Oberlin
First Church UCC

First Church, which houses the Oberlin community’s most recent instrument of significant size. The large, two-manual 2004 Gober organ is sited behind vintage casework that once housed a 1908 Estey, a three-manual 1915 Skinner (Opus 229), and later a three-manual 1962 Homer Blanchard organ that contained both new and recycled pipework. The Gober organ utilizes a well-balanced mechanical action and a few select Skinner stops compatibly reworked to meld with many new ranks. The large Swell utilizes a heavily constructed double set of shades from the old Skinner Choir and Swell divisions and provides perhaps the most effective and dramatic expression control found in Northeastern Ohio. Though not meant to imitate any particular builder’s work, the Great organ’s 16' and 8' Diapasons successfully emulate the smooth and silvery examples found in 19th-century E. & G.G. Hook instruments. Those not familiar with the recent work of organbuilder Hal Gober will surely be impressed. We are pleased to include an instrument of his manufacture as part of this conference celebrating his relocation to Oberlin as curator of organs at the Conservatory.

Jack Mitchener will demonstrate this organ.