We started in White Rock at the Good Shepherd Church (2250 150 St, Surrey, BC V4A 9J3). During the parish’s 1995 construction, a single donor offered a half-million for the commission of the magnum opus (no 20) of BC’s largest organ builder, Adrian Koppejan of Chilliwack. The three manual, 35-stop electric-slider action of neo-classic disposition resides at the front of the church in a capacity acoustic of 1.6 seconds. We enjoyed hearing the clear sounds of this instrument, and seeing the inside of the organ as well.
Our second church was Maranatha Canadian Reformed Church (12300 92 Ave, Surrey, BC V3V 1G3). This organ is a combination of the 1912 Casavant organ, purchased from the Central Presbyterian Church in Vancouver, and the 1961-1967 organ built by Mr. Stanley Haddon for the Canadian Reformed Church of New Westminster. The tonal alterations, rebuilding, and installation were done by the organ builder Kenneth A. Hodgson of White Rock, British Columbia. The power of this instrument was great, and looking down through the pipes high up in the organ loft was exciting. Everyone had a chance to play their favorite piece.
We conclude our trip at the Langley Canadian Reformed Church (21804 52 Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 1L3). This organ was only installed in 2008 and is the most recent installation of a new Casavant organ in our province. Drawings and pictures of the install were displayed, and at the end of our journey, we enjoyed coffee, soup and buns. The console was moved in the center so that it was ideal to hear the sound.
See the video for an impression….