In March 2005, a letter and a commitment card outlining a two-year capital fund raising campaign for our sanctuary organ was mailed to all members. The purpose of the letter was to gain commitments for $260,000 for improvements to our seventeen rank Schantz Pipe Organ.

As stated in the letter, the condition of the organ has been deteriorating for some time now. Many of the settings have been rendered useless, thereby, making it very difficult to control volume and seriously limiting the variety of sounds available to the organist.

As a result of the letter, some members have asked questions that indicate there may be confusion about what the church is trying to accomplish. Hopefully, some of the misunderstanding can be cleared up here. We are not replacing the organ. We hope to accomplish specific goals. The first goal is to update the technology to what is considered “state of the art” today. The organ was very generously donated to Hibben in 1986. The technology used then was the finest available at that time. Since 1986, the technology for organ builders, as with most things in our culture, has been enhanced ten fold.

Secondly, we want to complete the organ. When the organ was given in 1986, it was given with the understanding that we would one day complete it. So far, this commitment has not been honored. This campaign will accomplish this goal.

Thirdly, we want some enhancements over and above what completing the instrument will give us. These are not frills, but are standard items that are configured into current organ building projects. Some of these simply were not available in 1986. Those that were available were not included in the original specifications.

The new instrument will use pipes from our existing organ, as well as adding new digital sounds.  This combined instrument will fill our sanctuary with beautiful music as we have never before heard.

This is a 2-year campaign that offers any level of participation, as can be seen in the Organ Fund Campaign Table below. This is a non-budgeted campaign, so any pledge is in addition to your annual stewardship to Hibben. Any funds over the needed amount will be placed in an account used for organ maintenance. Unfortunately, time is critical. If we gave the go ahead today, we are approximately 2 years from installation. We have no assurance that the organ, in its current condition, will last that long. This cost will no doubt increase as we are forced to wait longer for installation.

While this is a large undertaking, it is one that our church family can accomplish easily. Would you consider offering your support for a portion of the project?

In closing, know that any gift will be used to the glory of God to further His kingdom in our community. Please feel free to contact Steve Bare, or any of the staff, to discuss the project or to offer your support.  Your response and donations will make this beautiful organ installation a reality in the not too distant future.  Our hope is that each member of our congregation will be a part of this milestone in our history.

Organ Fund Campaign Table