Organ Update
Our Historic Stevens-Moore Tracker Organ
Organ Update: December 2023
At long last – an Organ Update … and there is good news to share!
A substantial portion of the repair and restoration work on our Stevens-Moore organ has been completed. The work to date has been accomplished by Patrick Budelier. Recently, the decision was made to engage a different organ builder for the completion of the project.
Lubbert Gnodde, of Pomfret, Vermont, has been to Iowa City to assess our project and providehis recommendations. Those familiar with our organ’s history will note that Pomfret Vermont is also the home of A. David Moore, our original organ builder. Lubbert worked for many years in David’s shop and comes to us at David’s recommendation.
To learn more about Lubbert,check out his website: www.lubbertgnodde.com.
Lubbert’s assessment is that the work to date has been well done. Some essential work is needed on the main wind chests (1 swell; 2 great). Once that is accomplished, the main task will be the careful re-assembly of the instrument. Our instrument is old and unique – so a few surprises in the re-assembly process can be expected. Still, there is great optimism that the organ will be better than ever. We anticipate that work will re-commence after the first of the year, with the removal of the wind chests. The work on those components will take place in Lubbert’s shop in Vermont, and is estimated to take about 6 weeks. After that, the wind chests and all other components (including over 1800 pipes) can be re-installed.
Lubbert’s preliminary cost estimate for completing our project, including restoration of the wind chests, is within the original budget. At this point, we are cautiously optimistic that the funds remaining in the Organ Preservation Fund will be sufficient (thanks to Zion’s generosity when funds were raised). We anticipate that the Church Council will want to hold a congregational meeting after the first of the year to approve a new contract. More information will be provided at that time.
The Organ Committee
Tim Krumm, Marlys Boote, Melanie Sigafoose, and Bill Nibbelink
Organ Repair and Maintenance Project: History and Overview
For the past 44 years, the Stevens-Moore organ has been a vital resource for Zion’s worship and music-making. The organ has a long history before coming to Zion, having been built in 1852 by the prolific and respected organ builder, George Stevens.
Over the years, Zion has taken good care of this treasure, attending to repairs and maintenance. However, a list of deferred work, due to logistics and cost, has been getting longer. Then came the Derecho storm of August, 2020. The roof was damaged, resulting in water leaking through the ceiling and into the organ. The damage was significant.
In consultation with Patrick Budelier Pipe Organ Services, a list of needed repairs and maintenance has been identified. Some are critical, in direct response to the water damage. Others are from the list of deferred maintenance. Once the scope of the repairs needed in response to the water damage was determined, it became clear that this is also the time to address other maintenance needs.
Zion’s Council has approved proceeding with the necessary repairs, which are scheduled to begin on May 17, 2021. Our organ is expected to fully repaired and functioning by April 2022.
Explore this page for information and resources related to the Zion organ, the current project, and opportunities for you to contribute.
Donate to Organ Preservation Fund: https://onrealm.org/ZionLutheranIC/-/form/give/organ