Submitted by: Mount Baker Theatre
One of the many things that makes Bellingham so special is its catalogue of local relics. One such item lives in the heart of downtown, at our very own Mount Baker Theatre: a fully functional pipe organ.
Mount Baker Theatre’s 1927 Wurlitzer 215 – and its incredible set of giant pipes – might be one of the city’s best kept secrets. MBT no longer possesses the original console that connected to those historic pipes, but MBT’s Wurlitzer was born the same year as the theatre. Some could say it was fate that these two wonders wound up together.
I sat down with Bill Charles, local organ enthusiast and steward, to chat about this bewitching instrument. In front of us, sitting on the stage like a throne, was Bellingham’s own 1927 Wurlitzer organ console. This is the part one usually pictures when thinking of an organ. Behind elaborate gold grates sit the massive pipes that make the theatre sing.
Bill became enchanted by the organ as a child after visiting the theatre with his family. “It was like going to Disneyland,” he said. His eyes lit up when he described the sound. “It’s huge. It’s dynamic. It fills the entire room.” He gestured to the vast theatre and chuckled, “It even scares little kids sometimes – it’s so loud!”
And loud it is! Bill was kind enough to play the organ for me. The massive, lush sound escaping from the pipes was truly something to behold. Every individual nook and cranny in the house was filled with music.
Originally, the deceivingly small console would be bound to one place in the theatre but with its recent digitization, the console can be moved and played from anywhere in the building. The modern system transmits electrical impulses from the console to the giant pipes in the walls, allowing for the traditional sound while retaining its newfound ease of use. Not only does this allow MBT to create more room in the orchestra pit, it also broadens the kinds of experiences they can share with their patrons.
“I think it’s important that people know this is here,” Bill said, “that people come and enjoy it. This is a prize from our past, something that will never be built again.”
Bill hopes that people of all ages can experience the same childlike wonder that he did. Bill has maintained the theatre’s organ for more than a decade, even after the dissolution of the local organ society. Without his passion, this beautiful instrument would only be a memory. But even superstars like Bill need help. MBT is actively seeking volunteers to help maintain this timeless wonder.
You can experience this community treasure in its traditional role as it accompanies the film series Classic Chaplin on April 14, 2018 at the Mount Baker Theatre. Support Mount Baker Theatre and the preservation of its historic treasures by becoming a member. You’ll enjoy some great theatre benefits too. Visit MountBakerTheatre.com or call 360-733-5793 and ask about Membership today.
If you are interested in learning more or becoming an organ steward, contact Cindi Pree, MBT Volunteer Coordinator.
