Ernest Martin Skinner (1866-1960) is recognized today as one of the United States’ leading organ builders. His contributions to the world of organ music took place during the first half of the twentieth century. St. James’ is fortunate to have one of his earlier organs, Opus 193, which was built in 1911. The Skinner organ replaced our first church organ which was sold to the Caldwell Presbyterian Church.

Our original Skinner organ served St. James’ congregation until 1956. However, as an organ builder recently said “basically, though, the majority of the instrument is still very much Skinner” despite those 1956 efforts to rebuild and enlarge the organ. Fifty years later, in 2006, we find that our organ is again in need of significant work in order to continue to meet our present and future liturgical/musical needs. Marion Cavanaugh has had to work her magic, skillfully playing around dead notes, sticky keys, squeaking pedals, and other mechanical issues in her effort to enhance our weekly worship.

Our Vestry understands the important relationship between a quality organ and the congregational worship experience. It has appointed an organ steering committee to develop and to implement plans that will address the organ/music issues. The Committee of nine parishioners began meeting in early April to develop a strategy in response to the charge given to the committee by the Vestry. The Committee has: identified all options regarding either renovation or new organ, explored the hiring of a knowledgeable consultant, sought proposals from several qualified organ builders, and targeted a capital fund-raising effort to support the desired organ work.

The Committee members have approached our work with open minds as we seek to develop the best possible solution (financially and musically). We are evaluating these options: a new tracker pipe organ, a total rebuild of the existing organ, the renovation of the organ with the addition of three stops, a hybrid organ (combined pipe and digital), and a new digital organ.

The Committee met with Hugh Wilson and with Bryan Kirk (the former and present organists of the First Presbyterian Church in Glens Falls) seeking their input about the status of our organ. Out of this meeting has come an agreement with Bryan Kirk to act as our consultant, advising the Committee and verifying the plans and work of the organ builder. To date, five organ builders have visited the Church and evaluated the organ. Three firms submitted proposals and two are in process. While other proposals may be sought, none are anticipated at this time.

The Organ Committee has contracted with Mr. K. Bryan Kirk to be our consultant as we explore the various options open to us in this significant, complex project. Bryan is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music, where he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in organ performance, and is currently the Music Director and Organist at First Presbyterian Church, Glens Falls. First Presbyterian is well known for its very fine organ, which was installed a few years ago under the direction of their organist Hugh Wilson, now retired.

Bryan Kirk met with the organ committee recently and explained the three “R” options for our 94 year old organ… RESTORE, REBUILD or REPLACE. To restore the organ, we would use all of the original parts and use the same 1912 techniques to replace the leathers, and valves. The bellows and windchests would be cleaned and get new leather. The organ sound would remain the same but it would be more reliable.

To rebuild the organ all parts, except the pipes, would be replaced with new parts and modern technology. The organ sound would remain the same but it would be more reliable.

To replace it, a new organ would be designed to fit inside the space available. Perhaps a new organ would have new pipes or perhaps it could use some or all of the existing pipes. A new organ would perhaps have more variety of sounds available. As we study these three R’s, our vision for the organ of our future is reliability, ease of maintenance, and an instrument that effectively invites the congregation to sing. The historic organ that we have enjoyed since 1912 was built by Mr. E. M. Skinner & Co., one of the premier organ builders of his time, and was a gift from the Shepard family, a prominent Lake George family, in memory of their father, Edward.

This wonderful instrument has recently been described by representatives of two highly regarded organ builders as “a treasure” and “a little gem”. Its lovely sound has warmed the hearts and lifted the spirits of many, richly fulfilling its calling to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Our intent and our prayer is that it will be at least another 100 years before the congregation at St. James’ will face an organ dilemma, and we hope that they will look back at the 2006 decisions and say “well done”. We welcome your comments and any fund raising suggestions as we move forward. Stay tuned for more details.

Education is the first goal for the Organ Committee. What are the options and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Each member of the committee is reading a book that explains terminology and general differences in organ designs with guidance for understanding of this instrument and its needs.

Representatives from seven organ-building companies have crawled around inside our organ and we have also visited the shop of a builder of tracker organs in Vermont. Two of these companies recommend replacing the organ with a digital organ. One recommends a true historical restoration. Four recommend updating the organ with new materials and technology and one offers to change the organ from an electro-pneumatic organ to a tracker organ. We are studying all of the advantages and disadvantages of these options. We are not only looking for the immediate solution but also for the effect that decision will make for the future.

Please join us by offering your suggestions, comments and questions. Please fill out a comment slip on the organ committee’s picture bulletin board, or speak to someone on the organ committee: George Stahler, Marion Cavanagh, Debbie Tatro, Al Strack, Jackie Bovair, Grant Fish, Ilene Hoerning, Tillie Helms and the Rev. Julie McPartlin

The organ committee at St. James’ is very dedicated to studying all options and finding the best solution for our failing pipe organ. The members of the committee have read a book explaining various types of organs with a lot of good advice for church organ committees. Six members of the committee drove over to Salem for a demonstration of a restored tracker organ. Two members drove into Vermont to visit an organ builder’s shop. A nice group from St. James’ attended a demonstration of the digital organ across the street at Caldwell Presbyterian Church.

Replacing the organ with a digital organ is the least expensive option that the committee has studied. However, the committee is dedicated to finding a solution for today and tomorrow. Statistics show the life span of a digital organ to be less than 20 years. Therefore, we have decided that our goal is to extend the life of our organ by rebuilding it to increase its reliability, reduce its maintenance and enhance the variety of its sounds.

All of the proposals for rebuilding our organ are uncomfortably expensive. Therefore, the committee has started studying fundraising and grant possibilities. Your organ committee has also established and contributed to an initial organ fund with faith that it will grow and make it possible to do the most responsible and long lasting reconstruction of our pipe organ for today and the next 100 years.