The Organ Renovation Project began in earnest on May 12 and will continue through the first week of June. This work comes has been made possible by fundraising leading up to LCH’s 125th anniversary celebration in September. The congregation commited to raising $125,000 in time for the celebration, $65,000 for the organ renovations and $60,000 for the Mission Fund to carry out congregational mission priories.
With funds already pledged or donated for the organ renovation, technicians from Germany are giving the organ a thorough cleaning to remove any dust and debris that have accumulated over the years. The Great division, located at the top of the organ, has had all of its pipes removed and has been cleaned.
Also, a new zymbelstern was installed as the old one was not very reliable. This one has six bells and will usher in the holy spirit whenever it is on!
Work continues on the Swell division, located above the organist behind the shades. The holes are being drilled from a template for the new Salicional 8′ pipes to be installed. These 56 new holes will allow air to flow into the pipes when the key is depressed. They will sing a new string sound into the Nave and help support choral and congregational singing in a new and fitting way.
In the Pedal division, the Schalmei 4′ pipes have been removed, and soon new rack boards will be installed. These rack boards will hold the new Trumpet 8′ pipes in place. Both the pedal and swell divisions will be cleaned before any pipes go back in place.
Once the work is done, everyone is invited to a enjoy the restored and enhanced with an organ recital on Friday evening, June 6, by Dr. Barry Wenger, our director of music and liturgy and organist.
Just like your car or your house, a pipe organ needs regular repair and maintenance, and it’s time for regular service of LCH’s two Beckerath organs—the main organ and the small continuo organ. On Monday, May 8, Hans-Ulrich Erbslöh and his assistant, Bernd Becker, arrived from Germany to do that work. Also helping is Steve Hoover, an organ builder and the husband of Barry Wenger, our organist and director of music and liturgy.