First Presbyterian Church
Reading, Pennsylvania

The new organ installation at First Presbyterian Church in Reading PA presented a unique set of challenges. The first was primarily acoustic in nature, as the original pipe organ was recessed into deep chambers on either side of a deep chancel that is cut-off from the rest of the sanctuary by an arch which is much smaller than the chancel behind it.

The new organ, PJM opus #47, met this challenge head on with the Great & Pedal divisions being exposed in large "flower boxes" in front of the original tone openings on either side of the chancel. Cantilevered into a position that allows a more direct line from the pipework to the congregation through the small arch, the Great chorus becomes very effective in the room.

The principals are generously scaled, as are the stings. The flute mutations in the Choir are very effective, and the Swell reeds are exceedingly beautiful, in particular a capped oboe that is so smooth and plaintive that one can draw the Swell voix celeste with it and it creates the most beautiful shimmering effect. The original 32' bombarde unit was retained from the original installation to keep the power needed for the room and is now rounded out by some other non-labial tones at 32' & 16' pitch to provide the needed foundation for the new organ.

The organ specification is very well rounded, making it capable of playing all organ literature from all periods and schools. Charles Confer is the Organist and Choirmaster.

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