Manz Organ

It was completed July 2, 2004 and dedicated November 4, 2004. It is named in gratitude for the ministry of Paul Manz, artist in residence and Christ Seminary Seminex Professor of Church Music at LSTC from 1983-92, and his wife, Ruth. The dedication plaque reads:

"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 missions 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."

The 2 manual, 31 rank, 2-story pipe organ is Opus 31 of M.L. Bigelow & Company, Inc., Organ Builders of American Fork, Utah. It was installed over two and a half weeks by four crew members from M.L. Bigelow & Company. It is the second-largest organ to date built by the company and is the only Bigelow organ in the Chicago area.

“The Church's One Foundation" was the first hymn played on the instrument after its completion.

Daniel Schwandt, 1997 winner of the Manz Organ Scholarship and LSTC staff musician at the time, was organist for the dedication service. A hymn festival with Lorraine Brugh, Kruse Organ fellow and Valparaiso University organist, and a recital by renowned keyboardist David Schrader rounded out the dedication weekend.

From December through May, LSTC hosts a free bi-monthly lunchtime (12:15 p.m.) series of organ recitals known as the Manz Organ Series. These 30-45 minute recitals feature respected organists in the Chicago area. Since 2007, the recitals have shown the range and versatility of the Ruth and Paul Manz Organ. For specific date and time information, please visit the LSTC Events page.

Organ students are encouraged to apply for the 2020 Ruth and Paul Manz Organ Scholarship.  This scholarship was established by Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, to honor the contributions of both Paul and Ruth Manz to the congregation over the 37 years of their service there.

This annual scholarship is a testimony to the witness of Paul and Ruth Manz to Jesus Christ through the ministry of music and many other expressions of their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church.  The scholarship is intended to be an encouragement to organ students who are preparing for careers as church musicians. The winner will receive $3,000.00.

Application Requirements

Applicants must not have reached their 28th birthday by January 1, 2021.

Applicants must submit together and by the deadline date of July 1, 2021, the application form, two letters of recommendation, and an audio recording either in CD-audio format or in a sharable audio format, either mp3 or AAC/iTunes formats. It is important that the submissions include the applicant’s name within each audio file name, while also briefly identifying the individual musical selection (i.e. Latry-Bach 532). Electronic submissions should be sent to Patti DeBias at pdebias@lstc.edu. If sending my mail, please send to:

Ruth and Paul Manz Scholarship
c/o Karen Bartz
House of Prayer Lutheran Church
7625 Chicago Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423

Please include information about the organ played for the recording (builder, date, number of ranks) and the place of the recording.

The audio recording shall include:

• A major prelude and fugue of J. S. Bach;
• A shorter work (6 minutes maximum length) by Vierne, Dupré, Widor, Langlais or Peeters;
• A shorter (6 minutes maximum length) contemporary American work (living composer);
• The Hymn requirement “Ebenezer” ELW 511 (hymn title “Thy Strong Word”). Utilizing the competition specified hymn tune, improvise a suitable introduction (in the manner of a chorale-prelude or meditation) and follow with a full performance of an unaltered verse, plus an original altered-harmonization setting of the hymn tune, keeping in mind the text/character of the hymn.
• The audio recording shall include: used must be of the highest quality designed for recording music and must contain an unedited 'take' of each of the individual segments listed above.

All materials must be postmarked no later than July 1, 2021.

The winner will receive $3,000.00.

Support the Scholarship

Make gifts to fund this scholarship directly online. In the Gift Purpose section at the bottom of the form, please enter the purpose of your gift to be "Ruth and Paul Manz Scholarship Fund."

Contact

Questions about this program may be directed to Patti DeBias, assistant to the president: 773.256.0728 or pdebias@lstc.edu.