O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things. His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.  Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises. Sing praises to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the LORD.

~ Psalm 98: 1, 4-6

In addition to the theological arguments and the battle against abusive authority that marked the Lutheran Reformation over 500 years ago, one of the greatest blessings that came from that important historical moment was the return of the gift of music to the people sitting in the pews!  The Lutheran Church throughout her history is a singing church!

While St Stephen is blessed with many forms and styles of music to convey the message of God’s grace, one of the primary tools is the organ.  In 1995, Pastor Charles Wallick set forth with a fundraiser to raise $100,000 toward the construction of a new organ for the sanctuary of St Stephen.  On April 13, 1997, the new Rodgers Model 940 was dedicated and played for the first time.

This Rodgers Model 940 is a comprehensive three manual organ of 50 speaking stops and 14 couplers.   In addition to the digital capabilities of this instrument, there are four ranks of pipes.  Throughout church history, pipes of all sizes made up the organ to produce the many and various sounds that are needed for music.  Our St Stephen organ has 280 pipes ranging in size from 4’ to 8’.

It is with joy that throughout our 50 years of ministry in Longwood, and, for many years to come, the people of St Stephen sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things!