A few months ago I had the Madrigal Choir of Binghamton record a hymn (Sweet Hour of Prayer) for inclusion in the project's 3rd section. As this song was popular at the time of this story, it has always been my intent to include it in the finished musical suite. The recording was done at the choir's practice location (one of Binghamton's oldest churches). The choir director was wonderful as we did several takes in both full and small ensemble both A cappella and with upright piano. After living with the recording for a while I felt it would be nice if there was a pump organ (circa late 1800's) to give it a more authentic feel. After researching my options and putting out the word to anyone who would listen, I finally established a solid lead on a working pump organ. The organ is located in a little white church (built in 1816) in Silver Lake PA.
One sunny afternoon last week I loaded up my portable recording gear, kidnapped Bobby Twining (long time keyboardist I've worked with) and headed south to Silver Lake. As you can see from the photos, this church was a step back in time. The organ was in fine working order as they use it most Sundays so things went smoothly. Aside from having Bobby record a nice intro, I also had him accompany the choir (thanks to my iPod). I recorded both the pump organ and the playback of the choir from the rear of this shrine which gave it a real feeling of the congregation's choir as it might have been in 1865. 
