M. P. Möller
Opus 8290, 1951

Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, moved to the suburbs, in the city, in the early 1950s. They hired a well known architect, Percivil Goodman, to design a large new rectangle temple, in the modernist style. seating about 1000 people. Goodman was known for his many synagogue designs.

The 1951 Moller is installed about 20 feet from the bema floor facing directly down the center of the room. A large abstract grille covers the opening. Unlike most other organ installations, in this instance the choir loft is front and center behind the grille, with two organ chambers flanking the choir area. The choir loft is about 15' deep x 20' wide. A large opening of the Great/Choir/Pedal faces the choir and a larger opening faces the congregation. The same is repeated for the Swell /pedal divisions on the right side. The singers and organist are never more than 8 feet from the organ.

The large console sits front & center, in the loft, facing the singers. In the hallway out side the choir loft, two large wood and nicely made cabinets containing the Moller remote combination action. The choir division is on two levels, as is the great.
The instrument has been releathered at least once, possibly more times. All is in need of renovation.
The pipes are in good condition, though the preparations ranks were never installed. For its modest size and the large room, with dry acoustics, in which it speaks, the over all sound is very good and full.

Over the years different arrangements for the choir have been tried. More recently they are on the main floor of the auditorium, and use a 2 manual electronic instrument.

The overall condition of the Moller is poor, and somewhat unreliable. Since it is not regularly used, there is always the question about having it brought up to good health.

Baltimore is the home of the Reform Jewish movement, where the pipe organ was first used in a Synagogue. In the 19th century about 4-6 synagogues installed very nice instruments. Since the move to the suburbs, in the 50s and 60s, this congregation and one other are the only two using pipe organs.

Updated through online information from steven bartley. -- Organ is in fair-poor condition, though playable and is in regular use

Updated through online information from Connor Annable.

Updated through on-line information from Jeff Scofield.

Identified from factory documents and publications courtesy of Stephen Schnurr.