The Bethany Lutheran Liturgical Music Preservation Project
Rebuilding the Bethany Pipe Organ
VIsion
The purpose of the Bethany Lutheran Liturgical Music Preservation Project is to preserve and enhance the ability of the pipe organ to lead and enrich Bethany Lutheran Church and School’s worship life and identity for generations to come.
Mission
In efforts to preserve and improve what Bethany members have come to love about its pipe organ over the last 27 years—and after thoughtful and thorough discussions—the Board of Elders, at the recommendation of the Organ Committee, is bringing forward a motion to rebuild the current pipe organ.
The project would retain and enhance the vast majority of tonal character and pipework, restore its complete functionality, lessen future maintenance, increase available features and capabilities, and improve its visual appearance in the worship space.
SEPTEMBER 26 PIPE ORGAN UPDATE
Over the past few months, Berghaus Pipe Organ Builders has been fabricating various components for our new pipe organ in conjunction with other projects they have been working on. Very soon, they will be transitioning to nearly full-time work on our project! The design and features of our new console have been finalized, and nearly all of the other details and specifications for the instrument have been reviewed multiple times. Our project is highly customized due to the unique loft layout which encompasses 55 linear feet and has multiple architectural aspects to work around. Their team is excited for this opportunity and prepared to meet the challenge!
Components for wind reservoirs of various sizes
A wind reservoir frame being prepared for installation of other parts
Slider windchest grids which is the first step in constructing each windchest
Toe boards on which each pipe will sit and receive air from the windchest
The stock of rift cut red oak that will be used to make our console
The design for the new console
May 16 Pipe Organ update
The Bethany Lutheran Liturgical Music Preservation Project will officially be underway on Monday, May 19! This comprehensive rebuild of Bethany's pipe organ will start with a two-week process of methodically removing all of its components.
The organ loft will remain empty until approximately April of 2026 when the new components will start being installed (lasting 4-5 weeks) and the tonal finishing takes place (also lasting 4-5 weeks). It is expected that the new organ will be in use for worship services by June of 2026.
In the meantime, arrangements are being made for Bethany's organists to be able to continue using the current console, connected to computer software, which will allow the amplification of digitally produced organ sound through a set of speakers. The piano and other instrumental forces will likely get worked into the mix, as well.
With the start of this project comes the final push to reach the fundraising goal of $500,000. To date, $429,000 has been pledged and $305,000 has been received. This is great progress!!! If you haven't yet done so and would like to donate, please take a pledge card/envelope (found in two locations in the narthex) and turn it in to the church office. You can also give online through this link. [https://bethanylcs.org/organ] However you decide to give, please be sure to fill out and turn in one of the pledge cards.
Updates on the project's progress and fundraising will be given monthly in the Week at a Glance. Thank you for your support and patience throughout this significant endeavor in the history of Bethany Lutheran Church and School!
March 3 Pipe Organ Rebuild Forum
On Sunday, March 3rd, Kantor Swett hosted a forum at which he presented information about the project to rebuild the pipe organ and to answer questions from the congregation. Below, you will find audio links for the presentation and the Q & A session and his presentation slides. The red timing cues in the upper left of each slide correspond to the timing in the audio files.