Casavant Frères Opus 3863

The Saint Mary parish pipe organ was dedicated on April 26, 2007, in a recital featuring Ezequiel Menendez and the St. Mary Church Adult Choir. The installation of this organ was a project years in the making and relied on the expertise and generosity of countless members of our parish community. The memorial plaques by the organ loft stairs list over 400 church members who donated to the Organ Fund.

Designed and built by Casavant Frères, organ builders based in St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, the instrument is comprised of 2,107 pipes. They are distributed among 4 divisions: the Grand Orgue is placed at the front of the rear gallery rail, and includes a trompette-en-chamade which protrudes horizontally into the room; the Récit is enclosed within two boxes located on either side of the rose window; the Pédale sits at the rear of the gallery, with many pipes so large they lie on their sides; and lastly, the Antiphonal division hangs from the ceiling at the front of the church.

The organ was designed to be equally at home in service playing and concert settings. The antiphonal division helps to pull the sound together and better support congregational singing in our long nave. At the same time, the variety and disposition of stops make for an instrument that can successfully execute any of the organ’s vast repertoire. The organ is heard each weekend at the Saturday Vigil 4:30 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM Masses, in addition to Holy Days and Concerts throughout the year.

Parishioners who wish to see the organ in operation are encouraged to visit the organ loft after the above-mentioned Masses or contact our Music Director for a guided tour of this magnificent instrument.

Consult this detailed organ disposition for more information, or view this photo gallery showing the organ installation in 2007.