Organ Transplant

No, not that kind of organ transplant! Although I’ve been resisting the urge to use the term “organ donor” numerous times.

For those who have not heard, God provided for us once again through the generosity of St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church in Smyrna. In November, I was at Diocesan Council when an announcement was made that an organ was on auction. The Vestry and I had been wondering what we might do to procure a new organ, so I approached the front table at Council and asked about the organ for auction. Bishop Alexander happened to be standing there, and warned me that that organ was not worth looking in to, but St. Benedict’s, a new congregation that had just bought a new organ for their new building, might have one available.

I contacted the rector, Lang Lowrey, and after a few weeks of e-mail exchange, he told me he and the Vestry would be happy to donate their Allen organ to St. Nicholas in thanksgiving for Bishop Alexander’s ministry. Not only were they donating it for free, but Allen would deliver the organ at absolutely no charge!

The question then, of course, was what to do with the Baldwin. Thanks to Liz Dixon, Pastor Nate Bridges from Ozias Missionary Baptist Church in Alabama found out about us needing to move the Baldwin out, and he contacted me. Ozias only had a piano and Nate said they really wanted an organ. So the Vestry unanimously agreed to “pay it forward” and give our organ to them.

Since Advent is the season of waiting, Sam and I waited expectantly yesterday, as we thought the organ was going to be delivered on Thursday. However, there was a miscommunication, so instead the organ came on Friday. Sam and the Allen guys, Alan and Jody, did all kinds of tinkering (way out of my skill level) to make the organ sound it’s best. I eventually left them to it, so even I haven’t heard the final product.

The organ has console speakers, but in time (and some extra money), we could buy extra speakers to enhance our organ even more, if we wish. It is a tremendous gift, and Sam and I are excited about what we’ll be able to do with it. So come and listen to it for it’s first Sunday this week!

Now’s a great time to get involved with our music program. A new choir, a new music director, and now a new organ! Thanks be to God!