Update on Week 1 & 2

Things got so busy with the organ project during week 1 that I didn't even find time to update the blog. I can report that a lot of progress was made during the week of the 17th and the organ builders were quite pleased with the progress made and the volunteers who showed up to help.

Most of the chests were put up on the loft after stands were made to raise them off the floor and make them more accessible to work at and service in the future. It turned out there was some damage to the bellows (rodents had gotten at some of the leather) so we decided they needed to be redone. Henry Vandelden was kind enough to offer to do that job and they were removed to his shop. By next week they should be ready to put back up on the loft and start connecting the various pieces of pipes to supply the wind to the instrument.

At first it was thought we might not have enough wiring to reach all the way to the console but that turned out not to be the case. They were able to untangle all of the wires and feed them through the floor and conduit to the organ console. The plan is to build a bit of a platform that the organ can sit on and the wiring will then be out of the way underneath that.

The swell box was also built last week and is almost complete. I painted the outside of it black this week so that won't hold anything up.

Work was also begun on the facade and just this afternoon the show pipes were hung temporarily so we can check out to see what they look like and make some decisions about what color to paint them and what trim to use around them to make for a pleasing whole. All in all, some good progress was made in the past two weeks. We thank Mike and John (the organ builders) for coming out and getting us started on this first phase of the project. Now it's up to volunteers to continue the work that needs doing (mostly wind supply and electrical) before they return for their next (and maybe last) visit.

I'll add some pictures shortly to show some of the work in progress.

hjl

Day 1 of Installation Week (1)

I'm using the blog to keep track of the progress on the organ installation. John & Mike arrived from Hamilton this afternoon and got right to work at the church checking out the pieces we had put in place on Saturday. At 7:3o pm we had a meeting with a group of volunteers to introduce them to the project and what needs to be done and the order in which it's going to be done. I was very pleased with the turnout and we'll keep you posted as to when your services are needed.

Tomorrow we will help place most of the chests on the organ loft for placement (we'll use the scissor lift for that purpose). I'll try to get some pictures taken of the various stages as well. I know that some people have been taking pictures and I'd appreciate it if they'd send me some copies to post here.

Arrangements were made with electricians, carpenters, leather workers, etc. for various projects that will need to be tackled this week and in the weeks to come (once the organ builders leave).

If you think you may be able to help out in some way, please give me a call.

Thanks.

hjl

Stage 1 complete (almost) !

Yesterday, a number of volunteers assembled to pick up all of the organ parts, load them on the truck or into other vehicles, bring them over to the new building and put them in the auditorium.

It took us most of the morning, but everything went according to plan. There's just a pick up load of pipes to get yet and then the storage facility will be empty. Everything is now ready to have the organ builders inspect it and tell us where it all has to be placed on the organ loft and behind the pulpit.

Stairs were built yesterday to get us onto the loft - another important step.

We have a meeting scheduled for Monday evening at 7:30 pm at the new church building to introduce the organ builders, have them meet volunteers and outline what jobs there are to do as well as what each person can do to help out. Please show up if you want to learn more - we can use whatever help is available.

Thanks to the volunteers who helped out with the move yesterday - we really appreciate it.

It's showtime!

Arrangements are being made for Northern Organs' principals, John Kotlan and Michael Sergi, to arrive in Aldergrove on May 17th. They plan to put in 60 hours of work during the week that they're here. Here's what needs to happen next:

1. Get the organ parts out of storage and bring them to the new church building next Friday or Saturday (or both). We're looking for some trucks and strong hands and backs to help move the equipment into the auditorium.

2. Work together to lift equipment onto the platform and into place according to the plan provided by the organ builders.

3. Work with organ builders to start connecting pieces of the organ - we're particularly needing some people who are able to connect wiring. This would save a lot of time and work for the organ builders and mostly routine. Who will step up to help with this?

4. At the end of the week, the volunteers will be left with a series of instructions on things to do before they organ builders return for another week.

Please let me know if you're willing and able to help.

Thanks.

hjl

Cell: 778-808-1121