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Organ project update June 2012
It has been very exciting to
watch the progress of the organ project over the past few months. After
several years of mostly behind-the scenes progress, visual changes have
begun to take place in the sanctuary that everyone can see.
The first noticeable change was in March when
the old electronic organ was removed and a temporary electronic with a large
speaker tower was installed. This was followed by the removal of the
familiar organ case, which most likely has not been moved since it was
installed in the late 19th century. This was carefully dismantled and taken
to a shop in
Webster where the pickling finish was removed. The case's walnut finish will
be restored by John Bailey before it is re-assembled in the sanctuary later
this summer. The existing choir loft has also been disassembled, and a new
configuration is under construction. The choir pews will face out into the
congregation, and be on taller steps. The flooring under this new choir area
will be hardwood to help blend and project the sound of the choir into the
congregation. As we began this process, we heard rumors that the choir
originally faced into the congregation before the chancel was renovated in
the 1950s or 60s. If you have memories of this, we'd love to hear about it!
Much work has been completed at the church,
but a lot of work has happened elsewhere, as well. Four of the eight
windchests (pressurized boxes which have a series of valves under the
control of the organist allowing wind to the proper pipe at the proper time)
are nearing completion at the workshop of Parsons Pipe Organ Builders in
Bristol Center. The two large windchests that were removed from the Houghton
organ in 2006 have been stripped down and completely rebuilt and modified to
serve in our new organ. Two smaller windchests have been built new at
Parsons (re-using some components from other Houghton windchests). Between
them these four windchests will hold the majority of the pipes for our
organ. In fact, the four remaining chests only hold 97 pipes between them.
Although these 97 are some of the largest pipes in the whole organ, they
comprise fewer than 10 percent of the 1503 pipes that will be in the whole
organ! The other major
project that is occurring outside of the church is the construction of the
structure in John Bailey's workshop. This structure (over 10 ˝' tall and
over 9' wide) will hold all of the organ components, and also create a large
"box" that will enclose some of the pipes behind shutters that work like
Venetian blinds. The organist can work a pedal that controls these blinds so
that the pipes will become softer or louder…a very important part of the
organ! The structure will also be the "skeleton" behind the organ case that
will support it and make sure that it doesn't fall down.
All of these things are obviously very
exciting, but we still have a lot of work ahead of us. We have a choir loft
to build, structure and a case to assemble, a reservoir that needs
leathering, many things that need to have leather gaskets applied to them,
pieces that need finished with shellac or varnish, magnets that need to have
wires soldered to them, we have dampening felt to be attached to boards, we
have a myriad of small details that will need attention… The list could be
(and sometimes is) overwhelming. But every time it does seem overwhelming, I
need to remind myself to step back and remember the blessings
that God has shown us throughout this project. That list too is
overwhelming. His timing is always perfect, and it doesn't work to try and
force our schedule on Him. I remember Philippians 4:13-"I can do all things
through Christ who strengthens me." It's a good reminder whether we are
facing the multitude of details for an organ project or sharing the
Good News about Christ with our neighbor. God provides us with the grace and
daily bread that we need for each new day, and we would be wise to rely on
His timing; to wait when He says "Wait", but to push forward when He says
"Go!" As we continue in
the project over the next months, please continue to pray for all those
involved in the project. Pray for safety during our workdays, wisdom as we
make decisions, and for fellowship as we work together to complete this
project. As we rely on God to help us finish the project, we will look
forward to the time of celebration to come - "Soli Deo
Gloria! - To God Alone the Glory!"
- Peter Geise The Organ Committee
is comprised
of Don Bartold, Carolyn Fleming, Peter Geise, Evie Kirkwood, Scott Layfield
and Bob Pfeil |
