Pipe organs are known to function for hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of years. But they do not survive that long without regular maintenance and, at times, major renovation and rebuilding. A pipe organ is, after all, a mechanical instrument as well as a musical instrument.
The First English pipe organ is a product of the Wicks Organ Company, Highland, Illinois. It is 85 years old, installed in 1939 with the completion of our sanctuary. It was a gift of the Ed Mollenhauer family, parents of Mrs. Alfreda Mollenhauer Bohls who was their only child. Because of Mrs. Bohls’ great devotion to this church, and because of her love of music, her parents made this gift to her memory and to the glory of God whose praise she sang. Alfreda Bohls was a baptismal sponsor of Lois Albers Holck, current and long-time member of First English.
Over the years several moderate updates have been accomplished due to the expertise of organ builder Otto Hoffmann. Periodic minor maintenance has been carried out on our organ. Wind chests, ductwork, consoles, electrical switches instead of trackers to actuate openings, all wear out. Even the organ bench gets more wear than pew seats. In recent years it became obvious that major restoration and upkeep were necessary in order for the 80+ year old instrument to remain functional and a vital part of our worship and music life. That work began in several stages as part of our 2016 capital campaign.
Last April, issues with the organ console (the box where the keyboard is located) caused it to become unworkable, making the organ unusable. We had known there was console work that needed to be done, and now it has become critical.
Bryan Rust, Bob Karli, and LeRoy Haverlah form a pipe organ committee under the umbrella of the Worship Ministry Team of the Congregation Council. On behalf of the committee Bryan has been gathering proposals and options for a staged and complete restoration of the instrument. This has been a tedious process.
We now are gathering final proposals to be explored in earnest and then presented to the Council for consideration. We expect several layers to this important project, including significant fundraising.
Everyone who experiences this instrument, in our congregation, in our community, and online, experiences something of the glory of God. There is good reason that the pipe organ has been called “The King of Instruments.”
The committee asks that you be ready to answer the call to share our abundance so that we and generations to come can receive the music of God and of God’s people through this instrument. The organ is a conduit of God’s faithfulness and love, and we are excited to share it with one another, the Austin community, and with the world. Thank you!
– Bryan Rust, Bob Karli, LeRoy Haverlah