A Rodgers digital organ recently replaced our aged instrument. It’s purchase was enabled by years of donations, memorials, and a few special gifts.
First, the old one was removed, in pieces, thankfully before any major breakdown occurred as most significant parts are no longer available for repair work. An regional organ repair service salvaged all that would be useful for possible repair of other similar organs. The rest was available for anyone to remove what electronic, wood, or other parts they wish before final discarding of teh remainder. Here’s what a deconstructed organ looks like.
Thankfully, one of our members who lives close to the church building has a forklift, a generous heart, and made time on a busy workday and season to move the heavy boxed organ from the street where the delivery truck placed it up over the curbing and to the wide front doorway. Unseen in the photo is Marc Bergman, trustee.
Then it was man powered dollies and muscles the rest of the way. Thankfully, the organ store owner brought specialized equipment for getting the organ up a long flight of stairs. Thankfully also, the heavy foot pedal board could be handled separately. In red below is Doug Slininger, Chairman. Closest on right is Jon Veshledahl. In yellow and mostly hidden is Gale Burgee. Arnie Schick, head trustee on the left in stripes. Others not pictured also helped.
After getting the console lifted up 16 steps, down the hall, into the balcony area, down a few more steps, and before putting the instrument in its final place, the work crew and the organ store owner pose for a photo op. Left to right front: Jon Vesledahl, Doug Slininger, store owner Peggy Barunek, Marc Bergman, Gale Burgee, and Arnie Schick. Pastor Ron Hobbie second row right.
The organ in in place. It looks great, but something vital is still missing.
What good is an organ without a trained, capable player? Mary Ann Bell looks forward to learning the capabilities and settings of this fine instrument. knows she will want a of practice to make the organ respond and make music to the Lord and for the good of his people.
Our prayer is that this instrument, along with those who will play it, will always help God’s people lift their hearts and voices in vibrant, heartfelt worship!