Welte-Tripp Organ

In September 2001, Church of the Covenant celebrated the resurrection of its treasured pipe organ with a rededication service and a splendid recital by three local organ virtuosos. After a half-million dollar "restorative reconstruction" by Austin Organ of Hartford, Connecticut, the 3530-pipe, 4-keyboard instrument is in mint condition for worship and for concerts.

Symphonic pipe organs of this magnitude were popular at the turn of the 19th to 20th centuries, and Covenant's instrument was installed in 1929 by then-German builders. In a series of corporate changes due to the depression, the instrument is now called a Welte-Tripp organ, designated opus 287, and it was considered a splendid instrument for the extensive French repertoire of the period. The 65 ranks can imitate each section of a full orchestra, as well as a wide range of familiar pipe organ colors.

During the 1960's some minor changes had been introduced to the instrument, and then it declined as more pipes, leathers and electrical contacts deteriorated. Thus, the complete restoration in 2001 is a major achievement for this church of only 200 members located in Boston's Back Bay. The console is now on a dolly and can be moved around; the electro-pneumatic contacts have been replaced by solid state circuitry; there is a recording device allowing musicians to hear their work and tinker with effects.

Church of the Covenant has showcased the instrument in a concert series during 2001-02, and at First Night 2002 and 2003. In addition to being played most Sunday mornings during worship, it has been employed to accompany some of Boston's choral groups when they perform repertoire for chorus and organ: Newton Choral Society and Coro Allegro, most notably.

For further information about concerts or this instrument, contact our Director of Music Tom Handel at 617-266-7480.