Restoration of the Sanctuary Organ

The last play date for an organ that had served the church in two locations since 1912 was October 9, 1960. As part of a multi-phased project begun in 1958, the new organ was one of three upgrades to Peoples. The other two were concerned with the purchase of a new parsonage and the conversion of the old parsonage for use as an education building.

After deciding between two similar proposals that limited what we could afford to $30,000, the decision was made to go with the proposal of the Reuter Company of Lawrence, Kansas. When it came time to set the organ up the head tonal supervisor from Reuter came to voice all of the pipes. Using the traditional names for the divisions of the organ, the Great, the Swell and some of the pedal pipes are located in the chamber to the organist’s right. The Choir Division is on the opposite side of the chancel along with some of the pedal pipes above the pastor’s study.

Two dedications of this organ are written in church history. The first dedication is listed as April 29, 1962 and a more official dedication for the public took place on April 23, 1963 when George Faxon, the organist at Trinity Church, Boston played a concert. Dr. Malcolm Cass, who the organ is now dedicated to, was the principal individual along with Jason Tilton in the acquisition of this instrument. Jason was a member of the Peoples Tilton family and was representative for the Reuter Company. Dr. Cass continued to serve as organist and principal caretaker until health no longer allowed him to play. Deborah Cole has been a welcome successor to Dr. Cass. Most work on this organ, now in its fifty second year of operation, was done by David Wallace.

Not long after the organ was in place a gift of money from the Woodbury family dedicated in the name of Leona helped purchase the grill work and screen that covers both chambers. Some years ago a Carillon was added to the range of the organ.

Over the years some damages have been sustained by the organ from regular usage as well as the result of water leakage from the roof into the organ chambers. In this year beginning on June 10, 2014 a complete restoration of the pipes and organ has started. The restorer is Nick Orso who has been in the business of organ restoration for over 30 years. One of his most recent projects was the restoration of the organ in the State of Maine Chapel at Poland Springs. That organ was built in the year 1928. Damage to especially the Carillon was one of the major factors in restoring the whole of the instrument.

On June 9 before 10 in the morning a gathering of Peoples people helped Nick take down some of the grill work then delicately handle the movement of several of the pipes to boxes, astride the pews, where they were placed until cleaned and restored. 13 of us were present and eager to help. Not all of the 1520 pipes were moved at this time.

It is expected that once the restoration takes place the organ will again be played as it was for the first time in 1962. Thanks to all who have made this project possible.

 In the meantime with the chancel in disarray and the sanctuary filled with boxes of pipes our church services have necessarily been relocated to Ellis Hall. Attendance on the first Sunday there numbered in the 60’s. Ellis Hall while expansive does provide a more intimate setting. Pastor Tom’s sermon was on Acts 2: 3-4 and was titled “Sweet Spirit”. We eagerly await the “Sweet Spirit” when the organ is restored. There were also some special guests at this Sunday's service. Harry and Humphrey regaled us with their presentation. All of the service was presided over by none other than John Wesley!