Printer Friendly Version - Pipe Organ Crawl Set for November, Will Support Organ Restoration

The contract for the M.P. Möller organ was signed by church officials on Oct 29, 1929, the very day of the famous stock market crash. Photo courtesy of Nathan Bayreuther

Since 1930, the huge and complex pipe organ at the First Congregational Church of Madison has served as the main instrument for music during Sunday worship services. It also is played for numerous weddings, funerals, and concerts all year long. World-renowned organists have performed at the church, including award-winning concert recitalists Chelsea Chen and Thomas Murray.

“For the work of leading worship, choral accompaniment and leading congregational song, it is perfectly suited, and as an organ for concert use it is treasured by players, offering organists a rare artistic experience not easily found today,” says Murray, who also serves as university organist at Yale University.

In order to preserve its sound and legacy, a complex restoration is about to begin. To bring awareness to the extensive work to be completed by one of the premier restoration companies in the world, the church will host an organ crawl on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. The public will have a chance to learn more about its history, explore the organ pipe chambers, listen to demonstrations, and even try out the organ for themselves. Space is limited and those who are interested should call 203-245-2739, extension 21 to reserve a spot.

The contract for the M.P. Möller organ was signed by church officials on Oct 29, 1929, the very day of the famous stock market crash. Since it was installed it has become one of the most famous organs in Connecticut, drawing admiration from musicians around the state, including music students at Yale eager to play it. Age, however, does have its drawbacks. Although it had some minor work done on it a few years ago, its last major overhaul was 35 years ago.

A key component of the huge organ, housed in small rooms in the church’s balcony (a huge motor powers it from the basement) are the bellows, which serve as the lungs of the instrument. The bellows store and then release air to fill the dozens of pipes that allow the organ to replicate a symphony orchestra.

The leather that is a key part of these boxes is wearing out from years of service, as well as the elements. Replacing those leathers, the major part of the renovation, will require almost a year of time-consuming, on-premises repair. The A. Thompson-Allen Organ Company, one of the premier organ restoration companies in the world, has prepared a contract for the work. The cost is a staggering $280,000. Fortunately, though, the church has already raised most of the funds needed for the project, and it is soliciting donations and pledges for the remainder.

A Madison couple who has already made a significant donation has offered to further match, dollar for dollar, every contribution to the organ restoration fund made before Monday, Dec. 31, up to $20,000. More information about how to make a donation is available by calling Nathan Bayreuther at 203-245-2739, extension 21.

Since it was installed it has become one of the most famous organs in Connecticut, but age does have its drawbacks. Although it had some minor work done on it a few years ago, its last major overhaul was 35 years ago.Photo courtesy of Nathan Bayreuther

FCC Madison’s Director of Music Ministry Nathan Bayreuther says now is the time to invest in work before the organ continues to deteriorate and that this next restoration will allow the organ to perform for another 50 years without another significant renovation.Photo courtesy of Nathan Bayreuther