The Létourneau Organ
In 1983, an organ committee was formed to seek a replacement of the existing Pels organ. By 1987, the committee retained the services of Dr. James Kibbie of the University of Michigan, who recommended that the new instrument be a mechanical action organ with slider chests to add longevity and reliability for the proposed instrument.
After extended study, the committee decided that Orgues Létourneau Ltdée of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada, be engaged to build the instrument. The company placed Trinity on their opus list as its first instrument to be built in the United States, although it would be several years until the instrument came to fruition. In 1988, the initial design of 30 stops was drawn up by the music staff; Kathleen Bolthuis and Helen Stroh, and the consultant, Dr. Kibbie. The irregular shape of the Sanctuary presented challenges to the organ architect, Denis Campbell. The resulting design has unusual angles for the trackers, which link the keyboards to the pallets under the pipes.
The Great and Positive divisions were placed at the angled wall to provide clarity for the choir and congregation. The Swell and Pedal pipes are behind those divisions. Much of the mechanical portion of the organ is located in the former Sacristy. In 1991, the Pels organ was dismantled and sold to another church. In 1992, Orgues Létourneau, Op. 26, an instrument of 36 ranks on three manuals and pedal, was dedicated.
The Steinway Grand Piano
In 2014, the church purchased a 5’10” Steinway Model “O” for the Sanctuary after a successful fundraising campaign. Since that time, we have enjoyed its beauty both as an instrument for worship and for concerts. There are also three upright pianos on the lower level of the church – a Kawai, a Mason and Hamlin, and a Schimmel.
Zuckermann Harpsichord
Dr. Hough of Williamson, Michigan, built our Zuckermann harpsichord in 1978-79. It was purchased and presented to Trinity in 1985 by Lee Whittemore and family in memory of Donna Whittemore. In 1986, the case was completely refurbished and, in 2009, the instrument was rebuilt by David Sutherland of Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2015, a new stand was constructed by the Lauck Organ Company. Both the rebuild and new stand were made possible by a gift from the estate of Dale and Pat Discher.
Other Instruments
The church owns a set of three Yamaha timpani as well as five octaves of Malmark Handbells and four octaves of Schulmerich Handbells that have been refitted with Malmark clappers. Trinity also owns 5 octaves of Malmark Choir Chimes as well as Kawai and Schimmel upright pianos on the lower level.