St. Theresa Catholic Church - Austin

Texas, USA

The new church building for St. Theresa Catholic Church in Austin, Texas was ready for occupancy and the growing congregation was ready to begin their worship life there. Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the building before it could be used. Undaunted, the congregation built a new building on the same slab and began planning for the purchase of an organ.

The size of the organ chambers made installation of a pipe organ of adequate size a challenge. John G. Ballard & Associates of San Antonio, Texas was hired to provide a Rodgers digital instrument with a pipe complement. A custom Masterpiece 968 organ was installed with 10 ranks of pipes assigned to play from the Great and Pedal divisions.

The new organ provides a warm and enveloping support for the choir and congregation. The flamed copper case pipes add a visual warmth to the large expanse of wall on either side of the chancel.

All casework and organ chassis components were built in the shop of Ballard Pipe Organs. The organ was inaugurated by Gerre Hancock on May 25, 2008, assisted by the parish choir and brass ensemble.