Members of St John’s Church Gordon are kick-starting a fundraising campaign to transform their infamously rapidly deteriorating organ into a revolutionary liturgical instrument. The church is on the brink of a major social media campaign to encourage international enthusiasm towards the project. Both sharers of the Christian faith and supporters of the arts are likely to contribute towards the pro
ject, with a goal of $1.2 million required for the construction. The new organ is set to be the largest inter-war symphonic instrument in NSW, boasting a mobile console, and a ‘surround sound’ pipe arrangement fine tuned to the church’s individual acoustics. Featuring 4 keyboards, 63 stops and 46 ranks of pipes, this unique structure will support a repertoire of music previously authentically inaccessible in Sydney. The St John’s music subcommittee are predicting Sydney-wide activity in response to the distinctive new organ. “We have had lots of interest beyond the church community and are encouraged by the enthusiasm for what will be a priceless, widely appreciated asset for our community,” said St John’s Director of Music, Dr Brett McKern. The historic Anglican Church of St John’s, which lies on the bustling Pacific Highway, is a thriving hub of music, but the dedicated parishioners have decided enough is enough; the current organ, since its conception in 1929, has required major repairs approximately every twenty years, and is now bordering redundancy. “It is inhibiting the ability to develop the vital music culture of our city and maintain an important cultural tradition that is difficult to re-establish once gone,” said McKern. The new organ will host liturgies, civic services, concerts, and be used as a teaching tool for the rapidly expanding music programme. “So much of our world is measured in the short term. What we are trying to do is maintain and develop something that speaks beyond words in beauty and integrity. So this is an investment in our musical culture and national infrastructure, and an instrument for generations to come,” said McKern. The crowd funding efforts are expected to commence in February, with a campaign video already in production. Updates will be posted on the St John’s Gordon page, which will soon host a link to where online donations will be accepted. Commencement of construction is dependent on the outcome of the fundraising project. Further information can be found at www.stjohnsgordon.org.au/organ-fundraising-initiative
