Our Music Is Uplifting -- You Hold the Key
As Christians, we value music as a very important part of our worship experience. Our music program at First Presbyterian Church serves to glorify God, nourish our faith and bring a universal language of humanity to our worship services.
For more than 80 years, the Wangerin organ has been one of the tools First Presbyterian Church has considered essential in leading worship services. As the times and needs of the Church have changed over the years, the organ has remained a relevant instrument for creatively leading worship. It also continues to uniquely provide the appropriate sounds and support for weddings, memorial services, and more.
After careful study, the decision to make necessary repairs to the organ has been made and an Organ Campaign Committee has been charged with raising the funds necessary to complete this project.
A contract for the project has been approved by Session and was signed in April 2011.
Scope of the Project
While many parts of the organ are in very good condition, there are some key parts in need of repair/renewal, most importantly:
The electrical system is not up to code and is in need of total replacement.
The console (keys and foot pedals) is out of date and many contacts are failing.
A refinement of the sound is necessary, including new trumpet pipes and more bottom pipes.
If these items are not repaired, the organ will eventually stop working.
When the project is completed, the new console—hand and key footboards—will meet American Guild of Organists standards and will be easier to play. (The unique console currently installed will no longer be a challenge in recruiting guest organists.)
Work will begin in May 2011, with scheduled completion in time for Christmas Eve 2011 services.
The Church will not have use of the organ from approximately September 15 through completion of the project in December 2011. During this period, the piano and other special music will be used for services. None of the work will be disruptive to our worship services.
Financing the Project
Each Church member is being asked to prayerfully consider making an initial gift and three-year commitment pledge to support the restoration of this beautiful instrument by using a commitment form. If you need a form, it can be downloaded and printed from this link: commitment form
All gifts are fully tax deductible, as allowed by law.
A minimum of $180,000 must be raised.
A down payment and periodic payments will be made to the contractor during the course of the project. The balance of the project cost must be paid in December 2011 when the work is finished.
The project may require the Church to obtain financing. Whatever total has not been collected when our payments are due will be borrowed from a bank. This bank loan (obtained at a competitive interest rate) will be paid using the pledged gifts.
Any money remaining after paying for the project and any bank loan will be held in an organ maintenance fund for payment of future repair/upkeep costs.
Your Commitment
Your commitment may be made confidentially by using the enclosed form.
Gifts may be made by cash, check, stock, bonds, IRA distributions, and other assets.
Your bank may offer a free service that allows you to make electronic payments from your checking or savings account directly to the Church— you can make your payment quickly and paperless!
Gift Recognition
All donors will be recognized at the close of the project.
Names will be recorded as specified on the commitment form. This includes the option of making an anonymous gift as well as making an honor or memorial gift.
For more information
If you have questions about the organ campaign, please contact a member of the Organ Campaign Committee: Bruce Deadman, Lisa DeLeeuw, Ross Early, Kirke Ryder, Dennis Siewert or Tom Schoffelman.
Only $28 a month for 36 months can help us achieve our goal
