Organ Project
In the fall of 2007, as part of a $4.5 million capital and building campaign, First Parish contracted with Russell & Company Organ Builders of Chester, VT to create a new installation which would re-use the best of our 1901 Austin-Skinner electro-pneumatic organ. This project to rebuild and reconfigure the organ includes a significant amount of repair and replacement, as well as upgrading the instrument to create a more coherent, cohesive sound. We anticipate these changes with great excitement!
The organ is the musical foundation for worship at First Parish – accompanying congregational singing and all the different choirs and soloists, as well as performing as a solo instrument for preludes offertories, postludes and special occasions such as weddings and memorial services.
This organ project combines responsible stewardship, respect for our history and preparation for our future. We are reconfiguring both the organ itself and the space immediately around it so the organ can more effectively serve our music ministry. As our worship continues to evolve, the musical repertoire continues to expand: The rebuilt and reconfigured organ will support this expansion. We are rebuilding the organ to better serve the First Parish community, both now and in the future.
To learn more about pipe organs, here are some interesting links:
http://agohq.org/guide/
http://nersp.nerdc.ufl.edu/~bodinew/Pages/Overview.html
http://www.nazard.co.uk/organ.html