St. Stephen's is home to a world-class organ! Designed and built for the interior of St. Stephen’s Church by the celebrated German organ builder Rudolf von Beckerath, the 1970 tracker organ takes its primary inspiration from the golden age of 17th and 18th century North German organ building in the time of Bach and Buxtehude. It’s full mechanical (tracker) key action is faithful to the earlier organs. More modern additions include a swell division for greater versatility, with electricity supplying the wind pressure to activate the pipes.
The St. Stephen’s Beckerath organ has proven a delight to play and a revelation to hear. Designed to be heard in this outstanding example of the 19th-century Gothic revival church architecture, it has become a major cultural resource, drawing an audience from throughout the state and concert organists from across America and Europe.
To celebrate a milestone of this magnificent instrument the 2019-2020 50th Anniversary Beckerath Organ Series featured Dr. Paul-Martin Maki, Organist and Director of Music, St. John's Episcopal Church, Larchmont NY; our very own John Charles Schucker; and Johann Vexo, Organiste de Choeur, The Cathedral of Notre Dame, Paris. Mr. Vexo's recital was twice delayed because of the pandemic but he presented a truly spectacular recital in November 2022.
The Friends of Music was founded to promote this magnificent instrument and is dedicated to sharing the gift of beautiful music with the wider community. Recital series rely heavily on the generous financial support of the Friends, as well as the hospitality of the congregation for its "Meet the Artist" receptions. Gifts to the Friends of Music are greatly appreciated and tax deductible. Donors are listed in the programs in the following categories:
Philanthropists $300 or more Benefactors $200 to $299 Patrons $100 to $199 Sponsors $30 to $99
To make a gift, please to the "Give" tab on the main menu and scroll down to "Friends of Music" on the top right of the pop up menu. If you'd rather, you may make a check payable to "St. Stephen's Church - Friends of Music" and mail to St. Stephen's Church, 119 Main Street, Millburn NJ 07041. Please include your name as it should appear in the program.
Thank you for your support!