NEWS
Rodgers Instruments, in partnership with Church Organs of Colorado, has completed a new organ installation at St. James Episcopal Church in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Established in 1901, St. James holds the distinction of being the first Episcopal congregation in the state. The church recently replaced a 40-year-old instrument that had become increasingly unreliable, seeking a solution that would support both the musical and liturgical life of the parish while respecting the historic character of the space.
Following an on-site consultation and evaluation of the sanctuary, the church selected a Rodgers Inspire 352. The decision was influenced by the instrument’s tonal realism, flexibility, and the versatility of the Rodgers' audio system. The inclusion of RodgersPlay also provided an added benefit, offering reliable musical support for services when an organist is not available.
The installation presented several unique challenges, requiring the removal of existing speaker systems and the integration of new audio components within the church’s architecture. Careful planning and execution ensured that the final result was both visually unobtrusive and acoustically effective, preserving the integrity of the sanctuary.
Since its installation, the response from the parish has been overwhelmingly positive. Members of the congregation have noted both the clarity and richness of the sound, as well as the instrument’s ability to support congregational singing in a meaningful way.
A dedication recital is planned for later this year, celebrating the installation and the continued role of music in the life of St. James Episcopal Church.
