How a Noted Organ Got Its Voice Back Is March Meeting Focus

  This month, we will be joined by organ builder Michael Quimby who will give a lecture and slide presentation on the restoration of the Aeolian Skinner organ of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine - Episcopal in New York City.

 Seven days before Christmas in 2001, a fire damaged the cathedral and its furnishings. A large restoration and cleaning project was implemented, which included the rehabilitation of the cathedral organ.

 The Quimby organ company, headquarters in Warrensburg, Mo., some 60 miles east of Kansas City, was chosen for the project. The work included cleaning thousands of pipes, rebuilding of the mechanical apparatus and a new console. The 94-yearold organ was originally built by E. M. Skinner and rebuilt by the Aeolian Skinner organ company, under the direction of G. Donald Harrison, in the 1950’s. It has 141 ranks, 7,938 pipes and
is controlled by a four- manual console. The organ is renowned for its state trumpet stop, a large solo reed that speaks on 50” of wind. The completed project was rededicated in a service in November 2008.

 Michael Quimby is the founder, president and tonal director of Quimby Pipe Organs, Inc., a 40-year-old firm that specializes in the building, rebuilding and restoration of pipe organs. They have built and maintain many organs in the St. Louis area, including the new organ at Trinity Episcopal Church, that we heard in November, as well at the three-manual, 46-rank organ at our host church, Kirkwood Baptist, installed in 2003 with the dedication recital played by Dr. Joyce Jones of Baylor University.

 Quimby holds a bachelor of music education degree and master of arts degree in music history and literature (with applied emphasis in organ), from the University of Central Missouri. In 2008, the University conferred upon him the Distinguished Alumni award. He is a member of the American Institute of Organbuilders, of which he served as president from 1991 to 1994. He also served as dean of the Kansas City AGO chapter from 1988 to 1989. He is the organist of First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg and curator of the Aeolian Skinner organ at the Community of Christ Auditorium, Independence, Mo.

 I hope you’ll be able to join us for this most informative evening.
— Henry Evans

Monday April 19, 2010, 6:30 pm Dinner, 7:30 pm Program

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Robert Mullgardt, Host

 English organist and sub-organist at Christ Church, Oxford
Dinner 6:30 p.m. Program 7:30 p.m.

Monday May 17, 2010 6:30 Dinner, 7:30 Program

Westminster  Presbyterian Church, Rick Burk, Host