St. Mary's new organ truly a gift

Readings from Colossians, Psalms and Luke were punctuated by the clear and powerful sounds of a 2,855-pipe organ Sunday afternoon at St. Mary of the Annunciation as the congregation celebrated the debut of the massive instrument.

"When we dedicated the church in April 2002, we said it was still a work in progress," said the Rev. Ron Lewinski. "Today is truly a milestone in the history of this great parish."

The Fisher Family Memorial Pipe Organ is a gift from longtime parishioners Roger and Jacqueline Fisher, of Ivanhoe.

The organ was uniquely designed for the Mundelein church and includes 37 speaking stops, 46 ranks of pipes and weighs roughly 16,000 pounds.

The collection of pipes includes metal and wood pipes, many of which were built specifically for the organ by craftsmen in Europe.

This is the second organ the Fishers have dedicated. The organ at St. Joseph's in Chicago's Cabrini Green housing project was also from the family.

"The organ gives glory to God," Roger Fisher said. "I went to boarding school and every morning we had organ music. Music has always been a part of my worship."

St. Mary's organist and choirmaster Fred Vipond said the new organ is an opportunity for discovery.

"The instrument is remarkably versatile," he said. "I'm fascinated by the myriad combinations of stops I can combine to create beautiful sonorities."

The organ was blessed and a dedication recital was attended by about 300 people Sunday and featured concert organist Dr. James Kibbie.

Jim Kirn, of Grayslake, a 13-year member of St. Mary of the Annunciation, said he remembers seeing the pipe organ in its infancy

"To see it go from sitting in a glorified garage to end up like this is truly amazing," he said.

Lewinski said after years of anticipation, the dedication is truly a great joy for the community.

"The church's support of the arts is rooted in the origin of beauty as a path to God," Lewinski said. "This worthy instrument will serve as our chariot to God."