Church Music Ministry Saved by Rodgers Organ

At Hope United Methodist Church in Troy, NY, Marge Roden had celebrated over 60 years of playing their 1946 Hammond organ for the congregation!  After Marge was no longer able to play, the congregation was left without any music for their weekly worship for three years, resorting to singing A Capella. Then came a bequest which would ultimately allow them to return to organ music once again. A long-time parishioner left a bequest to the congregation with the stipulation the funds be used for a new organ. This donation lead the congregation to Carlson Organ Co. to design and install a new hybrid organ for their church.  With 3 ranks of pipes and a Rodgers 559 Classic Series console, the Rodgers Hymn Player has been a saving grace for the congregation that long-desired to hear organ music in their worship again.  After sitting down with our education coordinator the church's leadership were able to utilize the Rodgers Hymn Player feature - consisting of 350 built-in hymns - to once-again sing together during worship.  Mary Wagner, from Hope UMC said, "We have been singing music A Capella.  The congregation loves to sing, but it's not the same as singing with the organ.  This Hymn Player is so simple to use! I wish I had this three years ago. The congregation is going to be elated Sunday when they can hear and sing to the organ again!"

The pastor, David Martin, was so elated he posted on their Facebook page, "Actual musical accompaniment for worship tomorrow at Hope!"

The organ was dedicated to a standing-room-only audience, and was used by visiting organists several times for funerals and special events. The congregation is dedicated to providing musical programs for the community to hear the hybrid organ.