New Pipe Organ in Monteith Hall

In September 2025, First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor received a beautiful and elegant mechanical-action pipe organ built in 1992 by the English firm J. W. Walker & Sons Ltd. For more than 30 years, the instrument served as the home practice organ of concert organist Janice Beck, who also served for many years as organist at First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor.

Following the death of her husband, Charles, Janice made the decision to sell her Ann Arbor home in order to be closer to family. As part of that transition, she hoped to find a new home for her beloved organ where it would be carefully maintained and thoughtfully played. Through a series of fortunate connections, she learned that First Presbyterian Church would be an ideal home for the instrument.

The Walker organ includes eight ranks of pipes, with seven ranks playable on the manuals and one rank available at two pitches in the pedal division. A distinctive feature of the instrument is its innovative stop-action design, which allows each manual rank to be played on either of the two keyboards. Through the manual coupler, the full resources of the organ can be available on Manual I, and both manuals may also be coupled to the pedal.

The organ employs fully mechanical key and stop action, providing a light, responsive touch for the player. Electricity is used only for the built-in blower and console lighting. Beautifully and gently voiced, the instrument offers a wide variety of tonal possibilities through its thoughtful design and range of resources. The elegant oak casework features a modern design with polished façade pipes and artistic pipe shades.