A
little help
from you can make
a BIG difference.
Support the
Mt. McGregor Organ Fund
_________________________________
Today,
you have an opportunity to make a difference. We ask your support for a project
that will have an enduringly positive effect on the course of Western civilization:
the restoration of the 1916 Austin Pipe Organ in St. Mary's Chapel at Mt.
McGregor Correctional Facility near Saratoga Springs, New York. With your
help this unique, vintage instrument will be brought back to full voice, and
used to support both worship services and recitals in this beautiful and acoustically
favorable space.
Console
and display pipes, interior
St. Mary's Chapel
The History
The chapel was built, consecrated by the Episcopal Church and the organ installed, in 1916-17, when it was part of a tuberculosis sanatorium owned by Metropolitan Life Co. The Chapel has remained an active place of worship since then, including decades as a Veterans Camp, later a residence for the developmentally disabled, and, since the 1970s, as a medium security prison operated by the New York State Department of Corrections. Over the years, the organ's routine maintenance fell victim to the facility's budgets, and it fell into disuse.
View of chapel interior from organ bench
The Future
In late 2005, an Austin Company representative visited the prison, drew up a restoration plan at the invitation of the Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Caron, and developed a budget, $13,500. A committee of supportive clergy, musicians and others has formed to raise the funds needed. Any money received above the restoration cost will be reserved for future maintenance, and to support a recital series and other musical and arts programs in the prison. We expect the chapel will become a magnet for parish choirs and musicians to offer their talents, with the support of this instrument.
One thing is certain: the 600 inmates at Mt. McGregor will know that caring people outside share their interest in the future. Inmates at Mt. McGregor are actively engaged in leading and managing many key programs at the prison, and they will recognize this gesture as a sign that their lives, their worship experiences and their ability to appreciate fine music are important to us on the outside as well. As the Letter to the Hebrews reinforces: "Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them."
The committee is confident that, with your support, the continued use and maintenance of the organ will be assured.
Mt. McGregor Organ Fund Committee (in formation)
Rev. Joseph Caron, Chaplain
Rev. Thomas T. Parke, Rector, Bethesda Episcopal Church, Saratoga Springs
Rev. Canon Darwin Kirby, Jr.,* Rector Emeritus, St. George's Church, Schenectady
Douglas A. Campbell, Skaneateles, NY
Gordon Boyd, Religious Volunteer, Mt. McGregor
Farrell Goehring, Director of Music, Bethesda Episcopal Church
*Father Kirby died February 28, 2006, soon after making a generous contribution to the fund, and agreeing to lend his name to the effort.
Please send your contribution today:
Organ
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