August 25, 2025

The area in the church where the organ is to be installed will need to be prepared by changing two light switches to another wall and the carpet removed. Upon removal of the carpet, laminate flooring will be installed on which the organ chamber will be placed. These projects will begin as soon as an electrician is confirmed and flooring secured. Please do not be surprised by these preparations since it means the”new” organ will be installed late summer.

Lee Harris

April 25, 2025

A few months have passed since my last report on the status of our purchase of the new
Moeller pipe organ. Accompanying this article are 2 pictures of the pipes all racked on
the new wind chest. It takes a lot of time to build a brand new wind chest and this is the
only time you probably will see it like this. These pipes will be housed in a chamber
behind a decorative facade. Each pipe has been cleaned thoroughly, handled with extreme
care and at least one rank (row of pipes) had to go to the pipe doctor in Ohio. Our builder,
John Farmer drove to Ohio last fall to have the trumpet rank refurbished and reworked like new.
The other pipes were refurbished in house. Make note that this instrument will last 100+ years
with proper care and will serve our parish well.

In retrospect I see how the church has had the faith to purchase a 1928 organ that was
originally housed at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Reidsville, NC and to entrust it to a reputable organ technician and builder in Winston-Salem, NC. As it has been said,
“It takes a village,” and truly God has provided the funds for this to become a reality. In the Old Testament book ofEzra (chapter 1:4-11; 6:8-10) we read how God’s people rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. It tells of how God provided the funds and how people worked together to bring the project to fruition. It shows how opposition may come, but we are to keep our eyes and hearts focused on His provision. Yes, there have been delays, but that is beyond our control.
Some of the delays have been due to the builder’s TIA in March. In addition there
were previously 4 people working on our project, but now there are 2. One of the technicians
retired and another moved. These circumstances have slowed the installation of the Moeller.
But, please don’t lose heart. Keep praying, trusting that it will happen in God’s timing. That’s a
lesson I have had to learn through the circumstances of my life. And, guess what? It always
works out. We are projecting the installation to be in July or late summer.

The finished product will be well worth waiting for. We will have additional ranks of pipes,
electronic switching system, recording capabilities, new digital extension as well as digital stops and a new console. The recording mechanism will allow Thomas and myself, and any other organist to record music and be playable when an organist is not available that Sunday, or other special services. These features will allow new possibilities for musical expression in
worship connecting us with generations of worshippers who came before us and honoring their
legacy. The music will fill the church with melodies that uplift and inspire us.

In conclusion, I thank the Capital Campaign Committee for their time and support; I thank the
parishioners who faithfully contributed funding, and I thank our leadership, and the Vestry for
their encouragement and support.

After the installation there will be a celebration/dedication service followed by a dedicatory
recital. Lots to look forward to, so stay tuned!

Lee Harris

*Capital Campaign Committee
Seth Allen, Jeanne Morse, Carol Whitehead, John Beranek, Karen Leach,
Thomas Hager (ex-officio), Carol Fowler, Vestry Liaison, Lee Harris, Chairperson