The Need

Following the recommendation from a feasibility study, the vestry of the Church of the Incarnation has authorized an $800,000 capital campaign to rebuild its magnificent organ. The Common Chord campaign goal will support two components. A portion, $500,000, will go toward the organ project cost, which is $1.8 million. The remaining $300,000 will create a much-needed organ maintenance endowment.

The total fund-raising goal for the organ restoration and the maintenance endowment is $2.1 million. An undertaking of this scope is possible thanks to a generous $1.3 million foundation grant. This critical grant covers some two-thirds of the organ restoration expenses and establishes momentum for the Common Chord campaign.

Since its installation in 1955, Incarnation’s Aeolian-Skinner organ has been subject to many significant modifications that changed its original character. We are now at a tipping point where key organ components could completely fail within the next few years. The time has come for a major restoration and enhancement.

Restoration of the Organ:
$1.8 million

The purpose of the Common Chord capital campaign is to restore the organ to its original grandeur and mechanical condition. Lack of funds over decades has led to an overall deterioration of the organ. The situation is now beyond the repair stage and the organ must be entirely restored.

Restoring and enhancing the organ involves a thousand-plus pipes and all mechnical components. Each of the windchests beneath the pipes must be releathered, all the mechanical parts restored, and electrical wiring replaced.
Beyond the organ itself, the organ chamber must be reconstructed. An engineering study conducted for the roof directly above the chamber indicated the need for a precautionary roof repair.

The rector, director of music, and the vestry have entrusted the restoration work to Casavant Brothers. Located in Quebec, Canada, and founded in 1879, Casavant has a very impressive record. The company not only builds and restores organs, it also manufactures all components, a guarantee of quality. The organ will be removed to Quebec in April 2024, after Easter, and will be reinstalled by Easter of 2025.

When completed, the organ restoration at the Church of the Incarnation is expected not to require work for many years. With proper upkeep, it will enrich and empower our congregational worship and deepen our Christian formation for generations to come.

A New Organ Maintenance and Music Program Endowment:
$300,000

Income of 5%, initially $15,000 if $300,000 is raised, would be available annually.

The organ must be re-tuned three times a year for a cost of some $7,000. Costs for any other inspection or repair are additional. A restricted organ maintenance endowment fund will ensure that all organ repairs are made as the need arises.

Music program expenses that might be met by this endowment fund include the cost of musicians and additional choir members for special services such as those scheduled for Christmas and Easter.

If the cost of the roof engineering study and any ensuing repairs exceeds the current estimate, funds for the endowment fund would be reduced accordingly.

Challenge Goal:
$900,000

If we are able to raise an additonal $100,000, this amount will be placed in the organ maintenance endowment, ensuring an even more secure future for our music ministry.