St. Paul's Episcopal Church's music offering will reach excitingly new heights this summer when Orgues Létourneau Ltée (Letourneau Pipe Organs) finishes installing a custom-built organ highlighted by 1,447 pipes.

Letourneau Pipe Organs, of Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, is a worldwide leader in custom organs, but St. Paul's addition is their first in the state of Tennessee. "We are so excited to have one of our custom organs in Tennessee," Letourneau's Andrew Forrest said. "And, its sound has been customized to fit the space, the liturgy and the choir at St. Paul's."

Forrest and his team have visited St. Paul's on several occasions to be sure they understood the local church's physical setting, culture and musical desires. "the organ needs to be able to support hymn singing from the congregation without overwhelming the people," Forrest added. The Opus 125 will stand 25-feet tall and span a width of 23 feet behind the alter when its installation is complete in July. The second phase of the installation is quite impressive. Letourneau will have two representatives conduct the "voicing" of the organ on site in the St. Paul's sanctuary. "Our two-man team will listen to each of the 1,447 pipes and make sure the sound is right on each one, in addition to listening to the pipes in groups," said Forrest.

St. Paul's previous organ dates back to the old St. Thomas Hospital and was installed at St. Paul's in the 1970's. St. Paul's new organ can be heard at the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services each Sunday, in addition to special musical or worship events through the year.