St John the Divine

[PCheater]

Hi. I just joined from the UK. In 2004 I visited St John the Divine with a choir and was privileged to be the accompanist. Unfortunately, the organ was out of action and I'd be interested to know whether it's been restored yet, or, if not, what the completion date may be.

Greetings from over here.

[Schadenfrau]

Unfortunately, the organ is out of commission until late 2008:

http://www.stjohndivine.org/worship_organ.html

[lofter1]

Music & Choirs (http://www.stjohndivine.org/worship_music.html)

http://www.stjohndivine.org/images/logo_masthead.gif

When the Cathedral experienced a devastating fire in the unfinished portion of the North Transept on Dec. 18, 2001, the Great Organ and the other two Skinner organs in the side chapels suffered from heavy smoke damage. All the cathedral organs are now silent and are awaiting full cleaning and restoration.

For more information on the Great Organ (http://www.stjohndivine.org/contribute_adoptapipe.html) and how you can support the restoration and cleaning efforts underway, click here (http://www.stjohndivine.org/worship_organ.html).


... The present day replacement value of this organ would be well over $8 million. It must be noted, however, that it would be impossible to replace this instrument today as many of the materials are no longer available and the skills and temperament that produced this work of art are not part of today's culture. In this sense, the organ is priceless.

... A devastating fire in the unfinished portion of the North Transept on Dec. 18, 2001 resulted in heavy smoke damage to the Great Organ and has now silenced this magnificent instrument. Under the supervision of organ curator Douglass Hunt, removal of the organ will begin in July of '03. Cleaning of the cathedral's interior will begin in July of '04. The completion date for the cleaning and restoration of the Great Organ and the interior of the cathedral is slated for the Fall of '08.

[PCheater]

That's very helpful. Thank you.