Time for an Update

It's hard to believe it's been this long since the last posting. Not a lot has happened since then, but I thought it would be good to update the blog, even if just for recording purposes. The major thing that has occurred during the past year is an "organ transplant". This refers to the fact that we needed to move all of the organ components from its initial facility to a new one due to the owners needing the space. This has occurred on July 12th and all the pieces are now securely stored in one area, waiting for the final transfer to the new church building once we reach that stage (in 2009).

In the meantime, I've also had one meeting with Northern Organs in Ontario when I was there on personal business in June of this year. We reviewed the questions asked by the architect of the church building and discussed timing of the installation and facade requirements as well.

A meeting of the committee is scheduled next week and we hope to get some more concrete plans in place on the installation and some fundraising ideas as well.

If you're visiting this blog and reading this message, please consider a donation to this project before the end of the year so you can benefit from a tax receipt.

Let us know if you have any questions or wish to volunteer to help out with the installation project when the time comes.

We also want to congratulate the Langley Canadian Reformed Church on the completion of the installation of their new organ this year. A wonderful addition to the rank of church organs in the Fraser Valley. May it serve to promote the love of music and the worship of the Lord for many generations to come.

Christmas Praise Evening

The Aldergrove Church is having its Christmas Praise Evening this Sunday, December 9, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. in the United Church facility where we currently meet in Aldergrove. We invite you to join us for praise and fellowship. There will be another opportunity to help to build up our Organ Fund and/or Music Fund (towards the purchase of a piano for the new church). If you are in the area, please consider joining us.

Update

Who built the organ?

The organ we acquired was built by the late Mr. Hugo Pilon (he passed away about a year ago on Novermber 30th) of Toronto. He was a long-time organist in the Bethel Canadian Reformed Church and took a leading role over the years in installing and maintaining the pipe organ in that church. At the same time, as a hobby project purely for his own enjoyment and use, he built the organ in his home during the 70's and 80's. Over time, it grew into a "large two manual instrument of some 34 ranks and over 2000 pipes, divided over Great, Swell and Pedal." (quoting from a report on the organ). Because the instrument is going to be installed in a church, some modifications and adjustments will have to be made to suit the new environment. We're going to try to maintain the integrity of the tonal design of the organ as much as possible though.

Northern Organs - we have been using the services of Northern Organs based in Hamilton, ON to consult with us on the removal of the organ as well as consultations on the re-installation in the new church building. This company is the same one that was involved with the installation of the organ in the new Bethel Church in Toronto and they also knew this organ as well as the builder; hence our desire to work with them on a consulting basis.

If you have more questions or comments, please don't hesitate to write or call.

Church News

A note about this project was published in the Church News in the Fraser Valley, BC this past Sunday to publicize and solicit financial support for it. Some comments have been received and answers to some of your questions will be posted later in the week. I don't have time to respond to each single comment. I welcome further questions and comments though and hope that you'll feel inspired to pass on this address to others to check out.

Organ concert

If you're interested in hearing good music and you live in the Vancouver area, there's an excellent opportunity to do so this Friday.
There will be a concert for saxophone and organ (second half of the concert) at the Holy Rosary Cathedral in Vancouver at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, November 9, 2007 featuring Denis Bedard (organist at HRC) and Julia Nolan (saxophonist). Tickets are $20.00/Students and Seniors $12). Check out further details at hrc.rcav.org.

Acoustically Speaking

I've had a couple of conversations yesterday with our organ builder advisers and one of the architects for the new church building. The CDC (Church Development Committee) is using the services of a sound engineer to help them come up with the best possible acoustics for the new building. I think this is an excellent move since acoustics is so key in a church building both from the perspective of speakers and musicians as well as the listening congregation. One of the things the sound engineer is looking at, using a sophisticated computer modelling program, is the optimum placement for the pipe organ. Is it the back or the front, for example. The sound engineer was looking for the acoustical output of the organ, for example, to factor in. While some of us may have our preferences (and biases) towards placement, we'll have to await the results of the study and then as committee we'll consult with both engineer and architect on a final decision. Should prove to be an interesting exercise. If anyone has particular thoughts or insights on this issue, would like to hear it.

Adopt-a-Pipe - please!

Would you like to help us realize our goal of having our own organ installed in our new church building?
Here's your opportunity! For as little as $25.00, you can 'adopt' a pipe and help build our organ. Our organ has about 2,000 pipes in all, from very small to very large. Our fundraising goal is $50, 000. If you, or anyone you know, would like to become a part of this project, please consider making an 'adoption'. Your contribution will be acknowledged with a tax receipt (if you live in Canada) and an invitation to come and listen to your pipe(s) or rank(s) in due time when the organ is installed.
Please mark 'Organ Project' on your cheque. Make out the cheque in the name of 'Canadian Reformed Church of Aldergrove' and send it to PO Box 809, Aldergrove, BC V4W 2V1 and put Organ Project on the outside of the envelope.
We'll keep you posted from time to time and let you know how many 'adoptions' we receive!