemshorn Céleste (t.c.)
4 Spitzprinzipal
4 Rohrflöte
2 Spitzoktav
1-1/3 Larigot
1 Kleinoktave
16 Contre Trompette
8 Trompette
8 Schalmei
4 Clairon
8 Trompette en Chamade
Tremulant
Gallery Swell Unison Off
PEDAL
16 Principal
16 Bourdon (Gal Gt)
10-2/3 Quint
8 Octave
8 Rohrflöte (Gal Sw)
4 Choralbass
4 Gedeckt (Gal Gt)
32 Trompette Cornet (derived)
16 Contre Trompette (Gal Sw)
4 Clairon (Gal Sw)
4 Schalmei (Gal Sw)
Gallery Pedal Unison Off