Episode 32 of Piping Up with Stephen Regec

Welcome to Pine Street Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—a revered space with a rich history and one of the area's most impressive pipe organs. Founded in 1858 by 42 members who first gathered in the Pennsylvania State Senate chambers, the church has served as a foundation for worship, music, and outreach in the city's heart for over 160 years. Its current sanctuary, finished in 1860 and remodeled in 1926 by the acclaimed architect Ralph Adams Cram, features English Gothic design and holds a musical instrument of remarkable character and legacy. The centerpiece of Pine Street's rich musical tradition is its magnificent pipe organ. Initially installed in 1926 as Opus 506 by the Skinner Organ Company of Boston, the organ played a key role in the redesign of the sanctuary. Instead of placing it above the choir loft, the organ was installed in two shallow chambers flanking the loft to maximize acoustics. Over the years, it has evolved through careful preservation and enhancement. In 1963, M.P. Möller rebuilt and expanded the instrument (Opus R-706), retaining much of the Skinner pipework and adding new features like a Solo division with a state trumpet, solo strings, and French horn. The 1980s brought further refinement under the guidance of organist Donald L. Clapper and tonal director Daniel Angerstein, including the addition of the Nave Organ and Trompette en Chamade. In 2000, digital augmentation by Walker Technical Company replaced failing 32-foot stops with sampled voices, ensuring a continued robust presence in the sanctuary.

 

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