We reached a milestone in our sanctuary renovation project early in May. The truck carrying thousands of components of the organ arrived at the church during the evening of May 8. At 7:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, unloading began. Many members of the church came to help with this exciting event. While we were unloading the organ components, the new choir chairs arrived.

From Steeple Notes insert ...

THE ARRIVAL OF THE SCHOENSTEIN PIPE ORGAN
(Some Assembly Required)

Monday, May 9, 2005, 7:00 a.m. One large Allied Van Lines truck and many eager volunteers lined up and ready. Weather, warm and sunny.

Under the direction of Schoenstein project foreman Louis Patterson, the work commenced. The payload included large, heavy components-wind chests, blowers, wooden framework, and lots of long, relatively lightweight pipes of either metal or wood. Thousands of smaller pipes came packed in protective wooden boxes. All that, plus coils of electrical wire and air supply pipes and fittings.

The pipe parade continued for three hours, after which the sanctuary pews-newly refinished and covered with movers quilts-served as temporary home to a modern marvel of an ancient art. Louis' crew of five (four Californians and one Toledo-an) will work every day from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., moving the pieces/parts to their proper places. The complete process will take several weeks and we are the privileged spectators.

-- Doris Hall

Photos:

• Part 1
• Part 2
• Part 3
• Part 4
• Part 5
• Part 6
• Part 7