Update on Katsbaan's Historic Pipe Organ
September, 2007
I'm so happy to report that Katsbaan's historic pipe organ is looking more and more like its "old self". Recently all three members of our organ restoration team were able to arrange their busy schedules so that they could get together to work on "Goliath".
The first week in September Richard delivered the all-important wind chests that he diligently worked on this past winter & spring.
We were thrilled to have the entire restoration team together from Sept. 11th through Sept. 14th. They made a tremendous amount of progress in a relatively short time. Pieces of this puzzle are slowly being introduced back into the framework. The wooden case pieces, as well as many of the smaller internal wooden pieces, have been painstakingly cleaned and are awaiting the day that they can be put into place. The wind system has been completed and the organ can now be pumped by hand.
(back view - pump handle connected to bellows by two ropes)
On Sept. 21st , on his way to an organ restoration project in Missouri, Richard made a quick stop at Katsbaan with a special delivery: the 3 keys that had been sent away for repairs. The 3 manuals (keyboards) are now complete.
Now that the major internal wooden pieces of the organ have been restored and put in place, the next phase will be to begin putting in the remaining parts (pipes, etc.). There is also more research to be done-we are still in search of that one piece of concrete evidence (a receipt, a note, a dated entry in a ledger somewhere) to prove that our organ is the Erben organ built for G.T. Strong in the early 1800's.
(September, 2005)
(September, 2007)
Once again, our thanks to everyone for supporting the restoration of the Katsbaan pipe organ. It renews our faith, and gives us hope that we can indeed complete this project before 2010.
If you are able to send a donation, checks made payable to "Katsbaan Reformed Church Organ Fund" may be sent to: Katsbaan Organ Restoration Project, c/o Janice M. Trevail, 1866 High Falls Road, Catskill, NY 12414-5411.
Once the restoration process has been completed, everyone will receive an invitation to the recital that will be held to honor this very special instrument.
Please take a moment to pray for the success of this project.
Thank You and God Bless You!
which includes the history of the organ.
