Mr. Visser is a master organ builder with excellent credentials who was/and is enthusiastic about providing a truly magnificent instrument to accompany music in our Sacred Liturgies. The cost of this all hand made instrument has been quoted at $125,000. While contract negotiations were being conducted and fundraising for the organ diligently pursued by the members of the Ministry of Music, an opportunity presented itself that, not only needed to be addressed, but acted upon quickly.

My old stomping grounds of formerly St. Mary, Mother of God/Hempstead [now St. Katherine Drexel] intended to sell their five rank Wicks Pipe organ in their present church rather than store it for an indefinite time as they wait and plan for their new church to be built. They have built a parish complex at a new location consisting of a multi-purpose church/hall and rectory. They have moved portable buildings and the 1898 church building from the old site to the new. A new church structure is planned soon. They realized that storing an organ, even in the best of conditions, is not good for any organ, especially a pipe organ. They also realized that, because of the indefinite time period involved, the cost of storage could become a burden. The organ, built in 1991 [I think] was being offered for sale for $25,000.00, very much below the original cost. We had actually gone to Hempstead and looked at the organ as a prototype for one we might want. The first company we contacted about building an organ was the Wicks Company, which built the Hempstead organ. The organ they designed for St. Mary had more ranks, but much was to be digital. The Hempstead organ is a truly pipe organ. The cost of moving the organ was estimated to be about $5,000.00. Two other churches, one from Arkansas, had inquired about the organ.

This just seemed like too good of a deal to pass up. With a quick consultation with St. Mary's finance council, a down payment of $10,000.00 was written, with the remaining balance to be paid when moved. It was agreed with the Finance Council that no monies collected by the Music Ministry would be used for the Wicks organ. The Music Ministry still hopes to pursue the raising of funds for the Visser organ, which is definitely an organ of the highest quality, with more ranks and more versatility. Until then, we have an organ, which is truly a pipe organ, and we have it in place. The Visser organ would take a year to complete after the signing of the contract. It is felt that, after the restoration of the interior of St. Mary, interest can again be focused on raising funds for the Visser organ which would be a period piece in keeping with the historical character of the restored church.

Regardless of the ultimate organ in place in the choir loft of St. Mary, the Music Ministry continues to flourish. Everyone appreciates the dedication and sharing of talent that each member of the Music Ministry devotes to the honor and glory of God and in the service of the community when we come together and raise our voices in song. The most important instrument, of course, is the human voice.

Photos
Dismantling The Pipe Organ
Installing The Pipe Organ