A Century of Music at Covenant

In 1926, Casavant Frères of St. Hyacinthe, Quebec built the pipe organ that has led worship at Covenant United Methodist Church for nearly 100 years. The instrument was created by Claver and Samuel Casavant, sons of Joseph Casavant — Canada's first organ builder — who studied under the internationally renowned Aristide Cavaillé-Coll before founding Casavant Frères. Today, Covenant's organ remains one of the only French Romantic-style pipe organs of its kind within 75 miles of Lancaster.

Just three organists have given it voice across the decades: Mildred Wissler (1926–1973), Dolly Kepner (1973–2022), and today, Larry Rappoldt. Through worship services, weddings, funerals, concerts, and hymn sings, this organ has been a steady presence in the life of our congregation and community for nearly a century.

On October 25, 2026, we'll mark its 100th anniversary with an organ recital and hymn sing featuring acclaimed concert organist Gordon Turk.

Help Us Preserve This Legacy

To prepare for this milestone, Covenant has launched a capital campaign to raise $100,000 for essential repairs to the organ over the next year — the first phase of a longer restoration effort. Gifts of every size are welcome and appreciated, with patron gifts acknowledged by pipe organ division:

Give online at covenant-umc.com/resources/giving, or mail a check to Covenant UMC (note: Casavant Organ Fund), 110 N. Mulberry St., Lancaster, PA 17603.

Join Us for the Celebration

Save the date for the 100th anniversary organ recital and hymn sing on October 25, 2026, featuring concert organist Gordon Turk.

Recital and Hymn at 3:00 pm (free, but requires registration)
Reception to follow

Informational Exploration of the Casavant Organ with Gordon Turk at 5:30 PM (Exclusive, $25)

Register for your ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/100th-anniversary-casavant-pipe-organ-concert-tickets-1995929777694