By Catherine M. Welch
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/whqr/local-whqr-706237.mp3
Wilmington, NC – What is generally considered to be one of the finest pipe organs in North Carolina sits inside the sanctuary at Wilmington's First Presbyterian Church.
Just about every Sunday morning Doug Leightenheimer saddles up to the James Sprunt Memorial Organ.
Built in Boston in 1928 by Earnest Skinner, it is fondly referred to by Leightenheimer as "Ernestine," and it easily fills up the massive vaulted sanctuary at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Wilmington.
To the left and right of the keyboard are what are called stops. This organ's original stops were made of ivory; they look like porcelain drawer knobs or minature doorknobs with black lettering labeling each one. Leightenheimer takes us on a tour of the organ and its various moving parts - starting with the stops.
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