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The story of the Eliot Pipe Organ
About 10 years ago [written May 2004], Eliot Chapel considered the purchase of a pipe organ. The topic was raised by the gift of considerable seed money from an individual.
The board formed a committee to look at possibilities, but before the process could get very far, the organ became a hot topic of informal debate. Passions and perceptions were voiced. Trust was broken. Feelings were hurt. Fears and objections ranged from too much money and too domineering, (of space and sound) to too much like other denominations. The gift was withdrawn and no one ever wanted to mention the dreaded "O" word again.
Then, a series of forums were held to improve our communication as a community. These were called Eliot EARS.
Five years ago, a member brought to us the possibility of salvaging a small, baroque style pipe organ being disposed of by Webster University. The board immediately rejected the idea as being too controversial. The Music Committee implored the board to reconsider, based upon the cost (free) size, portability and possibility of being a healing process. The board rescinded its decision and appointed an organ conflict resolution committee.
The organ was taken apart and stored off premises for a year while forums were held, surveys taken, and cardboard models of the organ were placed in various locations of the sanctuary. After all opinions and concerns were aired and addressed, it was determined that the organ would be refinished and placed in the balcony for a trial period. Cost to rebuild was $2000.
A platform with steps and safety railing were installed. The top was removed to allow full view of the stained glass window. The organ is too small for congregational hymn singing, but has successfully been used since summer, 2001 for preludes, accompanying choir, weddings and recitals.
On Sunday April 25, 2004 we celebrated our ability to work through the controversy and arrive at an acceptable compromise. As part of our 2nd annual Music Sunday we recognized all of the people who participated in this monumental process. Let us no longer be afraid of the "O" word, but proud of our pipe organ.
Specifics:
- Originally built by Martin Ott, 1975.
- 2 manuals, 3 ranks, 8 foot maximum.
- 200 flute pipes (no reeds).
- 14 stops. Electropneumatic action.
- Oak case.
- 2 1/2 octaves of pedals.
- (No swell).
- Referred to as "baroque style".
- Rebuilt by Earl Naylor, 2001.
Thanks to:
- Dr. Steve Schenkel for bringing it to our attention;
- Dr. Michael Parkinson, chair of the Webster University Music Department for giving it to us;
- Earl Naylor, organ technician, for lovingly dismantling, repairing and reassembling it;
- Tony Ponzar, his son Michael, Bob Chamberlin and John Postel for moving it;
- Edward Schneider (father of Marilyn Maguire) for storing it in his basement for a year;
- Cindy Lau, Khleber Van Zandt, Mary Meidinger, Rich Heuermann and Larry Kehler for mediating our forums, serving on the "organ committee" and aiding communication.
- Randy Pour and his daughter, Lindsay for building 2 cardboard models;
- Mary Taylor for organizing the refinishing of the wood;
- Chuck Schuder for staining and refinishing the wood;
- David Taylor, Jerry Higginbotham, Larry Ross, George Triplett, and Kate Magrath for helping him.
- Brent Vaughn for designing the railing.
- Brian Casey, Bill Fitzgerald and Tom Gayer for building the platform, steps, and installing the railing;
- Harvey Salvin for allowing placement in front of the window.
- The Eliot Board of Directors for taking the risk,
- The Music, Aesthetics and Building and Grounds committees for working together, especially Elisa Voss, Marilyn Maguire and Erv Steinberg.
- The congregation of Eliot Unitarian Chapel for learning to listen, respect and be patient with each other.