The Organ Preservation Project
has begun!
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Jesus said it, not me. But I’ve found it to be so true. Let’s face it—we in this context have been given so very much. In fact, I’ve never served in a congregation where that was not the case. It should come as no surprise then that we approach you with an invitation to give more, for a very specific cause.
The Neighborhood Church, almost 25 years ago, was given a very generous gift of one of the premier pipe organs in the West. We have been blessed along the way with some gifted organists who can make joyful noise and create beautiful and moving sounds. Those of you who love listening to the organ comment consistently on how it enhances our worship and spiritual life, and touches the lives in the community around us.
The instrument now needs serious cleaning and attention—it is not broken. But, this is required maintenance that must be done every 25 years or so, at which time the systems are upgraded, and pipes cleaned. This Organ Project will begin on February 19 and take about 6 weeks to complete. During this time, the chancel/ choir area of the sanctuary will sometimes look like a project is going on, and we will be using a piano and other instruments for leadership in worship.
The Organ Project cost is $130,000, and that is what we hope we can raise among the people who love this place, love this organ, and want it to continue to be a feature of our life together in the years to come. This will take many gifts to achieve this goal—significantly generous gifts that will carry us a long way, and many, many gifts which are significant, welcomed, and will add up quickly towards our financial goal.
See IMAGES FROM THE PROCESS
· The organ has 30 stops, 33 ranks, and 1900 pipes
Fun Facts:
The cost of the organ was approximately $1M in 1999.
The organ was first played for the congregation on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1999
The organ was dedicated on September 26, 1999
There have been organ concerts nearly every year with world class organists, including Fred Swann, Paul Jacobs, and Johan Vexo
The previous organ had a cost of $10,000 and was gifted to the church by the Steinko Family in 1964. It was sold in 1999 for $25,000 and shipped to a UCC Church in Evergreen, CO
