Manz Organ Dedicated

Dedication of the Ruth and Paul Manz Organ, constructed by M.L. Bigelow & Company, began with an 11 a.m. service on Thursday, November 4. Ruth and Paul Manz, their daughter, Sarah, and members of the LSTC board of directors, joined President James Kenneth Echols and the LSTC community for the formal dedication of the 2 manual, 31 rank, 2-story pipe organ in the Augustana Chapel at LSTC. Daniel Schwandt, LSTC staff musician and 1997 winner of the Manz Organ Scholarship, was the organist for the service.

Lorraine Brugh, Kruse Organ fellow and university organist at Valparaiso University, led a hymn festival in the style of Paul Manz at 8 p.m. Friday, November 5. LSTC’s two choirs led the more than 250 participants in the congregation in hymns old and new. Students, faculty and friends of the seminary read texts on the themes of “Saints Far and Near,” “Saints Then and Now,” “Saints Of and On the Way.”

World-renowned keyboardist David Schrader played the dedicatory recital on Sunday afternoon, November 7, after leading an organ master class on Saturday, November 6. The program demonstrated the versatility of the organ. Dr. Schrader performed pieces by Praetorius, J.S. Bach, Franck and Alain, as well as four settings of Ein feste Berg (including one by Paul Manz and one by Manz’s friend and teacher, Helmut Walcha.)
The dedication recital was recorded for possible radio broadcast.

The plaque on the wall next to the Ruth and Paul Manz organ reads:

The naming of this instrument gratefully marks the ministry of Paul Manz, Artist in Residence and Christ Seminary-Seminex Professor of Church Music, at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago from 1983-1992.
As a unique influence behind the modern revival of the hymn festival, Paul has stirred the lives of thousands across the Church. He and his wife, Ruth, have selflessly offered their gifts to call forth both joyful support and cheerful generosity from those committed to the mission of Christ Seminary-Seminex and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

Ruth and Paul are honored as gracious, loving and caring contributors to this community for whom its members past and present offer thanks to almighty God – Source of all life, Word of salvation, and Spirit of mercy.

SOLI DEO GLORIA November 4, 2004

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