Our 100+ year-old organ is being refurbished and upgraded. We are able to undertake this project thanks to the foresight and generosity of Rev Dr Walter Ellis and Ruth Nelson, both of whom left funds sufficient for a project of this scale. Dr. Ellis loved the organ and was impacted by his time at First Baptist in his early years. Ruth Nelson was a lifelong member of our congregation. She was the choir accompanist and choir leader at times and sang in the loft until she could no longer climb the stairs. Ruth was just as strong a supporter of music in the community as well, singing in choirs and providing for several organizations. Ruth was a dear friend to many and is missed.
1. About Barnsley Pipe Organs
Jason Barnsley studied organ work in Pennsylvania with a member of the American Pipe Organ Builders Association. For ten years, he has been one of the few remaining pipe organ services in western Canada, and one of two people in the west who can refurbish and build pipe organs. https://www.barnsleypipeorgans.com/about
2. Cost
Barnsley’s quote for the work of refurbishing the organ was just under $200,000. There is $242,000 in the organ fund. There will be other costs as we prepare the organ chamber. The bulk of this fund was donated by Ruth Nelson and Walter Ellis.
3. Timeline
We will remove the pipe organ console and everything in the pipe organ chamber beginning August 26th. It will be packed along with the pipe organ from St Matthews Anglican and taken to Barnsley’s Calgary shop. Rebuilding and installation will take over one year. The plan is to have the work complete by Christmas 2025.
4. Organists
To keep them occupied, both our organists will be sharing piano and accompaniment duties over the coming year. We are arranging organ practice time at another nearby church.
5. Why not leave the organ behind?
We are the only remaining Evangelical church in Regina with a pipe organ and active choir. This allows us to continue to develop a service blended with new and old music, unlike anything else in Regina. It also opens doors for us for music outreach and service. More importantly, we believe we are following God’s leading. Everything has been provided to encourage us to make this step.
6. What can I do?
Prayer…
Give thanks to God that we have so much in place for this project, the funds, a Pipe Organ builder, and organists. But all those good things would not mean much if we did not also have a congregation that is active in discipleship, care, mission, and prayer.
Pray for volunteers for ushers, choir, for children and youth programs, for the various committees.