ALLEN ORGAN INSTALLATIONS

Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, Southfield, Michigan
Reuter/Allen Combination Pipe and Digital Instrument

Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church is a spiritual community of over 1,200 families located on the outskirts of Detroit's west side. The parish was founded in 1923 and the current house of worship was consecrated in 1959. It was not until 1980, however, that a pipe organ was installed. A contract was signed with the Reuter Organ Company of Lawrence, Kansas, to build a pipe organ for the vast nave, which seats over 1,700. Due to financial constraints at the time, a modest 26 rank (prepared for 33 ranks) two-manual pipe organ was built and installed in 1980. This instrument served the liturgical needs of the congregation for 23 years.

A few years ago the decision was made to renovate many aspects of the organ and consider additions to complete the instrument. After months of discussions, proposals, and ideas, it was decided that Allen Organ Company would be awarded the contract. The end result is a three-manual Allen console controlling 50 digital ranks and the pipe organ of 26 ranks, beautifully blended together to make one complete instrument. Along with the new Allen Console came the Pipe/Digital Interface, which was installed by the Fowler Pipe Organ Company of Lansing, Michigan.

While preserving the integrity of the Reuter Pipe Organ, Allen Organ Company provided the parish the opportunity to tonally enhance their instrument of worship. The organ is now better suited for its three main purposes: Providing a more solid foundation for congregational singing and service music; providing suitable accompaniment for Choirs, Soloists, and Instrumental Ensembles; and performing the vast library of organ literature of all stylistic periods. The Allen combination organ performs all three tasks beautifully and will do so for many generations to come.

Saints Peter and Paul
Saints Peter and Paul