Sounds for Glory: Skinner Organ
March 2012 status of DUMC Organ Renovation Campaign
You may have noticed that the bars on the Sounds for Glory poster in the Narthex have shot up recently. That is thanks to continued giving by the congregation and a reduction in the amount needed for renovation. After prayerful consideration, we have asked for a proposal for a less ambitious renovation. The installation of just one rank of pipes (instead of 3), refurbishment of the current console (instead of the new, larger one), plus the needed repairs will cost "only" $129,954.75 instead of $188,000. This is a more realistic goal in these financial times. In addition to contributions, the proceeds from the sale of the other 2 ranks and console will be added to the fund.
The committee is in the process of scheduling fundraisers. Please view the quilt and cross-stitches by Marilyn Kinsey and Sue Petrie, respectively, during the "Work of our Hands" display. They will be for sale after Easter to support Sounds for Glory. We will have a booth at Damascus Days and the Damascus Community Fair. There are also plans for another yard sale and a Halloween organ concert in the fall. Keep your eye on the Beacon for details of these events and the on-line auction. If you have a suggestion for us, please contact Jane Clarke at jane.clarke@bioreliance.com .
The Sounds for Glory Committee:
Jane Clarke (chair), Jim Kelly (vice chair), Polly Edmonds Baldridge, Joe Briglia, Pete Clarke, Walt Edmonds, Bob Gladhill, Steve Kalnoske, Brian Sadtler, Julie Sain, Wilbur Hurst, and Liz Vanderham.
Watch the video created by Mike Springirth about our wonderful organ and its history. It will open a YouTube video in a new window.
Fundraising projects to benefit the Skinner Organ:
About Our Skinner Organ:
The organ at Damascus United Methodist Church was built by the Skinner Organ Company in 1930.
Started by E.M. Skinner in the early 1900s, the Skinner company was the most highly regarded firm in the world at the time and built organs at venues such as Washington National Cathedral, Rockefeller Chapel in Chicago, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.
The style of organs churches were buying changed in the 60s, and the vast majority of Skinner’s work was replaced or destroyed. While the Skinner style has once again come back into favor, very few existing, unaltered Skinner organs still exist. Of the 887 organs that he built, only 26 still remain unaltered. The organ at DUMC is one of those 26. Its replacement value has been appraised at just under $1,000,000.
Repair Needs of Our Skinner Organ:
The organ has serviced two congregations and has been in continuous use for the past 80 years without major repairs needed. The wiring and console technology are still the original 1930 components, and recently have been showing signs of age. The old wiring has severely degraded over time in both the organ chambers and the console. These problems have continued to escalate and at this time the vast majority of the organ is not playable.
A proposal has been put forth to replace both the organ wiring and the original console with modern systems, costing a total of $119,000. This will include a complete rewiring of the organ chambers and the installation of a new, movable 4-manual (keyboard) E.M. Skinner console donated by Stephen and Megan Kalnoske.
Importance of Our Skinner Organ:
The Skinner organ at DUMC provides the musical foundation for the church, accompanying services and performances along with being a world-class recital instrument. When brought back to playable condition, it will continue to serve the congregation for years to come.
See the Skinner Organ stoplist.
SOUNDS FOR GLORY: THE DUMC ORGAN RENOVATION PROJECT!
Our committee starts each meeting with the following prayer: Lord, give us guidance as we work to restore the organ and remind us that it sounds for Your glory.
What needs to be done and how much will it cost?
- Lawless Organ Company has submitted a proposal to replace the organ wiring (converting it to solid-state), rebuilding the console, and adding three new ranks of pipes for $182,000 divided into two phases. Currently, the new ranks (purchased years ago by DUMC at yard-sale prices) and console (donated by Stephen and Megan Kalnoske) are in storage at Lawless.
- The first phase ($129,000) will include: complete rebuilding of the E.M. Skinner 4-manual (keyboard) console, building windchests for the 3 new ranks, revoicing (tuning) the new ranks, and ordering all parts necessary for the installation of the renovated console and ranks. These parts are not available at a big-box store; they are custom-made. This phase will take approximately 5 months to complete and will involve a 5-month payment plan.
- The second phase ($53,000) will be the actual installation of the new console, ranks, and wiring at DUMC.
How will we pay for this?
- We will not borrow money to fund this.
- There is a foundation which offers grants for E.M. Skinner organ renovation projects such as ours. The committee will pursue this and other sources of funds.
- You! We will make a major push for donations after Easter and the Charles Wesley Singers fundraisers. We plan on having fun runs, concerts, etc. to involve the whole community in fundraising. Of course, if you are so moved, you are welcome to donate now by check or E-Giving. Just indicate that the money is for ―Sounds for Glory or the organ renovation campaign.
- Ongoing fundraisers include the sale of the Worship Arts Ministry's "All Good Gifts" CD. The Kitchen Committee (including the Cochrans and Linthicums) gave all the proceeds (more than $2,300) from the March 23rd Wonderful Wednesday Dinner to the campaign.
Please watch the Beacon and the website for further updates.
The Sounds for Glory Committee: Jane and Pete Clarke, Steve Kalnoske, Jim Kelly, Bob Gladhill, Brian Sadtler, Julie Sain, Dan James, Joe Briglia, David Taylor, Polly Edmonds Baldridge, and Walt Edmonds
Please contact Jane Clarke at jane.clarke@bioreliance.com or Jim Kelly at jpkelly04@comcast.net if you are interested in joining us, or if you have any ideas about the project.