St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
Atlanta, Georgia

In the summer of 1996, Phil Parkey & Associates was contacted to investigate the options of replacing the church’s failing electronic organ with a pipe organ. Early on, several items prevailed in the study and discussions. Space and funding were of great concern. However, the church remained committed to installation of a pipe organ.

As the project proceeded, Parkey was able to locate and secure a small six-rank pipe organ that provided excellent materials for the core of the organ. With critical rescaling and voicing to fit the new room, Parkey was able to produce an organ with excellent color and variety and solid ensemble for congregational singing. The organ successfully encompasses the design philosophies of the builder. Choruses are warm and rich, yet provides a clear leading voice for soloist and congregational accompaniment and music literature. Unification was designed to prevent rank/voice overlap as much as possible, giving two very useful and different manual divisions with which to work.

Upon acquiring the organ, a new case for appearance and expression was provided. The organ received a newer custom console, which provided an excellent match to the current Mahogany woods and finishes used on the existing pews and trim.

The sanctuary seats approximately 175 with acoustics that are wonderful for the spoken word, musical voice and instruments. The organ blends well within the space and is clearly heard with virtually imperceptible change throughout the room.

The organ was first used in June of 1997 for services and Evensong. William Weaver, Organist Emeritus of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church (Atlanta) played the dedicatory service in September 1997.

CURRENT PROJECTS
- New Organs/Opus List
- Major Rebuilds &
  Restorations

COMPLETED PROJECTS
- Major Rebuilds &
  Restorations
- Console & Wiring
  Renovations