Catawba College, Salisbury, NC, Welcomes a New Infinity Series Hybrid Organ!

Catawba College - Salisbury, North Carolina is a small, faith-based (UCC), liberal arts college located about 45 miles north of Charlotte in the quaint town of Salisbury, NC. The 1000-seat Omwake-Dearborn Chapel, named for two former college presidents, is now 55 years old.  At the time of the dedication, an electronic organ was in place but was later replaced by a 42 rank 3 manual Casavant pipe organ.  Over the years, the pipe organ fell into disrepair and its baroque tonality fell out of favor.

Several attempts were made to either repair the Casavant or replace it.  Al Murrell, Vice President of R.A. Daffer Church Organs Inc. (Rodgers Dealer for Maryland, Washington D.C and a large portion of North Carolina), built a strong relationship with Professor Paul Oakley and his successor Dr. Phillip Burgess by providing Rodgers Organs for their annual service of lessons and carols. Because of the relationship Al built over the years with college personnel, R.A.Daffer Church Organs, Inc was chosen to build and install the new four-manual 84 stop Rodgers Organ.

In addition, 17 ranks of the existing Casavant Organ were incorporated into the new instrument. The project includes new windchests. A special thanks to Dr. Phillip Burgess, Associate Chair of Music and Mr. Bill Graham, Chair of Trustees for putting their trust in Rodgers Instruments and R.A. Daffer Church Organs Inc. for this project. The new instrument will enrich the weddings and services that are held in this exquisite chapel for many years