Trenton Möller Rises To New Performance Heights

Here in New Jersey, the Trenton War Memorial and its 3/16 Möller has been the center of our concert series for over 30 years. In 1996, the theatre was closed for several years for renovation and the organ was not accessible for repairs and maintenance. When the theatre was re-opened, it was obvious that the organ was in poor condition and needed some long overdue major restoration. Its last public performance was in November of 2002. 

The Patriots Theater at the War Memorial, as it is now called, was totally restored by the State of New Jersey and is an outstanding 1,900 seat venue in Italian Renaissance design. While not done in the grandiose style of a Movie Palace, which it never was, it is a well executed magnificent general purpose theatre and is impeccably maintained. It is a very active performing arts center in addition to serving as a venue for many official State functions. Since the mid 1970’s when the Möller was transplanted from the nearby Lincoln Theatre by the Garden State Theatre Organ Society, it has been a major attraction in the War Memorial. In addition to concerts, the organ is played at most of the official State functions held there. 

Before the rebuild, the tremulants in the Möller had always been disappointing. They frequently sagged under a full registration and didn’t do justice to the beautiful pipe work of the organ. The decision was made to install new trems after hearing how well they perform in another large theatre organ nearby. They were also recommended by legendary organ technician Brant Duddy who also worked his unique voicing magic on the organ. 

In addition to replacing aging leather in chests, regulators and rebuilding swell shade motors, the console received much needed updating. The keyboards were rebuilt; the keys recovered and additional general and divisional pistons were installed. It now has 15 divisionals on each of the 3 keyboards and 15 generals. These, added to 16 levels of memory give artists greatly enhanced flexibility. The organ now breathes through an almost new 15hp Spencer blower. Four ranks of pipes in the solo chamber were reconditioned by A.R. Schopps & Sons. 

After more than 3 years of backbreaking, intense and tedious labor by Crew Chief Jason Taylor and his small crew, and considerable funds provided by GSTOS, the organ made its debut in a “sneak preview” concert. 

On Sunday, June 25th, 2006 under the deft and talented fingers of organist Jim Kozak of Houston, it rose from the pit in all its original glory once again with a rousing theatrical rendition of a familiar Broadway showstopper. It became immediately evident to all who remembered the sound of the Möller before the rebuild, that this is not the same tired instrument it was 4 years ago. Seeing the huge gleaming cream and gold console appear for the first time after such a long wait was a Theatre Pipe Organ enthusiast’s dream come true. It was a stirring moment for sure. 

All the hard work didn’t disappoint. Jim’s program included many full registration pieces to give the organ a good workout, and it performed magnificently well. There was no evidence of sagging during the entire performance. With the new blower, the organ no longer suffers from its former overheating problems. At the end of the two hour concert, the Möller could have been played without trems and been in fine tune.

Since the organ had only been played for less than ten hours after the rebuild, and was only played for the first time less than one week before the concert, anything could have happened. Nothing did! The organ performed flawlessly. 

Jim’s program included two great marches, a few pieces from the 20’s with refreshing original arrangements and assorted other goodies, all played in a style that can be best described as “real” theatre organ. One nice ballad that stood out was a 50’s number which featured the unique and haunting horn stop of the Möller backed up by the newly revoiced lush strings. For his wonderful performance and friendly stage presence, Jim was rewarded with not one, but two standing ovations. 

We want to thank Brant Duddy, Allen Miller, Clark Wilson and other professionals in the theatre organ world for the indispensable advice and work they provided. Above all, we extend out sincere appreciation to Jason Taylor and his crew for their dedicated and tireless efforts and Jim Kozak for his sterling performance. 

Our next concert on the Möller will be the official rededication on October 22nd, 2006 featuring Bob Ralston at the console. He will also be playing the War Memorial Steinway Concert Grand piano. 

Don Hansen, President
Garden State Theatre Organ Society

Trenton War Memorial Möller Theatre Pipe Organ
Photo: Tony Rustako June 25, 2006

Jim Kozak after his concert with
Trenton War Memorial Möller Theatre Pipe Organ
Photo: Tony Rustako June 25, 2006

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