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The pipe organ at Hollywood United Methodist Church was originally constructed by the Casavant firm of Quebec Canada in 1930, consisting of four manuals and 41 ranks.  This is the core of the new organ constructed by Williamson-Warne & Associates.

Williamson-Warne & Associates began expanding and enhancing the instrument in 1971.  As additions were made, it exceeded the capabilities of the original console, requiring a more extensive renovation. 

After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the church decided to repair and renovate the interior of the church, which included the removal of the acoustic ceiling tiles as well as the complete remolding of the chancel area of the church.  The choir seating was reconfigured and a new wooden floor was added.  During initial renovation discussions, the consensus was that the console would need to be completely electrified.

Additionally, the church desired make the organ console movable and practical for worship services, musical performances, solo organ concerts, choral accompanying and symphony performances.

To fulfill this goal, it was necessary to completely renovate the console.  All of the original wind-operated mechanisms were removed.  A fifth manual was added (the keyboard, an original Casavant keyboard from the same time period, was located in a barn in Ontario, Canada, and was procured for this project). 

All of the interior woodwork was replaced with new woodwork made from Honduras Mahogany and Makassar Ebony.   Some new exterior parts and moldings were made from American White Oak.  The internal chassis and frame were rebuilt and modified using American White Birch, and tubular and channel steel.  All of the original manual and pedal contacts were replaced utilizing Hall effect sensors for the manuals and reed switches for the pedals (the original contact mechanisms were retained for the key spring action so as to retain the original key action feel).

The expression and crescendo shoe mechanism was replaced with new mechanisms constructed at the Williamson-Warne & Associates’ shop utilizing tubular potentiometers.  The console contains all new drawknobs, coupler tabs, manual pistons and toe pistons.
 
A unique feature is the music rack ledge, which contains expression and crescendo position information, and certain control features for the organ.  The original design of the music rack lip was created by Williamson-Warne & Associates in conjunction with Classic Organ Works of Toronto, Canada, and was the first one ever produced.

The organ’s solid-state control system was also designed and manufactured by Classic Organ Works, and features a 250 memory-level combination action with sequencer, plus a 64 channel, programmable M.I.D.I. (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) system with a built-in display screen showing which sound is assigned to which channel.

The organ console includes a small video screen with a three-position switch connected to a camera system within the church to allow the organist a clear view of different locations within the church.

Currently the organ is fitted with 70 ranks of pipes.  However, the enlargement and enhancements continue, and when complete will contain 205 ranks and will be one of the largest and most complete instruments of its kind anywhere in the world.

Well-known artists who have played the organ in concerts include Marcel Dupre, Karl Weinrich, Thomas Murray and Pierre Chochereau.