Historic Organ Foundation

Friends,

I write to you with exciting news about an organization that it has long been my dream to found.

I have long been passionate about pipe organs from the 19th century. This passion was particularly kindled during my twelve years (1989-2001) as organist of the First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain, whose 1859 Hook organ had one of the most glorious tones of any instrument that I have ever played. (See photo at right, taken at the 2000 OHS Convention) The organ perished in a devastating 2005 fire – an event that to this day is painful for me to ponder.

Fire is not the only enemy of historic organs. One by one, churches around the country are turning away from what they deem to be “traditional” music, ignoring or even discarding their valuable organs in favor of inferior electronic and digital instruments.

Even in churches that do cherish their pipe organs, deferred maintenance is one of the most insidious enemies to the instrument. The repair problems mount over the course of decades, until the organ reaches a state that the church cannot possibly afford to restore it, even if it wanted to.

After much thought and consultation with colleagues and friends, I decided to form the Historic Organ Foundation. Our purpose is a simple one: to award grants toward the restoration, reconstruction, and repair of historic pipe organs.

Our glorious inaugural event will take place in October of 2012 at the renowned Methuen Memorial Music Hall. Some of the area's most renowned organists will participate in a gala organ concert, the proceeds of which will benefit the recipient of our 2012 grant.

ONE WAY TO SUPPORT THE HISTORIC ORGAN FOUNDATION

The first twelve donors to make a one-time gift of $118.75 (fully tax-deductible) will be identified as Charter Members of the Foundation. They will be so identified on our website, in our programs, and in other publicity, now and for years to come.

Please note: your tax-deductible donation should be made out to "Methuen Memorial Music Hall, Inc.", with "Historic Organ Foundation" in the Memo line. However, your check should NOT be mailed to Methuen. Instead, it should be mailed to Leonardo Ciampa, 11 Wellesley Ave., Natick, MA 01760-3712.

UPDATE (4 May 2012)

The two recipients of the Historic Organ Foundation 2012 Grant have been announced! The first is the Harvard Historical Society in Harvard, MA, whose beautiful 1870 Stevens organ (at left) will be restored by the Andover Organ Company. (Visit the Society’s web site.) The second recipient is Our Lady of Refuge in Brooklyn, NY. Their beautiful 1934 Kilgen was what first inspired Joe Vitacco (pictured at the Kilgen, at right), who went on to found JAV Recordings and to become one of the most passionate and successful entrepreneurs in the organ world. (Visit the church website and the JAV website.)