Pipe Organ Database

Swem Pipe Organ Maintenance (1974)

Location:

West Leonard Christian Reformed Church
1053 Leonard Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504 US
Sanctuary
Organ ID: 41961

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Status and Condition:

This instrument's location type is: Reformed Churches (RCA, CRC, URC, PRC)
The organ has been altered from its original state.
The organ's condition is good, in regular use.

We received the most recent update for this instrument's status from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Technical Details:

Chests: EP pitman
18 ranks. 1,262 pipes. 3 divisions. 2 manuals. 28 stops.

Divisions

All:

Chest Type(s): EP pitman chests
Position: In side chambers at the front of the room. No visible pipes.

We received the most recent update for this division from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Consoles

Main:

Manuals: 2
Divisions: 3
Stops: 28
Position: Console in fixed position, left.
Manual Compass: 61
Pedal Compass: 32
Key Action: Electrical connection from key to chest.
Stop Action: Electric connection between stop control and chest.
Console Style: Traditional style with roll top.
Stop Controls: Stop keys above top manual.
Combination Action: Adjustable combination pistons.
Swell Control Type: Balanced swell shoes/pedals, AGO standard placement.
Pedalboard Type: Concave radiating pedalboard meeting AGO Standards.
Has Crescendo Pedal
Has Combination Action Thumb Pistons
Has Coupler Reversible Toe Pistons

We received the most recent update for this console from Database Manager on May 13, 2018.

Notes

Database Manager on August 10, 2013:

In 2012, it was discovered the several of the Pedal Bourdon pipes were cracked.  These remain in the chamber but were replaced tonally by Peterson digital sounds.

We received the most recent update for this note from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.

Database Manager on August 26, 2009:

Identified through on-line information from Chad Boorsma -- This instrument began as a tracker instrument built by the Hillgreen, Lane and Company in 1909.  Repairs and improvements to the organ, including a new detached console, were completed in 1948 and likely included painting the facade pipes white.  The organ chamber is located on the east side of the sanctuary.  Prior to a 1962 remodeling of the sanctuary, the pews faced that direction in a semi-circular fashion with the pulpit in front of the organ chamber.  It was during this remodeling that the pipes were covered by grillework.  In 1974, the organ was given all new windchests (electro-pneumatic), a new Klann console, and tonal changes by Don Swem.  Some of the original facades pipes are still used for the lower notes of the Great 8' Diapason.

We received the most recent update for this note from Chad Boorsma on August 10, 2020.

Stoplists

Source not recorded: Open In New Tab Stoplist taken from the console (August 3, 2009)
We received the most recent update for this stoplist from Database Manager on April 09, 2020.