We’re “Organ”-izing a Birthday Celebration!
Please come to the sanctuary on Sunday, March 8 at 4PM, for a special performance by organist Lawrence DePasquale, to commemorate the 7th birthday of our 21-rank Wicks pipe organ. Larry’s recital in 2009 was one of the most popular events of the entire year, and he now returns with a whole new program of festive music. There will be birthday cake for everyone, served in the Social Hall immediately following the performance. We hope you can join the party!
The back story: Seven years ago, on Sunday, March 9, 2008, our new Wicks organ was heard for the first time in worship. Just one month earlier, it arrived, crammed into every inch of an 18-wheeler straight from the factory in Highland, Illinois. It took a team of forty volunteers, technicians, friends and most of the Deacons just to carry all of the pieces into the sanctuary. Organ technician Chuck Gibson and his faithful team worked tirelessly to install it, all the while keeping the sanctuary clean and open for worship each Sunday. Tonal designers Mark Scholtz and Bill Hamner (the “organistas”) worked almost round the clock for a week to give the organ its finished sound in the space for which it was designed, our sanctuary.
Since it was installed, the organ has significantly enhanced our ability to “Sing unto the Lord.” While adding much dimension and color to our worship services, it has also enabled us to host special recitals and concerts, Presbytery meetings, Rowan music department events, a Gospel festival, a Pedals Pipes and Pizza youth event, 3 organ scholarship students and special programs for the Southwest Jersey chapter of the American Guild of Organists. With this wonderful instrument, we can continue to offer our hospitality and make a joyful noise.