Organ and Stained Glass Final Update
In November 2005, we were informed that our wonderful organ was in dire need of restoration. We were presented with a proposal by David Wallace of Gorham, Me. to do a complete overhaul and restoration of the organ, a project that would require approximately 8 months at a cost of at least $55,000. We knew we could not let the organ deteriorate to a state that was beyond repair and then be looking at the prospect of replacing the organ completely, yet, where to get the money?
At the same time we were considering the options on the organ we became aware that we had a problem with some of our stained glass windows, specifically the two small windows on either side of the altar and the two large windows at the rear of the church.
We contacted Greg Gorman of Center Lyme, NH, who made it clear that if we did not restore those stained glass windows soon, we would lose these beautiful, historical, and irreplaceable, treasures. The cost of the stained glass restoration would be at least $20,000.00.
We were facing a total cost for restoring the organ and the stained glass in the range of $75,000 to $90,000. We are a small parish, and we were afraid that this was an amount that was out our price range. Nonetheless, with much prayer and confidence in the Holy Spirit, we formed an Organ and Stained Glass (OSG) restoration committee, and began raising the funds.
It is now September 2007 and I am proud to say that this parish has gone above and beyond the call to raise the funds needed to accomplish the restoration of the windows and organ. With the help of all of you, and some generous outside donors, we have restored our organ and all of the deteriorated stained glass windows. WE HAVE DONE IT!!!!
Many thanks to the entire parish and all others who helped out during the last 18 months. A special thanks to those of you who have generously contributed and to those of you who faithfully continue to contribute the pledges you made to the OSG fund. On behalf of the parish, I extend our gratitude to the members of the OSG committee, Carol Branca, Joan Elise, Peter Campbell, and Judy Gray, as well as to Liz Jason for keeping track of the funds, and to Joe Fluet for inspiration. Finally, a tremendous thank you to David Wallace and staff for the restoration of the organ and to Greg Gorham and his staff for the restoration of the windows.
Thanks again,
Dave Tyler, Chairman, OSG Committee