Organ Fundraising Now Underway!

“When thus used, church music is not only a true and faithful twin of sound
Christian theology, but also an implement of God’s Holy Spirit who himself
makes diligent and effective use of church music and imbues it with
efficacy and power . . . The same Holy Ghost who calls, gathers, enlightens and
sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with
Jesus Christ in the one true faith, employs both the theology and the
music of the Church to bring unto men, women, and children
the same precious Word.” – Rev’d Walter Buszin

The Allen Organ Apex

The Allen Organ Apex model GX336DK is a 52-stop three manual instrument designed with 9 specifications: 6 cohesive Classical Organs – Classic Allen, English (Willis), Cavaille-Coll, Schlicker, Arp Schnitger, Aeolian-Skinner, and 3 Theatre Organs -Wurlitzer, Morton, and Barton. These nine specifications would provide tonal colors for most any literature. It is compatible with the church’s sound system.

Allen Organs have a 10-year limited warranty. Allen Organ of the Western Carolinas would provide all transportation, delivery and installation.

Allen Organs are made in Macungie, PA, USA. The factory manufactures military grade computer boards, commercial class A or AB amplifiers, fine furniture hardwood cabinets with finished exteriors and interiors, and all the hardware that goes into these organs. There are no “off the shelf “parts in an Allen. Allen Organ also maintains an extensive inventory of parts for long-term support of organs in use today. Allen Organ has been under the same ownership since its inception in 1939.

Allen Organ does not build the instrument until it is ordered. For information, our terms are one third of the cost due on order, one third of the cost due when the instrument ships from the factory, and the final third upon installation.

Background

Over the summer of 2024, our current instrument underwent an assessment by the dealer who services the organ. At 25 years old, it has exceeded its useful life. It is a discontinued model for which spare parts are no longer available. In addition, this particular model limits the abilities of our organist and choir director (its size and options are undersized for our congregation). As a result, the Worship Committee felt it was necessary to begin researching what options the congregation has when it comes time for replacement – type of organ, cost, etc. We feel it was critical to get ahead with the information gathering process as opposed to being reactionary. After speaking with the American Guild of Organists, various dealers on-site as well as visits to other churches, the Committee has begun to develop specs for a new organ.

Current quote for Mt. Olive Lutheran: $107,400
If purchase before July 2025, save 15%: $92,000

In January 2025, the Church Council approved to create a designated Organ Fund to allow for direct contributions or memorials to be made. And while this congregation has been richly blessed with a healthy balance of revenue and expenses, the significant costs associated with the purchase of a new organ cannot be supported by the church’s budget alone. The purchase of a new organ must be approved at a Voter’s Meeting.