Kenneth Jones Organ Renovation
Tax deductible
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On November 9, 1980, 18 year old Mark Johnson was tragically killed in a hunting accident. Eric, Linda, and Wade Johnson graciously donated a new organ as a gift to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Chugiak, Alaska community in his memory.
Originally built in 1985 in Bray, Ireland, the Kenneth Jones pipe organ has the distinction of being the northernmost purely mechanical (tracker) action pipe organ in the western hemisphere. The organ has 12 stops and over 800 pipes and was designed in the European tradition of the great organs of Johann Sebastian Bach.
In 2015, planning was begun for a complete maintenance overhaul that will entail the dismantling, cleaning, repair, regulation, reassembly, and tuning of the organ. Importantly will be the addition of two new trumpet organ stops, completing the organ pipes in the facade, new wind bellows, and installation of a tremulant. Provisions for the new pipework had been made in the original design of the organ as well as plans for the completion of the front pipe work visible to the congregation.
The renovation will increase the specification of the organ to 14 stops and nearly 1,000 pipes. Tonally, it will dramatically increase the dynamic range and tonal capabilities of the instrument for congregational singing and playing organ repertoire. These renovations will be undertaken in October of this year, and the congregation is seeking funding to complete this vital work and related acoustical flooring and humidity control improvements to the space.
Once completed, the organ that is a centerpiece of the music ministry of the church will continue to provide musical inspiration through worship and community outreach as Our Redeemer fulfills its mission of service to God’s people in Alaska and beyond.
Visit church website
On November 9, 1980, 18 year old Mark Johnson was tragically killed in a hunting accident. Eric, Linda, and Wade Johnson graciously donated a new organ as a gift to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Chugiak, Alaska community in his memory.
Originally built in 1985 in Bray, Ireland, the Kenneth Jones pipe organ has the distinction of being the northernmost purely mechanical (tracker) action pipe organ in the western hemisphere. The organ has 12 stops and over 800 pipes and was designed in the European tradition of the great organs of Johann Sebastian Bach.
In 2015, planning was begun for a complete maintenance overhaul that will entail the dismantling, cleaning, repair, regulation, reassembly, and tuning of the organ. Importantly will be the addition of two new trumpet organ stops, completing the organ pipes in the facade, new wind bellows, and installation of a tremulant. Provisions for the new pipework had been made in the original design of the organ as well as plans for the completion of the front pipe work visible to the congregation.
The renovation will increase the specification of the organ to 14 stops and nearly 1,000 pipes. Tonally, it will dramatically increase the dynamic range and tonal capabilities of the instrument for congregational singing and playing organ repertoire. These renovations will be undertaken in October of this year, and the congregation is seeking funding to complete this vital work and related acoustical flooring and humidity control improvements to the space.
Once completed, the organ that is a centerpiece of the music ministry of the church will continue to provide musical inspiration through worship and community outreach as Our Redeemer fulfills its mission of service to God’s people in Alaska and beyond.
Organizer
James Baumgartner
Organizer
Anchorage, AK
Our Redeemer Lutheran Church
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically 100% tax deductible in the US.
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