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THE GREAT PARISH ORGAN PROJECT

“ The Organ is in truth the grandest, the most daring, the most magnificent of all instruments invented by human genius. It is a whole orchestra in itself...Out of the dim daylight, and the deep silence broken by the chanting of the choir in response to the Organ's thunder, a veil is woven for God, and the brightness of His attributes shines through it.”

( Honoré de Balzac )

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THE PROJECT

.....On Thursday, 4 September, 2003 plasterers working on the chimney severely damaged our organ with debris, heavy plaster, and direct contact with several rows of pipes. Because pipes are made of soft metal alloys that bend very easily; our ailing instrument was completely debilitated. Rows of pipes had to be removed from the main section of the organ known as the Great Division. Entire ranks of pipes were rendered unplayable and were damaged beyond repair. From both a musical and structural standpoint, repairing our crushed pipes for re-use is neither practical nor wise. The best outcome of doing this would be the re-creation of a functional instrument in worse condition than it ever was before the damage. Maintaining a dying mechanism of poor quality promises to be a major, ongoing siphon of the parish's money. The only feasible solution in the final analysis is to have a new instrument built for the church by a reputable and gifted builder.

.....After reviewing several bids from some of the country's finest builders, we have decided on the Lively-Fulcher organ company. As one of the world's most respected builders, Mark Lively is discriminating about the projects he will accept. However, upon hearing the formidable acoustic possibilities of St. Stephen's, Mark has decided to put forth a proposal for an instrument unlike any in their constellation of fine instruments. Lively-Fulcher has come up with a unique concept for a supremely versatile instrument. Until now, they have awaited the right acoustic environment for such an innovative installation.

.....Lively-Fulcher and St. Stephen's envision an instrument capable of opening the doors of our church to the many visitors from the wider community. This presents a genuine opportunity to invigorate the church's mission and ministry through the universal appeal of music. St. Stephen Martyr's regular faithful ministry of the Sacraments would be able to include a broad ecumenical ministry through concerts, special musical liturgies, guest recitalists and even recordings.

Click here to see the specification for the instrument to be built at St. Stephen's

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HOW CAN I HELP?

.....Any large project with long-term benefits costs money. The landmark artistry of such an instrument is rare and will require the generous and visionary support of many people. We are interested in your support in many forms besides financial contributions. Help to widen our community by inviting friends (and friends of friends) to take interest in this project. Whether your interest lies in the Spanish and Hispanic artistic heritage, inspiring a major innovation in the 900 year history of the “king of instruments”, propagation of the liturgical arts and the powerful ministry of music in the Church, supporting great live and recorded performances, or the community benefit of music in the neighborhood of Foggy Bottom, consider this project and spread the word.

1) Consider being a major donor at the $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000 levels, or a naming opportunity for the entire instrument for a gift of $500,000 or more. Also consider memorial donations of $250 or more.

2) Buy copies of our Schola Cantorum's CD “Ecos Sonoros: from Spain to Latin America.” All the proceeds go directly toward supporting the organ fund.

3) Spread the word to friend in the community and in the arts and check our calendar for events over the coming year to support the organ fund.

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As of March, 2006, we have raised approximately: $125,000.