A special episode from The United States Naval Academy Chapel with Stephen Regec

In partnership with The United States Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland

 

This is a rare look into the history of the United States Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, Maryland, offering an up-close view of its story, architecture, and spaces that are normally never seen by the public. This filming also includes access to areas and perspectives that are rarely, if ever, captured on camera, including modern additions and restoration elements completed in the 21st century.

 

The Naval Academy Chapel is home to one of the most remarkable instruments in the world—the world’s largest drawknob organ. The original instrument was built in 1908 by the Hutchings-Votey Organ Company of Boston.

 

When the Chapel was expanded in 1940, the M. P. Moller Organ Company of Hagerstown, Maryland, constructed a much larger instrument to match the scale and acoustics of the new space. Over the decades, the organ has been continuously expanded and refined through the generosity of Naval Academy classes and supporters. Today, the instrument comprises both pipe and digital voices, totaling 268 ranks, and is controlled from two consoles.

 

The Main Console, funded by the U.S. Naval Academy Class of 1951, is one of the largest organ consoles in the world, featuring: 5 manuals, 268 ranks plus percussion and traps, 522 drawknobs (the largest in the world), 796 total controls, and approximately 15,688 equivalent pipes. The system is supported by advanced digital controls from Walker Technical Company, enabling both consoles to operate seamlessly. The organ is featured weekly in services, weddings, memorials, and special concerts throughout the year, including major performances led by Chapel Organist Monte Maxwell.

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