MANZ ORGAN

It was completed July 2, 2004 and dedicated November 4, 2004. It is named in gratitude for the ministry of Paul Manz, artist in residence and Christ Seminary Seminex Professor of Church Music at LSTC from 1983-92, and his wife, Ruth. The dedication plaque reads:

“As a unique influence behind the modern revival of the hymn festival, Paul has stirred the lives of thousands across the Church. He and his wife, Ruth, have selflessly offered their gifts to call forth both joyful support and cheerful generosity from those committed to the missions of Christ Seminary-Seminex and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago.

Ruth and Paul are honored as gracious, loving and caring contributors to this community for whom its members past and present offer thanks to almighty God—Source of all life, Word of salvation, and Spirit of mercy.”

The 2 manual, 31 rank, 2-story pipe organ is Opus 31 of M.L. Bigelow & Company, Inc., Organ Builders of American Fork, Utah. It was installed over two and a half weeks by four crew members from M.L. Bigelow & Company. It is the second-largest organ to date built by the company and is the only Bigelow organ in the Chicago area.

“The Church’s One Foundation” was the first hymn played on the instrument after its completion.

Daniel Schwandt, 1997 winner of the Manz Organ Scholarship and LSTC staff musician at the time, was organist for the dedication service. A hymn festival with Lorraine Brugh, Kruse Organ fellow and Valparaiso University organist, and a recital by renowned keyboardist David Schrader rounded out the dedication weekend.

LSTC historically has hosted a free bi-monthly lunchtime (12:15 p.m.) series of organ recitals known as the Manz Organ Series. These 30-45 minute recitals feature respected organists in the Chicago area. Since 2007, the recitals have shown the range and versatility of the Ruth and Paul Manz Organ. For specific date and time information, please visit the series event page.

Organ students are encouraged to apply for the 2024 Ruth and Paul Manz Organ Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota, to honor the contributions of both Paul and Ruth Manz to the congregation over the 37 years of their service there.

This annual scholarship is a testimony to the witness of Paul and Ruth Manz to Jesus Christ through the ministry of music and many other expressions of their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church. The scholarship is intended to be an encouragement to organ students who are preparing for careers as church musicians. The winner will receive $3,000.00.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must not have reached their 28th birthday by January 1, 2024.

Applicants must submit all materials by the deadline date of July 15, 2024, including:

• The online application form.
• Two letters of recommendation, sent via e-mail to Patti DeBias at pdebias@lstc.edu.
• Audio recordings in sharable audio formats (either mp3 or AAC/iTunes formats), sent via e-mail to Patti DeBias at pdebias@lstc.edu. It is important that the audio submissions include the applicant’s name within each audio file name, while also briefly identifying the individual musical selection (i.e. Latry-Bach 532).

The audio recording shall include:

• A major prelude and fugue of J. S. Bach;
• A shorter work (6 minutes maximum length) by Vierne, Dupré, Widor, Langlais or Peeters;
• A shorter (6 minutes maximum length) contemporary American work (written no earlier than 1971);
• The hymn requirement “St. Denio” (Immortal, invisible). Using the competition’s specified hymn tune, improvise a suitable introduction followed by an unaltered verse, then an original harmonization (to which a congregation could sing to). If an interlude before the final verse is included, that is fine;
• The audio recording must be of the highest quality designed for recording music and must contain an unedited ‘take’ of each of the individual segments listed above.

All materials must be sent no later than July 15, 2024.

The winner will receive $3,000.00.

SUPPORT THE SCHOLARSHIP

Make gifts to fund this scholarship directly online. In the “Designation, please enter the purpose of your gift to be “Ruth and Paul Manz Scholarship Fund.”

CONTACT

Questions about this program may be directed to Patti DeBias, assistant to the president: 773.256.0728 or pdebias@lstc.edu.

As we enter Phase 4 of our campus relocation plan, near the close of the sale of our campus, and are soon to announce our new relocation site in Hyde Park, we must also begin the search for a new home for our beloved organ.

If you know of an individual or faith community interested in purchasing the organ, will you share this webpage? Because time is of the essence, potential buyers must make their final offer by January 15, 2023. For questions related to the organ sale, please email marcomm@lstc.edu with the email subject Manz Organ Sale.