Concert fundraiser to benefit 100-year-old pipe organ at Amherst church

AMHERST — With its rich tones and long, reverberating notes, no instrument is quite like a pipe organ, and for the churches lucky enough to have them, they are an integral part of church history and worship. They can also be an integral part of the church's spending, which is why St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Amherst is hosting a free organ concert on Sunday to help raise funds for its nearly 100-year-old organ, said church historian Linda Gatz. Daesean Lawson, an organist from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music hired by the church earlier this year, volunteered to put on the free concert as a fundraiser. "Daesean is really gifted," Gatz said. "He can get the organ to do things that other people can't do. He's really dedicated to the organ. Oftentimes, the congregation will stand and applaud his playing." "He's been a godsend," Gatz continued. "Daesean found us and we found him." Purchased in 1930 from the M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, the instrument is approaching its 100th year, and is in need of some major work "Moller was a renowned organ company at that time," Gatz said. "The Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, West Point — they all had Moller organs. We purchased ours for $4,950 in 1930. Today, that would be equivalent to $100,000." While the organ is continuously maintained with tunings twice a year, additional upkeep also is necessary. "The leather and wood needs continuous repair," Gatz said. "The last major restoration was in 2003 to 2004, which cost $100,000." At the time, a rededication was held for the instrument. The pipe organ is now in need of an estimated $25,000 worth of repairs, which could end up being more. The church has been holding internal fundraisers, such as a quilt raffle and potluck meals, to raise funds, and the concert is the latest effort. If more than $25,000 is raised, the church hopes to establish a music fund, called St. Peter's Church Psalm 150 Fund, to set aside money for future repairs and purchases, Gatz said. "Any funds above the $25,000 will go to that and the money will be invested so that it can grow," she said. The church already owns a number of instruments, such as hand bells, chimes and a grand piano. The piano also is in need of repairs, which will cost an estimated $4,000. "This fund would allow us to make repairs when needed and purchase instruments in the future," Gatz said. "Music is an important part of church. It calms the mind and connects people with what is going on." The organ concert will include several formal pieces and a few hymns, where audience members may participate, if they like. Following the concert, there will be a light reception. A historical booklet also will be available with information on the organ and a history of the church's organists. Free-will offerings will be accepted. "It's a beautiful church," Gatz said. "Our stained glass windows are breathtaking. People can have weddings here, and they don't have to be a member. We are open to all and anyone looking for a place of worship can check us out. This concert is something free that people can do with their family, while helping to raise funds for our beautiful organ." Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.