Beginning Monday, June 2, our organ project will enter a new phase. Throughout that week, the organ builder will be on site, carefully removing and wrapping each pipe and taking them (together with the console) to their workshop in Indianapolis.
There, the pipes will be cleaned, restored, and tonally modified towards a warmer tone. The full organ will be built in the workshop and playable before dismantling and returning next Spring.
In the eight-month interim, the choir room grand piano will be in the church to lead worship. We intend that, while it will be admittedly different, the quality of music at our services will not diminish.
As the project progresses, we’ll post updates on this blog.
Project scope and history
In 1985, St. Mary’s undertook installation of an organ of the Casavant Frères firm of Quebec. In its original concept, its utilized divisions of the organ both in the front (chancel) and back (antiphonal) of the church. Cost-saving measures dictated waiting to build the antiphonal division until more funds could be raised, which Dr. Harold Andrews attempted from then until his retirement in 2019. That time is now!
Donors approached the Rector in Fall 2023 and we were soon on the path to see to the completion of the organ. The project will provide careful maintenance to the now forty-year-old instrument, to unify its tone with the addition of the new pipework, and to provide as comprehensive an instrument for Anglican worship as possible with the resources at hand.
Target completion date
What will emerge in March 2026 will be an instrument that will transform our capability to warmly accompany congregational song and to accompany our fine choir with finesse.
Three organ building firms submitted proposals to our organ advisory committee and we ultimately chose the Goulding & Wood firm of Indianapolis. We are uniquely fortunate, that the entirety of the project will be funded by the anonymous donors.
You can find more details on our music page. In the meanwhile, do not hesitate to contact Charles Hogan with any questions about this marvelous opportunity for music at St. Mary’s.
