Organ Restoration Project
“SING JOYFULLY TO GOD, ALL THE EARTH” Psalm 100
We are beginning to accept funds for much needed repairs on our Pipe Organ. We will not commence repairs until 100% of the funds are raised.
Project Total: $100,000
Installed in 1946, the 16 rank, 2 manual organ has served our parish by helping parishioners raise their voices to the Lord. A pipe organ is designed to mimic the human voice, and thus is the best instrument to help us sing in the Mass. The Wicks organ at Saint John’s has many different expressions to make this a Joy-filled experience, however it has been neglected. It’s been well over 30+ years since any maintenance has been done on the organ aside from tuning, and a large instrument like this needs attention.
Repair Details
Reservoirs - A reservoir within a Pipe Organ is the place where the pressurized air is stored, in wait, for the Action to open the valve, allowing the pipe to play. Within our Pipe Organ there are 4 Reservoirs, all of which have ruptured and been taped back together. These all need to be re-leathered which will last for another 50+ years.
Pipes & Voicing - The original pipework is in terrific condition. There are, however, a great deal of dirt, debris, and bug parts inside. The debris affects the “voicing” and thereby ability to accurately tune. The leather stoppers on the pipes can vibrate loose and cause pitch change. All pipes will be removed from the organ, cleaned, re-leathered, reinstalled and revoiced.
Console - The console, which is the part that the organist plays, will be replaced with a brand new, Ahlborn-Galanti POMI System which would increase our organ’s capabilities dramatically and would eliminate all issues we currently have with the Phosphor Bronze contacts and Copper Strikers being tarnished and worn from use.
The Chests - There are approximately 900 valves that will be replaced with new First-Class Pallet Valves.
Facade and Chamber - Over decades paint on the pipes has faded and chipped, and the cloth has collected dust. The woodwork is in need of cleaning and sealing. The golden pipes will be sanded, dents removed, and repainted. The grill cloth will be replaced. Woodwork will be deep cleaned and resealed.
If you are able and interested in helping support this important restoration, you can give online (select Organ Restoration), or write a check to the parish (put Organ Restoration in the memo line). This is a great way to make a musical contribution, even if you aren’t able to sing well or play an instrument.
MATCHING DONATION: We have a long-time SJB parishioner who is willing to put forth a matching donation up to $40,000! Every dollar you donate will be doubled with this matching donation!!
