SJS Organ Overhaul

For those of you who don't know, the pipe organ at St. John's, Shaughnessy (one of the largest in the GVRD) is getting an overhaul. The extensive and ambitious work is under the direction of organist and director of music Michael Dirk with the enthusiastic support of rector, the Reverend John Stephens and the generous support of the parish.

On August 16, one month after the work began, diocesan communications was fortunate to be on site for the unofficial unveiling of the new digital switching system in the moveable, four manual console. The four switchers replace bundles of large cable and in the front of the console over the manuals is a small screen with the information about what combinations are being utilized. Stephen Miller, a Calgary based organ repair and restoration expert with the Quebec company, Casavant Frères was kind enough to pose for some photos and share information about the work.

More information about this restoration project will be circulated as it becomes available.

IMAGES

• Steve smiles for the camera beside his latest handiwork
• The console contents are revealed
• Steve chuckles
• A close up of the digital switchers.